Fun at 25 Grand
Car and Driver magazine came calling a while back. They were looking for an unadulterated E46 M3 they could test for an article they were planning. And I happen to own one.
The question behind the story is not that unfamiliar to day dreaming car enthusiasts the world over: what cool car can you get for "x" number of dollars? C&D picked $25,000 for their bogey and then came up with a list of eligible used cars by combing through classified ads and price guides. (Video after the jump)
Twenty-five grand is not a pittance and it can get you any number of fine new cars, such as the Mazda MX-5 or VW GTI they highlight in the article. But, thanks to insipid depreciation, that amount of money opens the door to a great dream garage of fun pre-owned cars.
And while it's depressing to think that just 5 years ago I paid my local BMW dealer close to $60 grand in cash for what is now a used car bargain, I can't really complain-- since, well, I've been enjoying the car for 5 years.
If you have not figured it out yet, I'll take that white M3!