[HermanL]

I am helping my girl friend getting a car for around 7-8k, we would like a reliable car but I will probably end up driving it half of the time so I want something fun as well. we don't need to haul anything around so practicality is not a priority. and the following cars are what I have in mind:

RSX type-s
04 MINI S (I know they are not exactly reliable, but tempting)
e46 325/330 (I would love a 330/zhp, but they are slightly out of budget)
e36 m3

what else do you guys have in mind? let me know thanks

[Meeni]

BMW cost money to keep running. Forget it if you are on a tight budget, except if you can wrench yourself.

[aroojnaz]

i want to sale my Mehran 2010 model in cheap price, can every one here to purchase my car come to join me.....
http://www.adverts.pk/27/posts/1_Veh...le_Purchase/0/

[Nate4641]

Miata. 1st or second gen, NA or NB respectively. You can drive the piss out of those cars without worry, solid engine and transmission. If you dont like the look there is a bunch of aftermarket and some fastback solid roofs available.

[BillionPa]

if you are looking at E46, look at the 323 or 328, better engine than the 325/330 for fuel econ (and make sure its a manual, the auto is NOT reliable)

[KingOfJericho]

RSX is a nice little ride.

[runnin9z]

RSX is a great car, I had an 06 and loved it. I would also consider srt-4's, while they are a neon they are incredibly fun to drive and toss around.

[Red Bread]

2nd the Miata vote. The RSX is about as good as fwd gets though. Absolutely ignore both if a manual is not your transmission of choice.

[Jamesons Viggen]

'99-02 Saab Viggen. 5mt only, available as 3dr-5dr-convertible

Lots of car for the money, cheap to insure, rare, practical with the hatchback, great in the snow, decent fuel economy, good power.

[HermanL]

RSX is right in her price range, and yep she can drive a stick

[advanced101]

Had an 04 RSX-S, loved it

[iBoost]

The gf has a cabrio e46 325ci, every mechanic I've came across said they love that M54 engine. One of them had it in his 5 series and ran it up to 350k miles with no problems. I guess if you keep up good maintenance it'll run forever. Its also easy to work on, i recently did the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket. I also threw in a k&n cold air intake and fresh plugs and its a blast to drive and its an automatic (MT would be even better).

I guess if you're not a DIY'er it can get expensive since simple things like those take a couple hours and most shop around here charge a flat rate of $75 per hour minimum.. If you're a DIY'er then you don't have to worry about the wallet so much.

[HermanL]

Originally Posted by iBoost

The gf has a cabrio e46 325ci, every mechanic I've came across said they love that M54 engine. One of them had it in his 5 series and ran it up to 350k miles with no problems. I guess if you keep up good maintenance it'll run forever. Its also easy to work on, i recently did the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket. I also through in a k&n cold air intake and fresh plugs and its a blast to drive and its an automatic (MT would be even better).

I guess if you're not a DIY'er it can get expensive since simple things like those take a couple hours and most shop around here charge a flat rate of $75 per hour minimum.. If you're a DIY'er then you don't have to worry about the wallet so much.

hmm...I need to do a bit more research on e46 then, I have no problem doing work on car myself, in fact, I did most of the work on my 335i including coilover, downpipes, thermostat/waterpump etc.

[iBoost]

Originally Posted by HermanL

hmm...I need to do a bit more research on e46 then, I have no problem doing work on car myself, in fact, I did most of the work on my 335i including coilover, downpipes, thermostat/waterpump etc.

You're definitely mechanically inclined. You'll be fine working on one. I guess its a matter of finding one that has been maintained well. All the regular maintenance stuff on the e46 platform is the same as e9x for the most part so you wont be no stranger. (oil change, spark plugs, etc)

I love the feel of the way the e46 handles, pretty hard to explain but i guess nimble and well planted gives you an idea..

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

'99-02 Saab Viggen. 5mt only, available as 3dr-5dr-convertible

Lots of car for the money, cheap to insure, rare, practical with the hatchback, great in the snow, decent fuel economy, good power.

You forgot to put horrendously unreliable, expensive to repair, and limited parts availability.