I was thinking of a BMW 330i until a couple people mentioned problems with plastic parts in and around the engine. I like the look of BMW and that it's a nice combination of sports and family.
Does anyone have suggestions for alternatives? I'm not aware of American sports sedans and have to admit I'm not crazy about the look of most Japanese cars.
I've read that Audi also uses a lot of plastic in their engines. Someone on a YT video said that the engines in the BMW x40 models (540, 340, etc.) are different and don't have that particular issue.
Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
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I owned a Acura TL for 12 years and replaced it with an MDX which I just gave my daughter in college, so the MDX is 13 years old. 25 years (and counting), two cars, zero issues.
I think they have a regular and turbo model - both with 250+ HP
Thanks Beezer. I guess I should've specified a car made this century, and one that doesn't depend on natural convection via an open window for AC and doesn't require stops at a gas station every other day.
Btw, a friend of mine had a Nova back in HS and he drove like that guy in the video (didn't we all, I guess, at least once in awhile).
ok. How about 4 door car that has balls? Is that better?
for smaller look at the CT4
I miss my Mercedes...drove them exclusively since 2005 but the price point no longer provides distinct value/amenities over most of their peers. Just my .02.
Good luck!
Any luxury/sports car you get is potentially going to have gremlins that will be cost prohibitively expensive if you are stretching up to afford it already. Someone will scare you about BMW's engine parts in the turbo four configuration, Audi's oil/electric issue, MBs various concerns, etc. and reset you back to square one if you go this route of finding specs and then trying to make price tags work.
Not to be a bummer, but I think you have to start by narrowing your field based on what you can afford today and tomorrow and then maximize the fun within those limits, as any car has the potential to be a royal pain.
+1. Also far more reliable and cheaper to repair than a BMW. Mazda is a grossly underated automobile manufacturer.
Any luxury/sports car you get is potentially going to have gremlins that will be cost prohibitively expensive if you are stretching up to afford it already. Someone will scare you about BMW's engine parts in the turbo four configuration, Audi's oil/electric issue, MBs various concerns, etc. and reset you back to square one if you go this route of finding specs and then trying to make price tags work.
Not to be a bummer, but I think you have to start by narrowing your field based on what you can afford today and tomorrow and then maximize the fun within those limits, as any car has the potential to be a royal pain.
Appreciate the detailed info UAGiant.
Do you have any thoughts on the 340i? According to this guy on YT who talks a lot about BMW, it's a much better engine than the turbo 4, with I believe a lot less plastic.
I believe you said on other thread you have a M340i. I don't need that much HP or want to spend quite that amount. Would you recommend a regular 340i?
Will consider the 6
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Define the budget then find the car that hits the most requirements.
Any luxury/sports car you get is potentially going to have gremlins that will be cost prohibitively expensive if you are stretching up to afford it already. Someone will scare you about BMW's engine parts in the turbo four configuration, Audi's oil/electric issue, MBs various concerns, etc. and reset you back to square one if you go this route of finding specs and then trying to make price tags work.
Not to be a bummer, but I think you have to start by narrowing your field based on what you can afford today and tomorrow and then maximize the fun within those limits, as any car has the potential to be a royal pain.
Appreciate the detailed info UAGiant.
Do you have any thoughts on the 340i? According to this guy on YT who talks a lot about BMW, it's a much better engine than the turbo 4, with I believe a lot less plastic.
I believe you said on other thread you have a M340i. I don't need that much HP or want to spend quite that amount. Would you recommend a regular 340i?
On the BMW G20 platform (2020 model year 3 series and beyond), any configuration that has an inline 6 engine (B58 platform) is going to be wearing the full badge - M340 (and the full price tag). A "regular" 340 does not exist.
On the BMW F30 platform (2012-2019 model years), 335 without the vanity "M" badge do exist. However, these are slightly older and I am a fan of the current generation styling than last generation. However, this would still get you in on the "better" engine platform (last gen was the N55 platform, but its iterative not revolutionary jumps).
Depending on your needs/size constraints, I would consider looking at the M240 Grand Coupe (if you need the 4 doors, want to stay BMW, and want to cost down slightly), as you'll be getting the engine platform you seem to be more comfortable with.
All said, I would still suggest getting your budget set and then finding the car that checks more boxes. I do really enjoy the BMW drive train more than other cars in the market/segment, but there are tradeoffs and its not the perfect car for all (or even me).
Genesis has a 10 year warranty, and everyone will think at first glance that you are driving a Bentley because Genesis sort of ripped off their logo. And you won't have to take out a second mortgage to pay for the A service or the B service (which one is it that Mercedes owners sell the car or turn it in so they don't have to have it done?)
Toyota/Lexus have drastically cut production due to supply chain issues so dealers are marking up like crazy.
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250 hp. Nice looking. Well reviewed. I have the CX 5 and love it.
Will consider the 6
You'll have to go with a used 2021 or earlier. Mazda no longer produces the 6.
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In comment 15850085 BillT said:
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250 hp. Nice looking. Well reviewed. I have the CX 5 and love it.
Will consider the 6
You'll have to go with a used 2021 or earlier. Mazda no longer produces the 6.
Sorry. Didn’t realize.
Depends on your definition of sport.
If you are talking outright performance and lap times, then what you are saying is not true, likely since the mid '90s and especially not now.
If you want to talk about the purity of the driving experience, hell you could challenge even most sports and exotic cars today on that, let alone even heavier 4 door vehicles.
for smaller look at the CT4
Very nice underrated option.
A nice car but more muscle than sport, unless you're talking powerslides and drifting, then definitely.