SOLD :( some new vehicle advice ??

[Jc12]

Well maybe not a "new".. but new to me vehicle. The worst day of my life came last week when i let my runner go. It no longer fit my lifestyle as i had tuned it to an ultimate offroad machine and my new job had me commuting millions of miles a day.. so a change was warranted. I still have a book of plans for my next 3rd gen when i get some spare money to pick up a winter beast but in the meantime i am bouncing between two new rides.. one from venus one from mars..

I have always loved my hondas, and ive been eyeing the 8th gen civic SI coupes. Very sporty to drive, i LOVE the seating and dashboard as well as the exterior looks. I make a few trips a year to whistler BC so the civic would make do when the roads are clear. I do about 60 km of commuting a day so (despite the premium gas) the MPGs are nice.

My other choice is an 04-06 bmw X3. These come highly reviewed and are apparently the better years of all the x3's. AWD is nice as well as the luxuries of a bmw. I will have the cargo space to throw a bike in the back and i have a 16.5' boat i enjoy pulling around in the summer, as well as cargo room for my road bike.

If i were to go with the civic i would buy a cheap tow vehicle on the side (i work at an auto auction so this wouldnt be an issue) for the summer months when i go boating locally. Otherwise everything else could be put on the roof of the civic. I know these are two different worlds but i can only have one, ive always leaned towards the civic because i love the driving experience and the 6speed manual tranny would give me the ultimate one. Let me your thoughts - here are the prices i would be looking at

civic - 06-08 with about 60k miles $11-12grand
bmw - 04-06 wit about 60k miles $12 grand

 

[shootmymime]

bmw are a killer to maintain. they cost so much money.

do the civic!

 

[madbomber08]

2004-2008 Acura TL. So so sexy and reliable

 

[fluffeh]

bmw are a killer to maintain. they cost so much money.

do the civic!

x2 on this one. What would be a $1000 repair on a Honda is a $5000 repair on a BMW. Also if you get a new Civic you'll have your dealer warranties and whatnot. And the comfort of having a new or almost-new car.

 

[LittleCaesar]

If for your job you are going to be shuffling around clients and so forth, get the X3 with the I6 in it. But,as others have stated, repair bills can lighten the wallet real quick when owning one. My GF's mom has one with the M package; it is quite nice but is a pavement princess. I don't know if I have seen an X3 towing anything, or even an X5.

If no clients, then drive the Civic until the wheels fall off while saving $$$.

 

[BrianSD_42]

What is the diff between a modded 4Runner and an x5?

I see no difference in gas at all. Also the BMW will cost 5x as 4Runner. Trust me, I've owned both.

 

[GX4SEVEND]

Agreed. I'm confused why you sold the runner, only to get something else and then purchase another 4runner down the road.

 

[Brilliant]

If you're worried about vehicle operation costs, an x3 is not a vehicle to buy.

I own a BMW, but the 4runner is so much cheaper to operate. I drive the BMW because its fun to drive.

I'd be looking at a toyota/lexus if I wanted a decent platform with good reliability. I've also owned 2 civics, but its been a while. Few dollars ever went into the civics.

 

[TegoXR]

Acura 04+ TL, I have an 08 TL, It is so good on gas! I get 500km+ easily to a tank on a big heavy vehicle with PLENTY of power and awesome I mean awesome ride quality. Best bang for the buck luxury sedan!

 

[J.Graham]

Hey JC, I'm also in Vancouver. The 4runner really is a perfect vehicle here (great to have the 4-wheel to shoot up to whistler and the okanagan). Pick up a nice limited and keep it stock. You'll also be able to pull your boat with it! Fuel efficiency isn't as good as a Honda but you'll only need one vehicle. And the maintenance/repair bills on the bimmer will kill any fuel savings there.
Cheers

 

[Super-G]

What about a turbo Subaru? I know that Subaru's are sneered at on this site but a nice clean WRX is a badass ride. It would give you the best of both worlds.

My nephew has a newer WRX with a 6 speed and his hauls ass and gets around great in the snow. I've driven it before and while I prefer 60's Muscle, I gotta say it was an absolute blast to drive.

Before I got my 4 Runner I test drove 2 WRX wagons and also a turbo Outback, but my lifestyle requires more of a truck based vehicle so I went for the 4 Runner.