What car would you get for $30k or less?

[FutureCRNA]

Looking to change things up this summer. No this is not 100% of my money. I have $30k set aside that i've been saving for a couple months I want to get a car for myself. Cash only biatch, payments are for pussys

Cars I'm considering:
04-09 BMW 5 Series or 3 Series
2008-2009 Cadillac CTS
2005-2006 CTS-V
Lexus IS350

 

[stonculdstunur]

If you're paying with cash, talk a salesman down to $30K on a brand new 5.0 Mustang.

 

[jmelwak]

camaro

 

[Ramsweb]

Buy a nice used BMW man. There is no car like it when it comes to driving experience. I have test driven cheap and used BMW cars and even the old ones were such a pleasure to drive. For $30k, I think you can even get an awesome used 7 series. Now, that is a car that motivates you to work hard everyday.

 

[LakeForest]

YES VW, Ford, Mazda, Volvo, Hyundai, Buick

NO Toyota, BMW, Honda, Audi, Lexus, Chevy

 

[b1step-ahead]

get a new vw tdi- you can make your own fuel if shit hits the fan

 

[FutureCRNA]

Buy a nice used BMW man. There is no car like it when it comes to driving experience. I have test driven cheap and used BMW cars and even the old ones were such a pleasure to drive. For $30k, I think you can even get an awesome used 7 series. Now, that is a car that motivates you to work hard everyday.

Really am considering this. The 04-09(i think) 5 series are really nice. 7 Series would be a bit to big for my taste. But yeah, definitely considering it.

 

[Ramsweb]

Really am considering this. The 04-09(i think) 5 series are really nice. 7 Series would be a bit to big for my taste. But yeah, definitely considering it.

That will be a sweet purchase. Apart from being a great car to drive, it also attracts the ladies - But, maintenance costs, repair costs etc are pretty high when compared to the other suggestions on this thread. Just keep an eye out for that.

 

[GreyGhostSEO]

Buy a E46 M3


It's cheaper than getting a regular 3 series and your getting a M model.
My friend has one, still got plenty of power.

 

[IamNRE]

hmm, I'd invest it it into 1 big site and 2 smaller sites and leave $20K in the bank. Put the car of a little longer.

Mentality of the poor = buy none sense (never save)
Mentality of the middle class = keep up with the Joneses (get the latest car, phone, ipad, travel even if you go into debt), if there is something left then save that.
Mentality of the wealthy rich = Save, Invest, Then if there is something left spend.

You make your destiny.

That said, Bimma, 3 series.

 

[ankee0939]

I drive a 2008 IS 250 but have also driven the 350, bmw 3 series, and been driven in a CTS-V. The lexus is the most reliable, you won't believe what mine has been through and is still running great. The 3 series is more comfortable than the lexus but not as fun to drive. If you have money for a CTS-V get one it's fucking awesome.

 

[gsy159]

BMW E63, for about 25,000? you an get a good one here in germany. I Will buy one for my brothers birthday here a picture:

 

[FutureCRNA]

I drive a 2008 IS 250 but have also driven the 350, bmw 3 series, and been driven in a CTS-V. The lexus is the most reliable, you won't believe what mine has been through and is still running great. The 3 series is more comfortable than the lexus but not as fun to drive. If you have money for a CTS-V get one it's fucking awesome.

Why do you say the Lexus is more fun to drive? Does it handle better then the 3 series? And yeah, the CTSV's are beasts, I just can't afford anything newer then an 05-07ish. (older body style)

 

[shadowfax]

Go for BMW.. other cars cannot match it in comfort and luxury.

 

[Rasacz]

Go for BMW.. other cars cannot match it in comfort and luxury.

Agree. M5 ftw!

 

[limey]

Would sell u my 2000 BMW m5 with 37k miles on it. Cleanest one you can find since I work from home. Original owner. For a little more than half your price and put 13k away.

 

[roamer]

Go for BMW.. other cars cannot match it in comfort and luxury.

BMWs look cheap besides an Audi. My dad's had both, and also M. Benz and my favorite ones have always been Audis, then Mercedes-Benz. I don't know how to explain it, but BMWs look like, uhm, a car for the guys that buy flashy things that everyone knows are expensive. Audis look as if they were made in one piece (better assemblage, maybe) and BMWs, you can tell where the 'seams' are. Its a matter of (better) taste, I guess.

That said, IamNRE told it like it is. I learned from my father that you should only buy a nice car if you've made 10x it's worth, maybe more. Cars are not an investment. I have a nissan altima and I'm really happy with it, It's paid for (AKA really mine), it has everything you'd ever need and then some, including nice leather interiors, a nice sunroof and a cool sound system; I don't understand guy's need to show off so much (my dad included ).

 

[darkjedig]

Hate to admit it but I'm with IamNRE though. If you don't own a house yet free and clear I'd say hang on to that money or spend it on a house. Much as I'd love to have all the toys I'd rather have a place to live when shtf and my income drops.

Bhbeer is absolutely right, save for a house and then the toys can come. I managed to pay off my house by age 25 and I can now afford my 2 cars, holidays, and still save money (although not as much as id like). Now we are planning to go to the states and buying up a cheap property while they are in foreclosure. It makes good sense.

As for the car, I have a Peugeot RCZ which I love because I get around 55mpg and the car looks and drives fantastically well. Shame you can't get those in the U.S. though, I used to have Mustang's and sold my Mitsubishi Evo 8 over there a few years ago and that was a beast! If you really want an enjoyable, comfortable business car then I don't think you can do much better than the 3 or 5 series Beemer. I work full time in marketing for a large car website and the 3 and 5 series are constantly at the top when I look at satisfaction reviews.

 

[MrSmith]

Audi S5 does the job, no?

 

[ExpressFans]

I'd go for the BMW!