New car suggestions/help: 25k max w/options - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 09:23 PM

Hey Guys,
I'm getting a car for my girlfriend for xmas and my budget is 25k. She's never had a brand new car in her life, so I want it to be brand new (used cars aren't an option). The only thing that's kind of girly but cool at the same time is the new 2011 Mini Coopers (the cooper s's are too much though when optioned out).

So, right now though my top choice is a 2011 Mini Cooper hatchback. Are there any comparable cars out there at this price range that are better than the new Minis?

Thanks,
Matt

fyi - she's 21 so no need for family vehicles, just something fun (it has to be an automatic though)

blackE90 · 11-18-2010, 09:55 PM

What about a VW GTI?

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 10:06 PM

I thought of it and went to build one online, and it has too much of a boy racer feel to it. Remember this is for a 21 year old girl so things like VW GTI's and Civic SI's are out of the question (because the meaningless extra power is pointless and they are too boyish looking).

Seminole · 11-18-2010, 10:24 PM

Mazda 3 GT
New Jetta
Golf TDI
Ford Fusion
Suzuki Kizashi

All really nice handling cars and can be had either loaded (Jetta, TDI, M3) or very well equipped (Fusion, Kizashi) for 25K

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 10:28 PM

^ thanks bro for the sugestions.. i'll look into a couple of those

mdosu · 11-18-2010, 10:46 PM

wow, $25k for a gift? Why not just buy her a ring, it'll be cheaper!

Marcumac · 11-18-2010, 10:57 PM

I think pictures of the girl would help

I think you have the right idea with the Mini Cooper though. Hyundia Genesis Coupe, Mazda 3, Honda Fit, dare I say...Prius? Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Beetle.

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

wow, $25k for a gift? Why not just buy her a ring, it'll be cheaper!

lol i don't want to buy her a ring yet.. we've been together 4 years, but i want to get married in ~2-3 years... so just a car for now (which is much more useable than a big diamond ring)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcumac

I think pictures of the girl would help

I think you have the right idea with the Mini Cooper though. Hyundia Genesis Coupe, Mazda 3, Honda Fit, dare I say...Prius? Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Beetle.

lol no pics of my girl allowed on here.. yea i think mini is the best choice, although maybe a prius... i'll look into them too (didn't think of them)

and my girlfriend (as with myself) is kind of a "brand whore" of sorts, where a mini sounds way better than a hyundai or mazda, etc...

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 11:33 PM

ehh just checked out the prius's and the cheapest one is 26k with the 2k option of nav that you can't unchoose... they definitely don't look as fun as a mini either.. scratch that lol

MarkR171 · 11-19-2010, 12:05 AM

Fiat 500?

Supposed to be starting sales in America next month from an article I read 2 days ago. $15,500 USD base price. I guarantee these things will be trendy, and being an Italian car, perfect for a young brand whore!

Year's_End · 11-19-2010, 01:09 AM

Not trying to be in any way, but you're not even married and you're buying her a car? Are you guys engaged at least? Anyways, the Fiat 500 would be an awesome choice, as would a Mini or even a Hyundai Sonata (got to kick the Hyundai image to the curb; they make good shit now).

The MkVI Golf is an excellent car, but it is more masculine looking now. The new Jetta might be up her alley.

M3_WC · 11-19-2010, 01:09 AM

Yes, Fiat 500

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/l...slers-hip-new/

hl0m4n · 11-19-2010, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuban335i

lol i don't want to buy her a ring yet.. we've been together 4 years, but i want to get married in ~2-3 years... so just a car for now (which is much more useable than a big diamond ring)

lol no pics of my girl allowed on here.. yea i think mini is the best choice, although maybe a prius... i'll look into them too (didn't think of them)

and my girlfriend (as with myself) is kind of a "brand whore" of sorts, where a mini sounds way better than a hyundai or mazda, etc...

im assuming your 21 also? dating 4 years sets you back at 17; are you guys high school sweet hearts

?

i think you answered your own question, and out of the bunch mini def sounds the way to go, gl to say the least

.

b0bab0i · 11-19-2010, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

im assuming your 21 also? dating 4 years sets you back at 17 how you guys were high school sweet hearts

?

i think you answered your own question, and out of the bunch mini def sounds the way to go, gl to say the least

.

Maybe he's a bit older? 2-3 years give or take?

koreez88 · 11-19-2010, 03:11 AM

Wait, aren't you 21? It's a bit large of a commitment to buy a 25k present for a gf at that age.

Artmasterx · 11-19-2010, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Yes, Fiat 500

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/l...slers-hip-new/

+1

My wife though that were very cool (and cute), ever since she saw the 500 Abarth on Top Gear. I assume they would throw a automatic transmission in some US-bound cars. I don't know if you could get one in time for Christmas though, there may be a waiting list initially.

http://www.fiatusa.com/en/build_your_own.html

Kit523 · 11-19-2010, 04:43 AM

I think GTI would fit her better

Silver-Bolt · 11-19-2010, 10:04 AM

The new VW Jetta starts at $15900.

ragingclue · 11-19-2010, 10:33 AM

My recommendation would be the Fiesta.... It comes with some nice options well below $25k.

michaelthepsycho · 11-19-2010, 10:55 AM

VW Beetle

Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5L (very torquey and great CVT)

Mazdaspeed3

128i (a stripper at invoice is pretty close to $25k)

cuban335i · 11-19-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koreez88

Wait, aren't you 21? It's a bit large of a commitment to buy a 25k present for a gf at that age.

yea it's a pretty big commitment but it'll be under my name just in case. And we live together, so it pretty much will be an extra car for me as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

im assuming your 21 also? dating 4 years sets you back at 17; are you guys high school sweet hearts

?

i think you answered your own question, and out of the bunch mini def sounds the way to go, gl to say the least

.

lol yes we're highschool sweethearts. we've lived together over 2 years now, so I'd think by now i'd know if i want to stay with her lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Yes, Fiat 500

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/l...slers-hip-new/

good idea! although kind of small, i'm going to check it out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelthepsycho

VW Beetle

Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5L (very torquey and great CVT)

Mazdaspeed3

128i (a stripper at invoice is pretty close to $25k)

I'll check out that 128i idea of yours. That's a pretty good idea.

Thanks guys for the suggestions.. all of them really give me something to think about now.

TK-421 · 11-19-2010, 12:27 PM

Holy shit a Fiat 500 would be great. The new Jetta looks really nice as well

11-18-2010, 09:23 PM	#1
cuban335i Brigadier General Drives: '12 M3/'09 e92 335i/'11 MCS Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ Posts: 3,546 iTrader: (18)	New car suggestions/help: 25k max w/options Hey Guys, I'm getting a car for my girlfriend for xmas and my budget is 25k. She's never had a brand new car in her life, so I want it to be brand new (used cars aren't an option). The only thing that's kind of girly but cool at the same time is the new 2011 Mini Coopers (the cooper s's are too much though when optioned out). So, right now though my top choice is a 2011 Mini Cooper hatchback. Are there any comparable cars out there at this price range that are better than the new Minis? Thanks, Matt fyi - she's 21 so no need for family vehicles, just something fun (it has to be an automatic though) __________________ '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded
	Tweet

11-18-2010, 10:06 PM	#3
cuban335i Brigadier General Drives: '12 M3/'09 e92 335i/'11 MCS Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ Posts: 3,546 iTrader: (18)	I thought of it and went to build one online, and it has too much of a boy racer feel to it. Remember this is for a 21 year old girl so things like VW GTI's and Civic SI's are out of the question (because the meaningless extra power is pointless and they are too boyish looking). __________________ '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded

11-18-2010, 10:24 PM	#4
Seminole Lieutenant Colonel Drives: Red Flyer Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: 38.8977° N, 77.0366° W Posts: 1,986 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 E90 328i [3.50]	Mazda 3 GT New Jetta Golf TDI Ford Fusion Suzuki Kizashi All really nice handling cars and can be had either loaded (Jetta, TDI, M3) or very well equipped (Fusion, Kizashi) for 25K __________________

11-18-2010, 10:28 PM	#5
cuban335i Brigadier General Drives: '12 M3/'09 e92 335i/'11 MCS Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ Posts: 3,546 iTrader: (18)	^ thanks bro for the sugestions.. i'll look into a couple of those __________________ '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded

11-18-2010, 10:46 PM	#6
mdosu Help! Can't decide btw MW & AW, 1st world problems Drives: 2008.99989 SSII E90 "Civic" Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 5,922 iTrader: (4)	wow, $25k for a gift? Why not just buy her a ring, it'll be cheaper! __________________ Yes, that's a xmas tree in my trunk

11-18-2010, 09:55 PM	#2
blackE90 Private First Class Drives: sp blk 330i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: east coast Posts: 148 iTrader: (0)	What about a VW GTI?

11-18-2010, 10:57 PM	#7
Marcumac Lieutenant Colonel Drives: '06 Monaco Blue 325i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 1,519 iTrader: (6) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [4.60]	I think pictures of the girl would help I think you have the right idea with the Mini Cooper though. Hyundia Genesis Coupe, Mazda 3, Honda Fit, dare I say...Prius? Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Beetle. __________________ ZSP\|ZPP\|ZCW\|PDC\|19x9.5/10.5 Varrstoen ES 1.1.2\|OEM Blacklines\|LUX 5.1\|Rear Euro fogs\|Muffler delete\|ECS kidneys\|Gunsmoke Ambergones\|Tinted JLevi sidemarkers\|30% Llumar ATX\|Corner Delete

11-18-2010, 11:33 PM	#9
cuban335i Brigadier General Drives: '12 M3/'09 e92 335i/'11 MCS Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ Posts: 3,546 iTrader: (18)	ehh just checked out the prius's and the cheapest one is 26k with the 2k option of nav that you can't unchoose... they definitely don't look as fun as a mini either.. scratch that lol __________________ '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded

11-19-2010, 12:05 AM	#10
MarkR171 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: SLK55 AMG Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,531 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00]	Fiat 500? Supposed to be starting sales in America next month from an article I read 2 days ago. $15,500 USD base price. I guarantee these things will be trendy, and being an Italian car, perfect for a young brand whore! __________________ 2007 SLK55 AMG - Black on Gray/Black - AMG 030 Performance Package 2011 135i - Traded ///M-Sport - Dual Clutch - Harman Kardon - Bluetooth - iPod - Shadowline Kidney Grill - 225/255 Star Specs - Hotchkis Front Sway

11-19-2010, 01:09 AM	#11
Year's_End Cpt. Buzzkill Drives: '08 E92 335i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: St. Pete, FL Posts: 11,785 iTrader: (0)	Not trying to be in any way, but you're not even married and you're buying her a car? Are you guys engaged at least? Anyways, the Fiat 500 would be an awesome choice, as would a Mini or even a Hyundai Sonata (got to kick the Hyundai image to the curb; they make good shit now). The MkVI Golf is an excellent car, but it is more masculine looking now. The new Jetta might be up her alley. __________________ _.[In a love/hate relationship with...] E92 335i: Space Grey\|Coral Red\|Aluminum Trim _________VMR V710s\|M-Sport Rear Bumper & Rockers\|M3 Spoiler\|Golf-T__________Moved on to the misc. Later, brahs.

11-19-2010, 01:09 AM	#12
M3_WC Lieutenant Colonel Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA Posts: 1,832 iTrader: (0)	Yes, Fiat 500 http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/l...slers-hip-new/

11-19-2010, 03:11 AM	#15
koreez88 Всем привет ;) Drives: 2011 SG e90 335d Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 3,140 iTrader: (11)	Wait, aren't you 21? It's a bit large of a commitment to buy a 25k present for a gf at that age.

11-19-2010, 04:43 AM	#17
Kit523 Major General Drives: 2009 AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: B.C. Vancouver Posts: 6,785 iTrader: (25)	I think GTI would fit her better

11-19-2010, 10:04 AM	#18
Silver-Bolt Captain Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Melbourne Red Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 778 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Z4 35is [5.00]	The new VW Jetta starts at $15900.

11-19-2010, 10:33 AM	#19
ragingclue My interior is turrible Drives: stickferanaxle Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville Posts: 6,667 iTrader: (1)	My recommendation would be the Fiesta.... It comes with some nice options well below $25k.

11-19-2010, 10:55 AM	#20
michaelthepsycho Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 11 Montego Blue E90 335i Step Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA Posts: 1,629 iTrader: (4)	VW Beetle Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5L (very torquey and great CVT) Mazdaspeed3 128i (a stripper at invoice is pretty close to $25k) __________________ FS: 335i Non-sport Springs , My car 2011 BMW 335i Step - Montego Blue / Chestnut Brown

11-19-2010, 12:27 PM	#22
TK-421 Registered Sex Offender Drives: E30 \| E46 M3 \| S13 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 4,687 iTrader: (0)	Holy shit a Fiat 500 would be great. The new Jetta looks really nice as well __________________ Stop putting stuff like painted reflectors and premium package in your signature. You're embarrassing.

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