What new cars should I consider?

[m3f_EmDeeAr]

As many of you already know, I am seriously considering getting into a new car. Unfortunately, I can only have one car at this time, so this new car would replace my M3. My car is up for sale right now.


I would like to lease a new car for three years. I probably will NOT buy the car at the end of the lease. I am not considering any used, CPO, old, or high mileage cars because I am going through college; I want something brand new with a warranty and modern features. I know CPO cars often offer the same benefits as used cars, but this is not a consideration for me at this time (Please do not post about why I should get a used car. I want this to be a fun thread).


So, what brand new cars would you all consider sub $45,000? (Realistically, my budget is around 40,000)


Whatever I get, it must be manual - preferably a 6-speed.


I'm almost 100% set on RWD, but I am open to AWD suggestions.


My other strong preferences:

-Sedan or wagon

-LSD

-No sunroof

-Rear wheel drive


I will not buy a convertible or a FWD car.


So far, I am stuck between the F30 328i and the Cadillac ATS 2.0T Standard Package. I am pretty much set on the ATS because:

-272 horsepower vs. the 328i's 240 (not sure about torque).

-88 pounds lighter than the 328i.

-LSD comes standard with 6-speed tranny.

-Standard nav and optional CUE system, which is supposed to be pretty good.

-Much lower price. Optioned the way I want it, the Cadillac is $36,000. The 328i with the sports package is north of $42,000. The base model 328i is a consideration, but it seems too bland and inferior.


Thanks for the input!

[m3f_propchef]

Since I've already chimed in on the other thread, I'd just like to say good luck and

[m3f_tbaker474]

Lol at a brand new, base model BMW being "bland and inferior."

[m3f_KBuva06]

you double majoring in astrophysics and electrical engineering at Caltech or something?


college is when you have the *most* time to fcuk around with a car/fix it/enjoy it.

[m3f_fiveightandten]

Huh? Didn't we have this thread already?


You want the ATS...take a ride down to the Caddy dealer with your parents and bring one home. Not sure what there is to discuss until you get the car and want to tell us about it.

[m3f_enderw88]

you double majoring in astrophysics and electrical engineering at Caltech or something?



college is when you have the *most* time to fcuk around with a car/fix it/enjoy it.

I sure as hell didn't have any extra time, but then again, yeah, physics and math...

[m3f_KBuva06]

I sure as hell didn't have any extra time, but then again, yeah, physics and math...

not all of us go to MIT


i was being sarcastic because OP goes to school in miami.... meaning he should be enjoying his M3 and hanging out at the beach all day.

[m3f_J W W]

Kbuva, your sig picture is so choice

[m3f_EricSMG]

G37S Manual Coupe - $44k



Big pimpin' with decent performance.



Or for about $35k, how 'bout a 370Z?

[m3f_white-hot]

He wants 4 doors, for some strange reason.

[m3f_propchef]

Infinity is running some really great lease deals right now. BUT....they're for 18 months.

[m3f_KBuva06]

i can't imagine writing $20,000 of monthly checks over three years just to turn in the keys in a manila envelope at the end and take a cab home from the dealer.


OP, might as well buy a E92 M3 sedan for $45k and sell it for $30k when you're done with it.

[m3f_EricSMG]

i can't imagine writing $20,000 of monthly checks over three years just to turn in the keys in a manila envelope at the end and take a cab home from the dealer.



OP, might as well buy a E92 M3 sedan for $45k and sell it for $30k when you're done with it.

G37 Coupe 24 month lease payment is $349, plus $2000 down. That's $10300 total for 2 years in a brand new, 45k pimpin' sports car, and you get the luxury of walking away from it with no questions asked and no money. You won't touch this kind of deal buying a 45k car. The payments will be way way higher, at least twice, and you'll be stuck with an upside down on the loan after 2 years and an aging car that's out of warranty and likely needs work.



For the record, I've never leased a car but it sure does seem to make sense in a lot of situations. The Infinity deal is insane.

[m3f_KBuva06]

G37 Coupe 24 month lease payment is $349, plus $2000 down. That's $10300 total for 2 years in a brand new, 45k pimpin' sports car, and you get the luxury of walking away from it with no questions asked and no money. You won't touch this kind of deal buying a 45k car. The payments will be way way higher, at least twice, and you'll be stuck with an upside down on the loan after 2 years and an aging car that's out of warranty and likely needs work.

oh, he wants it for 3 years, which would put it closer to $15,000. And thats a good monthly deal they must be on special.



I was referring to buying the $45k M3 sedan cash then selling it in 3 years for probably around the same difference after depreciation and maintenance/fixes.



I'd rather flush $15k cash down the toilet driving a 420hp M3 than a land yacht.

[m3f_EricSMG]

I'd rather flush $15k cash down the toilet driving a 420hp M3 than a land yacht.

Agreed on both counts - that all of this is a complete waste and the M3 over the land yacht



Yeah - smokin' deal on the Infinities for sure.