Buying a Used BMW 335i and NOT getting a First Loan

JustASmoothSkin on 13/07/2019 - 03:07
Last edited 16/07/2019 - 16:32 by 1 other user

My current car (Honda Civic EK 2000) has served me diligently these past few years but it is our time to part ways, and what better time with tax time being here.

EDIT: Cleaned this up so people don't need to read all the posts to work out whats going on, Check revisions for the older version if you want.

Hi, So currently interested in buying a car. I have around $15000. My current goal is something that is similar to a BMW 335i. (I am NOT interested in buying this car because of the badge I just genuinely like the look and feel of this car.) I am mechanically minded and plan on doing performance mods at some point so reliability is not really important to me.

So make some recommendations for:
*Sedans or Coupes
*Comfortable for 6'5" guy
*Fast
*Interior need to look nice
*Easily modifiable
*Also not econoboxes or commodores

Some cars to give you an idea of what I am looking for:
* BMW 335i (E90 or E92)
* Ford G6E
* Toyota Crown
* Toyota Mark X
* Nissan Maxima

UPDATE:
Started the process to get a Nissan Fuga from Japan, Also Bought a Kawasaki Ninja and got a motorcycle license.

Automotive BMW

Comments

      • lostn on 16/07/2019 - 00:02

        22 years old and $110000 per year

        Jesus, if you earn that much and can only save $400 a month, you are spending $105,200 a year (including taxes). What are you spending all of that on, and can you not divert some of that spending towards your car budget? You could easily afford a new BMW if you kept the rest of your spending in check. Since you love cars, I don't know why you've put so little budget into your passion.

        BMWs are only good when they're in warranty. Which means they're only good if you can afford one. And it does appear that you can.

        Btw, as someone with doctors in my family, I can tell you that it will take a few years before a starting doctor will make anywhere close to the 110k you are already making.

  • Windows98 on 13/07/2019 - 14:22

    There's a reason "sporty" Euro cars drop in value by 80% after 10 years. They're hard to work on, parts are expensive and only some mechanics are willing to work on the major things like engine, transmission and electrics when they go bad. And you pay the price for their willingness to do it. These things are common to go wrong, so people don't want to touch them and the price drops dramatically.

    I'd be looking to import a chaser or something like that with your budget.

    • JustASmoothSkin on 13/07/2019 - 14:26

      See these are the replies I am looking for, Chaser are pretty cool but just too old nowadays. Even considered a soarer but fuel eco is trash for city driving. I feel it has to be a maximum of 10 years old for it to be within what I would want.

      Not to say I won't buy a soarer and what not, would like a project car to take for track days but that's another post for another day.

      • Windows98 on 13/07/2019 - 14:30

        Hm. It is tricky because with $10k there's nothing I can think off that's big, quick, stylish, reliable and under 10yo.
        Except maybe for falcoddores which no one wants.

        • JustASmoothSkin on 13/07/2019 - 14:36

          Yeah about what I settled at as well, 10k makes it a pain but then the next bracket quickly jumps to 30k.

          Might go for a wonder and sit in a few cars, maybe I will find a car where the pictures don't do it justice.

        • abuch47 on 14/07/2019 - 12:40
          +1

          Many want a falcodore, just because OzB thinks their above everyone doesnt mean they are.

          • JustASmoothSkin on 17/07/2019 - 13:00

            @abuch47: Some people also don’t want them, already owned 2 commodores (VN and VY) and Have 2 VE’s in the family. I just don’t want another large sedan like that and really want a more luxury focused car. Currently trying to import a Nissan Fuga sports package with either the 4.5ltr V8 or later model 3.5ltr V6 with 230KW.

            Some extras that it comes with so you understand why it’s pretty good.

            15 Speaker Bose system, Sunroof, heated and cooled seats, push to start, rear and front side cameras, 4 wheel steering, Interier looks nice, 19’ rims, near 50/50 weight distribution and more all for under $10K

            Still not quite as nice as a 335I but ticks all the boxes that I wanted, just a bit of a wait before it gets here.

            • abuch47 on 17/07/2019 - 13:17

              @JustASmoothSkin: I mean yeah for $10k great, but the VF is fairly luxurious and the first gen fuga is as older than the VE/FG.

              Bose system and sunroof for me are wank addons that barely notice along with most luxury options. safety features are where its at.

              • JustASmoothSkin on 17/07/2019 - 13:30
                +1

                @abuch47: Always wanted a sunroof, and honestly sound is easily the most important part in a car for me, Love listening to music and a lot of my audio stuff is good quality so when if the audio is sub par it’s noticable and really hard to ignore after awhile.

                15 speakers, they crammed some of them in the seats, I just want to experience that.

                • abuch47 on 17/07/2019 - 13:48
                  +1

                  @JustASmoothSkin: People value different things, Id love an jap import. Good luck with you choice.

                  • JustASmoothSkin on 17/07/2019 - 13:59

                    @abuch47: Cheers, If the motor dies I will try to resurrect the car with a Barra, best of both worlds haha.

  • Chef-Johnson on 13/07/2019 - 14:40
    +1

    Finance wise, limited fees and no early exit. Check out Society One, can get personalise rate without hit on credit file

  • mirz on 13/07/2019 - 16:02

    I would suggest to buy Opel Astra hatch R. It’s turbo, economical, brand new with full warranty for almost your budget of $20k

    • funnysht on 13/07/2019 - 17:11

      Or buy a 1 yr old one-way still warrantry and prob few grand less

  • aussieprepper on 13/07/2019 - 16:23

    What about a Honda Accord? They look decent and go okay when you hit Vtech lol. Id rate it better than a Camry still has heaps of power and should last for ever. Or for around the 20k you could get a nice IS250?

    If you want fast get a old Falcon and turbo the barra if you don't go to crazy it should last okay. They are a bit boaty so some suspension work will help.

  • funnysht on 13/07/2019 - 17:10

    From all the bmw issues. I think if you really want one then best to buy one thats still under warranty 1/2 yrs old.

  • Legoncy on 13/07/2019 - 17:24

    Hey mate, don't take a loan on a car unless you have to - save for a house or investment your future self will thank you 100 times over.

    If you must buy a car buy one that is easy to maintain and affordable, around the 10K mark i can recommend something cheap like a Hyundai ascent - cheap to run/repair and can get one close to new.

    At the 10K mark you will be hard pressed to get a fast/good looking vehicle thats new and one you won't be pouring money into.

    Do yourself a favor buy a house then buy whatever car you want.'-
    if you have a house or investments then just do whatever you want - why come to ozbargain and ask then?

    • spackbace on 13/07/2019 - 18:40
      +9

      OP is 6'3, currently has a Civic, wants a BMW, wants power, and you suggest a Hyundai Accent of all cars.

      Wtf

  • Bid Sniper on 13/07/2019 - 17:53

    WRX premium 2015 on

  • dandandan on 13/07/2019 - 18:17

    Something like this may be close to your budget; https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Audi-A5-2009/SSE-AD…

    • JustASmoothSkin on 13/07/2019 - 18:32

      Hey Doc, We need more juice. Nice find though. (2 Liter A5 have around 150BHP, Not particularly fast)

      • brendanm on 13/07/2019 - 20:28

        Its the 2l turbo, 150kw standard and very easily modified. Fuel economy will be good, and the engine is pretty solid.

  • SuperMid on 13/07/2019 - 18:30

    hey i just barely managed to save $10k up but i want a twin turbo bmw so everyone thinks im rich!

    • JustASmoothSkin on 13/07/2019 - 18:36
      +4

      I want a fast car that looks nice without being a cop magnet, I want it to be comfortable on the inside and have a active aftermarket community that works on it with good availability of parts. I want the inside to feel new and fresh, not like I am sitting inside a 10 year old car. I could not really care less to what anyone else thinks to be honest with ya. If you got anything that cost around $15000 and can fill all that criteria, chuck me a recommendation. I have looked at G6E Turbos which are about the only other car that comes close.

      • SuperMid on 14/07/2019 - 09:59
        +1

        Lexus IS350 f sport (or any is350 for that matter). 233 kw (more than a 335i). torque converter rear wheel drive. leather bucket seats. toyota reliability. complete wolf in sheeps clothing. doesnt need to be modified, is plenty quick enough for the street. but of course the online forum geniuses will tell you nah bro you need at least 320rwkw for the street.

        • JustASmoothSkin on 17/07/2019 - 13:12

          No local is350’s in my price range so getting a Nissan Fuga Y50 08/09 with the sports pack, 230KW with 3.5tr V6 or more with a earlier model V8, A stupid amount of luxuries (Seriously check all the extras you get standard with a V8 sports package) cheap can be had under $10k imported and complied and while the body isn’t the sexiest, it will clean up nicely with a few mods.

  • trev likes bargains on 13/07/2019 - 20:12
    +1

    Have a look at a Toyota Aurion for 10k. May be you can get a Sportivo at your price range. They are so reliable that you can pocket your $400 per month and get a much better car in a year or two.

    Just an oil change and brake pads and they go forever.

  • tik tok on 13/07/2019 - 20:24

    Dude, I hope you test drive a PT Cruiser. Surprisingly comfortable for men with big bodies. Almost beats Kia soul by a nickel.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2019 - 20:28

    Get a 370z

  • p3nf0ld on 13/07/2019 - 20:33
    +2

    fast, cheap, reliable <= pick two

  • maybeamacy on 13/07/2019 - 20:52

    N54 - glhf.

  • sauce2k on 13/07/2019 - 21:39

    Lexus mate if you want higher end of Jap cars..Euro cars with that much Kms..dont do it

  • BartholemewH on 13/07/2019 - 21:56
    +1

    G6ET. Newer and cheaper, more powerful, easier to service. I have one, even though my daily is a Skoda Superb 206 AWD. RWD 4 litre turbo is great.

    Edit: Ignore the bleating btw and get the 335 if that's what you want, I agree they are in the sweet spot for size/looks/performance.

  • rave75 on 14/07/2019 - 01:58

    You gotta remember to set aside fund for comprehensive insurance too.

  • CarbonMini on 14/07/2019 - 02:08

    My dad had a 2009 335i convertible a few years back, with the M package or whatever BMW charges extra for a bit more performance (I dont know much about cars heh)
    I can assure you that it was fast though. 0-100 in like 4.5s, and the sound of the engine was great (when turned on or accelerating, stays quiet when constant speed).
    It is not comfortable though. Its a 4 seater car - and the people at the back will not get much leg room, and needs to be relatively short (Im about 175, and the top of my head could touch the fabric of the ceiling. May differ with the non-convertible ones tho). Seats and suspension is hard, making long journies rather uncomfortable.
    My dad had to sell it a few years back when the convertible roof failed to work, and the repairment fees just was astronomically high. It is impossible to disregard the fact that if you buy a 10 year old BMW, it will cost alot more in just maintenance.
    But I must digress, it is a great, fun car to drive; and Im sure you will enjoy the driving experience if you do decide to purchase it.

  • Indomietable on 14/07/2019 - 08:22

    If you love to tinker maybe get 4th gen Toyota Supra. I know it's old but it's increasing in value ( https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/perfect-mk4-toyota…) and it will be much easier to work with than newer car ( less electronic / sensor / computer issues).

  • Turbz on 14/07/2019 - 09:08

    Don't bother with the loan or the beemer, at 10k go for a 05/06 vz ss (preferably late 05 early 06 as these have the 6.0L) 5k of mods (otr, cam, charger etc etc) you will be cracking the 400kw mark… Im not a holden/v8 type of guy but power is power, I'd rather be smoking 4th gear than cruising in a 335.
    Or buy a rotary.but you will need more than 10k.

    • bhubb18 on 14/07/2019 - 10:35
      +2

      5k of mods in a VZ SS and you'll still get walked by a near stock 335i, and you'll have a car that handles relatively boat like, and has a cheap interior, and you get the added perk of looking like a bogan.

      • abuch47 on 14/07/2019 - 12:48

        So ignorant, Australian made but somehow European is better yet we wont vote for European ideals.

        5k wont get a blower but out of the 6L you could easily get 300rwkw. I'd recommend a newer VE or VF, bigger cars again but better appointed and newer inside. VE SS or VF Sv6.

        Never sound financially to pay for mods buy a car with them as the mods dont appreciate at all.

        • bhubb18 on 14/07/2019 - 15:05
          +1

          Nah far from ignorant, I've had 6 falcons, and I 100% appreciate aussie cars, but the fit and finish is nowhere near modern European stuff, style is nowhere near them either, but that's personal preference.

          If you're looking at euro stuff, Aussie stuff isn't really on the same level imo.

      • Turbz on 16/07/2019 - 00:47

        Like I said I'm not v8 guy but 5k of mods gets decent power with basic upgrades/tune… Grow a mullet slap on a Ned sticker and just be a bogan.
        G6e turbo is a great car with proven performance once played with, zf boxes are great,off the shelf performance parts make a great streeter imo. But whatever floats ya boat I guess

      • Forskin on 16/07/2019 - 15:51

        Clearly you haven't been in a cammed / boosted LS. 335i will not even come close. Try again

  • johnno07 on 14/07/2019 - 10:01
    +8

    Not sure why everyone is giving the OP a hard time, he just wants to live the Australian dream - that is buy a car you can't afford.

    • JustASmoothSkin on 16/07/2019 - 18:34

      Hey if all the miners can do it, Amirite?

  • gimme on 14/07/2019 - 10:03
    +3

    So far life has served me well doing the opposite of what 95% of people tell me.

    • JustASmoothSkin on 16/07/2019 - 18:35

      Haha, Honestly the same now that I think about it.

  • Baysew on 14/07/2019 - 10:07

    Buying a BMW may not be a sensible choice, having to borrow to do so maybe even less.

    However, if that is what you want, make your decision. At least interest rates are at a historical low.

  • bhubb18 on 14/07/2019 - 10:34
    +3

    I would 200% advise posting in somewhere that isn't ozbargain, all you get here is people who think BMW = rip off.

    My mate purchased a 335i for a cheap price, high km but very tidy. Mechanically, the engine was good, but it has needed quite a lot of work done on it. Turbos replaced (iirc this is common?), capacitors on ECU, and a few other things.

    All in all, he has a very fast car for a relatively small investment price, that should be reliable now that the common issues have been rectified.

    • JustASmoothSkin on 14/07/2019 - 15:28
      +1

      Yeah, Sadly BMW did skimp out on a few thing and it shows if the people that owned the car weren't mechanically minded. If that's why I think it's a good car to pick up now, Most of the 335i's have just come out of warranty and the " BMW is unreliable." mentality has cause them to plummet in price, the thing is though. The common problem components IE: Wastegate, Chargepipe, Injecters, HPFP can be replaced cheap, Specially if the old ones still work (Resell oem parts to recoup cost) But on top of that, The above likely has already been replaced because it had failed before and thus the problem has been solved already.

      Last but not least, I want to replace the twin turbos with a big turbo eventually anyway which would mean replacing pretty much all that. So the unreliability of those components don't really matter to begin with.

      That's why I like the car so much, Hard to really find anything as tuner friendly that is that nice nowadays.

      • Logical on 15/07/2019 - 13:24

        It's logical, the BMW will make you happy so just get it. You will love it! You may need to fix a few things here and there or be lucky and not need to do much. Either way, get the Beemer and enjoy it!

  • Kapinny on 14/07/2019 - 11:04

    Op sounds like he came here to brag about his aspirations for medical school and how driving anything but a BMW is "beneath" him. Gets upset with the straight forward/real life advice he's getting on ozbargain - which will probably trigger him enough to get one out of spite of the comments. Good luck sir.

    • gimme on 14/07/2019 - 12:58
      +3

      Chip meet shoulder

    • JustASmoothSkin on 14/07/2019 - 15:14
      +1

      There are plenty of good recommendations in this thread, Hell I am considering a nice G6ET and cheap 650CC bike now.

      I asked for recommendations and advice but instead I get people calling me a drug dealer, And saying that I am unreasonable when I say that I want to find a car that appeals to me. Yeah, I might be stubborn on a BMW 335i but have you ever cruised in one? It's really hard to find anything that compares to it, When people say. "Your car is shit, buy a accent." Which by the way is way too small for a big 6"5' guy, Has NO luxuries that would make me happy, and certainly not fast or even worthy of modifying.

      So I will say it again, Find a comparable car to a 335i in terms of price, That may appeal to me. And for the love of all things holy, stop recommending hatchbacks. I want a coupe or sedan.

      • Pantagonist on 14/07/2019 - 20:20
        +1

        And saying that I am unreasonable when I say that I want to find a car that appeals to me.

        If someone recently unemployed, planning to start a brand new business from scratch with employees and office space, enrol in medical school, get a motorcycle licence and buy a ~$20K second hand Euro car with only 50% of the car's value currently available as cash on hand isn't the definition of unreasonable, I don't know what is.

        If you were someone who had $10K cash in hand, had a stable income and were due for a decent tax refund then you'd have far fewer people calling you unreasonable.

        Do you understand the difference?

        • lostn on 16/07/2019 - 00:43
          -2

          Anyone who quits a 110k job is by definition unreasonable. Especially if the reason for quitting is boredom. At 22. He's got a long life ahead of him.

          • crentist on 16/07/2019 - 13:15
            +1

            @lostn: Unreasonable by definition, just for walking away from a high salary? That's not a great assessment of character, and shows your own narrow view of personal goals and lifestyle.

            Besides, he didn't say he quit due to boredom, but 90 hour weeks of unrewarding work and a plan to do something more/else with himself.

            • lostn on 16/07/2019 - 15:42

              @crentist:

              Unreasonable by definition, just for walking away from a high salary? That's not a great assessment of character, and shows your own narrow view of personal goals and lifestyle.

              Unreasonable is a bit hyperbolic a word, but I'm just borrowing it from the previous person. Someone wise would line up a new gig first and make sure it's what they want, before quitting it.

              Besides, he didn't say he quit due to boredom, but 90 hour weeks of unrewarding work and a plan to do something more/else with himself.

              Boredom is how I would summarize that. If you're going to quit every job whenever it becomes "unrewarding", and you're only 22, all I can do is wish you good luck for the rest of your years. A lot of us do unrewarding jobs. You're there to earn a living, not to have fun. If you want to limit yourself to only jobs you find fun or rewarding, well you close a lot of doors.

              • crentist on 16/07/2019 - 17:41

                @lostn:

                If you want to limit yourself to only jobs you find fun or rewarding, well you close a lot of doors.

                You close a lot either way. But if you can't think about what you want to do with yourself or reconsider your priorities, at the age of 22, you never will. And that's a recipe for living without a sense of purpose until you hit a mid-life crisis.

                A lot of us do unrewarding jobs. You're there to earn a living, not to have fun.

                Let the kid look for a more rewarding job. The many people who fall into some path they never wanted without even trying to do something more suited to themselves have nothing to do with him.
                Worst case he ends up looking for something else in a couple of years, barely set back financially but with a more interesting resume than other candidates.

                Personally I've found that leaving jobs kinda early can be viewed pretty favourably when making a career change, for younger people anyway. It helps the next company think you might be motivated to do whatever job you are applying for, because you're clearly making an effort not to get stuck in something you hate.

              • JustASmoothSkin on 16/07/2019 - 18:45

                @lostn: Life is short, and my time is precious and if I think X amount of dollars isn't worth the time, stress and lifestyle damage that I have to suffer because of it then I am sure as hell going to find something better to do with my time.

            • whooah1979 on 16/07/2019 - 19:58

              @crentist:

              but 90 hour weeks

              It's interesting to hear that a FIFO would allow their worker to clock more than 12hr per shift.

              • JustASmoothSkin on 17/07/2019 - 13:22

                @whooah1979: If you think that’s interesting my roster was 3 and 1 with NO RDO (Which is a legal requirement when working 13 days consecutively only started to just introduce it when I quit). Daily, depending on what was required I could be travelling more then 400km with me clocking over 1200km in a day a few times so 12 hour days were the norm for me with one of my longest hitting 16.5 hours. I remember 1 week a couple Christmas’s back I totalled 104 hours for the week, payroll broke the hours up to make it appear less and paid me on my week off.

          • JustASmoothSkin on 16/07/2019 - 13:41

            @lostn: Actually have multiple sclerosis so my "long life" may be a bit access friendly at some point and I don't particularly want to spend the good portion of it working 90 hours a week then being laid of because medical issues and then not being able to find another 100K per year job.

            • Sammyboy on 16/07/2019 - 14:23

              @JustASmoothSkin: Sorry to hear that. Well enjoy the dream in that case, knowing medical situation could change unpredictably (one would hope not of course), and you may have to sell (at a massive loss after spending on upgrades) and purchase a car/suv that is a lot easier to get in and out of and operate.

      • gimme on 16/07/2019 - 13:26

        I've said it before I say it again. Do not ask for any car (or anything other than where I can find the cheapest xxxx) on Ozbargain. Or be prepared for the inevitable barrage of unsolicited and/or pointless comments. I'm sure there are a lot of car forums out there.

    • skywards on 14/07/2019 - 15:18

      Hey gotta give it to the OP, there hasn’t been that many interesting posts lately 😉

      • JustASmoothSkin on 16/07/2019 - 18:47

        Hey I am just glad none of my comments have been negged into the ground, Hard to maintain a active thread like this without becoming some form of OzBargain leper.

  • JimB on 14/07/2019 - 11:05
    +1

    I like BMWs but the 335i is unreliable and a money pit.

    Great when it works well but that's not often.

    My friend just traded his 335i in as it kept breaking down.

    Mine you, he is an ex BMW mechanic who worked on his own car, so that's telling you something.

    I'd look into a Falcon turbo 6 before an 335i, awesome inline 6.

    • JustASmoothSkin on 14/07/2019 - 15:15

      Yeah the G6ET is currently on the watch list for me, hoping to find a cheap enough one to buy a cheap 650CC bike. (Want to get a motorcycle license this year)

  • tomleonhart on 14/07/2019 - 11:19
    +1

    Gezz. The amount of judgemental comment is crazy lol.

    • SuperMid on 14/07/2019 - 12:11

      It's the internet. What do u expect. Sympathy and non-judgement?

  • crashloaded on 14/07/2019 - 13:53
    +1

    Think about this;

    Every time you see a nice car, do you think about it after it's gone for more than 30 seconds? I certainly dont. A hot chick driving a shitbox on the other hand ;)

    • ProlapsedHeinous on 14/07/2019 - 14:11
      +1

      I agree, OP you need to get spend 10k on plastic surgery and buy an accent. Mods you can close the thread now.

  • FareEvader on 14/07/2019 - 14:27
    +1

    I have a 2009 335i, it's surprisingly slow for a 6-cylinder twin-turbo lol

    • JustASmoothSkin on 14/07/2019 - 14:51

      Maybe you should get it checked, should do 0-100 in under 6 seconds. Obviously not stupid fast but fast enough to be fun and controllable.

  • Tiredman on 14/07/2019 - 14:45
    +1

    My E90 2005, bought brand new and 95k on the odometer just had a massive engine rebuild. $4500. Oil leaks everywhere.

    But then again, it is the only problem this car had in over 14 years. So i'm still quite happy with it.

  • jedimaster on 14/07/2019 - 15:10
    +1

    check out pickles auction, sometimes you can get a decent deal there with car still in warranty.

  • solidussnake on 14/07/2019 - 15:59
    +1

    Mate just do what you want to do, I got a 25k loan when I was 20 to get an almost new 2006 Wrx, the insurance and servicing was shocking but that's what I wanted and had years of enjoyment and had even more fun when I got a 2003 evo 8 gsr imported from Japan for my next ride 😁

    • JustASmoothSkin on 14/07/2019 - 16:03

      Haha, my brother just picked up a 06 WRX as well. Fun ride, and his is in pretty good nick.

      • solidussnake on 14/07/2019 - 16:32
        +1

        Yeah I've had two a 06 Wrx and had a 2007 tuned by sti edition back in the day awesome cars real head turners and my mate had a 06 sti forged engine making 270kw on e85 scary fast stuff haha

        • JustASmoothSkin on 17/07/2019 - 14:04

          So about my brothers 06 WRX, he just rang up and told me he killed the clutch. Second clutch his gone though in 2 years. Haha (other clutch was in a civic)

  • ZloyKrys on 14/07/2019 - 16:55
    +1

    In this budget I would consider adding Nissan Fuga to the list. This will likely be a car with least mileage and best condition for the price, probably comparable to Crown but with arguably more modern exterior and interior. It's got the same drivetrain as V36 Skyline but has a V8 option and can be had significantly cheaper

    • SuperMid on 15/07/2019 - 10:39

      what a generically boring looking car

      actually, all nissans recently look ugly af

      • ZloyKrys on 15/07/2019 - 17:16
        +1

        Each to their own but it's certainly not even close to being as generic as others from the list, G6E looks exactly like hundreds of thousands of other falcodores, or what not boring in the maxima and even the 335 looks as tens of thousands of 320s that dime a dozen.

        This is Infiniti M of previous shape and whilst I like the current shape better, I don't see how it is worse than the G6E, maxima or 335.

        • SuperMid on 15/07/2019 - 17:22

          upvoted for remaining so calm sir. i was expecting the usual ozbargain blow up

          i personally think the e92 335i is a very pretty car

          the g6e, not too bad

          the nissans however, just dont do anything for me. they look like potatoe sacks. just bland. dont get me started on the infiniti qx80, good lord!

          • ZloyKrys on 15/07/2019 - 17:57

            @SuperMid: All good mate.
            Not all cars I owned were good looking. I had for starters, a BMW 130 E87 which is universally accepted as being one of the ugliest cars ever made, with that I can't express how nice it goes so you really couldn't care less how it looks. Another was an Audi A6 C6 which many consider perfectly shaped but it was a way too boring for me - same power as the 130 but feels much slower and not at all entertaining to drive.
            Now the Nissans. I am in agreement that the QX80 for its price should look much better. However if I look at the budget of $15k and I need a fast reliable used sedan with low mileage and good interior, it's hard to pass by the Y50 Fuga or V36 Skyline and the latter likely will be in a worse condition than the former, with the V8 option it's even more compelling, considering it's not a crappy Commodore or Falcon V8 which may fall apart next week.

            • SuperMid on 15/07/2019 - 18:10

              @ZloyKrys: i keep forgetting this $15k budget, which limits options

              under powered manual cars are more fun than high powered automatics.

    • JustASmoothSkin on 16/07/2019 - 18:55

      Seems like your the winner (there is no prize though). Got J-Spec working on finding me a nice Fuga. The 3.5 NA V6 puts out a semi respectable 0/100 in 6.2 seconds with only 8ltrs per 100km. Hoping for a nice 4.5 V8 though, Same mileage but 0/100 in under 6 seconds and should leave a few grand for rims/tires, audio and maybe coilovers if I can find a nice deal.

      • ZloyKrys on 16/07/2019 - 19:13

        Good choice for the car and the agent! All the best.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2019 - 17:25
    +1

    All the euro car hate/ japanese car love reminded me of this book:

    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/93903.Machine_That_Chang…

    It's commonly accepted that Japanese control is superior to US and Euro, but have you ever wondered why? If you have this is a pretty interesting read - it outlines how Toyota took Henry Ford's mass production model and refined it into 'lean production'

    Everyone's got anecdotal experiences of japanese cars running reliably compared cars built elsewhere. But this gives you some of the engineering innovations behind it.

    The book sounds pretty dry, and I guess it is - but I found it interesting to understand the processes that lead to such a complex product have such greater reliability.

    • MELso on 14/07/2019 - 19:58

      Yes, that's a cracking read! I read it about 23 years ago (part of my very first Amazon order in the mid-90s)…

  • SydEng on 14/07/2019 - 18:08
    +2

    I own an f30 BMW 320i, it never had any issues with it and it has 110k km on the clock. I was looking at several 335i E90 convertibles before settling on my car. Here is my advice.

    1) Do not scrape the bottom of the barrel - so do not buy the cheapest car on carsales - there's bound to be something wrong the owner is hiding
    2) Ask about what parts have been replaced, most people sell their cars repaired at a loss and you can benefit off that
    3) LOG BOOKS - do not buy one without it
    4) The first owner of a BMW will treat it meticulously its the 2nd and 3rd owners who tend to trash it. so the more owners there are the more questions you should be asking.

    The 335i is a fantastic car, steering is a bit too tense for my liking but apparently is designed that way for handling. If you take good care of the car if will serve you many miles before you need to visit the mechanic.

    good luck

    • MarsTitan on 14/07/2019 - 21:55
      +1

      If I remember correctly, you were the last recipient of ozbragain 'love' from another thread.

      If you guys like BMWs do visit BMW museum in Munich, it is amazing.

      • smpantsonfire on 14/07/2019 - 22:05

        Can confirm the museum is awesome

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