I totalled my 2003 Accord last week (got rearended while sitting still at a stoplight) and just got my insurance check.

I've got about $10-11K to spend here...Want something reliable but fun to drive. It also needs to have room for my junk/golf clubs/whatever else. So no 2 seaters.

I'm currently looking at 2001-2002 BMW 323i/325i's...but i'm having a hard time finding one with lowish miles (60K) in that price range. I found one in Charlotte, but it had already been sold.

What would you guys buy for $11K or less if it was your DD?

3/4/2011 1:13:01 PM

mazda 3 hatch

3/4/2011 2:06:27 PM

I haven't looked at prices on any of these, so I may be over budget on any or all of them, but things I'd look into:

Civic Si
VW GTI
WRX (if you can find one that hasn't been ragged out)
Legacy GT
Mazda 6s (the V6 model, with a 6-speed)
Maxima
Lincoln LS (V8 version, preferably '03+)
Volvo S60R

Don't get a 323i. Lack of balls there--just not enough engine for a BMW IMO. I drove one and felt the engine was a big letdown. If you're going 3-series hold out for at least a 325.

3/4/2011 5:55:04 PM

I'm going tomorrow to look at a 325i...will report back.

3/4/2011 6:39:09 PM

We are in the same boat! lol


Srt-4?

3/10/2011 7:17:35 PM

I ended up picked up a 2003 325i. I test drove 5 different ones before getting this one. Absolutely love it.

Went to inspect it today at my dad's garage and the check-engine light came on ...Secondary air system failure.

Sighhhh BMW maintenance. It begins.

[Edited on March 10, 2011 at 9:53 PM. Reason : .]

3/10/2011 9:26:12 PM