Best used cars for under 20k - Road Testament

[torquesteer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvT_BLK3Z8s&t=11m53s

Adding fire to the age-old argument, Mike Spinelli and Matt Hardigree talk about the E46 M3 vs. the B6 S4. However, since these cars are now under $20k, they're discussed in a different context. Less so are they about power and styling, and more so about value and reliability. My opinions:

• The E46 is so affordable now that the characterization of douche is undeserved.
• The styling of the B6 platform still looks so good. I thought I'd get tired of looking at B6's all day but when that picture flashed by, I went "hell yeah".
• I think we own the best engine of our generation, setting aside the handling debate, and these guys agree.
• I pay less than my buddies who own M3's to maintain my car, so I don't know what these guys are talking about.
• Actually, the S4 is a V8 fight club, a german motoring instrument, and a highly-depreciated luxury bruiser all rolled into one. And with the quattro, it'll plow snow all day long.

[powderrecon]

What's even more shocking are the hosts. They were just short of horrible. I watched that and came out of it with less intelligence than I started with.

[dparm]

E46 = rock hard suspension. Shitty ride. That's why I didn't buy it.

[AudiA4_20T]

I think we own the best engine of our generation

Curious what you mean by this

[Slobo7x]

Having owned one E46M3 and two B6 S4's i have to say that M3 is a lot more harsh and more of a sports car then S4. However, i still think S4 is a better overall car for everyday use.

M3 is a car fitted for younger crowd that wants that exclusive sports car that can do donuts :)

[Mr.Wrong]

Well it's no surprise BMWs have always been Sport/Luxury while AUDIs Luxury/Sport.

[Hyde]

I think we own the best engine of our generation

Curious what you mean by this

I'm thinking he meant best engine of our car generation ... as in cars available in the mid 2000s.

[torquesteer]

I'm thinking he meant best engine of our car generation ... as in cars available in the mid 2000s.

Yes, precisely this. In terms of: sound, weight, torque curve, power curve, smoothness. It's just that it sits in front of the front axle that it doesn't get the respect it deserves.

I read about the development of the audi V8, and the VW design chief would put a coin on top of the engine. They would rev it all the way up to the red line, and if the coin falls off, they have to start over again.

[Slobo7x]

Yes, precisely this. In terms of: sound, weight, torque curve, power curve, smoothness. It's just that it sits in front of the front axle that it doesn't get the respect it deserves.

I read about the development of the audi V8, and the VW design chief would put a coin on top of the engine. They would rev it all the way up to the red line, and if the coin falls off, they have to start over again.

Interestingly enough, BMW did the same thing in the early 90's with their 850Csi V10..lol!

[LJH]

Interestingly enough, BMW did the same thing in the early 90's with their 850Csi V10..lol!

That was a V12 BTW.....LOL

Cheers,
Jim