BMW 1 series

[mheisig]

I'm a BMW enthusiast and previous owner of a beautiful E34 540i, so in my opinion you can't go wrong with a BMW. I think the 135 looks exceptional too - really nice all around car and really pretty affordable for what you get.

That being said, make sure you "do the math" with respect to fuel considerations. Not saying you would, but so many people seem to think paying an extra $5k-$10k is justified if they get a few extra MPG.

Let's say you get a miserable 15 MPG currently, fill up each time with about 20 gallons at say $3.15/gallon and you drive about 10,000 miles/year. A 15 MPG vehicle will run you about $2,100/year in fuel costs, whereas a 25 MPG car will run you about $1,200.

First reaction from people is usually "hey, I'm saving $900 a year! Where do I sign the papers?" Let's say the 25 MPG car costs you an extra $5k, you're not even breaking even with respect to fuel costs for over 5 1/2 years...that's assuming every other factor like reliability, maintenance, insurance, etc. remains the same. A number of auto reviewers have found the break-even point on hybrids or high-efficiency cars to be pretty far out.

Even factoring in tax breaks and whatnot it's not necessarily a good deal, though it could be. I wouldn't make any rash, blanket statement, just do the appropriate research for your situation. Hybrids aren't always the huge money saver people make them out to be. If you want to buy one to better the environment, go for it. If you want a 135 cause it looks "hawt" and it's a hoot to drive, knock yourself out man. You don't' need to justify it from a fuel standpoint

Along the same lines, it cracks me when people pitch a fit when gas goes up 10 cents. An extra 10 cents over 20 gallons, say once a week adds up to an extra $8/month...or less than most of us spend on a movie ticket or a large coffee at Starbucks.