Question for owners who don't DD their car.

Yeineken · 05-27-2016, 07:20 PM

Hello All,

Been really contemplating the idea of retiring the 135i from DD duty to finally start modding the car to its full potential. I currently drive 300+ miles a week back & forth from MD Eastern Shore to DC and have to fill the tank up twice a week.

I've been looking at few DD options and just want to see what others are DD'ing and if they have opinions on what I'm thinking about purchasing.

My List:
Mini Hardtop
Chevy Cruze Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan

Short list so far and I'm sure there are better options. But I'm mainly looking for 4+ passengers, close to 40 mpg highway and low upkeep cost.

Look forward to see what you 1addicts think.

Playnice · 05-27-2016, 07:44 PM

I'd actually look into a Mazda 3.

They are around the same price range yet you still maintain the sportiness.

I actually like their new look. It's a pretty great DD. I've owned two in the past.

Might be a good idea if you decide to get another car.

I'm also a finance major, so if you need help discounting the cash spent on gasoline to the car payments, I could basically give you a rundown if the opportunity cost is worth it.

Let me know

Esteban · 05-27-2016, 07:52 PM

Sticking with your list, I like the Mini Hardtop. Might not be the cheapest choice, but fun.

inFamousKicks · 05-27-2016, 08:17 PM

Would go with the Mini unless you're looking at a Civic Si. The base model just isn't worth it IMO. Decent choices regardless.

Chunner · 05-27-2016, 08:35 PM

I say friend... buy another 135i for DD!

Yeineken · 05-27-2016, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chunner

I say friend... buy another 135i for DD!

Trust me I've DD'd her since I bought her in 2011. Unfortunately at $3k a year on gas, insurance and keeping up on maintenance due to driving it so much; It's time for a cheap DD and start putting all that money towards investments and savings.

tock172 · 05-27-2016, 11:45 PM

I daily drive my high mileage Honda Civic sedan and use my 135i maybe 1-3 days a week. Couldn't be happier. It's an excellent setup.

swagon · 05-28-2016, 12:49 AM

Diesel.

Esteban · 05-28-2016, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inFamousKicks

Would go with the Mini unless you're looking at a Civic Si. The base model just isn't worth it IMO. Decent choices regardless.

Yes, Civic Si sounds like a fun choice as well.

ShocknAwe · 05-28-2016, 07:31 AM

2015 5 door Golf TDI

235ish TQ, ~3000 lbs, 30ish mpg city, 45+ hwy. Should give you all the grunt you need to go from 50-80 all day long on the road.

AB M2C · 05-28-2016, 08:34 AM

Diesel. You can pick up one of the volkswagens/ audis that were effected by dieselgate absurdly cheap right now and get close to 50 mpg. Or if you want to go pricier (but still average around 35 mpg), get a q5 tdi and actually enjoy that much commuting. Seriously the most comfortable car I've ever driven.

*obviously would have to buy a volkswagen/ audi from a 3rd party/ non-dealer

Gray_Panther · 05-28-2016, 10:47 AM

I just picked up a 2016 GTI 6MT in January and I average 34mpg for my DD duties.

The Golf with the 1.8T engine is fun in manual and gets 38mpg highway!

ShocknAwe · 05-28-2016, 11:02 AM

TDI golf also comes in manual if that's your thing. I wish VW made the 2.0 turbodiesel available in the golf. 285 TQ in that car would be a blast.

Yeineken · 05-28-2016, 07:09 PM

Went to look at a few Chevy Cruz and Minis tonight and was stopped in my tracks by the GTI. I think it'd be an appropriate sibling for the E82.

Esteban · 05-28-2016, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeineken

Went to look at a few Chevy Cruz and Minis tonight and was stopped in my tracks by the GTI. I think it'd be an appropriate sibling for the E82.

I think that's an excellent choice. The GTI is an all-around great car that can do everything well IMO.

Gregoriovv · 05-28-2016, 11:29 PM

I don't daily my 135 at all. So I found, for my life style, the perfect dd, a Scion XB. I got a killer lease for 150 a month and couldn't be happier. It has all the room for my bikes and is so comfortable, which having a torn up back I can really appreciate. I'm still surprised at the power that thing has, it's not my 135 track car, but it's not supposed to be. A year and 2 months later, I have only 6500 miles on it and it still looks and smells new and my 135 rests until the next track day...

Gregoriovv · 05-28-2016, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esteban

I think that's an excellent choice. The GTI is an all-around great car that can do everything well IMO.

I had a 2012 GTI and loved it! I would have gotten that for a daily but I needed something cheaper. One day I will have another one!

heist_tub · 05-29-2016, 02:52 AM

I've personally been looking at Infiniti Q50 AWD sport's as my DD replacement. I want the AWD but if you don't care the rwd is even cheaper then.

Stewy_604 · 05-30-2016, 11:12 AM

Buddy of mine has a Cruze in a MT with the 1.3 Turbo (I believe), pretty good commuter, pretty affordable even when loaded. Gets really good mileage on it. Prior car was a MkIV Jetta TDI.

Lexington · 05-30-2016, 04:40 PM

2008 135 and a 2011 Hyundai Elantra as a DD. Mostly interstate driving in the Elantra and the front is completely pot marked from the horrible roads in South Carolina

iminhell1 · 05-31-2016, 03:06 AM

Food for thought,

Your assumption that you'll save money by buying another car may not be what you think it is.
MPG is rather trivial to your yearly fuel bill when trying to offset costs with a second car.

300 miles week and $3,000 per year fuel cost
300 x 52 = 15,600 miles per year
15,600 / $3,000 = 5.2 miles per dollar
so if fuel costs $3/gallon you're averaging about 15 MPG.

Car with 40MPG
15,600 / 40 = 390 gallons
390 x $3 = $1,170/year fuel cost

A savings of $1,830/year

A Cruze looks to be about $20,000.
$20,000 / 5 years = $4,000/year car payments.

$4,000 - $1,830 = a net loss of $2,170/year
That's no interest, no insurance, no maintenance/upkeep.
It's just not a money saving idea to go out an buy a brand new car.
But you now have a number for a used car that will save you money, something where all combined you spend less than $1,800/year.

What I'm trying to demonstrate here is that Churner isn't that far off from reality.
If we're looking at a most car for the money, another BMW isn't that out of the question. I mean if you're looking at loosing $2K/yr, may as well do so with a little style and comfort.

IMO, if you work that MPG up some you can recoup some of your high fuel bill. Find some light wheels/tires and reduce weight. The 50# a corner is heavy. If you can cut 5# per corner you should see MPG jump. But probably not enough to offset the cost of the wheel/tire combo.
Maybe a lean burn tune would work best?

ORA · 05-31-2016, 07:21 AM

buying another car is far more expensive than DDing the better car and maintaining it well....and it's less fun and annoying to compromise every day. Comprimise every single day???? no thank you.

my philosophy is one should DD the best car they can. Every day is far more important than 'once in a while'.

05-27-2016, 07:20 PM	#1
Yeineken Colonel 1299 Rep 2,093 Posts Drives: '11 135i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Delmarva Peninsula iTrader: (3) Garage List '11 135i [8.20] '16 Ford Hatchback [0.00] '15 X5 [10.00]	Hello All, Been really contemplating the idea of retiring the 135i from DD duty to finally start modding the car to its full potential. I currently drive 300+ miles a week back & forth from MD Eastern Shore to DC and have to fill the tank up twice a week. I've been looking at few DD options and just want to see what others are DD'ing and if they have opinions on what I'm thinking about purchasing. My List: Mini Hardtop Chevy Cruze Sedan Honda Civic Sedan Short list so far and I'm sure there are better options. But I'm mainly looking for 4+ passengers, close to 40 mpg highway and low upkeep cost. Look forward to see what you 1addicts think. __________________ Pyrat Clone
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05-27-2016, 07:44 PM	#2
Playnice New Member 19 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2008 135i M Package Join Date: May 2016 Location: North Vancouver, BC Canada iTrader: (0)	I'd actually look into a Mazda 3. They are around the same price range yet you still maintain the sportiness. I actually like their new look. It's a pretty great DD. I've owned two in the past. Might be a good idea if you decide to get another car. I'm also a finance major, so if you need help discounting the cash spent on gasoline to the car payments, I could basically give you a rundown if the opportunity cost is worth it. Let me know
	Appreciate 1 Quote

05-27-2016, 07:52 PM	#3
Esteban Major General 43368 Rep 7,224 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Sticking with your list, I like the Mini Hardtop. Might not be the cheapest choice, but fun. __________________
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05-27-2016, 08:17 PM	#4
inFamousKicks Member. 201 Rep 827 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1)	Would go with the Mini unless you're looking at a Civic Si. The base model just isn't worth it IMO. Decent choices regardless. __________________ '11 N55 135i 6MT \|\| ///M-Sport\|\| Alpine White/Coral Red\|\| KW V1
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05-27-2016, 08:35 PM	#5
Chunner Captain 153 Rep 964 Posts Drives: BMW 135is \| #341/586 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: New York iTrader: (1) Garage List '13 BMW 135is #341/586 [9.50]	I say friend... buy another 135i for DD! __________________ 2013 BMW 135is Coupe \| Dinan Stage 3 \| M3 Subframe Bushings \| Dinan Monoball Joints \| Dinan Toe Links \| 1M Strut Bar \| MPS AS/3 - VMR 710's 18x8.5 ET45 / 18x9.5 ET50 \| MPSS - BMW 313's 18x7.5 / 18x8.5 \| Min Grey, Savanna \| Prem, Tech \| DCT \| Beast #341/586 \| *2021 BMW X7 M50i \| Alpine White \| Children Hauler*
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05-27-2016, 11:45 PM	#7
tock172 Beachtown Bill Collector 582 Rep 1,062 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW 135i [0.00] 1999 Lexus LS400 [0.00] 1985 BMW 325e [0.00]	I daily drive my high mileage Honda Civic sedan and use my 135i maybe 1-3 days a week. Couldn't be happier. It's an excellent setup. __________________ 2012 BMW 135i Space Grey Metallic M-Sport DCT Dinan S2
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05-28-2016, 12:49 AM	#8
swagon Major General 13507 Rep 8,160 Posts Drives: F80 6MT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Diesel. __________________
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05-28-2016, 07:31 AM	#10
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3233 Rep 7,892 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	2015 5 door Golf TDI 235ish TQ, ~3000 lbs, 30ish mpg city, 45+ hwy. Should give you all the grunt you need to go from 50-80 all day long on the road. __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE
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05-28-2016, 08:34 AM	#11
AB M2C First Lieutenant 74 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Hockenheim Silver Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1)	Diesel. You can pick up one of the volkswagens/ audis that were effected by dieselgate absurdly cheap right now and get close to 50 mpg. Or if you want to go pricier (but still average around 35 mpg), get a q5 tdi and actually enjoy that much commuting. Seriously the most comfortable car I've ever driven. *obviously would have to buy a volkswagen/ audi from a 3rd party/ non-dealer __________________ Current -- 2019 M2C MT Sold -- 2009 E82 135i MT Widebody Track Car Sold -- 1989 E30 325i MT Showcar Sold -- 2005 E46 M3 MT
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05-28-2016, 10:47 AM	#12
Gray_Panther Brigadier General 1553 Rep 3,234 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (0)	I just picked up a 2016 GTI 6MT in January and I average 34mpg for my DD duties. The Golf with the 1.8T engine is fun in manual and gets 38mpg highway! __________________ 2012 BMW 128i 6MT Deep Sea Blue Metallic
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05-28-2016, 11:02 AM	#13
ShocknAwe 1Addict 3233 Rep 7,892 Posts Drives: E82 Mutt, M57 Truck Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charleston iTrader: (22)	TDI golf also comes in manual if that's your thing. I wish VW made the 2.0 turbodiesel available in the golf. 285 TQ in that car would be a blast. __________________ 2010 135i 6MT Jet Black N54/3 FE82 Mutt \| BUILD THREAD \| GARAGE SALE
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05-28-2016, 07:09 PM	#14
Yeineken Colonel 1299 Rep 2,093 Posts Drives: '11 135i M Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Delmarva Peninsula iTrader: (3) Garage List '11 135i [8.20] '16 Ford Hatchback [0.00] '15 X5 [10.00]	Went to look at a few Chevy Cruz and Minis tonight and was stopped in my tracks by the GTI. I think it'd be an appropriate sibling for the E82. Attached Images __________________ Pyrat Clone
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05-28-2016, 11:29 PM	#16
Gregoriovv Private First Class 21 Rep 104 Posts Drives: 2010 135 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	I don't daily my 135 at all. So I found, for my life style, the perfect dd, a Scion XB. I got a killer lease for 150 a month and couldn't be happier. It has all the room for my bikes and is so comfortable, which having a torn up back I can really appreciate. I'm still surprised at the power that thing has, it's not my 135 track car, but it's not supposed to be. A year and 2 months later, I have only 6500 miles on it and it still looks and smells new and my 135 rests until the next track day... __________________ Mods: Cobb Tuner, Cobb turbo back exhaust (high flow cats), Stett intake, ER Chargepipe, ATM Intercooler, Toyo R888 - 225/255, M3 subframe bushings, Bilstein PSS 10 Coilovers.
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05-29-2016, 02:52 AM	#18
heist_tub Private First Class 23 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 2009 135i - Crimson Red Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: NM iTrader: (1)	I've personally been looking at Infiniti Q50 AWD sport's as my DD replacement. I want the AWD but if you don't care the rwd is even cheaper then.
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05-30-2016, 11:12 AM	#19
Stewy_604 First Lieutenant 77 Rep 310 Posts Drives: 2011 E82 135i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Vancouver, B.C. iTrader: (0)	Buddy of mine has a Cruze in a MT with the 1.3 Turbo (I believe), pretty good commuter, pretty affordable even when loaded. Gets really good mileage on it. Prior car was a MkIV Jetta TDI. __________________ 2011 BMW 135i M Sport Space Grey - BMS JB4, VRSF 3.5" catless DP, Berk exhaust, BMS intake, ER CP, Eibach Pro-Kit, H&R spacers, black kidneys, Blacklines, LUX angel eyes 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Mineral White - MPBK w/ F85 rotors & Carbotech pads, ACS Springs/Links, iND reflector deletes, iND black roundels, MP black kidneys, M50D grille inserts 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750 - too much to list
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05-30-2016, 04:40 PM	#20
Lexington Lieutenant 53 Rep 404 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Blue Water Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	2008 135 and a 2011 Hyundai Elantra as a DD. Mostly interstate driving in the Elantra and the front is completely pot marked from the horrible roads in South Carolina
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05-31-2016, 03:06 AM	#21
iminhell1 C2H5OH 3915 Rep 2,144 Posts Drives: 2010 SG 135i auto Join Date: May 2015 Location: Darwin, MN iTrader: (1)	Food for thought, Your assumption that you'll save money by buying another car may not be what you think it is. MPG is rather trivial to your yearly fuel bill when trying to offset costs with a second car. 300 miles week and $3,000 per year fuel cost 300 x 52 = 15,600 miles per year 15,600 / $3,000 = 5.2 miles per dollar so if fuel costs $3/gallon you're averaging about 15 MPG. Car with 40MPG 15,600 / 40 = 390 gallons 390 x $3 = $1,170/year fuel cost A savings of $1,830/year A Cruze looks to be about $20,000. $20,000 / 5 years = $4,000/year car payments. $4,000 - $1,830 = a net loss of $2,170/year That's no interest, no insurance, no maintenance/upkeep. It's just not a money saving idea to go out an buy a brand new car. But you now have a number for a used car that will save you money, something where all combined you spend less than $1,800/year. What I'm trying to demonstrate here is that Churner isn't that far off from reality. If we're looking at a most car for the money, another BMW isn't that out of the question. I mean if you're looking at loosing $2K/yr, may as well do so with a little style and comfort. IMO, if you work that MPG up some you can recoup some of your high fuel bill. Find some light wheels/tires and reduce weight. The 50# a corner is heavy. If you can cut 5# per corner you should see MPG jump. But probably not enough to offset the cost of the wheel/tire combo. Maybe a lean burn tune would work best?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2016, 07:21 AM	#22
ORA Banned 43 Rep 140 Posts Drives: VO 1M Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	buying another car is far more expensive than DDing the better car and maintaining it well....and it's less fun and annoying to compromise every day. Comprimise every single day???? no thank you. my philosophy is one should DD the best car they can. Every day is far more important than 'once in a while'.
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