Lancer Evolution X/10 GSR vs BMW 135i vs used CLK55 vs used E46 M3

[nsxsupra]

Long story short, need a car with back seats. EVO X is high on the list so I want to dealer to check it out in person this afternoon. I wish they had a white one on display. They are cheap. Going for below MSRP. Anyone bought one yet?

-The interior is not cool at all, really cheap even compare to S2K.

-Look wise seems like a very slight downgrade from S2K.

-Performance should be much better than S2K

-100% fully functional back seats meets my #1 need at the moment

-I like this car a lot, but I do care about what others think even though that shouldn't be in consideration. Just my personality, don't take it too seriously.

Funny thing is that the dealer want to buy my S2K really badly even if they don't sell me a car. While I was there a customer of theirs came up to me and asked me if I want to sell the S2K as well.

I let the salesman took my S2K for a test drive and had their mechanic did inspection and they gave me an apraisal for my S2K.

They were willing to give same amount of what I paid last year for my S2K. I guess it is because white, perfect exterior, they deal a lot of S2Ks, they know it is money in the bank because used S2Ks moves like hot cakes especially in color that is in high demand, difficult to get, and they have a buyer immediately.

My S2K is 100% paid off. The difference I need to pay towards the EVO 10 is $13~15k out the door (tax+fees included). and depending on the options, which is virtually pain free.

 

[nsxsupra]

Other options at the moment, it needs to be some kind of upgrade, not downgrade from S2K:

1. Suck it up and stick to S2K until 135i comes out
2. Evolution X GSR in white and optional powder coated white wheels
3. Used 03~04 CLK55
4. Used E46 M3
5. Pay once cry once and get 335i coupe (cost quite a bit more than everything else on my list)
6. 08 Toyota Highlander in black
7. Other recommendations welcome but I absolutely will not consider fiancing, I am very particular in this area. It is different than just taking an existing payment and add a few hundred dollars. So please put that into consideration and not recommend something outside of above price category. Most importantly it needs to have back seats. Doesn't have to be sporty as it is just a daily, comfort is high on the list as well.

Not so much consideration, but maybe:
IS350 in black
RDX

No Way:
Supra
STI
old EVO
RX7
Other Acuras or Hondas

I went to a second dealership to check out this Silver CLK55, car didn't pass my inspection, saleslady not very knowledgeable at all. Didn't seem to took me seriously. I am amazed by how much these have depreciated.

 

[White92]

If you need/want back seats, have you seen the 135i? I don't know how functional those back seats are. Unless your legs are painted on, then I guess you'd be o.k.

 

[Synthesis]

evo all the way.

me want :smile:

 

[nsxsupra]

Just curious what kind of deals are people getting in 335i coupes?. The MSRP is $40k, I assume out the door about $45~$50k?

 

[5inchfatlip]

I dont think the CLK 55 and E46 should be in comparison here, yes they are similar in price but totally these levels of cars.

The Lancer Evo will put you in the "rice boy racer" category. No matter how old you are, how fast and track ready it is. Youll never lose that image.

The 135 is BMW base line model. DOnt get me wrong, its a nice car, but yes the back seats are not really functional and youre still buying the brands low end----kinda like buy a carrera against a carerra 4s...not quite but you get the point.

I'm partial towards MB just cause I am. A 55 model is overall the best car IMHO as a package. I wont go into detail but just something about the 55 that really seperates from this group. If you would say CLK 350 then its another story.

THe E46- kinda not here either. Sport and class at the same time. THe M3's never really go out of style and you know what you get.

 

[poet_x]

I like the 135i (0-60 in 5.3 is nice), and I love the tii concept based on the 135.

 

[chado]

Other options at the moment, it needs to be some kind of upgrade, not downgrade from S2K:


6. 08 Toyota Highlander in black
7. Other recommendations welcome but I absolutely will not consider

Not so much consideration, but maybe:
IS350 in black
RDX


.

Jason these would be highest on my list if the 335i weren't a real option.
I don't see how you can go wrong with an IS350... I would probably by a white one for my daily driver (but I still need some real space suv/truck :frown: )
minus the kit on the white one below...

 

[myguitar]

Those are all nice cars but for the money and performance, there are no if's and's and but's... Evo all the way! And if you could, get the MR, the tranny is a beast! The newest issue of R&T has a comparison between the new Evo and the new STI and Evo took every category, even with 14 less HP!

 

[Synthesis]

The Lancer Evo will put you in the "rice boy racer" category. No matter how old you are, how fast and track ready it is. Youll never lose that image.

i'd rather look like a "ricer" than a snob.:tongue:

 

[pvmike]

I'd want something to complement the NSX.

CLK55
IS350

Both are reasonably fast, quiet, and comfortable, and both have nice interiors with usable back seats (more so the IS350). I wish I had one of these two to drive in SoCal traffic.

Evo - Fun and capable, but not the ideal car for all situations: i.e. nice dinner out, in a hurry and not wanting the attention of police or racers, etc.

135i - Might as well get the 335i and have a usable back seat for a little more $

 

[pvmike]

"Did you buy a new garage door yet?"

"No, but I bought some rims!"

 

[FuryNSX]

"Did you buy a new garage door yet?"

"No, but I bought some rims!"

Heehee! That's funny! :tongue: :biggrin: :tongue:

 

[jlindy]

What about a used E55, that would kick the $hit out of all of those...that thing is a monster.

 

[chado]

"Did you buy a new garage door yet?"

"No, but I bought some rims!"

haha. I hope thats a cul-de-sac and thats not his. I don't like thinking about it though.. there are a few things in my house that need to be purchased, but have taken a backseat to the nsx.. :redface:

 

[ashman]

I say 335i cp, the 135i has no real back seat and is only about 100 pounds lighter then the 335cp so not much gain there also once you add a few options 135i is no longer cheap. CLK 55 is a nice car but an MB out of warranty is a bad thing. The IS350 is nice looking and comfy but again no back seat trust me try and get back there. The Evo is also a good choice but like you mentioned it may attract the wrong type of attention. The E46 M3 is very nice but they are everywhere and I would expect them to take a slight hit in value when the new M3 arrives at dealers. Since you mentioned the highlander had you considered a Porsche Cayenne S? A certified 05/06 would be in the high 30s to mid 40s depending on options before negotiating so you could probably stay in your ballpark, just a thought.

 

[stuntman]

335i 4-door. Way nicer interior and quality of materials than the EVOX, 300bhp+ (more like 350) 300lb/tq+

Quiet, luxurious, fun to drive, go test drive one first...

0.02

 

[FrEsHaZzBuRu]

What about a used E55, that would kick the $hit out of all of those...that thing is a monster.

+1

It would be a nice daily which wouldn't be noticed by the common everyday person. It would be faster than anything listed so far and more classier for those nice evenings out. E55 gets my vote. If it's too big of a car, then IS350/S4.

 

[nsxsupra]

You guys made some great posts/advice above.

I Had hard time sleeping last night thinking about it. Woke up and felt much more calmed this morning.

The EVO X is out of consideration unfortunately. If I don't have to worry about boyracer image and I can get over the rental car interior. I get this car in a heartbeat.

E55 unfortunately out of my reach. $35k is my max budget, only exception I will make and stretch the budget is for 335i coupe, which is my favorite BMW at the moment. I understand it is possible to get a terrible condition E55 with salvage title in $38k~$45k. There are NSXes that I wouldn't pay $20k, same applies to E55. You get what you paid for, the autotrader price will always have some lows, but some are just too good to be true. I saw a E55 at SouthCoast Mitsubishi, it was $69k if I remember correctly.

Top contenders now is narrowed down to:
-used 03 and up E46 M3 (most car, most stylish car for the money, the style should remain fresh for a long time even after the release of new E92 M3). I will begin to find time and check out cars in person.

-used IS350 (safe buy)
It is possible to get used IS350 with 30k miles for $30~$35k, being a two time Lexus owner, I am concerned about how the look will hold up and how much longer it will remain fresh. It would suck if in 3 years it worth exactly the same as my current S2k in 3 years. Typical Lexus, once new model comes out value drop like rock. Happened to me twice before.:redface:

335i coupe is #1 most wanted, unfortunately a long shot and almost eliminated by default due to cost of new and few availability of used. The price difference is really significant after some research. It is getting close to used E55, SL500 and other really nice car category. The NSX taught me about value and I have became a really picky and bang for the buck type of shopper.

135i is most likely eliminated as well. Due to fact that MSRP is only $5k less than 335i coupe. It is similar situation to IS350 vs IS250. For $5k it doesn't make sense at all in my situation.

 

[MJK]

Sporty 4 seater less than 35k:

993/996 911 C2
E46 M3
E39 M5
S4
IS350

Typical Lexus, once new model comes out value drop like rock. Happened to me twice before.

Then you are shopping on the wrong side of the drop.

 

[FrEsHaZzBuRu]

Sporty 4 seater less than 35k:

993/996 911 C2
E46 M3
E39 M5
S4
IS350



Then you are shopping on the wrong side of the drop.

Doh!! I can't believe I had forgotten about the M5!!

If you haven't caught on to my trend, all of the cars I've listed have been four door cars. If you really need those back seats, then I don't see why the more functional four door wouldn't be atop of the list.

My list of recommendations is similar as quoted minus the 2 door 911 & M3 for cars below 35k:

E39 M5 (me really like this option :biggrin
S4
IS350
E500

 

[scorp965]

It seems like such a simple solution, I am suprised its not on your list...

You mention the priority is a backseat, but most of the cars you mention are still compact cars, so even with 4 people it might be a tight fit, the backseat is there, it can be used, but its not a very comfortable option. You also mention you want an elegant appearance, a Toyota SUV, or entry-level Lexus, or 3-series, or 1-series, will not provide this. You're after a sporty four door sedan, for around $35k, that is reliable, looks nice, and can comfortably seat 4-5 adults.

Its going to be a used car, but the E39 M5 (1999-2003) is reliable, 6spd transmission, 400hp, 7k redline, torque monster on the freeway, 0-60mph in under 5 seconds, just under 190mph top speed - seems like a great option, and its a full size sedan, so a useful back seat.

Also, M-series BMW's have very low rates of depreciation.

 

[demigod]

Sporty 4 seater less than 35k:

993/996 911 C2
E46 M3
E39 M5
S4
IS350

I had a 996 C2..you can't really call those back seats. Unless you're driving around midgets. :biggrin: Seriously, it's just extra room in the back to throw stuff you lug around..

 

[KSXNSX]

If I had to go with one of your options, I would go with the E46 M3 even though I don't feel secure buying used (especially with the E46 engine problems from 2001/2-2004 approximately).

Have you considered the 335i and is350? Personally, out of these choices, I would go with the 335i not considering the money and the is350 if price is a concern.

Are you keeping the s2k? Personally, the NSX and the s2k are similar enough to make me sell one (and we all know it will be the s2k to go). So I would sell the s2k, and step up the 4-seater to a brand new 335i.

If you go with the e46 m3, make sure the engine is ok. This car had recall after recall regarding the engine rod bearings. They issued a recall after many engines were blown, said the problem was fixed and guess what...the problem remained and more engines blew. They issued another recall, and yet again, the problem was not fixed. A lot of owners were arguing that it was just a design problem.

I think the only years that I haven't heard problems from were 2005.5-2006. So try one of those years for your best bet. It would be terrible to buy a 2001-2004 that was out of warranty, and the engine spins a rod. Can you imagine the trouble...

Consider an extended warranty for peace of mind.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.


*edit*

After looking at some used MBs and BMWs, maybe that would be a good choice if you don't mind used cars:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=8

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...08&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=21

Talk about depreciation. You already have the sports car. Step up to the luxury cruiser.

 

[nsxsupra]

It seems like such a simple solution, I am suprised its not on your list...

Yes, it is actually not on the list, it is a great option, but I don't like the look

The reason why I choose coupes is that I need the rooms but as long as it can carry two adults and get the job done, it will be fine.

I am agressively looking for a white E46 M3 and it must have SMG. This one caught my eye. It is very shocking that there are more E46 Convertibles available and they are cheaper than most of the coupes.

It is best if I sell the S2K on my own rather than trading it in. As this way I have more bargining power and siginficantly larger selections of cars with private seller's listings. A lot of these European dealers don't like Japanese cars and the salesman have that snubby attitude. My experience with OCautohaus wasn't a good one.