[bonedaddy1977]

I'm trying to find something around $35K that I won't mind driving. She currently has a 2006 Mazda3 sedan but is now jealous of my e92 and wants something nicer....and faster.

My first choice would be a 328i sedan but after adding Auto, Premium, Sport, and Cold package it get's expensive.

The other choices so far are the G35 sedan and the IS 350. Does anyone here have one of these rides in the family or recommend anything else?
Thanks.

[John 070]

Does your not minding driving it really matter? imho it's too boring having a E92 335 and then adding a 328, don't they say variety is the spice of life? There's nothing wrong with a 2k6 Mazda 3, if she now has to get a new car since you got a 335, well, your 335 just cost you 90k, and that doesn't make sense. Hopefully she will listen to financial reason, even Donald Trump doesn't get a new car every year (how is she justifying getting rid of a 1 y.o. car? Can she show you mathematically how it pays off?). But at all cost, don't let her drive the 335. my .02.

[Wai328]

I would recommend a 328i with auto, premium ,and maybe sport package......

[RaptorKTM]

Audi A3, A4

[John 070]

Originally Posted by E90_M3-.^"

I would recommend a 328i with auto, premium ,and maybe sport package......

To replace a 2k6 Mazda 3? I recommend driving the Mazda another 5-7 years.

[siriusinvestor]

I agree with everyone else, if money is no object, then go right ahead and get the 328i for the wifey. But, logically this makes no sense, getting rid of a one year old car is pretty stupid. I thought of getting rid of my 330i for the 335i but I have decided to take the smart route and wait until the warranty to run out to change cars.

[BK]

Mazdaspeed 3 or VW GTI.

[ashtangaz]

I say keep the Mazda. The 3 is a nice car, and at 1 year old, it really wouldn't make sense to sell.

[shipill]

Go with IS350 or A4

[CALIF65GM]

Get her a 328 Cab and do ED that'll make up for it big time. Including a trip to Europe to pick-up her new car will make her forget that she's jealous of your new car.

[aznshrek88]

I don't understand how you can justify changing cars every year even if you are jealous, but my friend has an IS350, and it was on my considering block...if she likes it, its not too bad, but the A4 and the G35 can come fully loaded for the price of an IS350...

[John 070]

Originally Posted by aznshrek88

I don't understand how you can justify changing cars every year even if you are jealous, but my friend has an IS350, and it was on my considering block...if she likes it, its not too bad, but the A4 and the G35 can come fully loaded for the price of an IS350...

Some people like to get new things all the time. A mgr. at work today just bragged how he got rid of the '06 GTO and bought a 45k turbo diesel (can you say SOOT) full ton pickup. He actually gloated when he said he got killed in the depreciation. Losing 10 grand in less than 12 mos. is nothing to brag about, but I guess he was implying that he "could." It's rather funny, while most of us are trying to figure out how to make money, others are wasting it like it's going out of style.....

[radgator1]

Originally Posted by John 070

To replace a 2k6 Mazda 3? I recommend driving the Mazda another 5-7 years.

Thats a little excessive but I do agree if she is driving an 06 already she must have liked the car when you got it for her (I'm assuming you bought it for her) but now because you have a new Bimmer all of a sudden that car isn't good enough for her? I think 3 years is about the right time between between new vehicles to avoid being too impractical. I say make her drive it for a couple more years then get her a new one.

[Artz 330]

you can assume my lease on my 2007 328i, Alpine white, xenons, Sport Pack, Auto, Leather (Black) Heated Seats with 5,000 Miles. 24 Months left @ 575.93 per month. Ill give you $1,500.00 Cash, and I will cover transfer Fees..

[KyleB]

She wants a different car, who cares? I love how nearly all of you reply; "Why trade, the mazda is a great car." Well guess what, she wants a different car!

Id say get her a used, loaded, 2006 330i. Ebay motors is loaded with them right now, for around what you want to spend.

[koreez88]

Tell her to earn money on her own car. Seriously, buying a new car only because she is jealous of your car seems a little unreasonable, considering that she is your wife. Save money for nicer house or children, not for exchange of a great 1 year old car. Just my opinion.

[///M3NACE]

get a mini van and use the other 20 grand to Modd the hell out of ur ride..haha or just buy a G35 sedan...

[John 070]

Originally Posted by KyleB

She wants a different car, who cares? I love how nearly all of you reply; "Why trade, the mazda is a great car." Well guess what, she wants a different car!

I see your point...in that case definitely get rid of this wife. What's next, her 1.5 ct. round engagement ring is not good enough because her g/f showed her a princess cut and the other a past/present/future? Your analogy is like someone saying "I'm 300 pounds and 5'5". I'm not sure whether to get the 22 oz. pastrami on rye, or could you suggest another 1 1/2 lb. sandwich for lunch?" Anyone with any bit of sensibility has to tell you it's time to consider a salad.

[Johnny Lin]

Originally Posted by ashtangaz

I say keep the Mazda. The 3 is a nice car, and at 1 year old, it really wouldn't make sense to sell.

I also bought a Mazda 3 for my wife half yrs ago. And Im driving a 06 E90. She is all happy with the mazda 3. I think mazda is a nice car also. Keep it for couple yrs and save ur own money. If you really want to change it, I wil say gt the 328 w/ automatic and premium pakage for her. Good luck with it.

[Dann902]

Doesn't the Mazda 3 also share the same chassis as the Volvo S40? I heard a lot of good things about it, including excellent ride and handling.

[killer_bee]

IS350 is over 35k base. Maybe IS250 with some options?
Assuming she doesn't care about FWD or RWD(since she just wants 'nicer and faster'), other options would be G35 coupe, A4, TSX, TL. They are all great cars for the money and unless she is a picky driving-enthusiast, don't see how she wouldn't like any of those. I personally don't like how G35 sedan looks.

[BeemdoubleU]

I totally disagree with the variety thing... I drive what is best for me, and what my family thinks is best for them

I bought a 330Ci a while bag, awesome car, and it was so great I bought another one for my family to drive

Depends how much you like your cars. If you just buy a car for different styles, you got tons of choices.

But finding a car you like is pretty hard, to be quite honest, I still like my E46 330Ci - best car so far tops the Z4