What should be my next daily driver and why?

Agree. We have a 2008 TL Type S 6-speed in Carbon Bronze Pearl. Traded a BMW for it, and will be trading it for the 2010 SH-AWD 6-Speed. We actually prefer the 2008 style, but want the AWD and Alaska-compatible SATNAV.

Less to own and repair, but all the style and performance of the others.

 

I'd take a 911 over anything else on your list. That's on my short list for my next DD. They are great values right now.

 

911 all the way. It is a no brainer. The 996's are a steal and with the exception of the RMS issue, very reliable from what I have recently been told.

 

Either that, or a thorough PPI from a reputable shop. 996s are likely out of warranty at this point.

 

We need a price range.

 

What kind of MPG have you been getting with the MS3?

 

M E R C E D E S

 

On my daily 21 mile one way commute, the MS3's computer shows a 25.3 mpg average over the last month: about 5 tanks. So even if its off a couple mpg, I'm happy. And the MS3 is an absolute blast to drive...

 

911 all the way.

 

How about a benz SL? They are big fun to drive, (the sl55 and sl600 especially with 500 hp), and they're available with a full extended warrenttee. They can be had in the high 30's. It's a ton of car for the $$$.

 

My dad has the AWD Lexus IS250. It is pretty nice on the inside. He hasnt had any issues with it. He lives in ME and it is good in the snow.

I had a 2001 BMW M3 for a daily driver a few years ago. That car was awesome. The maintenance wasnt bad. It is an absolutely brilliant car. The Lexus on the other hand is very bland. You can get them for pretty cheap now too.

I had a WRX when they first came out. That was a fun car. The early ones had some transmission weakness (which is why I sold it). The Subaru STI have better transmissions. There was one at the last track day I went to and it was one of the faster cars there. If I was in the market for a new daily driver (that wasnt a truck) I would be looking at the new STI.

-Nick

 

e46 m3 with the competition package. yeah the 335 is faster but the handling isn't even close.

 

Funrari,

I am a bit late to the party but as I have some experience with these cars so thought I would weigh in. I agree that it would be hard to go wrong with a Lexus for all the obvious reasons. My DD is a 330Ci manual coupe, which is a phenomenal car. Enough room, fast enough for most (drove a 335i, BIG difference) and reliable but maintenance is above average. IF you will take care of it, it will take care of you. A good friend has had a TL and I am a big fan of the car (prefer the last style over the current one but that is personal preference). For a no-nonsense car that is quick enough and comfy, they are pretty good as well. He did just trade it for a BMW 328xi and is more than satisfied and considers it a definite upgrade. The Lexus IS250/350 are just too small IMHO as someone else mentioned. The trunk in the 350 I drove before buying my BMW was laughable. Nice cars for sure, but make sure they have enough room for you. I owned a Lexus before the BMW so I am also familiar and quite happy with them in general. I will own at least one more.

If a 911 is on the table, it has enough room for your needs and maintaining the car isn’t a concern, it would be hard to recommend something else. I have never owned one, but will some day.

Having said all this, I hate to say it, but if you want a bulletproof car that looks good, is comfortable, will be fine in the snow, won’t draw undue attention, has plenty of get up and go in a straight line and is whisper quiet, get a Lexus GS350 AWD or to save a few bucks, an ES350. I would prefer the GS AWD and will probably get one as my next daily driver. It will give you 85% of what the BMW will give you, but over a long time, will probably give you less maintenance cost than the BMW while coddling you along the way. And I love my BMW. It was painful even to say that.

So decide: max performance with some compromises =911, good performance and good all around =3 series or maximum comfort and coddling with as close to zero problems as you can get on average =GS350 AWD. Pick your poison.

Good luck

Mike

 

Someone previously mentioned the Subaru Legacy GT. I was looking for a used one for myself but there were none in my price range. You really only want the 2007 or newer, the interior differences like MP3 CD changer, 60/40 split rear seats were important to me. I ended up getting a gorgeous 2007 2.5i Limited with 21800 miles for $16500 just last week. My wife had a 2005 BMW 325xi (pre-kids) and we loved that car. I would say the 2.5i Ltd is 95% of that BMW but more room. You can not fit 2 golf bags in BMW trunk. i can fit 3 cart or 4 stand bags in my Subbie. I do not need premium fuel, BMW does. I have done some spirited driving and the car handles the nuts! I have put 280 miles on it so far and I am getting 25.9mpg (90% is backcountry driving under 45mph). I still have 1/4 tank left from the original fillup.

If you can afford mid $20's the Legacy GT is a serious contender. I have spent HOURS on legacygt.com researching that car. I would NOT recommend getting one with Nav. The software is VERY old (maps are 5+ yrs old).

 

I own both a 2003 Jaguar X-Type and an 2006 325xi.

The X-Type, without even stability control, is by far the best snow car I have ever had. It has never let me down. Mine has been super reliable. Only problem in 6-years was a drivers power seat which stopped working and a tiny leak in a water pump. I redline this car at least 20x a day and drive it very hard. (Engine was designed by Porsche!!) Other owners have not been as fortunate. The Auto trans on this car is weak. Also the transfer case can give out and the propshaft is also has a somewhat higher failure rate. Those will put you out $1000-$3000 each. It's either hit or miss. I'd recommend getting one with the 6-year warranty. Other than that I love the car. They changed the interior in 2004 and I don't like it as much, leather is cheaper also. The design of the seats on my 03 as well as the 02's almost mirrors bentleys design to an extent. 2004+ is more generic leather seat design like you would find in a bmw or something.

My E90 has been superb. It's faster, handles better, brakes WAY better, but is a tad worse in snow than the Jag, but still fine since its AWD. I'd highly recommend this car over the Jag if you are looking for a DD. It has been buletproof and I drive it very hard. The Inline-6 is so smooth I never want to drive a V6 ever again in my life. It's seamless. This car is highly recommended. Pick up a 330 if you can and you will be set. The 335's are beasts also if you want to spend that much.

If you have any specific questions let me know and I'll try my best. I'm active on both jaguarforums.com and e90post.com

 

Where did you hear the engine was designed by Porsche? It is pretty similar to Ford's contour v6, with Ford markings all over the castings. It even has the same variable intake solenoid problem as the Ford V6

Trust me, you're one of the lucky ones that didn't have a bunch of problems

If you opt for an XTYPE, buy whatever warranty you can. I was a Jag tech out here, and I can't tell you how many transmissions (JATCO- Japanese Automatic Transmission Company) I have replaced. The $2 O rings on the varible intake solenoids will cause your car to jerk violently like a giant is shaking it back and forth so bad you cannot even drive it (no exaggeration). The water pumps leak like it's cool, and have you seen the trailing arms? They are stamped steel, we've had a few come in broken in two.

I am glad to see you love your XTYPE, but the majority of them are junk. If you find one with an extended warranty, you should be fine.

 

Is that the one with the turbos ?
If so that car can be tuned to wicked status pretty easy.

 

Audi S5...I use an S5 Cabriolet as my daily driver and love it...it is far superior as a daily driver than my former e60 M5...

 

My buddy has a 335i, he has the JB+ (JuiceBox) chip on his car.