Adding a fun commuter car to the garage

[Eja144]

I'm sure this topic has been beaten to death, but times change, and with a handful of exciting new models about to hit the market, the answer today might be different from what it was even 6 months ago.

My e90 is technically my daily driver, though I don't drive every day, since I WFH full time. Most week days the car stays in the garage and I've been averaging about 8k miles/year on the odometer.

I just accepted a job offer which will require me to flex my time between in-person and WFH. I'd like to keep avg mileage consistent for the M3, so I'm thinking about adding a second vehicle that will provide some guilt-free fun on my commute.

Been bouncing around between a few different ideas, but ultimately I want something that's going to be pretty reliable, with a warranty, 3 pedals, and sporty enough to keep me from being tempted to drive the M to work every day.

Lately I've been looking at CPO BMW 2 and 3 series, Volkswagen GTI/Golf R, Subaru BRZ, WRX, Nissan 370Z, and Civic Type R. On the flip side, if I lease, I can afford more and/or newer car. I'm pretty intrigued by the new Nissan Z, possibly even a base M2 if I stretch my budget a little.

I'd prefer to spend as little as possible to achieve the driving experience I'm after, but my max financial commitment is somewhere around $600/month + $15k down. Would rather not lease if I can avoid it.

I guess I don't really have a specific question - more just looking for ideas based on personal experience. I realize that this is a super subjective topic, but maybe there's something I haven't even thought about that makes more sense than all of the above.

[gtenedio]

g30 5 series. nice n cush. 🤗

[roastbeef]

depending on how far your commute is, take a look at the electric smart cars. they don't seem as fun as they are. cheap, too.

[Melbourn3]

Base M2 would be nice if you could stretch the budget. IMO Civic type R, really really cool cars!

[amrazM]

Right now def isnt the best time to be looking into a new car, if it were me in the position I would probably look into something fuel efficient or with cargo capacity. since gas prices have shot up I stopped driving my X5 and got into a r56 Mini jcw. 12 gallon fuel tank, 25+ mpg in the city.

[nycplumber]

What @amrazm said. Right now the only car I'm looking at is a Tesla or something cheap. I bought a 5 speed corolla for my commute and I don't have any regrets but I got it for a 'steal'

[tbuck]

Originally Posted by amrazM

Right now def isnt the best time to be looking into a new car, if it were me in the position I would probably look into something fuel efficient or with cargo capacity. since gas prices have shot up I stopped driving my X5 and got into a r56 Mini jcw. 12 gallon fuel tank, 25+ mpg in the city.

^I would second this. Mine is an R55 Mini Clubman JCW and is a serious blast to drive, has plenty of room in the back to haul stuff, respectable mileage and is reasonably quick. There are certainly better/newer options but for the money hard to beat the smiles per mile factor. Also it is enough of a BMW to be easy to work on if you are already familiar with the BMW family.

[Rino924]

Sounds like there isn't a need for 4 doors if you are looking at coupes as well.

I've heard great things about the new GR86. Supposed to be a blast to drive.

Also, thoughts on a new Supra? Should be rolling out the 6 spd cars soon.

[mxchris727]

Here's mine, an immaculate '06 325i with the sport package and 6MT. I absolutely love it. I had plans to do the 3-stage intake swap making it the most powerful NA non-M BMW, but honestly as a daily it's perfect as-is. No frills, simple, cheap, and has that lightweight fun-to-drive characteristic of older BMWs.

The M5 is not my daily!

[akkando]

Used m235i with a tune or 135is.

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by mxchris727

Here's mine, an immaculate '06 325i with the sport package and 6MT. I absolutely love it. I had plans to do the 3-stage intake swap making it the most powerful NA non-M BMW, but honestly as a daily it's perfect as-is. No frills, simple, cheap, and has that lightweight fun-to-drive characteristic of older BMWs.

The M5 is not my daily!

I had an E90 330i and loved that car, reliable, quick fun! But picking up one these days are in good condition is hard, most have been beaten to hell.

I would have said Golf R fully loaded $43k great utility, looks cool, 315hp a 6 speed and 4Motion with a 0-60 time in under 4 seconds.

All with a warranty.

I have always loved Mini's but they are constantly a reliability nightmare and very hard to work on.

As for the M2 or M235, awesome cars but you will have to buy both used with your budget, not a problem but the maintenance is more expensive as well.

[Drifter2090]

Look into b8.5 Audi S4, great dailies

[Throatpunch]

Lease numbers are terrible right now. Just buy

[perry_dg]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

Look into b8.5 Audi S4, great dailies

B8 S4 filled this duty very well for me. Gone now, but a 2016 S3 replaced it and went dedicated to the Mrs. She and I love driving it. 4 doors, looks great, quick and fun with potential for any modifying you partake in. Very practical in all senses.

I daily my M but my commute is 35 miles round trip with the occasional WFH.

3 cars ago I had a 2013 Scion FR-S. Although I modified the hell out of it including a turbocharger and flex fuel tune, even stock, those cars are great, reliable and you can unapologetically drive the hell out of it. I too, hear great things about the new GR86.

[Frostynorth]

With keeping the costs down and new.
FWD - GTI
RWD - BRZ/86

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by mxchris727

Here's mine, an immaculate '06 325i with the sport package and 6MT. I absolutely love it. I had plans to do the 3-stage intake swap making it the most powerful NA non-M BMW, but honestly as a daily it's perfect as-is. No frills, simple, cheap, and has that lightweight fun-to-drive characteristic of older BMWs.

The M5 is not my daily!

Whats the mileage on that 325i, it looks mint.

[Longboarder]

Life is short. Drive the M3.

[jayzbird]

M3 is my fun commuter. While most of us can’t take advantage of a car’s performance or handling much while commuting, the amazing sounds these cars make are always available. Just try to ignore the mpg readout.

[asma123]

I have these cars:
2014 Honda Civic
2016 Toyota 4Runner
And 2011 e92 m3

I’m biased because my civic is great as a computer. So I’d deff recommend civic.
It’s 5 speed NOT the SI. It’s a little bland to drive compared to the m3 obviously but to be honest it’s not bad at all. Costs like almost nothing to run. I’ve had no issues at all. Super reliable and parts are cheap.

[its55]

Miata Club

[nrubenstein]

I have been really surprised by how amused I am by a 6MT X5. It's good on the highway, reasonably comfortable, has shockingly good towing characteristics, and it steers surprisingly well.

[Eja144]

Thanks for all the great suggestions/feedback everyone! I've been reading all your comments, just been too busy with work this week to reply. I put in my resignation on Monday and it's been a shit-storm ever since, lol.