Great driving car under $20k - Lateral-g Forums

**WSSix** · #1 03-28-2018, 05:51 PM

I'm thinking about picking up another car to drive on the weekends and whenever the urge gets to me. Requirements are under $20k, rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, manual transmission, comfortable(so not small), and great driving characteristics. Preference is for a V8 but a high powered 6 is possible. I also don't want lots of maintenance involved. I figure we have a rather diverse crowd here that's driven many different cars. What are your opinions? No Corvettes. They're great but I want something else.

I've been thinking about 10th gen 5.0 Mustangs, Infiniti G37's, BMW E34/39 540i or M5, BMW E46, and Audi S4/5/6. Emphasis is on driving enjoyment which is why I've listed BMW's since people swear by them in those regards. I'm concerned about cost of repairs of the BMWs and Audis though. Should I be considering it'll mainly be a garage queen? Figure 5-8k miles yearly at best. The E34/39 540i's and M5's have got to be at the bottom of their value curve. They really look appealing as a second car that holds potential to remain valuable or increase which would be a great bonus.

Anyway, I'm interested in your thoughts/suggestions and experiences.

Thanks

**Flash68** · #2 03-28-2018, 05:57 PM

Love the E39 M5!

I've had an E34 540, an E36 M3 sedan and an E46 M3 previously. Enjoyed them all for what they were and what I needed them for. Some of them nickle and dimed me more than others but they were overall very decent cars and very fun to drive.

Good luck. The hunt is fun!

**GregWeld** · #3 03-28-2018, 07:56 PM

I'm with Dave --- BMW's --- great driving - road or spirited....

Stay as far away as you can if you find a M5 V10 cylinder with the worst transmission in history... the SMG tranny... WHAT A POS THAT IS!! The motor wasn't much better - gutless until the RPM's were above about 4500.... so zero torque around town - not to mention expensive to repair or replace....

I'm also a big fan of the Audi S4..... great car - still good looking -- nice to drive.

**glassman** · #4 03-28-2018, 08:04 PM

If you can score an early M5, i think pre 02. Killer sedan, best bang for the buck. but yes, what greg said, stay way away from the V10 ones. i've heard nothing but horror stories from those here in the bay area....4 years ago you coulda got a 964 or 993 series 911 for that, but they just tripled and quadruped in price...i tried.

dhutton · #5 03-28-2018, 08:10 PM

Might be a bit of a stretch but a 2009-10 CTS-V would be a good choice. I had a 2011 and loved it.

Don

rocketrod · #6 03-28-2018, 08:18 PM

You may want to consider a C5 Z06. I bought one last summer and the car is just a blast to drive! I look forward to autocrossing and drag racing it some this year.

JsTA · #7 04-09-2018, 06:37 AM

If you are interested in BMWs a 335i or 228i would be an awesome choice as well. The 335i comes with the turbo (or twin turbo) i6 whereas the 228i comes with the turbo 4. Both make quite a bit of power for their size and the 228 has the benefit of the phenomenal 8 speed auto. Both respond very well to mods as well if you wanted to spice things up a bit later on down the road. A 228 might be a bit outside of your range but if you look you can find them under 20 across the country and the 335 for sure can be found for way less.

DBasher · #8 05-16-2018, 08:14 PM

What about a Porsche? Besides the occasional 911/996 near 20k are the other models worth the “experience”?

**WSSix** · #9 05-16-2018, 09:36 PM

Too small for me. I love their looks and there's no denying the performance, but I just don't like small cars really.

Thank you

DBasher · #10 10-16-2018, 11:07 PM

What do you end up with, Trey?