BMW 328i Sedan
- Thread starter digitalwanderer
- Start date
Considered a Honda Accord? The 4cyl is surprisingly strong (well, for someone used to value family sedan engines), the interior layout is great (nicer than the new Camry, IMO), it feels and handles pretty good. It's no BMW, but then nothing cheap and front-drive will be.
No frills, sure, but it just seems like they got everything "just right" (I agree with everything in C&D's comparo and "preview") for a basic midsize car. It's just surprisingly competent in every respect. My biggest complaints are no easy direct iPod hookup and no split folding rear seats. If you don't like the looks, you could wait for the 2008 redesign (tho I'm not liking the coupe), but that may bring reliability into play.
And there's the new Altima. It looks good IRL, and CR scored it higher than the Camry or Accord. Given that you're looking at the SE and coming off a Z, I'm thinking a 4cyl might not cut it for you. I guess the good news it the Accord V6 seems to get about the same mileage as the 4cyl. I think the 4cyl's leasing for "$200/mo for 24 mo's" plus around $2400 down, so about $300/mo. It's at least cheaper enough than the 328 to make you think about lowering your performance expectations, but an extra $25 for a 325 (ignoring insurance, etc.) is tempting. Honda's are nice and all, but BMWs are sweet.
As for French cars in the USA, the Versa's as close as we get right now.
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We recently test drove a LOT of cars in that category, and the Nissan Altima (even the 4) drove a lot better than the Accord 4cyl. The increase in horse power was noticeable.
digitalwanderer
Legend
Did you try the auto or standard transmission Russ? And how did you like the interior?
The interior was nice enough, and we drove the CVT version.
I'm sure the standard also has more oomf (175HP vs. 166 for the Accord)
I'm sure the standard also has more oomf (175HP vs. 166 for the Accord)
digitalwanderer
Legend
The standard Altima we're looking at has 270hp, we'd be getting an SE for sure if we go Altima.
digitalwanderer
Legend
Wowzers! My wife is actually looking at/sort of liking the 2007 Sentra SE-R Spec V now.
Kind of practical/economical, still sort of fun...a good compromise.
Found one local in magnetic grey with the options we want, (Sunroof, limited slip diff, audio. Has mudflaps too, but that's ok.), gonna see if I can get gramma to watch the kids sometime so we can go check it out and get the Z appraised.
Kind of practical/economical, still sort of fun...a good compromise.
Found one local in magnetic grey with the options we want, (Sunroof, limited slip diff, audio. Has mudflaps too, but that's ok.), gonna see if I can get gramma to watch the kids sometime so we can go check it out and get the Z appraised.
Wow..you've gone from considering a 3 Series down to a Sentra?
Why not just get a MazdaSpeed3?
260 HP
280 lb tq
LSD
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=MS3
http://images.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/...ds/images/exterior/galleryExternalImage01.jpg
Why not just get a MazdaSpeed3?
260 HP
280 lb tq
LSD
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=MS3
http://images.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/...ds/images/exterior/galleryExternalImage01.jpg
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digitalwanderer
Legend
Just floated the Speed3 past my wife and she seemed to consider it seriously for all of about 2 seconds before replying, "Mazdas are Fords"; which ended the considerations of it for us.
digitalwanderer
Legend
C'mon, the Sentra has got a G meter in it!
Well, for me, anything with front-wheel drive is mostly "meh". Rear wheel drive is fine when you live somewhere with mostly nice weather all year long. But when the weather is regulary cold and/or wet, nothing beats AWD. And 4WD is mostly nice for off-road and really bad weather.
Reliability is very important. Brands (like Subaru) who give you a free 24/7 help on breakdown service worldwide are best. They're simply quite sure you're most likely never going to need it.
Further, I steer clear of brands/models with a lot of status attached. For example, the very popular VW Golf (small hatchback) only has a single, very basic model (Trendline), with 1.4 and 1.6 L engines that is cheaper than my 2.0 L Impreza. Heck, most of them are even more expensive than an Impreza WRX, while they cannot compare at all on interior or driving and handling. And the best example is Audi: they actually hire transponders on all popular satellites that are pointed at their target markets, so all potential buyers can watch their advertizing 24/7. You pay for that. And people who value status over all do so.
Next are driving and handling. It has to feel easy accelerating and cornering at a fair clip. Enough HP to do that. Responsive, in any weather and off-road as well. Do what I tell it to, and be easy to correct if I come close to the limits. Simply fun to drive.
Of course, it should look good. But in my experience, if the first impression isn't negative and it is a great car, it'll grow on you.
Another thing I like very much is, that you don't see them very often on the roads. If you see your car everywhere, you're just one of many.
And last, but certainly not least, it should offer you good bang for your buck, and be within your budget.
Digi, how about you make such a list as well? That would make it a lot easier for us to help you find one.
Reliability is very important. Brands (like Subaru) who give you a free 24/7 help on breakdown service worldwide are best. They're simply quite sure you're most likely never going to need it.
Further, I steer clear of brands/models with a lot of status attached. For example, the very popular VW Golf (small hatchback) only has a single, very basic model (Trendline), with 1.4 and 1.6 L engines that is cheaper than my 2.0 L Impreza. Heck, most of them are even more expensive than an Impreza WRX, while they cannot compare at all on interior or driving and handling. And the best example is Audi: they actually hire transponders on all popular satellites that are pointed at their target markets, so all potential buyers can watch their advertizing 24/7. You pay for that. And people who value status over all do so.
Next are driving and handling. It has to feel easy accelerating and cornering at a fair clip. Enough HP to do that. Responsive, in any weather and off-road as well. Do what I tell it to, and be easy to correct if I come close to the limits. Simply fun to drive.
Of course, it should look good. But in my experience, if the first impression isn't negative and it is a great car, it'll grow on you.
Another thing I like very much is, that you don't see them very often on the roads. If you see your car everywhere, you're just one of many.
And last, but certainly not least, it should offer you good bang for your buck, and be within your budget.
Digi, how about you make such a list as well? That would make it a lot easier for us to help you find one.
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digitalwanderer
Legend
1. My wife has to love itDigi, how about you make such a list as well? That would make it a lot easier for us to help you find one.
2. We have to be able to afford it
That's it.
Hm. I was afraid of that.1. My wife has to love it
2. We have to be able to afford it
That's it.
So, why don't you make such a list for your wife? Or ask her to make one?
digitalwanderer
Legend
Because she's a woman, hence a non-logic based carbon unit who would only grow frustrated and angry with my attempts to compartmentalize her opinions.
Sorry, rules of the game.
If it's any consolation, I don't really get any say/input in the matter either. The only way I have any input is if I suggest something that she likes.