I've seen some pretty decent LT1 / 6 speed C4 vette's on CL for under 7k.

Well, let's not forget the target Lexus demographic. For anyone in the nearby vicinity, a parking Lexus can be extremely dangerous!

I coulda sworn I've seen that ad in the US as well.

There's a reason why it's a one man battle... (and if it's because Audi products speak for themselves, they're not saying anything particularly good...). I personally love me some bimmers, but I'm not going to pretend for a second that they're well built cars.

I'll agree with Desu-san except that the M division has been watered down ever since they decided to sell an E36 M3 convertible with a slushbox and 240 hp. At least these days they're making a distinction by putting the M after the model on their somewhat less 'pure' vehicles.

I didn't say that was ALL that was required. I was just suggesting that it's a good start. I'm also not a big fan of V engines, sound insulation, the lack of a third pedal, or engine red-line under 7000 some odd RPM. I think the only M cars I'd personally be interested in are the E30 M3 or the S54 roadster / coupe (z3…

All real M cars have ITBs...

That image looks incredibly distorted where the glass is - I can't actually make anything out.

Sorry I didn't make myself clear - the point was that the 5 speed really isn't worth that kind of money in my book, since the automatics that were on the US spec cars weren't that bad and I'd rather have the turbo diesel. And I'm the type of person who will really go out of his way to get a manual equipped car if I…

I dunno, it seems like it's generally only noticeable on a convertible or a coupe without a b-pillar. The Santa Fe still has a b-pillar, so with the door closed, it makes almost no difference. Now, something like an E31 BMW - the styling is arguably worth it.

Frameless door glass sucks to live with after the first few years of ownership. Especially when the door seals end up costing over $400 each.

Crack pipe. As much as I don't like autos, I believe this vintage of Mercedes used a 'fluid clutch' instead of a torque converter, making it one of the firmest shifting and most livable automatics ever produced. I'd much rather have the 3.0L turbo diesel and an auto, and even those aren't generally worth this much.

That was pretty bad-ass.

One of these with a manual - Sure, you might be able to get up the slope quicker in an Audi, but you wouldn't be driving a Jaaaaagg.

Yeah, because tiny 'hip' cars like the Scion xA and xB really scared away the old people. waitaminute...

I shall love my e30 323i forever. Once BMW abandoned the clam-shell hood, I lost interest.

Obvious answer, but actually getting to drive the cars.

That's the same as the GM owner loyalty incentive right now - except when you look that up, they don't include Saab.

You sure the generic OBDII scanners used in these shops can pull codes for very manufacturer specific systems like active steering and stability control? Hell, I consider myself fairly knowledgable about vehicles, but I didn't even realize ANY manufacturer had implemented a system like this.

Since you go to a BMW dealership... I think since 2007 the e90 has been facelifted and now completely replaced by a new model.