I need an independant opinion

BMW without a doubt!!!!


well thats because I own em

 

Well, what do you want out of your new car? Do you want it to be more comfortable then the WRX you've got now, or does performance and reliability rule the debate?

 

I would go for the BMW. That being said, (I know I will be flamed for this) I find some BMW 3 series drivers to be absolute idiots on the road.

 

I would either go for the Legacy GT or Audi A4...All 3 are great cars... But there is something about the Audi that makes it stick out to me. Depending where you live, it may have snow which the Subaru and Audi will have advantaged due to there AWD systems.

 

i love the legacy gt, its quick, but i am not sure that it is the best of the three you listed. another you may want to consider is the acura tsx...

 

Have you looked at the Mazda Rx-8?
Out of those three it would be 3 series, no doubt.

 

Though I have never owned a BMW, I have owned MB and Porsche. The German cars in my experience have been great. The MB never went in for service (other than scheduled). Same with the Porsche, other than the key remotes going bad. BMW got alot of bad press with their iDrive system but the 3 series does not have it.

 

My choice would be
1 BMW
2 Audi
3 Subaru

 

As I've noted before, and as apparently the only person on FChat who owns one, I feel obligated to recommend the Legacy GT. Having traded my Audi (A6) on it this past Sept., I am extremely happy, and wouldn't trade it for a BMW 3 or another Audi. It's quick, comfortable, reliable, and less expensive than either German car, and has most of the same amenities. I've put almost 5k on mine since I got it, and it's been very trouble free.

Rather than write a verbose post on its merits, my opinions and feedback will be available via PM or e-mail. Feel free to contact me.

 

Ive spent much time in the Audi and BMW though not the legacy.

i would go with the BMW easy... I find the ergonomics the best, performance so close you cant tell a difference..looks are subjective... but importantly..resale value the BMW rules.

Unless you are a 'new car only' buyer I would just get an M3 thats a couple years old for the same amount of $

 

I had a 2000 Audi S4 (biturbo V6) that I loved. But at 44k miles (out of warranty), the cam belt jumped, and the engine needed a $18K repair (new BLOCK!, one new head, etc.) Audi finally agreed to pay all but $4K.

But that put me off Audi's.

So I bought an STi. Loved the motor, hated the small size, terrible ride, and tacky/cheap interior. Six months later I sold it.

And bought a Legacy GT. A nice car. Put STi wheels and Mich PS2's on it. Liked it a lot.

But didn't love it.

Six months later I was driving by the Audi dealer, and they had a 2004 S4 with 14K miles. I sold the Legacy and bought it.

And I'm happy.

I have owned two E36 M3s (sedan and convertible), so I like BMWs too.

But after trying them all, my choice is an Audi with an extended warranty.

 

Do you plan to mod it or just a nice driver? Are you looking at new cars, or used?

Personally I would look for an 03-04 M3 or S4

 

The BMW will be most fun of the choices and have the best trade-in value later.

 

I wouldn't buy an Audi if it was the only choice on your list. I think the BMW will have the luxury you are looking for and some good performance. The Sub is nice and will have performance but not neccesarily the luxury...

 

get a Volvo

It says, I have class and don't need the attention.....

 

If you are looking at new cars, I'd pay attention to the new Lexus IS350 or the Acura RL...both those are are sweet cars.

 

Unlike the children replying to this thread, I've driven all of your target cars extensively. The Legacy is not in the same league as the A4 and 3-series.

Of the Audi and bimmer, I prefer the new E90 BMW as it's truly a driver's car. The car feels like a proper BMW while the Audi still has some VW feel in it. I really like the active steering and highly recommend it. The so-called automotive press doesn't like it because they're all old buggers and drive by reference, not with their eyes.

The E90 is truly a generation ahead of the E46--and the E46 is still a fantastic car.

 

The only one of the three which I have driven is the 3-series (the newest generation 325 & 330, both in rear-wheel drive), so I can only comment about its driveability. For the short period of time I drove it, it was truly a magnificient vehicle. I was able to find a comfortable driving position immediately, and the car reacted exactly as I wanted it to when I put it through its paces. The cars I drove didn't have the Active Steering or the nav system, so I cannot comment on these options. But the rest of the car, in my opinion, was amazing. I thought the materials, inside and out, were of very good quality and there wasn't a whole lot to fault. Although I think the rear seats could have an extra 1/2" of leg room and the cupholder in the front (passenger side) looked like an afterthought, but I'm really pushing myself to find something wrong with the car. I'd be interested in having the new 3 as my next car, finances provided of course.

I don't really see enough of the Legacys on the road so other than the fact that they are a fairly stealthy vehicle, I won't comment any further. My only comment about the Audi is that I prefer the previous generation's styling over the current generation's - it was a little more aggressive and angular and it really stood out moreso than the new car.

Best of luck with your decision.

Andrew

 

BMW

 

How about an Infiniti G35? or an Acura of some sort? there are many other VERY nice cars than the 3 you listed in the same price range.

 

The Acura RL is actually AWD.

 

It also starts 15k higher than the others.