Help basinbeater choose a car

[basinbeater]

I am completely lost in the automotive world today. I am forced to sell my 2009 bmw 128i because it is too small. Between the 7th grader carpool twice a week, kids hockey picking back up, it is just too small. It has been glorious zipping around the valley and rowing through the gears and listening to the online 6 sing.
My initial thought is get a 540i again. But the good manual 540 from e39 and e34 generation are getting old.
What is decent out there in the world? I want. V8, no turbo, manual transmission, midsize sport sedan.
I can't believe I am saying this, but is the turbo v6 Audi engine worth a damn?
What to get. I am despondent.

Maybe I'll try to get a super condition e39 2003 540i. Can't think of what else to get. Maybe a cts-v?
Target price is $12k would prefer closer to $10k, but for something that absolutely tugs at the heartstrings maybe $15k.

This wagon has my eye on carsandbods right now...
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/36Y...w-525i-touring

[BmillsSkier]

I think we’ve got 4? C8 Allroad and at least 1 RS6Avant owners on here now so hopefully everyone chimes in.

I love the wagon, bar none. The V6 is a velvet hammer and does well in all drive modes and the body swallows people and gear. I rock a Thule Motion XT XL box on trips which is nice to keep gear out of the car and let the humans and dogs enjoy the space. Really minimal impact on mileage too which the thing excels at to begin with.

That said, follow the IG thread bringatrailerwagons to stay on top of the comings and goings. You wrench so there’s lots of options out there for ya.

I’ll be following along with interest.

[byates1]

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Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

[basinbeater]

We do have a land cruiser when we need to haul lots of people and gear, and I do enjoy driving when I have a fun engaging car.
Not opposed to a wagon, but manual transmission wagons are getting rare and command a premium. Maybe a 3 series wagon with a 6 speed would do the trick. Or a sedan.

[The Reverend Floater]

My mom had a TDI Jetta Wagon. It was shockingly fun to drive, so I could actually see an Audi being pretty darned fun, so long as it doesn't fall apart. I like the torque curve on turbo diesels in general.

[BmillsSkier]

Supercharged e39 540 wagon

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-bmw-540i-81/

N/A e91 Sport Wagon w 6spd

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2011-bmw-328i-sports-wagon-11/

If you can get yourself off the manual requirement and have some coin to spend, I’d be looking at the Panamera Sport Tourismos - they aren’t getting what owners want at auction and are incredibly good (and reliable) wagons. Will blow the doors off a lot too which last I checked was pretty engaging.

[Touring_Sedan]

Target price is $12k would prefer closer to $10k, but for something that absolutely tugs at the heartstrings maybe $15k.

That price is really going to pigeon hole you. How many miles and how old are you willing to put up with?

You can find a bunch of aftermarket parts for the G8 GXP, SS, Caprice aussie sisters.

[BmillsSkier]

My mom had a TDI Jetta Wagon. It was shockingly fun to drive, so I could actually see an Audi being pretty darned fun, so long as it doesn't fall apart. I like the torque curve on turbo diesels in general.

On this note the B8.5 allroad is a total hoot to own. I took mine well over 150k and there’s at least 5 others here with similar experiences.

Stage1 for fun too. Full time Quattro w 40/60 bias too up to ‘13/14 models.

Find a sorted one and let er rip.

[Buster Highmen]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-volvo-v70r-18/

[basinbeater]

I need to get over the manual want. I tried to get over it and join the modern world a couple years ago if you recall. I bought that black e550. Great car by all measures, fast, comfortable, spacious. I got bored. I missed the engagement of a lighter weight car with no turbo lag that was responsive and engaging. The best all arounder I have had to date has been the e34 540i. Car had it all, size was perfect, comfortable, super engaging to drive, pretty fast. It had the magic. This little 1 series kind of has the magic. I need a car with the magic again.

[Buster Highmen]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-audi-s4-69/

[Touring_Sedan]

I need to get over the manual want. I tried to get over it and join the modern world a couple years ago if you recall. I bought that black e550. Great car by all measures, fast, comfortable, spacious. I got bored. I missed the engagement of a lighter weight car with no turbo lag that was responsive and engaging. The best all arounder I have had to date has been the e34 540i. Car had it all, size was perfect, comfortable, super engaging to drive, pretty fast. It had the magic. This little 1 series kind of has the magic. I need a car with the magic again.

Golf GTI, Golf R

[Buster Highmen]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2011-bmw-328i-sports-wagon-11/

[Cruiser]

It sounds to me like you don't want a different car, you want another car

[Buster Highmen]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-bmw-530xi-sports-wagon-11/