What's the next car to buy with 12-15K budget?

[Matata]

Hey All,

Currently rocking a B6 1.8T with a APR ST3 kit. Car now has 180K miles but still running strong. I know in the next year or so I will probably have to do an full engine refresh spending 3-4K (rebuilding engine, new clutch..) That being said, I am thinking of upgrading, but cannot think of what to go to. With a budget of 12-15K in mind what would you get?

Considerations:

B7 S4 - However the issue of having to spend $3-4K to do the chain guides/tensioners keeps me at bay (don't do work myself).

2006 Subaru WRX STI - Has the power I want, but... chincy looking / feeling?

Thoughts, suggestions? Should I just keep her, and spend the money when the time comes? What would you do?

[juxsa]

No need to "refresh" the engine unless it's needed. If your compression is good and oil pressure is good they why rebuild the motor?

I'm kinda in the same boat though. I have a '01 A4 with 145k miles and have been looking at some 2010-2014 A4s and Allroads. My budget is between 15-30k. Part of me really would like to get a new car, but I have been anal about maintenance so other than a timing belt in the next 10k miles my car needs nothing. So the struggle is do I do the timing belt and enjoy not having a car payment or do I buy a newer car but have a $500 a month car payment.

[eljay]

I pretty much recently bought a similar car: same mileage, same mod level.
And I chose to spend money on it. Control arms, exhaust, timing belt, gaskets, brakes, new tires, new clutch, minor body nicks, headlights etc. That's just maintenance. Then come some fun OEM+ bits. Unless a cheap B6 S4 comes along, I will do the above list and enjoy the car. The way I see it, any car with 100k+ miles will likely need the above items anyways.

[slark]

E46 M3

[LINDW4LL]

The overall quality of the WRX/STi is garbage.

E46 M3
B6/B7 S4- you can usually find one that's already had the timing service done
E9X 335i/xi
B8 A4 (but I wouldn't get one- S4 or bust)
135i, (also "meh")

That price range is tough and there isn't much available at all, honestly. I'd hold out until you can spend low-mid $20s. That opens up a lot more options, like B8 S4, B7 RS, E9X M3, etc...

[MacFady]

I guess it would help to give a suggestion of what you need/want in a car and what it is being used for, other than "...12-15K budget". For instance is AWD important, an E46 M3 might not be your best option if you're looking for a daily in conditions suggested by your avatar/pic. Also not any easier on maintenance than what you're driving, especially at the mileage you'll be looking at in that price range and the fact that you don't work on the car yourself.

In the same boat though. Been looking at Subarus, I had one for the winter when I had my E46 but I agree, you get used to German interiors, where you spend most of your time, and most others just seem cheap.

[texasboy21]

For a bit more you can get a low milage Mazdaspeed3. Its a perfect daily, extremely cheap to own and maintain, and the hatch makes is great for carrying gear. Plus for under a grand you can push over 300whp, and 350+ ft lbs. I have owned two separate 2012s. If you have any questions message me.