Need opinions...

AlBel1214 · 05-25-2009, 07:24 PM

So I am looking at something to be a winter car and maybe a weekend beach trip car other than the 1... I can pick up a jeep wrangler soft top with a 105,000 miles pretty cheap... Would this be a good decision?? I figure saving those hard winter miles on my 1 would pay off in the end when I trade it in/sell it...

any thoughts?

cagekicker · 05-25-2009, 10:34 PM

yeah a wrangler is a good idea. with that many miles you'll find one for about 6k. mind you that jeeps can be problematic.

AlBel1214 · 05-25-2009, 11:25 PM

Yeah I plan on offering 5500 and pulling the whole "i dont really need this car but if your willing ill take it off your hands right now" move...the carfax report looks good..

I just want my 1 to hold its value b/c I am going to avg about 20K a year driving...

Eyeman · 05-25-2009, 11:25 PM

I'd maybe look to pick up an older 4Runner instead. But either way, as long as you have somewhere to store it, a backup jeep/truck can be very useful. I even use mine in the summer if I just washed my daily driver and it appears it might rain and mess up the wash job. Tons of other uses, minimal expense.

AlBel1214 · 05-26-2009, 08:45 AM

^^Agreed.. on crappy weather days that makes complete sense...

tbird · 05-26-2009, 10:58 AM

It all depends on what you want.

I got a commuter car so that I would not put my 1 through the daily abuse of commuting, high mileages, abuse from rocks and crud on the road, etc. A Focus Hatchback was perfect for me. Lots of room, great mileage, dirt cheap. I really wanted a Wrangler Jeep, but with high maintenance costs and low mpg, and you couldn't lock it up (I wanted softtop, what's the point of a hardtop Jeep), I couldn't justify the purchase.

If you want cheap and used, then the Focus is perfect. HOWEVER, if you want cheap and NEW, then you should consider a Dodge Caliber, and only right now. Yes, I know, an Al Bundy-mobile. However, you have 0% interest, a 3/36 BtoB warranty with Lifetime Engine/Powertrain warranty. Then, I was considering the Caliber as it is the ONLY Dodge that is mechanically ok, and it is a four door with hatchback so you have plenty of room for beach stuff.

But here's the kicker. They are selling them for 45% off. No haggling, just walk in and offer $11K for a $20K Caliber and they will just say "Ok". Haggle and get 50% off or more.

Now, it is slow (9.8 seconds), and the suspension is absolutely soft as hell. BUT, with those savings, you get the Mopar CAI and the Dodge-approved Magnaflow CatBack Exhaust, those won't affect the warranty and you can roll them into the car loan. Then just tighten up the suspension and you are ready to go. With Rear-Hatch-Articulating Car speakers, it is perfect for the beach.

So if the Caliber gets beat up on bad roads, if it gets sand and salt water in it, who cares. If you do 20k miles a year, who cares. You got it for 50% off and you have a Lifetime Engine/Powertrain warranty. How much can you complain, know what I mean?

Good luck.

lib · 05-26-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlBel1214

So I am looking at something to be a winter car and maybe a weekend beach trip car other than the 1... I can pick up a jeep wrangler soft top with a 105,000 miles pretty cheap... Would this be a good decision?? I figure saving those hard winter miles on my 1 would pay off in the end when I trade it in/sell it...

any thoughts?

The wrangler would be a fun "beach trip car" but IMO "winter car" and "soft top" don't go well together.

adk749 · 05-26-2009, 11:16 AM

Not trying to hijack the thread, but I have a similar situation...

I own a '99 Integra with 160,000 miles on it. I am the one and only original owner and know the car has been taken car of. Do you think it is worth keeping it for the winter/driving into the city/etc.? Or, sell it and put the money away and use some of it to buy snows. I am pretty confident that I can get $4,000 for my Acura. Any thoughts? Oh, I do not have a garage, but do have room for two cars.

Monterra · 05-26-2009, 03:20 PM

I'd look into used Subaru products if you have meaningful commuting to do.

AlBel1214 · 05-26-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lib

The wrangler would be a fun "beach trip car" but IMO "winter car" and "soft top" don't go well together.

True... I live in southeast PA though it gets cold but never anything unbearable like out in the midwest or even further up in the northeast.. I am more concerned with the 4 wheel drive which is what I would need b/c getting to work for me is usually back roads that can have some snow on them..

I just think tossing a few thousand on a second car/truck/jeep still may be better than putting my 1 through 20,000+ miles a year and when I go to trade it in get hosed...

mrhyde · 05-26-2009, 04:26 PM

The fun factor of a Wrangler is very high. There is nothing like wheeling down your favorite trail or a trip to the beach with the top down and the doors off. Look for one with a factory sailcloth soft top. They are as quiet as as a hard top and just as warm in the winter. Let the heater melt the ice and snow off in winter. Using a scraper could scratch the plastic window, or at extreme temps even crack it. Also, look for a Dana 44 rear end with a 3:73 ratio. They are much more stout than the Dana 35. The 3:07 gear ratio is a dog. Look for the inline 6 engine. Much more power than the 4 cylinder, and the gas mileage is about the same. Definately take an extensive test drive, you will either love the way it drives or hate it. Like Monterra said, you may prefer something more carlike as in a Subaru all wheel drive. The Wrangler has a part time four wheel drive system. It can only be used off road or on road in slippery situations, never on dry pavement. As for maintenance, they are simple to work on, and are some of the most problem free vehicles I have owned.

JHZR2 · 05-26-2009, 09:52 PM

I agree on the focus. Id say 4runner too... over a jeep because of higher utility.

Or spring for an x5 diesel

jeremyc74 · 05-26-2009, 09:59 PM

I'd go with the Wrangler. If my job were more stable I'd be looking for one right now myself. I've had a few over the years and I loved them all. I wouldn't worry too much about the soft top in the winter. They've got good heaters.

The Jeep is also a lot of fun in the summer. If you're looking for a good way to keep miles off the 1, a Jeep is a good way to do it. I've bought beaters to keep miles off my good cars before, and hated driving them so much it didn't really work all that well. The Jeep will make it much easier.

Also, chicks dig them

AlBel1214 · 05-27-2009, 08:36 AM

^^Thanks jeremey... yeah I looked at one last night a 98 with 105,000 and the guy wanted 7900! ridiculous price considering I found another I am going to look at today that is a 99 with 102,000 for 6900...

I am looking to spend around 6 grand I think.. I appreciate all the opinions..

Tom K. · 05-27-2009, 11:30 AM

Just a thought as I'm only about 100 miles south of you; since my RWD E46 with dedicated winter tires has easily handled the past 9 winters, have you considered a late E36 or early E46? Blue book is around $6k or so for a 325i or 328i with 100,000 miles and probably less for a 318i. I suspect gas mileage would be much better than the Jeep if that's important for you.
Tom

05-25-2009, 07:24 PM	#1
AlBel1214 Major 52 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: past 135i, now c6, future M3?? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	Need opinions... So I am looking at something to be a winter car and maybe a weekend beach trip car other than the 1... I can pick up a jeep wrangler soft top with a 105,000 miles pretty cheap... Would this be a good decision?? I figure saving those hard winter miles on my 1 would pay off in the end when I trade it in/sell it... any thoughts? __________________ -----LS3 C6----- *z51 suspension,* *NPP dual mode exhaust(wild2mild),20% tint,* zr1 replica wheels, gloss black fender stripes** R.I.P SGM 135i w/ some mods
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05-25-2009, 10:34 PM	#2
cagekicker Major 16 Rep 1,335 Posts Drives: '09 crimson red 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: miami (vice city) fl. iTrader: (0)	yeah a wrangler is a good idea. with that many miles you'll find one for about 6k. mind you that jeeps can be problematic.
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05-25-2009, 11:25 PM	#3
AlBel1214 Major 52 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: past 135i, now c6, future M3?? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	Yeah I plan on offering 5500 and pulling the whole "i dont really need this car but if your willing ill take it off your hands right now" move...the carfax report looks good.. I just want my 1 to hold its value b/c I am going to avg about 20K a year driving... __________________ -----LS3 C6----- *z51 suspension,* *NPP dual mode exhaust(wild2mild),20% tint,* zr1 replica wheels, gloss black fender stripes** R.I.P SGM 135i w/ some mods
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05-25-2009, 11:25 PM	#4
Eyeman Colonel 121 Rep 2,037 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	I'd maybe look to pick up an older 4Runner instead. But either way, as long as you have somewhere to store it, a backup jeep/truck can be very useful. I even use mine in the summer if I just washed my daily driver and it appears it might rain and mess up the wash job. Tons of other uses, minimal expense.
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05-26-2009, 08:45 AM	#5
AlBel1214 Major 52 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: past 135i, now c6, future M3?? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	^^Agreed.. on crappy weather days that makes complete sense... __________________ -----LS3 C6----- *z51 suspension,* *NPP dual mode exhaust(wild2mild),20% tint,* zr1 replica wheels, gloss black fender stripes** R.I.P SGM 135i w/ some mods
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05-26-2009, 10:58 AM	#6
tbird Captain 31 Rep 683 Posts Drives: "Bianca" 135cic AW/TC Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: FLL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135cic [0.00]	It all depends on what you want. I got a commuter car so that I would not put my 1 through the daily abuse of commuting, high mileages, abuse from rocks and crud on the road, etc. A Focus Hatchback was perfect for me. Lots of room, great mileage, dirt cheap. I really wanted a Wrangler Jeep, but with high maintenance costs and low mpg, and you couldn't lock it up (I wanted softtop, what's the point of a hardtop Jeep), I couldn't justify the purchase. If you want cheap and used, then the Focus is perfect. HOWEVER, if you want cheap and NEW, then you should consider a Dodge Caliber, and only right now. Yes, I know, an Al Bundy-mobile. However, you have 0% interest, a 3/36 BtoB warranty with Lifetime Engine/Powertrain warranty. Then, I was considering the Caliber as it is the ONLY Dodge that is mechanically ok, and it is a four door with hatchback so you have plenty of room for beach stuff. But here's the kicker. They are selling them for 45% off. No haggling, just walk in and offer $11K for a $20K Caliber and they will just say "Ok". Haggle and get 50% off or more. Now, it is slow (9.8 seconds), and the suspension is absolutely soft as hell. BUT, with those savings, you get the Mopar CAI and the Dodge-approved Magnaflow CatBack Exhaust, those won't affect the warranty and you can roll them into the car loan. Then just tighten up the suspension and you are ready to go. With Rear-Hatch-Articulating Car speakers, it is perfect for the beach. So if the Caliber gets beat up on bad roads, if it gets sand and salt water in it, who cares. If you do 20k miles a year, who cares. You got it for 50% off and you have a Lifetime Engine/Powertrain warranty. How much can you complain, know what I mean? Good luck. __________________ 2008 135cic, Alpine White/Terracotta Leather/BlackTop, Premium Package (Bluetooth, folding mirrors, etc), Sport Package with M Wheel, Navigation, Logic7 with HD and IPod and Sirius, Steptronic, M Aerodynamic Kit 2001 Focus ZX3, modified for fun commuting Previous 2006 325xi 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro 1997 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro 1984 Audi 4000S Quattro modified 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1969 Camaro modified 1993 Ford Explorer (basic hauling) 1984+1988 Ford Broncos 1993 Honda Civic (Commuter, junk) 2008 Mini (wife's car, AWESOME) A few more
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05-26-2009, 11:16 AM	#8
adk749 First Lieutenant 27 Rep 347 Posts Drives: '09 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Not trying to hijack the thread, but I have a similar situation... I own a '99 Integra with 160,000 miles on it. I am the one and only original owner and know the car has been taken car of. Do you think it is worth keeping it for the winter/driving into the city/etc.? Or, sell it and put the money away and use some of it to buy snows. I am pretty confident that I can get $4,000 for my Acura. Any thoughts? Oh, I do not have a garage, but do have room for two cars. __________________ 2009 135i Coupe, 6 Speed MT, Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Leatherette, High Gloss Black Trim, Sports Package, BMW Assist, iPod/USB Adapter, Heated Seats \| Ordered: 5/18/09 Completed: 6/2/09 Shipped: 6/11/09 Delivered: 7/2/09
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05-26-2009, 03:20 PM	#9
Monterra Captain 19 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	I'd look into used Subaru products if you have meaningful commuting to do.
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05-26-2009, 04:26 PM	#11
mrhyde Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palm Coast, FL iTrader: (1)	The fun factor of a Wrangler is very high. There is nothing like wheeling down your favorite trail or a trip to the beach with the top down and the doors off. Look for one with a factory sailcloth soft top. They are as quiet as as a hard top and just as warm in the winter. Let the heater melt the ice and snow off in winter. Using a scraper could scratch the plastic window, or at extreme temps even crack it. Also, look for a Dana 44 rear end with a 3:73 ratio. They are much more stout than the Dana 35. The 3:07 gear ratio is a dog. Look for the inline 6 engine. Much more power than the 4 cylinder, and the gas mileage is about the same. Definately take an extensive test drive, you will either love the way it drives or hate it. Like Monterra said, you may prefer something more carlike as in a Subaru all wheel drive. The Wrangler has a part time four wheel drive system. It can only be used off road or on road in slippery situations, never on dry pavement. As for maintenance, they are simple to work on, and are some of the most problem free vehicles I have owned.
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05-26-2009, 09:52 PM	#12
JHZR2 Major 74 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: 91 E30, 11 135i cv Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I agree on the focus. Id say 4runner too... over a jeep because of higher utility. Or spring for an x5 diesel
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05-26-2009, 09:59 PM	#13
jeremyc74 Banned 76 Rep 5,970 Posts Drives: '08 135i Montego/Terra Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Evansville, IN iTrader: (0)	I'd go with the Wrangler. If my job were more stable I'd be looking for one right now myself. I've had a few over the years and I loved them all. I wouldn't worry too much about the soft top in the winter. They've got good heaters. The Jeep is also a lot of fun in the summer. If you're looking for a good way to keep miles off the 1, a Jeep is a good way to do it. I've bought beaters to keep miles off my good cars before, and hated driving them so much it didn't really work all that well. The Jeep will make it much easier. Also, chicks dig them
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05-27-2009, 08:36 AM	#14
AlBel1214 Major 52 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: past 135i, now c6, future M3?? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	^^Thanks jeremey... yeah I looked at one last night a 98 with 105,000 and the guy wanted 7900! ridiculous price considering I found another I am going to look at today that is a 99 with 102,000 for 6900... I am looking to spend around 6 grand I think.. I appreciate all the opinions.. __________________ -----LS3 C6----- *z51 suspension,* *NPP dual mode exhaust(wild2mild),20% tint,* zr1 replica wheels, gloss black fender stripes** R.I.P SGM 135i w/ some mods
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05-27-2009, 11:30 AM	#15
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Just a thought as I'm only about 100 miles south of you; since my RWD E46 with dedicated winter tires has easily handled the past 9 winters, have you considered a late E36 or early E46? Blue book is around $6k or so for a 325i or 328i with 100,000 miles and probably less for a 318i. I suspect gas mileage would be much better than the Jeep if that's important for you. Tom
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