My introduction...

[voltron1011]

So, I'm getting ready to simplify things in my life by getting rid of a car payment. I currently own a 2006 325i that my brother-in-law is about to buy off of me. The 325i is, by far, the best driving cars I've ever owned... However, I've gotten to the point in my life where I wonder why I'm spending 500 bones a month on this 'thing'. I understand what people mean by a car owning you... Also, I really hate all of the baggage that comes with owning a BMW. I don't like BMW drivers, yet I've found myself owning one for the past 2.5 years... The bmw forums is full of nothing but a-holes arguing over why the 335i is better than the Infiniti G37 and so on... I keep thinking to myself, what could I be doing with an extra 500 bux a month?

Anyways, I'm gonna go back to basics and buy good solid used car (like I used to do), out right... I can fix stuff as it breaks. I've narrowed down my choices (thanks to you all) to either a 96 or 97 Accord 4 cylinder. I wanna keep it simple, so it doesn't matter whether or not it's an LX or EX...

As soon as I liquidate the 325i, I'm gonna use the $3500 equity to buy an Accord. I'll give you all the details when I've narrowed one down.

[benjamming]

automatic or manual?

[voltron1011]

Manual preferably. But, if I can find a nice automatic, I won't turn it down.

[James.uk]

Good decision. :thmsup: Running costs are bad enough, but to go into debt as well takes all the fun out of owning a car.. :(

Buy a reliable cheapie, keep it untill it starts to develope problems, then replace it with a lower mileage cheapie.. :yes: A car is just a tool not a status symbol or fashion statement. :D lol.
.

[princess]

for some..... but we're all different! My car is more than a tool to get from point A to point B. It's part of my fun....whether it's driving or washing or whatever. Most in our house become family members too. :yes:

There's plenty of gently used Hondas out there. Shop around & carefully.

Nicholas' bio-dad bought a 325i about the same time as I bought my '03. They were almost the same color, his was a pinch lighter/brighter blue. He only drove it for about a year before he wrapped it around a tree when drunk. He didn't have a scratch, but the car wasn't even reconizable! Nicholas like mine better. He said it felt faster.....but he was only 5. I guess mine would push his head back into the seat more. :dunno: I've never driven one. So I have no clue exactly what he meant.

[voltron1011]

The '03 325i had about 185 hp out of it's 2.5 liter inline-6... My 325i has 215hp out of a 3.0 liter inline-6. The motor is silky smooth and revs like there's no tomorrow. Also, gets about 31mpg on straight highway driving... However, it lacks torque which makes city driving kind of frustrating. It's still an awesome car, however...
I'm just ready to simplify things... Plus, we've got my wifes new RAV-4 that she absolutely loves, so we've got one NICE car and we'll have one beater car.;)

[joerockt]

The '03 325i had about 185 hp out of it's 2.5 liter inline-6... My 325i has 215hp out of a 3.0 liter inline-6. The motor is silky smooth and revs like there's no tomorrow. Also, gets about 31mpg on straight highway driving... However, it lacks torque which makes city driving kind of frustrating. It's still an awesome car, however...
I'm just ready to simplify things... Plus, we've got my wifes new RAV-4 that she absolutely loves, so we've got one NICE car and we'll have one beater car.;)

Sooo, what do you think is going to happen when you jump in a 4 banger with even less HP and Torque??

$3500 is all you want to spend?

[mwmcginn]

It seems like an exceptional time to buy a used right now. I have seen more good deals lately. Congrats on the debt redux.

[voltron1011]

Sooo, what do you think is going to happen when you jump in a 4 banger with even less HP and Torque??

$3500 is all you want to spend?

Like I said before, I'm past all of that racer stuff... My Accord is going to be for commuting only. I don't care about power, as much as I'm looking for reliability, ease of maintenance, no payment, and economy..
I was simply reviewing on the 325's power band for the sake of comparison, since Princess had mentioned that she knew someone with a 325 before.

[chanke4252]

I wish BMW was as reliable as it used to be. I really like 5th gens. If you can find one in good shape then it should be a good car. You might want to look into a 6th gen though. I guess I'm kind of against the idea of getting a 10+ year old used car if you have the means to do otherwise.

[voltron1011]

My brother, who is a Honda/Acura junky (never owned another brand), had a 4th, 5th, and 6th gen Accord's, and I always like the look of the 5th gen the most.... I really like how the trunk is short and high, relative to the front of the car. It gives the car a really classy look that no other generation had... The other generations all looked like normal everyday cars (IMO), with the exception of the '08... It's just sweet!!!

[HondaPOD]

Like I said before, I'm past all of that racer stuff... My Accord is going to be for commuting only. I don't care about power, as much as I'm looking for reliability, ease of maintenance, no payment, and economy..
I was simply reviewing on the 325's power band for the sake of comparison, since Princess had mentioned that she knew someone with a 325 before.

You have a good point. I on the other hand would buy an '07 [VERY CHEAP RIGHT NOW] if you like them... I saw an EX-L + NAV. V6 red with beige, list was $32,--- and they are selling it for 24,---... If i wanted an '07 i would buy that in a heart beat. I'm probably getting an '08 Accord sedan if anything though.