non-SE-R car replacement

[David Pertuz]

George, how has the maintenance been on your BMWs? I seem to recall you've
had at least one E46, but I'm not sure. I am used to, and want to keep,
Japanese-car reliab ility for my #1 car (I've got two project cars - I want
my main car to be something that doesn't require more than periodic oil
changes and such); I know BMWs don't have that, but I don't know how much
I'd be giving up...

David

On Sun, Sep 21, 2014 at 1:55 PM, George Roffe <geo31 at suddenlink.net> wrote:

> I've been Jonesing for an E46 or E39 Touring for some time. Just haven't
> found the perfect one yet.  I require a manual gearbox, sport package and
> HID lights.  I've come close a couple of times. Found one that was almost
> perfect but timing was wrong.
>
> E39 Touring with manual is easier to find.
>
> Geo
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Sep 18, 2014, at 9:39 AM, David Pertuz <d.pertuz at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> My primary car is the Beige Transportation Appliance, a 2004 Honda Accord.
> As if that's not beige enough, it's beige-on-beige with a four-cylinder and
> an automatic. Not quite my thing (though it would be fine if it were a
> manual) but it was a deal way too good to pass up when I got it. I've had
> it three-and-something years and since it works well enough for the
> out-of-town trips that constitute most of its driving, I've been happy
> enough. But after a three-week vacation in the west that involved a lot of
> mountain and otherwise twisty roads, and a headliner that began falling
> down (WTF?) I've quickly become pretty over the car and am dreaming of its
> replacement. It's OK cosmetically (Florida car, so it's squeaky clean, but
> scrapes on the fascias, etc.), interior is pretty immaculate except for the
> damn headliner, and mechanically its excellent and has super-low mileage
> (45k) So my budget will be whatever I can sell it for, maybe another grand
> or so, or something around $9k. Cash (I don't buy cars on credit.)
>
> I want ideas from y'all. What I want includes the following:
>
> -D-sized preferably (Camcord size), but C-sized is OK
> -Hatchback or wagon
> -Manual transmission (I hate automatics)
> -Fun to drive
> -30mpg on the highway (my damn Accord will barely even do that)
> -Reliable and easy to work on (I keep shit for a long time)
> -I don't care if it's fast, though I certainly don't mind
> -Hatchback or wagon - I might get another sedan if it hit all the other
> buttons, but  why compromise? I love the utility of 5-doors. If it's a
> sedan, it absolutely must have a folding seatback. The ability to fit a
> bike inside is mandatory. I would love to have a cargo area long enough to
> sleep in, too.
>
> I had plenty of time to think on this, and I came up with only two cars
> that hit everything: the Mazda 6 (wagons and hatches aren't really common,
> but they're there) and the Subaru Legacy GT. Two local examples:
>
> <http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/4628641820.html>
> http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/4628641820.html
> <http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/4668168837.html>
> http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/4668168837.html
>
> What am I missing that's fun? Anything? I've thought of things like a BMW
> E46 Touring, or an E39 Touring, Jetta diesel wagons at the right price
> point, etc. but those are going to be high mileage and do I really want the
> electronics of a high-mileage German car? I love driving cars like that,
> but owning....
>
> David
>
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