Help me pick my next ride! Poll!

[BigVrunga]

Trying to decide between these two vehicles - what do you think?

 

[intv]

I voted for the 528 - I love acuras, and would have picked it over a 3 series, but I like the 5 series better. Is the bmw the 6 or the 8 cyl?

 

[BigVrunga]

Hey intv!! Still workin' on the website - Ive been building PC's all summer

Its the 6cyl, the 540i is the 8 and its gets crappy gas mileage, although Id love the power...Im sick of paying for gas.

I was thinking of another SUV, a 1999 4runner, but it cant be my main vehicle if it cost me $20 a week just to drive around town.

Im leaning toward the Acura - although I like the BMW's bodylines better - the 528i is 190Hp and gets 28Mpg, while the Acura gets 29Mpg and cranks 225Hp. The con of the Acura is its only available with an automatic tranny, although its a Tiptronic.

Hmmm...If I found a 5speed late 90's 528i for a good price Id snap it up, though.

BV

 

[bioman]

I'd go Acura if reliability and mileage are a concern..but yeah auto is kind of a drag.

 

[Bean]

neither

2000 acura TLs have terrible transmission problems (they seize up at speed)
and the older BMW 5 series has a lot of other problems not pertaining to the drivetrain (not to mention its a turd in the power department)...

Let me suggest a few more vehicles into the fray

1998-2001 Lexus GS400 (dont be worried about mileage or year on this vehicle, most reliable brand PERIOD)
2001+ Infiniti Q45 (resale value has dropped like a brick)

new cars:
2005 Infiniti M45 (totally pimp, completely redesigned)
http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,5757,cid-33903_sctid-52321,00.html

2005 Pontiac GTO (has LS2 Vette motor, 400hp, IRS, and a nice interior, nuff said)

car i want?
1994-1995 Toyota Supra TT 6-speed

 

[BigVrunga]

Holy crap just read about the tranny issues with the 2000TL's!! I dont want any of that action! Same issues with pre-2000 TLs? Thanks for the warning...

The cars you suggested look slick Bean, but are out of my price range at the moment. I dont really want to go higher than $14k. That GS400 looks hot, though. The push button E-shift on the steering wheel might be kinda fun, too

I want a slick ride (having driven a beat-to-hell 92 Ford Explorer for the past 6 years, after owning 2 BMW's(79 and 85) and a Mercedes(1969) previously. I want a car that can do it all, though. Gas mileage, decent power, 4 doors and a good amount of room, and of course reliability. The GS400 looks like killer, and at 25mpg on the highway I could deal with that, with all the luxury options to keep my mind off the price of gas.


BV

neither

2000 acura TLs have terrible transmission problems (they seize up at speed)
and the older BMW 5 series has a lot of other problems not pertaining to the drivetrain (not to mention its a turd in the power department)...

Let me suggest a few more vehicles into the fray

1998-2001 Lexus GS400 (dont be worried about mileage or year on this vehicle, most reliable brand PERIOD)
2001+ Infiniti Q45 (resale value has dropped like a brick)

new cars:
2005 Infiniti M45 (totally pimp, completely redesigned)
http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,5757,cid-33903_sctid-52321,00.html

2005 Pontiac GTO (has LS2 Vette motor, 400hp, IRS, and a nice interior, nuff said)

car i want?
1994-1995 Toyota Supra TT 6-speed

 

[BigVrunga]

Just read that its the 5speed (2000+) Acura TL's with the tranny problem. Looks like its back in the running, although a 1999. Damn sweet car for the price and options.

BV

 

[Jayhawkk]

Since money and gas prices are a concern buying either of those two used would be against everything that made sicne to me. If that thing breaks down you're fucked as it costs an arm and a leg to work on either of those two.

If you have 14k to spend you have a lot more options out thee that are reliable, look good and have good gas prices and still probably have a factory warrenty.

 

[BigVrunga]

What do you recommend Jayhawk?

 

[Bean]

The GS400 is pretty badass man the 300hp that it has standard isnt anything to sneeze at either... it will outrun a Mustang GT on a highway roll and the luxury cant be touched by other brands in the same price range

i think the pre-00 TLs didnt have the tranny problems, there's more info over at the acura forums, and check clublexus.com if you're interested in the GS400, 98 models usually go for ~17k-20k in good shape

 

[bioman]

I tried to race a GS400 with my 1.8T...ouch! 'tied to a pole as the saying goes.

 

[BigVrunga]

Id love to get my hands on one (GS400), but I just dont want to swing that kind of car payment. The closest thing I could afford with that kind of power/luxury would be a 1995 540i 6-speed, but Im not willing to play around with a highmileage car and that Nikosil engine issue.

I found a low miles 1994 525i that looks really sweet, 75kmi and in really nice shape. A performance chip and it wouldnt be too bad power wise. Still would get ~30mpg on the highway, too. Not GS400 power, though

BV

 

[ironviking]

Big V dont you know all the cool people drive hoopties. j/k

If you can swing the cost of the GS go with it, I carpooled to Denver the other day with a guy who had one. We were passing up corvettes in the right hand lane and looked damn cool doing it.

 

[rpward210]

Vrunga:

I'm struggling to find a good fit for you and your price range, but the TL and 5 Series don't tickle my fancy. (purely subjective) But, your choice in heavy metal bands is second to none! I'll do a bit more research before I leap blindly into suggesting your next ride!

 

[BigVrunga]

Big V dont you know all the cool people drive hoopties. j/k

I must be pretty damn cool then!

If you can swing the cost of the GS go with it, I carpooled to Denver the other day with a guy who had one. We were passing up corvettes in the right hand lane and looked damn cool doing it.

If I waited another year I might be able to. It might be worth it - Lexus reliability and that kind of power - and it even gets like 26mpg on the highway. I could deal with the automatic.

I'm struggling to find a good fit for you and your price range, but the TL and 5 Series don't tickle my fancy. (purely subjective) But, your choice in heavy metal bands is second to none! I'll do a bit more research before I leap blindly into suggesting your next ride!

Hey thanks man I see the Pantera quote in your sig. That's what keeps me driving my beat down Explorer - the 12's and Zapco amps slamming that double bass into my chest.

Any suggestions are most definately welcome - Im really at a loss here. Ive been driving my truck since 1998 - its been a love/hate relationship. She's not going to make it too much longer without costing me another major repair (well, Ive replaced almost everything, so there really isnt too much left to go on it, other then the body which is rusted to **** ) Gave her some new plugs today and she's running real smooth, although another NY winter is going to push it.

Ive had many cars in my day - the BMW's were my favorite rides. I thought my 85 325e was going to go forever before some drunk asshole smashed into it while it was parked outside a diner.


BV

 

[BigCasino]

Ive had many cars in my day - the BMW's were my favorite rides. I thought my 85 325e was going to go forever before some drunk asshole smashed into it while it was parked outside a diner.

Hey bro,

I'd go with the BMW 5-series. I've got a 1999 540i, which as you noted above gets horrible mpg, but the 5-series structure and build quality are legendary. The only thing I would worry about is the cost of potential repairs, as BMW parts run a pretty penny. For example, my driverside power window recently decided to get stuck in the up position, and I am told the problem was very simple, but that didn't prevent the repair cost from being $400+. The same problem on my 2000 Toyota Tacoma would prolly cost a lot less to fix. In the end though it is worth it, I love the car to death.

p.s. deffinately go manual tranny if you can!

 

[Bean]

the thing is, the same problem wouldnt have occured on your 2000 Tacoma Toyota = Lexus = reliability unequaled...
but i've said my piece... glad you like the GS Vrunga, I've always wanted one...

BTW, I SAW a C6 today!!! Drove by it, man it looked like a Ferrari at first; its so short now.

 

[BigVrunga]

I dont know guys - I really dig the GS400...but I think that German blood runs through my Italian veins. I can't stop gazing at autotrader ads for E34 5 series bimmers.

I have this dream - 94 525i, drive it for a while, and then later when I have the funds and a house, supercharge that bitch and escape from this prison planet

BV

 

[kwyckemynd00]

If the 2000+ models of the Acura don't have the Tranny problems, I'd go Acura. Honda / Acura are great cars. But if I may make a suggestion, I'd go Ferrari if I was you. It may suit your "Italian Blood" better (Dont you wish )

 

[BigVrunga]

Hell ya I do

No doubt, Acura makes great vehicles - the new TL with the 6-speed is definately sweet.

You can't get the TL3.2 with a manual earlier than 2005, though.

If I were to go Japanese Luxury, it would have to be that GS400. That's just pure sickness on 4wheels...

My ****-box is running like a champ at the moment, so Im going to keep combing Ebay and Autotrader until I find exactly what Im looking for...

BMW repair can be done inexpensively if you do most of the minor maitenence yourself and get the parts from enthusiast catalogs or foreign specialty shops. My 325e was the nicest little car - I think I did the brakes on all 4 wheels for less than $175. (shoes on the rear, calipers and pads up front)



BV

 

[Bean]

If the 2000+ models of the Acura don't have the Tranny problems, I'd go Acura. Honda / Acura are great cars. But if I may make a suggestion, I'd go Ferrari if I was you. It may suit your "Italian Blood" better (Dont you wish )

You misunderstand, all the TLs, CLs, etc from 2000+ have the tranny problems... the ones currently in production STILL have the same tranny and the same documented problems... the manual does not however, its the 6-speed pulled from the NSX iirc

Acura/Honda are good cars but they are still second to Toyota in reliability, WAY lower vs the Lexus service at the dealers (latte anyone?)... and they arent fast at all, even the Type-S GS400 = ~240-250whp at the rear wheels just like god intended a car to be designed, so smooth too

 

[BigVrunga]

Bean, I have to hand it to you - I spent some time in the club lexus forums and saw some SWEET GS400's. Even the GS300, with its NA Supra motor, could be bad ass with an aftermarket turbo or supercharger.

If you have $17k and want to buy a luxury car, that definately would be a top pick. Or this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2492374950&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT

 

[BigCasino]

Bean, I have to hand it to you - I spent some time in the club lexus forums and saw some SWEET GS400's. Even the GS300, with its NA Supra motor, could be bad ass with an aftermarket turbo or supercharger.

If you have $17k and want to buy a luxury car, that definately would be a top pick. Or this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2492374950&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

That red 540i is bad ass man. GET IT NOW

 

[BigVrunga]

It didnt sell!! I emailed the seller already. If he'd pay for a leak-down test at the BMW dealer and sell it for ~12k, Id be on the next plane

Check out this machine:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=169271128&dealer_id=&car_year=1995&search_type=used&make=BMW&model=540I&transmission=MAN&distance=200&address=12205&advanced=y&certified=n&max_mileage=&max_price=&min_price=&end_year=1996&start_year=1991&drive=&engine=&body_style=&advcd_on=y&doors=&fuel=&color=&cardist=157

If I threw a supercharger on it, Id get better gas mileage around town, and oh, 420HP or so.

http://www.capa.com.au/kits_bmw.htm

BV

 

[Bean]

$5k+ for a supercharger? good lord almighty...

Miller ref comes in on the PA
"We have price gouging! Penalty, 15 yards from the spot of the foul!"

 

[BigVrunga]

 

[CROWLER]

17K for a 10 year old BMW

WOW that seems like ALOT of money

 

[anabolicer]

tL is betta!

 

[jinkillkill]

Tl man, nice ride

 

[Rictor33]

TL for me. Personally I had this choice as well (or atleast these two were involved), I actually went with a 2003 Maxima SE and I really love it. It's so incredibly fast and it looks sleek. I also saved myself money. I didnt take the BMW 98' 740i (which is a nice ass car) or the 99' 528i because they are rear-wheel drive and I live in NY. Rear-wheel sucks **** in the snow. Plus the 3.5 in the maxima is one of the best engines you're gonna find at that price. Only drawback is the shitty turning radius when parking etc.

 

[BigVrunga]

I actually ended up picking up a 1995 Honda Accord w/66kmi original on it for a sweet price. In real nice shape, too...

It was tough not to go with the BMW, I thought long and hard about that one. But, like you I live in NY and wouldnt want to see a nice car like that go to **** in the winter time.

BV

 

[Pioneer]

my whole family is honda and acura. are 2000 TL went 100k miles before the trans stopped ticking, that was the only problem we had iwth it and now its still running on 120K miles.

accord was a good choice, they will run forever and will not let you down. put some weight in the trunk in a winter storm and youre good to go, almost as good as 4wd.

 

[Magickk]

Don't go with the TL if you've read about tranny problems. I had a 2001 CL-S and I had to put 3 transmissions in it. Granted they were all under warranty, but that was just a pain in the ass, and it hindered the performance of the car. It's the sweetest ride I've ever had, I got a 2001 Infiniti QX4 now, but it's bone stock... My CL-S was butter, but the damn tranny just sucked...