Have to sell the 1er and get something cheaper

jaf89f · 12-08-2011, 11:17 AM

Hey guys,

Like the title states, I'm going to have to sell my 1er and get into something cheaper. I don't mind the downgrade on interior quality and such, I just want something that is still fun to drive.

That being said, do you guys have some suggestions? I'm looking for something in the 10k-15k range. I know that isn't a lot, but times are tough. Do any of you guys have experience in lower end cars like Civic si's and cars of that nature? Are they fun to drive, etc.? Or maybe something older, idk.

Any suggestions are welcome, this economy is tough....

amancuso · 12-08-2011, 11:18 AM

CPO Mini Cooper. Civic has great fuel economy but oh what a bore to drive.

Mark16q · 12-08-2011, 11:43 AM

In that price range, if you can handle 2 seats Miata's are a lot of fun to drive. If you need 4 seats, used GTI's can be found in decent condition if you're patient. Not a fwd fan, but the GTI does it better than most imo. And yes, the Cooper with a warranty can be fun too.

TMR013 · 12-08-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark16q

In that price range, if you can handle 2 seats Miata's are a lot of fun to drive. If you need 4 seats, used GTI's can be found in decent condition if you're patient. Not a fwd fan, but the GTI does it better than most imo. And yes, the Cooper with a warranty can be fun too.

If fun to drive is you prime motivator, you can add a CPO S2000 as well. Most fun you can have with 2 seats IMO.

2012_135i · 12-08-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaf89f

Hey guys,

...I'm looking for something in the 10k-15k range. ....

You didn't say whether you were going new or used but if new then in that price range the new Mazda 2 with the new "Skyactiv" engine technology (40 mpg) would be a good way to go. All Mazdas are fun to drive and the new engines are supposed to combine zoom zoom with great mileage, so if saving money is a priority that would be a good combo. If used, then what others have said already. If 2 doors and just 2 seats is ok I'd lean towards the Mazda MX5. 10k-15K is not a whole lot of money even in the used category so if you're looking at a VW GTI or Mini you may need to get one with higher mileage. They weren't near BWM in price but weren't exactly cheap when new either.

doublevanosrc · 12-08-2011, 12:32 PM

R53 Mini Cooper S or a VW GTI MKV, I had the latter and it was a great car. Handled very well and a $500 software will give it 50hp off the bat on stock internals. Good interior and exterior, standard xenons and a multi-functional flat bottom steering wheel. The only issue i had with the car was it's weak a/c, it's a well documented issue but it doesn't seem to affect all cars. Here in Texas a car with a weak A/c is unbearable, I don't care how well it drives not sure how hot it gets in St. Louis. So keep this in mind when shopping.

F1Flagger · 12-08-2011, 12:39 PM

http://http://www.cars.com/go/search...05&aff=gogsema

F1Flagger · 12-08-2011, 12:40 PM

http://http://www.cars.com/go/search...05&aff=gogsema

TEAM SLO · 12-08-2011, 12:41 PM

Fun and 15k max price being the only factors.... Definitely the S2000.

EDIT - forgot to mention, awesome build quality, these were 1 of 2 hand built cars by honda.....other one is the NSX.

Later if you want to modify, these engines are internally much more stout than most factory motors out there, fully forged.

I would stay away from older wrx's and evo's as they tend to be beaten on pretty hard.

F1Flagger · 12-08-2011, 12:43 PM

http://http://www.cars.com/go/search...05&aff=gogsema

OH wait you said Fun to drive, not funny to drive

amancuso · 12-08-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012_135i

You didn't say whether you were going new or used but if new then in that price range the new Mazda 2 with the new "Skyactiv" engine technology (40 mpg) would be a good way to go. All Mazdas are fun to drive and the new engines are supposed to combine zoom zoom with great mileage, so if saving money is a priority that would be a good combo. If used, then what others have said already. If 2 doors and just 2 seats is ok I'd lean towards the Mazda MX5. 10k-15K is not a whole lot of money even in the used category so if you're looking at a VW GTI or Mini you may need to get one with higher mileage. They weren't near BWM in price but weren't exactly cheap when new either.

New Golfs go for 18,9 before options and MINIs start at 20,200, so I'd say a fair bit cheaper then a 1er.

RnmEvo9 · 12-08-2011, 01:15 PM

Used S2000 for sure.

ken1137 · 12-08-2011, 01:20 PM

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

igzekyativ · 12-08-2011, 01:24 PM

04-07 wrx?

DanoG80Cx · 12-08-2011, 02:07 PM

Yeah I'd say used WRX or GTI. Have had both and loved em both.

jermzkill · 12-08-2011, 02:34 PM

next year the 2008 128i's should probably be $15-17k

...probably the ones with a lot of miles though/been in an accident

jaf89f · 12-08-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012_135i

You didn't say whether you were going new or used but if new then in that price range the new Mazda 2 with the new "Skyactiv" engine technology (40 mpg) would be a good way to go. All Mazdas are fun to drive and the new engines are supposed to combine zoom zoom with great mileage, so if saving money is a priority that would be a good combo. If used, then what others have said already. If 2 doors and just 2 seats is ok I'd lean towards the Mazda MX5. 10k-15K is not a whole lot of money even in the used category so if you're looking at a VW GTI or Mini you may need to get one with higher mileage. They weren't near BWM in price but weren't exactly cheap when new either.

Sorry about that, it would be used for sure.

TX78666 · 12-08-2011, 02:49 PM

I'd go with a Mini Cooper, or a Civic Si.

I had a MT Civic, years ago. More fun to drive than a Corrola.

It wasn't *that* bad. I'll say this, no matter how hard I drove it, and I drove the hell out of it, it never broke down, and always got around 32mpg.

It was also made from recycled cans, and if you looked at it sideways, it would dent.

1SerieStud · 12-08-2011, 04:20 PM

S2000 all the way.

1-2MANY · 12-08-2011, 04:30 PM

S2k or 350z with the HR engine (07+ I believe)

Ash83 · 12-08-2011, 05:59 PM

GTI or S2000

jaf89f · 12-08-2011, 06:38 PM

Have any of you driven the MazdaSpeed3?

12-08-2011, 11:17 AM	#1
jaf89f Second Lieutenant 38 Rep 283 Posts Drives: 2008 128i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	Have to sell the 1er and get something cheaper - Any suggestions? Hey guys, Like the title states, I'm going to have to sell my 1er and get into something cheaper. I don't mind the downgrade on interior quality and such, I just want something that is still fun to drive. That being said, do you guys have some suggestions? I'm looking for something in the 10k-15k range. I know that isn't a lot, but times are tough. Do any of you guys have experience in lower end cars like Civic si's and cars of that nature? Are they fun to drive, etc.? Or maybe something older, idk. Any suggestions are welcome, this economy is tough....
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12-08-2011, 11:18 AM	#2
amancuso Lieutenant Colonel 735 Rep 1,761 Posts Drives: 330it, 428ix, 430i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lawrenceville, GA iTrader: (1)	CPO Mini Cooper. Civic has great fuel economy but oh what a bore to drive. __________________ 2016 428ix, r, 2018 430iC, 2018 330it
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12-08-2011, 11:43 AM	#3
Mark16q Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2010 135i convertible AW 6MT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Agoura Hills iTrader: (2)	In that price range, if you can handle 2 seats Miata's are a lot of fun to drive. If you need 4 seats, used GTI's can be found in decent condition if you're patient. Not a fwd fan, but the GTI does it better than most imo. And yes, the Cooper with a warranty can be fun too. __________________ '13 Miata Gt 6MT, '10 135i AW 'vert 6MT, PE and PPK1 sold. Sold '09 A4 Cabriolet, a couple of Miata's, 2005 Elise, 2004 S2000....
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12-08-2011, 12:32 PM	#6
doublevanosrc Loves his G20 265 Rep 2,508 Posts Drives: 2020 330ix M sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin. Tx iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW [0.00]	R53 Mini Cooper S or a VW GTI MKV, I had the latter and it was a great car. Handled very well and a $500 software will give it 50hp off the bat on stock internals. Good interior and exterior, standard xenons and a multi-functional flat bottom steering wheel. The only issue i had with the car was it's weak a/c, it's a well documented issue but it doesn't seem to affect all cars. Here in Texas a car with a weak A/c is unbearable, I don't care how well it drives not sure how hot it gets in St. Louis. So keep this in mind when shopping. __________________ 2020 330ix-Msport Past- 2013 135i 2011 135i
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12-08-2011, 12:39 PM	#7
F1Flagger Private First Class 14 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: N.E. PA. iTrader: (0)	GTI http://http://www.cars.com/go/search...05&aff=gogsema
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12-08-2011, 12:40 PM	#8
F1Flagger Private First Class 14 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: N.E. PA. iTrader: (0)	Mustang http://http://www.cars.com/go/search...05&aff=gogsema
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12-08-2011, 12:41 PM	#9
TEAM SLO Slo'est E90 around 36 Rep 300 Posts Drives: 135i gone, 2011 335IX e90 6mt Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: denver iTrader: (0)	Fun and 15k max price being the only factors.... Definitely the S2000. EDIT - forgot to mention, awesome build quality, these were 1 of 2 hand built cars by honda.....other one is the NSX. Later if you want to modify, these engines are internally much more stout than most factory motors out there, fully forged. I would stay away from older wrx's and evo's as they tend to be beaten on pretty hard. Last edited by TEAM SLO; 12-08-2011 at 01:29 PM..
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12-08-2011, 12:43 PM	#10
F1Flagger Private First Class 14 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: N.E. PA. iTrader: (0)	Fun? http://http://www.cars.com/go/search...05&aff=gogsema OH wait you said Fun to drive, not funny to drive
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12-08-2011, 01:15 PM	#12
RnmEvo9 Banned 247 Rep 1,827 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Pembroke Pines, FL iTrader: (2)	Used S2000 for sure.
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12-08-2011, 01:20 PM	#13
ken1137 Brigadier General 90 Rep 3,731 Posts Drives: BMW S1000XR Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 e90 335i [6.40]	Mini Cooper S http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national __________________ BMWCCA member
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12-08-2011, 01:24 PM	#14
igzekyativ Captain 148 Rep 759 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi Wagon Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Asheville, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [0.00]	04-07 wrx? __________________ 2007 328xi Wagon, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sports Package, Cold Weather Package, Rear PDC, Airlift kit with 3P mgmt, CF Akrym rep lip, LCI M-Tech front bumper, LUX Angel Eyes, Black Kidneys, LED Interior Lights, M3 Steering Wheel with Extended Billet DCT Paddles, 19" Staggered VMR 710's
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12-08-2011, 02:07 PM	#15
DanoG80Cx First Lieutenant 295 Rep 338 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW M3 Competition xDrive Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Cumming, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M3Cx [10.00]	Yeah I'd say used WRX or GTI. Have had both and loved em both.
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12-08-2011, 02:34 PM	#16
jermzkill Private First Class 10 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 2008 bmw 128i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: va iTrader: (0)	next year the 2008 128i's should probably be $15-17k ...probably the ones with a lot of miles though/been in an accident
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12-08-2011, 02:49 PM	#18
TX78666 Lieutenant 7 Rep 443 Posts Drives: e46 330i ZHP, N55 135i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: 78666 iTrader: (0)	I'd go with a Mini Cooper, or a Civic Si. I had a MT Civic, years ago. More fun to drive than a Corrola. It wasn't that bad. I'll say this, no matter how hard I drove it, and I drove the hell out of it, it never broke down, and always got around 32mpg. It was also made from recycled cans, and if you looked at it sideways, it would dent. __________________ Because... grocery getter.
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12-08-2011, 04:20 PM	#19
1SerieStud Brigadier General 190 Rep 3,939 Posts Drives: '11 VO 1M (498 of 740) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (11)	S2000 all the way.
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12-08-2011, 04:30 PM	#20
1-2MANY First Lieutenant 46 Rep 394 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas TX iTrader: (3)	S2k or 350z with the HR engine (07+ I believe)
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12-08-2011, 05:59 PM	#21
Ash83 Major 44 Rep 1,177 Posts Drives: 135i & RS5 (SOLD)/ 18 CTS-V Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (1)	GTI or S2000 __________________ Alpine White, Coral RED , Glacier Silver Aluminum trim, M sport, 6MT, NAV, HiFi, USB-iPod, Bluetooth Performance: JB4\|BMW PE\|DP Cosmetics: BMW Sport Pedals\|Black Kidney Grill
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12-08-2011, 06:38 PM	#22
jaf89f Second Lieutenant 38 Rep 283 Posts Drives: 2008 128i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	Have any of you driven the MazdaSpeed3?
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