msm
Well-known member
With the pending deal on my 330i almost finalized, I'm in the market for a replacement. This will be my daily driver, with a 35KM-40KM daily commute in peak traffic (on most days), so fuel consumption is a consideration but needs to have a good "fun factor" too with reasonable maintenance (at an independent place of course). Bear in mind, I got a bit bored of the E46 330i, so the bar is set above that ....
My choices, in order of preference are:
1) Mini Cooper S R56 manual - my preferred choice, as it is light on fuel an would make an ideal daily driver, but still has enough poke to make it fun when the roads are clear. So far, this is my first choice as I really like the Mini's. 07/08 models are within my budget - just need to find one in the colour I like.
2) E90 330d Auto (pre LCI but must have M sport kit) - logical choice and with a bit of work (decat, chip) would make it a very good/fun car. It's just that I'm not a huge fan of the E90 in general, but love the 3.0d engine and it's the only one of these 3 I'd have in auto (which is ideal for traffic). 05/06 M sport models within my budget and a few on the market.
3) E46 M3 - not easy to find in good condition sub R200k and not sure if it would make a good daily driver. Fuel consumption might be a major issue and the heavy clutch in traffic might be a problem, BUT, it's a M car - nuff said. However, have not seen a clean one within my budget in a while.
So with a budget of R150k - R200k what would you recommend. I don't want something too old (<2004ish) ... bear in mind: decent consumption, fun and reasonable maintenance.
Is there anything else I should be looking at. Saw a few E60 530d's but one's with sports pack are R220k+ in general
My choices, in order of preference are:
1) Mini Cooper S R56 manual - my preferred choice, as it is light on fuel an would make an ideal daily driver, but still has enough poke to make it fun when the roads are clear. So far, this is my first choice as I really like the Mini's. 07/08 models are within my budget - just need to find one in the colour I like.
2) E90 330d Auto (pre LCI but must have M sport kit) - logical choice and with a bit of work (decat, chip) would make it a very good/fun car. It's just that I'm not a huge fan of the E90 in general, but love the 3.0d engine and it's the only one of these 3 I'd have in auto (which is ideal for traffic). 05/06 M sport models within my budget and a few on the market.
3) E46 M3 - not easy to find in good condition sub R200k and not sure if it would make a good daily driver. Fuel consumption might be a major issue and the heavy clutch in traffic might be a problem, BUT, it's a M car - nuff said. However, have not seen a clean one within my budget in a while.
So with a budget of R150k - R200k what would you recommend. I don't want something too old (<2004ish) ... bear in mind: decent consumption, fun and reasonable maintenance.
Is there anything else I should be looking at. Saw a few E60 530d's but one's with sports pack are R220k+ in general
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