Sti Owner, Looking For Change

[qbushido]

Hello all. Here is my situation, my STi was stolen and recovered in NJ a few weeks ago, I do have trust in the people who are fixing it, but the fact remains, the car will never be the same to me. I dont want her back , I wish she was totaled.

the way I see it I have two choices, sell the STi or trade it in for something else. I'd like the reduction in monthly payments and see that the 1 year old STi market is saturated at the moment so the trade in seems more likely.

Bottom line, I'd like a car under 25k, made in or after 2000. Any ideas? I'm looking for perhaps a certified pre-owned car.

MODS: if this is the wrong area, I apologize, this is my first post here, (but you knew that)

[jllphan]

to the forums!

By your presence here, I take it you are contemplating a Bimmer? What kinda change are you lookin' for?

One of the nicest Bimmers available for less than $25K IMO would be a 2001-2002 330Ci. If you are looking for more refinement, better ride quality (without sacrificing decent handling), and an overall better made and safer car, this would be my choice.

Keep in mind an STi is a completely different car, so I have no idea what you liked or hated about it.

[BMWLotAttendant]

Yes, I would advise a 330Ci as well....get one with a 6 speed manual and things will be much better.

Oh, and get the performance package if you can find one, they may be a little bit more but better performance in the long run...

Performance Package

235-horsepower engine
More aggressively tuned sport suspension
8-way power front sport seats with 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; 3-driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions; automatic tilt-down of passenger’s side-view mirror when vehicle is shifted into reverse gea
Anthracite interior headliner
Alcantara/cloth upholstery
Aluminum “black cube” interior trim
M 3-spoke Alcantara-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheels with fingertip cruise, audio and accessory phone3 controls
M Double Spoke (Styling 135M) alloy wheels, 18 x 8.0 front, 18 x 8.5 rear; 225/40R-18 front, 225/35R-18 rear performance tires7,11
High-Gloss shadowline exterior trim
Matte stainless steel, 35mm dual exhaust pipes
Aerodynamic package
Tachometer with 300 rpm-higher redline and red needles
Short, sport gearshift lever

[spiff325is]

I would conquer. That car is solidly built, and the stock exhaust and interior noise is very pleasing. the car is a special good right-out-of-the-box product.

[thekid]

You will be taking a performance hit though switching to the 330i. A New M3 would give you slightly better performace, but the WRX Sti will walk all over the 330i (as seen in the best motoring test of the New M3). I would go for an older M3 if you still want the performance you are used to. But if you don't mind taking a little away from the performance than the 330i is a good choice.

[doughboyea]

An older M3... like an E36 will have the same HP, pretty much, as a 330ci. It will be cheaper (E36 M3 that is) but would have more maintanence costs associated with it. A newer used E46 M3 will probrolly be out of your price range. If you go to a dealer, must get thier certified vehicles. They'll cover your ass when things go wrong. And like others have said... if your going to go from a STi to a 330Ci, you'll be in a different catogory of cars. The 330ci (2 door coupe) will not have the all wheel drive or that 300hp? engine. Of course, if you wanted to spend that "little" extra, an E46 M3 will do u just right, no AWD but still a kick ass car with 333hp.... stock.

Dough

[BMWLotAttendant]

Whatever you do.....do not trade in your vehicle

You will get more money selling it whole-sale yourself. If you have some money...like $10,000....and sell your car whole-sale...newer bodystyle and used...you should get around $30,000....if I know what I"m talking about....then you could get a used e46 M3 stock...you just have to look around. I knew a guy who whole-selled his e46 M3 for around $36,000. We have one at our dealership that is used...for around $47,500.

Anyway...my random thoughts on this situation.

[doughboyea]

True... but don't forget that that whole deal about it being stolen would deminish it's value to anyone. A 2004 STi in excellent condition values below $30,000 (w/o telling the prosepctive buyer about it's past) Check KBB.com, you'll find pretty accurate Private Party Values there.

Dough