Balling ass wedding proposal is balling.

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

First you must ask yourself what your priority is? If fuel economy trumps performance, I can't really help you. But if it's a manual sedan that's fun, MPG not being a factor, I'd get a WRX. I think they go just over $30k now, but you should be able to get a certified pre-owned one from last year or 2013 (I don't think I'll ever buy a new car again myself) for somewhere in the mid 20s. They certainly hold their value. Having owned 2 I can really say they're great all-around cars. Fast, fun and useful.

I don't need fuel economy. From Dec 2013 to Oct 2015 (so far) I've only driven 10,000 miles.

Yes the WRX (the 25k one) is on the shortlist. I won't get a Corolla, though I think Toyota makes good cars.

As for the BMWs, I hesitate about used ones simply due to maintenance. The M3s are great, but even an old used one at 30k is such a high figure you may as well get an upper end brand new Subaru .

And if I was going to go retro on BMW, it would be a single-owner under 50k mile 2001 BMW 7 series. Twas the last year BMW had a good looking 7-series before they completely farked it up.

Based on looks alone, I think the 2016 Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 blow away everything in the compact and midsize, respectively. Emphasis again, based on looks. And they both come in manuals in several trims.

Doing a lot of research on manuals........ did ya'll know freakin Buick makes manuals today?! Verano.. True story. Look it up.

 

[///AMG]

yup, bangle really ruined BMW aesthetics for a number of years after that……or arguably forever, given their current bloated stature. 10k miles in 2 years is impressive though…….I wish I lived that close to work As for buick, they have also started hiring hot (young) women to star in their ads. Not sure if that is representative of the product however.

 

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

yup, bangle really ruined BMW aesthetics for a number of years after that……or arguably forever, given their current bloated stature. 10k miles in 2 years is impressive though…….I wish I lived that close to work As for buick, they have also started hiring hot (young) women to star in their ads. Not sure if that is representative of the product however.

Can I ask what year model your M3 is, what year you got it in and how many miles, and how much cost? You did say Certified Pre-Owned right?

 

[X-Forces]

Just the kind of story that local news loves.

I'm a scumbag. I proposed when my wife was 8 months pregnant.

My son was at our wedding..........What does that make me?

 

[Cal Goat]

I don't need fuel economy. From Dec 2013 to Oct 2015 (so far) I've only driven 10,000 miles.

Yes the WRX (the 25k one) is on the shortlist. I won't get a Corolla, though I think Toyota makes good cars.

As for the BMWs, I hesitate about used ones simply due to maintenance. The M3s are great, but even an old used one at 30k is such a high figure you may as well get an upper end brand new Subaru .

And if I was going to go retro on BMW, it would be a single-owner under 50k mile 2001 BMW 7 series. Twas the last year BMW had a good looking 7-series before they completely farked it up.

Based on looks alone, I think the 2016 Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 blow away everything in the compact and midsize, respectively. Emphasis again, based on looks. And they both come in manuals in several trims.

Doing a lot of research on manuals........ did ya'll know freakin Buick makes manuals today?! Verano.. True story. Look it up.

I've read nothing but great things about both Mazdas. I tend to ignore front wheel drive options, so that's why I forgot about them. But you're right, the Mazda 6 is a great option for affordable manual sedans.

 

[///AMG]

Can I ask what year model your M3 is, what year you got it in and how many miles, and how much cost? You did say Certified Pre-Owned right?

PM sent

 

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

I've read nothing but great things about both Mazdas. I tend to ignore front wheel drive options, so that's why I forgot about them. But you're right, the Mazda 6 is a great option for affordable manual sedans.

Why ignore FWDs? Are you AWD only? I'm in NJ, so it's either FWD or AWD. IMO a guy would have to be crazy to get RWD in this area. The winter months would be brutal for driving especially on local roads.

 

[Cal Goat]

Why ignore FWDs? Are you AWD only? I'm in NJ, so it's either FWD or AWD. IMO a guy would have to be crazy to get RWD in this area. The winter months would be brutal for driving especially on local roads.

I prefer RWD always. Currently AWD because of limited options/requirements/budget.

 

[Snuggle]

Why ignore FWDs? Are you AWD only? I'm in NJ, so it's either FWD or AWD. IMO a guy would have to be crazy to get RWD in this area. The winter months would be brutal for driving especially on local roads.

I'd go for a Audi A4. AWD for the NJ winters, and you can get it in Manual. I'd wait another year until the new interior gets here though.

If you want more sport, then I'd get a WRX. Love driving those cars.

 

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

@Derg I figure you probably get bombarded with PMs so I'll just try here. Your 3-series you got new in 2008, after warranty, how has it been from 2012-2015 today so far? After the warranty / 48k miles, any big MX issues? Nightmare bills for anything? I am considering a used 6-spd manual 328i X or a 335i X so I'm curious if those BMW horror stories are true.