bighitbike

Well in my last thread I said that I have 15k to spend. Well I just came up with a bit more and would like to check out my options.

Necessities:
4 door
Not american
Moddable
Reliable

Those are my requirements...One question...how reliable are the BMW e39's?

Thanks,
Ellio

LetMeShowU

You have 20k saved up? Here's my suggestion. Put down 10k, get yourself a pre-owned 2004/2005 Lexus GS430 and use the extra cash to do whatever modding you wish until your heart's content.

bighitbike

Nope, gotta buy straight up

LexFather

In all honesty, I started a thread a couple months ago about last gen M45 and current Q45 prices. You are getting a STEAL for a newer car for 20k. The mileage might be in the upper 70s+ but the run well.

I also concur with the GS 430/400 recommendation. You are well aware of that.

I won't say E39s are unreliable, but they are no Japanese car. Their maintenence also costs major money. They are however, fantastic cars, you don't even need a 540, a 528 is just as fun.

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

540i w/ 6speed.

LetMeShowU

Ok, then a 2001 GS430

Same model, same engine as an '04/'05 anyway. Check autotrader. You should be able to find something with decent mileage in excellent condition. Whatever you do though, don't settle. Get the color combination and features you really want. You'll regret it later if you don't.

Good luck with your search

bighitbike

Dream...straight up dream. I'm looking for those right now. I just want to stay in the lex family SO bad. O well

What about a WRX? STi maybe?

SoCalSC4

Do you own a home?

$20K is a nice start on a down payment.

I'm a car guy, but I'd rather drive an '88 CRX and own a home
than drive a BMW and live in an apartment.

bighitbike

I'm 17. But please don't let that influence your suggestions.

VVT-i

2002-2003 IS300 with or without nav and let the mods begins....

bighitbike

My friends has an IS and I can't stand to be in it. It's too small for me

DriftNsc3

STi is a good car but your gonna spend $20k+ on one. The engine can take a good 415-435whp on the stock block on avg. A friend of mine had his up to 490whp on C16 race gas once on the dyno but he had it tuned for 460 whp on pump gas but it only lasted him a few months. EVOs can take on avg around 400whp then its time for new cams and and heads.

I know they had a 2JZ-GTE swapped '99 or '00 GS300 in the classified section not to long ago that was around $20k, if it was my choice and had to met those specs I would rock that.

GS300Rich

You loved your GS right? Why fight it? 01 GS430, end of discussion

mmarshall

You say you want to stay in the Lex family. Check out a good used IS300. They are virtually bulletproof if taken care of. They meet all your criteria for body style and versatility.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

That was Mikal's car i beleive.. Nice clean swap and looks to be very reliable and the swap looks very clean..