I've had my 2001 IS300 for a few years now, and it's been a fantastic vehicle. However, something is....well....lacking. I just don't feel like this car has a soul. I miss my old benz, and I certainly miss my old a4 quattro(except for the repair bills). So, within the next year I think i'm back in the market for a german automobile. looking at the 3 series with a manual transmission. Parts actually cost about 1/3 what they cost for the lexus(shockingly enough, I.E. water pumps, window regulators etc), so I figure even if it brakes twice as often i'm still coming out ahead. Thoughts? Looking to spend under 10k, and will be taking my time looking for maintenance records and hopefully a recent clutch replacement......

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.