Good SoCal used car?

In the market for a used car -- leaving New York where I had no car
and heading to SoCal where I need a car. Work will be about a
15-minute reverse commute, mostly highway travel. Trying to decide on
a good ride, and been advised by a few friends to consider a BMW
3-series or even an older M-series.

I'm married, 31 with no kids, and no real plans to have them anytime
soon. I figure we'll love exploring SoCal and having the top down
would be great!

Looking to spend about 20-23k, maybe more if its worthwhile. What do
people think about say, an '01 Lexus IS300, '01 BMW 3-series coupe, or
I've seen a few 1998-99 M3 coupe convertibles on sale that are in (or
close) to that price range.

Any suggestions? I was leaning towards the IS300 at first, but as I
keep reading I wonder about sitting in an IS300 knowing that I'd
probably be having more fun in my beemer...

Ken wrote:

> In the market for a used car -- leaving New York where I had no car
> and heading to SoCal where I need a car. Work will be about a
> 15-minute reverse commute, mostly highway travel. Trying to decide on
> a good ride, and been advised by a few friends to consider a BMW
> 3-series or even an older M-series.
>
> I'm married, 31 with no kids, and no real plans to have them anytime
> soon. I figure we'll love exploring SoCal and having the top down
> would be great!
>
> Looking to spend about 20-23k, maybe more if its worthwhile. What do
> people think about say, an '01 Lexus IS300, '01 BMW 3-series coupe, or
> I've seen a few 1998-99 M3 coupe convertibles on sale that are in (or
> close) to that price range.
>
> Any suggestions? I was leaning towards the IS300 at first, but as I
> keep reading I wonder about sitting in an IS300 knowing that I'd
> probably be having more fun in my beemer...

I used to drive as much as 50k a year in SoCal. BMWs are perfect out there,
which is why I've owned several. I particularly like the 3 Series because it's
more maneuverable and easier to park.

I actually like the IS300 very much, almost as much as the BMW. The downside is
the rear seat is a little tight, the ride not quite as good (handling is,
though), and the color schemes, etc., are a little "off" to my eye. Otherwise
it's a great car.

I wouldn't bother with an "M" unless interested in track events (in which case
it's a no-brainer). Otherwise it may be a lot more insurance and gas for
performance you can't (or shouldn't) use on public roads anyway. There may be
an advantage in resale value -- which has certainly proved the case with the
original M3 -- so this is worth considering. Check the insurance rates for your
new zip code. It could be the difference for you -- and with convertibles too.

About convertibles --

They're lots of fun, but most people wind up having the top up most of the time.
Why? Unless you live near the ocean (where it's much cooler), you're likely to
want the AC on anyway. Second, noise -- freeways are 6-8 lanes wide, and filled
with huge trucks. Finally, and this is the big one -- dust and dirt. The dry
climate allows dust to build up on the roads, and traffic constantly stirs it
up. It's in the air everywhere too. So if your top is down, all this stuff
gets all over the inside of your car. Hosing off the outside once or twice a
week is easy enough, but cleaning dust out of all the nooks and crannies of the
interior is another. After having their convertible experience, a couple of my
friends moved on for this reason. If you really want a convertible, then go for
it. But if you're on the fence or it doesn't matter, think about this stuff. A
lot of it depends on where you live and drive, though.

Matt O.

I drove both the Lexus and the BMW. The Lexus is a fine car, but still is
missing that feel of the BMW. The interior & Dashboard also have that
"Techno" look & is not as plush appearing as the 3 series.

The Lexus also seems to appeal to a different crowd. It seems to be more of
an Asian tuner group of owners in my area further south.

Good advice Matt, and quite helpful. Yeah, the convertible is probably
just a fun idea, but you're right, I'd probably have it up most of the
time as I do my commute. An M-series sounds inviting, but not really
being a track person, perhaps it's more than I really do need.

I've been trying to balance the "what I need" vs "what I want" as I
weigh the options. On one hand, I could probably just get a reliable
car like a Camry, Civic or Accord and get by on my daily commute. But
having not owned a car in years, part of me wanted to enjoy my drive,
especially as we jet around in San Diego and explore the area.

So the angel on one shoulder tells me be practical, get a simple
commuter car. The devil tells me... get the M3!

wrote:

> Good advice Matt, and quite helpful. Yeah, the convertible is
> probably just a fun idea, but you're right, I'd probably have it up
> most of the time as I do my commute. An M-series sounds inviting,
> but not really being a track person, perhaps it's more than I really
> do need.
>
> I've been trying to balance the "what I need" vs "what I want" as I
> weigh the options. On one hand, I could probably just get a reliable
> car like a Camry, Civic or Accord and get by on my daily commute. But
> having not owned a car in years, part of me wanted to enjoy my drive,
> especially as we jet around in San Diego and explore the area.

There's no reason to think the cars you mention would give you better service.
I've been driving well-used BMWs on a budget for 20 years, and I've found them
to be as cheap as anything else. Plus, in southern CA there are plenty of good,
independent BMW repair shops and parts stores vying for your business, should
you ever need their services.

> So the angel on one shoulder tells me be practical, get a simple
> commuter car. The devil tells me... get the M3!

Like I said, a lot of this depends on where you live and drive. I was thinking
in terms of LA/OC. While San Diego has a lot of traffic, it isn't quite the
same "war zone" atmosphere. Also, the climate is milder and the air much
cleaner than further north, so convertible ownership makes a lot more sense. In
fact, I can't think of a better place to have one -- San Diego quite possibly
has the "best" climate in the entire world. Just don't let its lukewarmness
make you soft. :-)

Matt O.

I'll second that. The 3 series is a great commute car. Safe, highly
maneuverable, and good balance of fuel efficiency and power (6
cylinder).


>> I've been trying to balance the "what I need" vs "what I want" as I
>> weigh the options. On one hand, I could probably just get a reliable
>> car like a Camry, Civic or Accord and get by on my daily commute. But
>> having not owned a car in years, part of me wanted to enjoy my drive,
>> especially as we jet around in San Diego and explore the area.
>
>There's no reason to think the cars you mention would give you better service.
>I've been driving well-used BMWs on a budget for 20 years, and I've found them
>to be as cheap as anything else. Plus, in southern CA there are plenty of good,
>independent BMW repair shops and parts stores vying for your business, should
>you ever need their services.
>

>

In article >, Matt O'Toole says...

>They're lots of fun, but most people wind up having the top up most of the
>>time.

But it is SO worth it for the other times.

I live in San Diego county, and have had convertibles for the last 7 years.
Between May and November, the top is down a LOT. I once went 2 months without
once raising the top.

To the OP: Get the convertible. When you are tooling down the Pacific Coast
Highway, there is nothing better than going topless. It's even fun for short
trips to the store and whatnot, it is so nice here for so long. The first
glorious spring day going to the beach, you'll kick yourself if you don't get
the ragtop.

In really nice weather when I do need to do a long freeway commute, but am
aching to enjoy the nice day, I use foam earplugs. Drastically reduces the
roar, but can still hear horns and such perfectly fine.

As for dust-- so what! You aren't buying a car just to keep it clean! Throw a
few bucks at it every once in a while for a detail, drop the top and DRIVE!

Jason G > haute in die Tasten:

> In really nice weather when I do need to do a long freeway commute,
> but am aching to enjoy the nice day, I use foam earplugs. Drastically
> reduces the roar, but can still hear horns and such perfectly fine.
>

I have an E30 convertible with a factory windshield. The shield can be
installed within minutes, and it covers the rear seats. The upper part of
the windshield can be folded down in a second, just reach behind you and
fold it away when you want fresh air. I have done 400 mile trips with the
top down and speeds up to 100 mph. If you keep your windows and the
windshield up, this is absolutely no problem. If I were living in SoCal, I
would definitely get a convertible.

One last hint: When driving a convertible for hours in the open sun, sun
protection and some cap or hat on your head is essential. Due to the wind
you will not notice the approaching sunburn.

Frank

BTW: I have never used earplugs, not even in winter.
--
please replace spam-muelleimer with fk-newsgroups for e-mail contact

Citroen - Made in Trance

In article >, Frank Kemper says...
>
>
>I have an E30 convertible with a factory windshield. The shield can be
>installed within minutes, and it covers the rear seats.

Ah, okay, that is called a 'windblocker' in the US. From your e-mail address I
assume you are in Germany. Took me a minute to figure out what you meant. We
use "windshield" to refer to the glass directly in front of the driver. I guess
that would be "windscreen" in Europe?

I've been looking in to getting a windblocker, just haven't done it yet on the
new 330Cic. I assume it mounts into the two holes on the side of the rear seat
side panels?

But:

>If you keep your windows and the windshield up

With the windows up, it doesn't feel like as much freedom to me, and the view is
obstructed. And it doesn't look as cool. :-)

>One last hint: When driving a convertible for hours in the open sun, sun
>protection and some cap or hat on your head is essential. Due to the wind
>you will not notice the approaching sunburn.

I discovered this firsthand when I bought my first droptop, a Miata!

>BTW: I have never used earplugs, not even in winter.

By "earplugs" I mean small foam pieces inserted into the ear canal, not
something covering the whole ear. Plugs are solely for noise reduction. In the
US, the word for full-ear coverings would be "earmuffs".

I do, however, wear a knit hat when the temperature is below about 55F. The top
of my head is the only place that gets cold, from the airstream.

Wow, lots of great input here. Now should be greatly concerned about
buying a used 330ci (or cic) with say, 40-50k miles? I'm looking at
2001s or thereabouts. By this point, the original warranty is usually
done. I'm thinking of getting used and then adding on a warranty from
say, WarrantyDirect who can get me to 100k/4yrs w/ $100 deductable for
about $2000 more, or $2770 for their "bumper-to-bumper"

Or perhaps the CPO route? Which seems pricier, but you do get the
roadside service and loaner vehicle. But the coverage doesn't seem to
go quite as far.

Or maybe go w/out a warranty ?? If properly maintained, maybe it isn't
necessary? But that doesn't necessarily mean the previous owner took
great care. A paid inspection would be assumed of course.

I guess my big fear is that I buy something out of warranty, drive
about 2 months and then have things start to fall apart. But then
again, maybe I'm used to the Audi that my family once leased...