leprofesseur

Hi, guys I am in the market for a new (used) car. The budget is <$10K US (<$15K CDN). Ideally I'm looking for a 4 door sport sedan with 5 spd manual. This doesn't leave that many options. I'm thinking 92-94 Max SE 5 spd (which are somewhat hard to find), or BMW E36 325i manual (any other suggestions?). Other gen Maximas with beam rear axle and ugly styling do not interest me. I thought I would try for some unbiased advice from you guys because the BMW guys would laugh at me The acceleration performance is quite similar, both cars have ~190HP. The Max is much cheaper (~1/2 the price), but the BMW will retain more value down the line. Handling and RWD and braking and shifting go the the BMW. Both cars are fairly reliable (for what I've heard) but the Max has much lower parts/maintenance costs. Status is a hands down to the BMW but that is not really important to me. Insurance cost/chance of theft to the Max. What are your thoughts? My prerequists are good quality, decent engine power (pref 6cyl to turbo 4 or like), 4 wheel disc brakes, 4 wheel ind susp, manual trans, reliabilty, resale. Open to other suggestions too. If I can't find a decent sport sedan a may resort to a 2 door sports car like a 300ZX. I currently have a Taurus SHO, don't laugh because it can walk most cars out there, but I want something more refined.
TIA

davis4005

The BMW will eat you in repair costs compared to a 5 speed Maxima. With 10,000 I would pesronally buy a 4th gen and put some nice rims on it, but you said that you don't like the styling. You could easily buy a third gen and mod it to the max for under 10,000 while a stock BMW would be all you could get for that price. Insurance might also be a factor so I would check that out. It's really all in the name, whatever you decide will be a nice car. Good luck man.

leprofesseur

Yes, but I don't think I could get any more $ out of a heavily modded 3rd gen Max, but the market is always fairly strong for BMWs, even old ones. The maintenance and insurance is a big consideration. I wish VE 5 speeds were easier to find. Am I missing any other contenders?

KLoWnPR109

iTrader: (9)

just go to www.autotrader.com

They are out there, you just aren't looking hard enough

leprofesseur

Lookin' hard, trust me. I live in Canada, West Coast. 1/10 the population of USA and when you call on an out of town ad people laugh at you. Seriously hurts your bargaining leverage.