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Buying a new daily

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Auzy
Posts: 569 - Karma: 1,827
So I've gone into a new field of work and over the last few months haven't been towing with my truck nearly as much as i was before. As that is I don't really see the point in continuing to dump money in gas when im only getting 12-15 mpg to commute on. I've been looking to get a BMW or an Audi for thew new daily driver as they are fun and look nice. Anyone have any thoughts on buying a euro car for a daily? Are there any preferences or advantages for one over the other? Hit me up with the responses, lets get some life goin in the nsg.
Jul 26 2017 11:44AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
BMWs and Audis are expensive to maintain. Tires and replacement parts all cost more and service is going to run a bit higher. Not ideal for a DD if you dont have the spending cash for it. I have owned two BMWs and a Mercedes and loved them (preferred the Mercedes). But, they did cost more in upkeep and upfront. But, I did get what I paid for and got great reliable vehicles. If you are looking for cost effective, I would only go with them if you do all your maintenance yourself.
Its always a balance of fun vs cost. My suggestion is to pick a few vehicles and research the yearly cost to own and generic part costs (tires, lights, belts etc). Then rank them on desire to own and see which one comes closest to the top of both.
If money isnt an issue, go for it.

Side note, I got horrible gas mileage with my M3 because I was always killing it in it. Was not a good fuel saver for me lol.

**This post was edited on Jul 26th 2017 at 12:41:32pm
Jul 26 2017 12:40PM
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Auzy
Posts: 569 - Karma: 1,827
Thanks for the input and that's a pretty valid point about gas mileage if I'm gonna mob them hard haha but I'm pretty comfortable with cars and typically do my regular maintenance like oil changes and basic repair myself. Is owning cost actually much higher if you do the work yourself?
Jul 26 2017 2:23PM
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Bassin
Posts: 273 - Karma: 746
If you want a cheap, reliable daily don't get a used Audi or BMW. Normal maintenance (oil, brakes) can be cheap but if something larger goes wrong the repairs can quickly add up to be more than a "cheap" euro is worth (look at early 2000s Audi engine issues, VANOS valve issues in BMWs just to name common culprits). You would be much better off getting a Japanese or domestic car as something to run as a daily.

Not saying you can't daily an old BMW or Audi, I know plenty of people who do, they can just be a PITA and expensive if they want to. That all being said I would kill for a clean E39 M5.
Jul 26 2017 2:44PM
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Pozzy
Posts: 346 - Karma: 674
Just go for a subie, sti's are a bit pricier/slightly worse on gas than regular wrx's but have stronger trannys and mob fast as fuck. And they look good
Jul 27 2017 2:51AM
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.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,852
I have a mk5 vw and it's reliable and fun to drive. I can get about 35 mpg hwy. If you're looking at euro cars I'd recommend finding one that runs a timing chain. The less parts to replace the better IMO.
Jul 27 2017 1:22PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3846 - Karma: 5,658
The only option here, OP.

Jul 27 2017 4:26PM
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Auzy
Posts: 569 - Karma: 1,827
Dammit you're right, someone fight me a Volvo on Craigslist and I'll buy it today! On that note I'm pretty unfamiliar with Japanese cars. What should I look for in a subie?
Jul 27 2017 8:47PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5214 - Karma: 6,494
Using the time value of money figure out if it's worth it. Unless money isn't an issue. If i was in your shoes I would personally keep driving the truck til it dies and then buy a decent priced commuter car. But if you have the money for an Audi/BMW, do it! But make sure you calculate the time value of it. The price you're paying isn't all there is to it....
Jul 27 2017 10:33PM
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Pozzy
Posts: 346 - Karma: 674
AuzyDammit you're right, someone fight me a Volvo on Craigslist and I'll buy it today! On that note I'm pretty unfamiliar with Japanese cars. What should I look for in a subie?

For a daily you'll want something reliable, so if you do go for a subie look for a used wrx that has no previous history of being modded much at all. Subarus get modified extensively, and more mods generally equals more upkeep and higher chance of stuff breaking since the car is being pushed harder than it was when it was stock. Obviously look for a car with low mileage as well, and don't be afraid to ask the seller for accident reports or to get it checked out by (preferably) a mechanic whos experienced with import cars so they know what to look for.
Jul 28 2017 2:57AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
PozzyFor a daily you'll want something reliable, so if you do go for a subie look for a used wrx that has no previous history of being modded much at all. Subarus get modified extensively, and more mods generally equals more upkeep and higher chance of stuff breaking since the car is being pushed harder than it was when it was stock. Obviously look for a car with low mileage as well, and don't be afraid to ask the seller for accident reports or to get it checked out by (preferably) a mechanic whos experienced with import cars so they know what to look for.


This is a pretty good idea.
The only mod that I think wont hurt the car is an exhaust system. All that would do is allow the exhaust to flow out easier at a higher rate which would only help the car. Any engine mods will push the car past what it was designed for. Things like lowering the car will wear on tires, joints, dampers, axle, etc unless EVERYTHING was swapped out to match the new height (which most modders dont do, to save money).
When you find one you like, get the VIN and find someone with an unlimited carfax (if those still exist) and run it. If its been modded, have someone look at it.

My shameless plug, buy a Ford Focus RS. (Im an engineer at Ford)
Jul 28 2017 8:36AM
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Auzy
Posts: 569 - Karma: 1,827
Actually was following around a Ford Focus this morning and was thinking they looked fun.
Jul 28 2017 11:29AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
AuzyActually was following around a Ford Focus this morning and was thinking they looked fun.


The RS is insanely fun (pricey though). The ST is fun and not so expensive.
Side note, I saw an RS pull in the Roush Performance garage today. That may be better than what Ken Block runs when they are done with it (plus will come with a warranty).
Jul 28 2017 12:30PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5214 - Karma: 6,494
Just get an M5. You'll be happy, we'll be happy--everyone will be happy.
Jul 28 2017 10:29PM
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Auschie
Posts: 297 - Karma: 392
kingsskierThis is a pretty good idea.
The only mod that I think wont hurt the car is an exhaust system. All that would do is allow the exhaust to flow out easier at a higher rate which would only help the car. Any engine mods will push the car past what it was designed for. Things like lowering the car will wear on tires, joints, dampers, axle, etc unless EVERYTHING was swapped out to match the new height (which most modders dont do, to save money).
When you find one you like, get the VIN and find someone with an unlimited carfax (if those still exist) and run it. If its been modded, have someone look at it.

My shameless plug, buy a Ford Focus RS. (Im an engineer at Ford)

I'll back this.

The RS is mad fun and overall has been a fantastic daily. Puts a smile on your face when you want it to but still flies under the radar so you can avoid tickets (in black at least, idk about nitrous blue). Plus if you shop around insurance is reasonable for the performance you get from it.

You can find them for invoice now that the crazy markup period has left dealers with them sitting on lots. Join Focus RS Enthusiasts of the USA if you want more opinions from other RS owners.

WRXs are solid as well. But they ditched the hatch which was a no go for me. And if you go for a 2014 or prior WRX/STI hatch it'll be pretty up there since they hold value well.
Jul 30 2017 4:46PM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,818
kingsskierThis is a pretty good idea.
The only mod that I think wont hurt the car is an exhaust system. All that would do is allow the exhaust to flow out easier at a higher rate which would only help the car. Any engine mods will push the car past what it was designed for. Things like lowering the car will wear on tires, joints, dampers, axle, etc unless EVERYTHING was swapped out to match the new height (which most modders dont do, to save money).
When you find one you like, get the VIN and find someone with an unlimited carfax (if those still exist) and run it. If its been modded, have someone look at it.

My shameless plug, buy a Ford Focus RS. (Im an engineer at Ford)

I drive a 1998 expedition can I trade it in for a 2017 f-150 or a focus?
Jul 31 2017 7:10PM
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.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,852
DeepskierI drive a 1998 expedition can I trade it in for a 2017 f-150 or a focus?


trade it in for a ferarri
Aug 8 2017 12:28AM
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