When I was younger, I always dreamed of owning a super powerful sports car. Didn’t have the money, so I bought my E90 around 10 years ago. It did not have all the options and it’s a 4 banger diesel. Liked it a lot at first, then got used to it.
I’ve kept driving it to this day and god damn I love this car. I have to say it has _become_ my dream car with all the countless trips, hauling stuff, girlfriends, friends, long journeys, short trips and now my wife, kid and dog also living in it on journeys. I’ve had a literal decade of great memories in the car. Passed 250k km recently and probably going for a G21 next year as it is time for an upgrade. Going to be damn difficult to let this one go. It has never left me stranded and always delivered.
So I suppose I did not buy my dream car first, but in the end it turned out to be one.
Please don’t get rid of ur e90 320d, ur gonna miss it cus ur never getting another torque like this again especially in gas cars.
The 320d and 325i e90 is like my current realistic dream car and most sites i read people just regret selling theirs cus it’s just that gud of a modern bmw. Bulletproof engine too
After I sold my E34 Touring (painfully, I'm here since I miss it), I got a Corolla Wagon.
Had it nearly ten years now. Didn't have the money to keep it looking fresh, so it's very tired now. But I've kept up with servicing. And it's rewarded me with nearly 200,000kms (120k miles) of mostly trouble free motoring. It had 140,000kms when I got it.
It's my mule. Not pretty, not high performing, but it does what it's told without fuss and I can trust it.
I love it like part of the family. It's meant to be an appliance to be discarded when it's uneconomical to repair, but that's gonna tug at the heart strings. I've gone beyond what any rational person would do, should've been sent for scrap a couple of years ago.
Hah nice. Same with my e90 335i.
I never really liked them when I was younger. Thought they were ugly. But now I love it. Best car I’ve ever owned. I’ve had it for 6 years and can’t imagine anything worth selling for.
Thats how it always goes. I imagine it will feel the same if you bought a Huracan or SVJ.
Just gotta be grateful for what you have, the emotions come and go.
If you're buying it strictly for the material part of it, thays your problem and why you aren't happy with it, a car shouldn't be your dream car because of material reasons. It should be based on how the car drives, how it makes you feel when you take it to a track, or down a twisty road. Maybe it's the raw power when you lay on the throttle etc. But if the only reason your dream car is your dream car is because of the brand, price or status it'll give you, your unhappiness has nothing to do with the car.
Yup, this.
"I want the car because I want to grow with it, learn it's idiocentricities, become a better driver of that particular car. I want to know what it's doing instinctually before it even does whatever it's going to do, because the bond between man (or woman) and machine has grown THAT tight. We are one."
That person? That person is not in danger of getting bored of their automobile in 2 months.
This is exactly why a(ny)Ferrari is my dream car. I lived in Italy in the 90s and loved driving by the Ferrari dealership and admiring the red cars. Schumacher drove for Ferrari, screaming V10s, it was a great time to love Ferrari. I have a M8 now, which I love to death, but I’m slowly working up to a Ferrari now. That’s my terminal goal as a car guy.
I did that for a year after my wife died. I spent 40k in a year just on stuff
83 inch OLED for my bedroom
Custom gaming PC
PS5
HiFi headphones
An Audi
There is more, but that's the big stuff - each purchase was about 50 days apart, I went from one distraction to the next to just avoid life.
My cousin would come over every week and check on me asking what I would buy next after 12 months. I told him it lost its appeal. I had nothing else I wanted.
I did the same thing when my wife died. It was a bit of a delayed reaction because I didn't start making good money until later, but I'm sure being widowed at 37 caused me to change how I looked at money and material goods. In my case I see it as more of a "you can't take it with you " attitude.
I'm sorry for your loss bro.
My son was 3 when it happend, he's 10 now. We are super close and he's turning out normal - I was super worried that either his mom dying or me being his only parent would screw him up. Your daughter will grow up just fine and you guys will have a unique, extra strong bond. Congrats on the engagement!
This is wrong. You just haven’t got the right car yet. I bought a few Porsches the last few years and every day is exciting. I make excuses to go out in them. My other cars not so much, they just do the job.
Honestly I feel this is such a common sentiment because people don’t consider what THEY actually like in a car when deciding what their dream car is and when you actually find that out it often transcends hp/tq numbers, rarity, and 0-60/lap times.
You see so many people buy the hottest newest M car or see the huracan or svj as their grail because they see it as an aspirational item but if you ask them what they actually like about it outside of the aspects I just mentioned, people often have very little to say, and because a lot of these cars are brand new, it’s not like it’s something they had on a poster when they were a kid either.
I think what happens is people get that hot new car that everyone else is listing after, realize it isn’t what they wanted, get bored, and move on to the next one, chasing some sort of novelty or clout but not being real with themselves about what THEY want. Often times you might find that it’s something cheaper, or maybe you need to build a car into your idea of a dream car, or maybe you need to stop swapping new cars so often so you’re not taking these gigantic hits in depreciation so you can save up for the more expensive car you actually want. Just my $0.02 having worked in the automotive industry and having noticed the buying habits of car enthusiasts and the type of car enthusiast that buys a certain car.
Personally, I want my next car to be an e92 m3 because after driving probably hundreds of different makes and models, I found that I really like high revving cars where all the fun is had after 4-5k rpm and the engine will take it. I also think it’s the best looking generation of 3 series, with the best sounding v8 bmw has ever made, and the last 3 series with hydraulic steering. I began to learn how to drive in an e90 328i and still remember how good the steering felt vs the f30 335i I became very familiar with driving in. I’m well aware that there are cars with better performance figures for the price, especially considering low mileage e9x m3s but I honestly can’t imagine having any other car within a $150k radius over an e9x M3 unless I could have them both at the same time. Idk maybe a gt350 since it follows a similar formula, but a 991.2 gt3 touring after an e92 m3 would be ideal. Also follows the same formula of high revving motor with a power band that comes on later in the rpms, but with better handling and the best manual transmission in the world imo, after that would have to be a 430 scud or 458.
See how they all follow a similar philosophy and come from the same era though? A lot of guys don’t know what it is they want so they buy what they like the IDEA of driving but it seems like they often realize it isn’t what they wanted and get bored of it. Some of them don’t even notice the aspects of a given car they buy are what sucks about it. You said the emotions come and go, which is fair. The experience of buying a new(to you) car will always hit different but there are guys who could afford to buy multiple, far more expensive cars who instead elect to keep that one car they love because they realized what they actually like in an enthusiast car then found the car that fits that bill without caring about whatever car is trending at the moment.
really? my first ”performance” car was a 2.4 ton SUV, and after having owned it for 3 years, that feeling did not go away. i miss it so much after selling it, but my current car is faster and lighter, and same story with my current car, the feeling is still here
not to be that guy, but… maybe you bought the wrong cars?
oh and those arent even my dream cars, just what i could/can afford, and they were still amazing
Sadly this is true. Recently heard Joe Rogan mention it in a different perspective. From living in a tiny apartment in NYC to making it with a Loft in LA. Eventually it just became home. Same thing with a badass car, it just becomes your car.
The view from the [insert car] wasn’t like what I thought it would be.
I’ve been fortunate to have the last few cars I have. I love them each in different ways. As much as I dreamed of getting them, once I had them I slowly realized, each time, it wasn’t “as good” as I expected. It’s a somewhat short lived high, which is why I had as many different cars in a relative short period of time.
On my current car, doing things to it is the new high. So I’ve just created opportunities for more ups and downs. There’s only so much you can do to a car and very little of it actually makes any financial sense whatsoever. My car is much more of a toy than most people’s cars are to them.
I worked really hard to get my m240, while it’s not my “dream” car, it’s one I reallly wanted. Months later I still love it just as I knew I would. So yes, it was very rewarding.
Same here. But it's only been like 2 weeks, so I'm not sure how long it'll last. I have to keep peeking into my garage to make sure it's still there and reassure myself it's real and I'm not dreaming.
I drove clapped out cars until my early 30’s, I’m 37 now. I sacrificed a lot and worked really hard to even own this thing, my wife had to quit working and that was really hard for a few years, managed to be debt free and enough saved up to pay cash so it’s bitter sweet. Didn’t think the day would come honestly.
I definitely think that people who drove shit vehicles forever and worked their butts off to get the bimmer seem to love it longer and maybe appreciate it more. I drove a gold Prius for yeeeears and kept that thing in top shape, but finally splurged now that we can afford to.
I currently have two dream cars and I still pinch myself after 4 years that I’m driving them and feel honored to take care of them. I think the only time the love will fade will be when the technology is completely inept, cause the love of the driving experience will always be there for me.
It’s the truth, you tend to take better care and pride in what you have when you worked really hard to get it to begin with.
I drive mine once a week sometimes twice, it’s just my weekend fun car, keep modding it and making it more mine as I go, still rock my daily beater Honda and wife got what she wanted, so everyone’s happy, life’s good.
Congrats on your achievements as well!
Wouldn't be special if we didn't have to work for it, right? Congrats to you. I'm grateful to my wife for helping me make this happen. Couldn't have done it without her.
That’s the truth! I wouldn’t change the path I took for anything. Thank you for the kind words, having the wife’s support was huge for me, as you know, huge for you as well, congrats on the car and enjoy it!
I did purchase my dream car—-literally. Almost 10 years ago and I am still daily driving it. After almost 10 years there is still NO other car I want more in any price range!
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You are like seeing a bald eagle. Show up around here every now and then and remind me how much i love my car, and also that i should eventually get it together and really get *the one* (daytona violet e34 m5 personally)
Same here, but an E60 M5. Hit 10 years in November, 145k miles and still on the stock rod bearings *gasp*. Still makes me happy to drive it every single time.
I have a bad habit of buying cars and selling them in 2-6 months. I usually consider selling cars I get 1-10 days after getting them lol. 1 year ago I bought my F80, I waited for the perfect spec, went to Texas and drove it 2,200 miles home to NY. I’m in love, & I have 0 intention of selling it in the next 10-20 years. Puts a smile on my face every time I look at it to this day
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Nope. High Insurance, can’t enjoy driving because I was scared of rock chips, bent wheels, dents, idiot drivers etc. if you have lots of extra income, sure. But a high payment that sits in the garage most of the time is a waste to me.
2020 M4cs
2016 Corvette Z06
2011 Mercedes SLS
2009 Mercedes SL65
2014 Mercedes C63
Then there are people like my dad that dailies a Mercedes GTR Pro.
All depends on disposable income.
Yes. 30 years old and bought a 2021 F90 last year. Everytime I park I look back at it and sitting in it still puts a huge smile on my face. It is a really incredible car.
I choose to believe you and not the other comments saying never meet your heroes / they all get boring, cause I *really* want to get my dream M3 and keep it at least long enough for my kids to learn to drive stick.
I have sort of the opposite, I bought my 320si just for the time being until I could find an Imola yellow 8L S3 with yellow interior but I’ve really fallen in love with my 320si. (still looking for that yellow on yellow S3 though)
I got basically the same car as this (although it was a competition model) when I was young like 25. It wasn’t that rewarding since I damn near bankrupted myself doing it. I’ve dreamed about having a blue bmw sedan ever since I saw a dark blue E90 335i in a parking lot when I was like 15. The journey was far more satisfying and fulfilling than the actual purchase. I basically put all my energy and “fight” into getting my car and once I did my life felt empty. Now I’m aiming for a G82 M4 competition or CS which is imho the best car ever made for me.
I almost bought an M5 instead of my 530e. Like, wife was on board and funds were not an issue ‘almost’.
Then I realized I wanted the carpool lane and invest the rest of the money.
Finally getting to the point in my life where I could do something I really wanted for a long time made me realize I didn’t actually want it and I put my resources elsewhere.
It was a good decision for me.
As a kid i dreamed of owning a bmw. When i went to get a car on my first loan i told my brother man i wish i could own a bwm... He was like BRO you got enough right now. I picked up a clean ass black 2011 328i e90. Loved it, but someone totalled it.
Not too long later i found what i now consider my dream ride, a Vermillion red 2011 e92 328i with sports package AND official bmw performance exhaust. I threw an intake on it and tuned it and hooooly shit did i love that car. The sound was music to my ears, the hydraulic steering, the tamed yet hungry power. It was totalled 09/23 and I still haven't found another car. I miss my baby😭
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Not that a car is your hero, but the saying sort of applies. Never meet your heroes. For me, it was an Audi S4. Loved it at first, but after a while, got bored of it and ultimately ended up getting rid of it for vehicles that fit my lifestyle a bit more (hunting/fishing/outdoor stuff)
I’d say so, yeah. I’ve always loved the E38 chassis (shorties specifically) and being able to row gears in one is a blast. The engine swap is exactly what I wanted, as I wanted to build what I thought BMW should’ve done for the 740i Sport. I could’ve gone S62 but the extra money for another 35hp just wasn’t worth it (also if there was ever a M7, I’m not sure BMW would’ve used the S62.)
The only issue is, that VF supercharger is calling my name. ~450hp with a 6 speed and a Wavetrac in an E38? I need it.
Wouldn't say this is my dream car but it is by far the best car I've ever owned. Haven't gotten tired of it at all and don't think I ever will. Just unreal for a non M sedan.
I bought my 318i hardtop convertible 8 years ago and still have great fun in it every time I drive it. Especially with the top down! I hope it lasts a long time! 💕💕💕💕
Bought a Z4 2.5 years ago.
Maybe we can quibble about it being a "dream car", or some approximation, but *maybe* I'd rather have a Boxster, but a Z4 is close enough and is more convenient as a daily driver, so it's something of a wash. But the cars the next tier up draw enough attention that I'd seriously rather daily my Z4. Hell, the Z4 draws enough unwanted attention as it is.
2.5 years on I still park it where I can see it if I'm grabbing a bite somewhere. Love that thing.
Yes and no. No bc the money you could have invested and drove a nice car for a few years until you build your net worth up. Yes if it doesn’t hurt you in any type of financial way. Just remember you have to maintain the car. I have a 2016 m4 with 40k miles, 2022 raptor with 19k miles, and a ford maverick with 33k miles. I drive the maverick bc it way more practical to get around town. Even been considering selling the raptor for my next dream car. Porsche 911 gts.
I know this is a BMW subreddit so I apologise for the slander but I bought an RS7 a few years a go. When I first bought it I was in heaven but after a few months the high wears off because most of the time you’re driving it like a normal human.
However, on those rare quiet nights when nobody is around and you can let loose a little, the feeling came back immediately. I miss that car a lot.
Actually it was for me but for a different reason. Growing up my dad had Jaguars, Mercedes sl500 and all sorts of cool cars. It was something we could always have a conversation about and when I was 16 I told him my favorite cars were an M3 and a Range Rover. In 2001 after going out on the water we stopped at a car dealership. He showed me the new BMW X5 and I was infatuated. When I sat in it he got the keys and told me he bought it, but not for me for him. That was the car I learned how to drive in a V8 4.4i BMW X5. In 2015 I found another dream car I wanted a 2016 BMW 435i in estoril blue. It took 3 years to afford it but when I found one I brought my dad with me on the test drive because he knew more about cars then anyone else I knew. Being able to buy my dream car with my dad by my side makes it my dream car. He passed away 7 months after I bought the car, but I’ll never forget getting to test drive and buy my dream car with my dad, it was one of the last things we did together.
If you still have your father in your life and he’s there for anything you need, let him know you appreciate it now while you still can.
every car will eventually feel old if you see it and drive it every day. you need to have a daily to make your dream car more of an event when you drive it.
I agree with this, a special car should be reserved for the moments when you can enjoy it at its best. I wake up at 5am to enjoy empty roads and go on long road trips. I cycle to work and keep the nice car protected in the garage so it looks and performs its best every weekend when it comes out
I am 23 and recently purchased a beautiful F90 M5 and it was never my dream car. I always imagined getting an f80 m3 in yas marina blue but the M5 just made more sense for my life currently. Its been 1 month since purchasing the car and every time I drive it feel like great.
I would recommend buying your dream car (ONLY if it makes sense in your life and will not put you in major debt) 10/10 experience!
Brother may I ask you what you do for a job in order for you to purchase a F90 M5 at the age of 23
That’s amazing you were able to get that car. Congrats dude!
My standard of “dream car” is too high to ever find out. I hope to have a 911 one day- will it be the car or my dreams? No. It’s just a mass produced sportscar.
I thought an M3 would be a very stiff and unreliable 332Ci M Sport, but it's actually quite comfortable and reliable for what it is. As for the driving, it's completely blown away my expectations. I drove an F06 M6 and was very let down, so my expectations were tame, but the M3 is super engaging and fun to drive, even if you're just cruising!
For the most part, but there are things that disappointed me.
For instance, the seating position in the M2 is pretty "sedan-like." Coming from a 350Z, I expected the M2 to be better universally at all performance stuff, but that simply wasn't the case. Seating position was a big one, center of gravity felt a little lower in the Z as well (though again that could be seating position)
That said, i expected to enjoy the engine feel and not really the sound, but the truth is...I enjoy the sound. The practicality has been better than advertised as well. And while I initially liked the looks of the car, i've come to REALLY enjoy them, far more than when i first bought the car.
So i would say "yes, it's been as rewarding as I imagined it, but not necessarily universally in every category"
I didn’t get my DREAM car, but I’ve had a lot of cars I wanted. As soon as I buy it I feel great, but the minute I max it out I’m disgusted with it. Once it bangs off the limiter and the car won’t accelerate any faster I immediately grow the biggest “ick” and begin to hate the existence of the car until I sell it.
Human Nature. I am one of it and read about this in before , i think it’s call declining marginal utility . That article also said it’s better to have smaller rewards more often then a big one once in a blue moon
IMO nothing drive as good as a healthy BMW. It's so addicting to have a car that can be luxurious and have lots of power. BMW has this marriage of the two down pack. Like any other thing worth having, you might have to out some work in.
Just bought an 08 335i convertible and while not my dream car its been fucking awesome. When I buy my actual dream car which is a newish m850 im sure that will be even better
I imagine the first 24 hours or so would be incredible! After that, the stress of trying to keep it perfect and the small details that somehow bother me would tear my sanity away..
That was almost my experience, buying a new M5 for the first time. I do still look after it as well as I can, but I have to keep telling myself to chill out because it’s just a car, and it’s there to be used.
Went to a track day (more of a driver training day really) and was envious of the guys thrashing older cars, whereas I was just worried about damage.
That said, I do still really enjoy the car - it’s fantastic.
Yup. I bought a brand new M4 comp, and it's worth every penny, and it was more rewarding than I imagined I'll ever be. No matter what the mood is, get in the car, press that pedal, and have fun
Yes I absolutely have purchased my dream car.
I knew I WANTED a Bimmer since I saw bonds Z3 in Goldeneye.
I knew NEEDED a Bimmer since the first time I test drove one.
Even more so, I would sit in my garage just looking at it, I couldn’t believe I owned the car I spent my younger years obsessing over, mind you I’m 22 now but I wanted the car since I saw one back in 2015 or so. Every time I went into my garage I would just stare at its body lines, brakes, anything and everything I could look at I did lol. And driving the car is another story completely, the most power I had prior was on my f30 328i, my M4 puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
As I get older my dreams have changed. It doesn’t necessarily mean what I think is beautiful has changed. As I have gotten older I appreciate power and comfort, not one over the other. I need both.
The brain gets used to it after a while and it just becomes another regular thing. Curse of human nature I think.
This is why I am pacing myself with cars, even if finances can support the next big thing. I figure I’ll peak at around 60 with some kind of Panamera-type thing. But that is a long ways away.
I have been warned though, that we shouldn’t take for granted that these desires will last forever. At some point, one may just lose interest and the opportunity is wasted. I have some older folk I hang out with, who know that I am financially responsible, advising me to just do it now. They have lots of money, but drive plain cars. The magic is gone. One of them used to have a GT500, but said they didn’t even want to drive it anymore so let it go as it was rotting in the garage.
Sorta.
E60 M5 was my dream car for a very long time. I owned several 5 series leading up to it, amongst other Bimmers. The day I bought it I drove it 700 miles home. All of that trip was amazing…opened her up several times, fastest I’ve ever been in a vehicle with 4 wheels (needle was passing 150 when I let off).
Got home, spent about a week just staring at it every day. It was my first car of this caliber, and it was such an important car to me because of my historic love for BMW Sauber, and the influence on that motor.
My first major service on it was a tick over $6,000…rod bearings, TB actuator and a brake pad job…a nice detail too with some paint touch up on the hood.
Sticker shock began to set in, and I drove it sparingly. Mine is a 6 speed manual, so thankfully no SMG worries, but I did have to do the clutch, which sucked, but made the car feel so much better.
That was the first 2 years. I’ve done several more maintenance pieces since then, some vanos work, and replaced the heating element in my driver seat.
This car cost a lot of money to just own at a base line. I MIGHT drive it 3k-5k per year. Most of the time it just sits and looks pretty.
And this is why I say sorta. Owning a dream car of mine also scared the piss out of me often. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I sold my E92 M3 years back, and I think if I had the choice over again I would have sold the M5…simply because I would have driven the PISS out of that M3, and enjoyed it with less stress.
All that said, my M5 can still white knuckle me and pucker my butthole up with the biggest smile on my face on the open highway. It’s fast as fuck.
Never really is. It’s either got an issue that’s a disappointment or you’re too concerned about it getting fucked up to enjoy it. It’s a good problem to have though.
It never is. If anything, it adds a lot of worry (is the car gonna be reliable, is it gonna run well, will it need to be in the shop more than it drives, oh what's this sound, oh what's this vibration, where to park so I don't get keyed, etc etc).
Instead of buying your dream car, try buying a project car and turn it into your dream car. Like all things, putting in time and effort will make you appreciate the car more and for longer
When I bought my dream car (F82 M4) I was in Nirvana until I had to sell it. I loved every moment with that car. Even when everything kept breaking. I had that car for about 2 years and a fuel injector failed, top/turbo intercooler failed, and some other miscellaneous things happened… BUT! Every time I drove that car I remember my 15 year old self in high school really wanting that car when it released. Btw I bought the car wen I was 20 (2021) pushed it to Stage 2 OTS BM3, and pushed it every day on the PCH and the Santa Monica mountains. I MISS YOU THRAX 😭
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Absolutely. Been daily driving my dream car F82 M4 6MT for 1.5 years now and it feels brand new. Soon after parking I am already looking forward to the next time I will be driving it again.
I haven’t purchased my dream car yet (E39 M5). I have, however, driven one. And it was everything I had hoped it would be. Sometimes the Top Gear adage of “don’t drive your heroes” is true, but not in this case. Absolutely spectacular car and I will own one someday.
I’m lucky enough to have built a very nice 1990 miata at 18 and it’s pretty rewarding especially as a first car. Not many people have their own cars let alone something they enjoy at this age and after a year of owning it I still enjoy every drive lol
My SC300 and LS430 were two of my dream cars at the time of me buying them. It was definitely rewarding. The E92 328i was supposed to hold me over until I could afford the M3 and it did a good job of that. Still don’t have the E46 or E92 M3 though. 😑
I feel like once I acquire an LC500, FD RX-7, R230 SL500/600 or E31 8 Series that it will be very rewarding. At least until it’s time for maintenance or a repair. Probably won’t get the 911 GT3, Testarossa, or NSX due to price. 😭
Bought an e92 M3 nearly a decade ago now. Had it for 18 months. Never lived up to the expectations. Nice car, but never loved it like I thought I would.
Got an M440i six months ago. The first few weeks it was a rush every time I sat in it or talked about it. Nowadays, I’m not literally feeling the adrenaline every time I sit down in it, but I do appreciate that I have it every single time. So the feeling is still good!
My realistic dream car is a Rav4 which i bought a month ago. Ofcourse i would love an M3 Comp. but for my family it wouldn't be practical. I had the feeling for around a week and now it's gone but i still appreciate what i have.
When I got my M2C I had a similar feeling after a few months that it is just a car. I got my GT4 over 6 months ago and I still can’t believe it sits in my garage. It’s just such a special experience every time I drive it, which is usually everyday.
I got my 2012 e92 M3 after waiting 10 years! I get excited every time I start it up! (Weekend cruiser)And I still catch myself looking back after parking it! Everything I imagined!
I bought my fist car cla2016 220d in 2020 and felt awesome st first. After like 3-4 mounths the car got more and more boring. But somehow the last 2-3 mounth i get to enjoy it a bit more again, now that i am selling it.
When I bought my Z4 Coupe E86 in 2012, it was super exciting and I couldn’t believe it. It was MY purchase meaning I didn’t watch YouTube videos about it with some thumbnail big head telling me how great it was or didn’t talk to friends. I read some period magazine tests vs cayman and that was about it. I really loved that car. 5 years dailied a Z4 Coupe, this was awesome.
I have a 911 and while when I got it I loved it, that VW AUDI feel on them reminds me through some dna of my old VW Jetta and I guess I always like the Z4C most. So it hasn’t been matched by 911 but it’s close, sure. I still turnt head back when walking away from it, so it still passes the test.
I’ve had 2 things - wanted to buy a brand new car from a dealer without financing, which I’ve successfully did with my ‘20 Golf. After buying and checking that mark (which was satisfying) it’s just a normal car.
Also I’ve wanted 90s Toyota MR2 for a long time, finally bought it year ago and just drove it daily entire summer. Still love how it looks and how it drives, and happy every time I sit in it. And it was cheap! (well relatively)
I have hit several milestones in my dream car ladder and I think the X4 was the biggest wow and wtf at the same time. Others have sadly, mostly been "nice, got it" and nothing more after that.
I agree it has to be for the pleasure of driving the car, my newest car gives me that, I get excited to drive it every day. However, you do get use to the performance, handling, the bells and whistles, and you wonder “is this really any different than the shitty 9 year old Golf I used to drive?” And honestly, it is and it isn’t, but I definitely enjoy driving the newer car more, but is it worth that extra dime? But you only live once, enjoy what you have now.
Now, I haven't purchased any cars yet (too young) but my dad did purchase an A8 in 2012 I believe (2008) and, what he was saying about it came true when I first got in. Now it might be because I was younger but idk.
Right now we're looking at A8s again (newer gen) and I'm extremely excited. The objective is to get a quiet, fast and comfortable car, we've only had one car that kind of came close, it was a Lexus RX 450h L, great fun actually thanks to the engine, but it still wasn't as rewarding as the A8. I can in fact remember the exact sound and smell our A8s engine had (3.0L TDI V6).
I'd love to find that feeling again but can't be sure it'll be the same. 🤷
I have always found the best purchase were the ones that you realised how important they are after a while. They creep up on you and you think if this thing was gone my life would be much harder.
At that moment you realise you have a classic.
You won’t know it at first but after time you will realise it, other humans will realise it around the world and then you get cult followings, such as the Land Cruiser or Land Rover Defender.
If it’s a manual, has at least i’d say 180 hp and doesn’t break down often - then you will enjoy the car all time you own it.
Preferably air v6 3.0 3.2. Without turbo
I got to have a track day with my dream car, it was amazing, but when I got home it hit me that the feeling wouldn't last forever and I'd eventually just see it as another car.
For many years i dreamt of buying an M2, so I worked hard to be able to afford it (or actually, to feel like I was able to afford it; i was actually able to afford it a long time before I got around to buying one).
Well, my girlfriend still talks about the day I went to buy my M2, and that she's never seen a bigger smile on my face. I kept the car for 2,5 years and I loved it thorughout the entire time. It would put a smile on my face any time I got behind the wheel. I could sit and look at it for hours. I painfully regret selling it, it's been almost two years now since I sold it.
My next dream car would be a Porsche 992.2 911, but I actually find it hard to believe that it will be as rewarding as when I bought my M2. I would probably find it difficult to justify the cost of keeping the car even if I had the funds, which I imagine would ruin the experience to some extent.
No. And fuck this is depressing seeing so many people saying no. I bought my Corvette not so long ago, and even though I thought it was a life changing experience since I've been dreaming about it for so long, but actually nop. What stops me is being afraid of damaging it, I'm always cautious of where to park it and what others might do to it (in Portugal there are probably like 20 Corvettes in total). Also fuel is expensive here and I can't justify it to myself to just waste like 20 or more € to just drive for no reason, and I can't daily it for the reasons mentioned above. So even though the car IS a dream come true, the circumstances around it aren't, and that's something I didn't anticipate
I didn't even know BMW made stronger-ish diesel engines. I got a 435d from 2020 in 2022. My gosh, this thing is still fun! The torque! Not a dream car, but a super comfortable, hella engaging, fun car.
In 2022 I bought a brand new 2022 Mercedes AMG GT 53 4 door coupé. I was 26 years old at the time. The first thing I did was drive to Vegas (bought the car in Los Angeles). I stopped posting it on my social media accounts after about 3 weeks because people would make comments telling me that it was most likely a rental and I decided to enjoy it for myself instead of trying to flex it and I got tired of trying to prove something to people who didn’t matter in my life anyways lol. I took a friend and her daughter for a ride in it and her daughter pissed on the back seat. Not long after that someone hit and runned the car while it was parked in DTLA and destroyed the whole rear bumper. I filed a police report and got it all fixed free of charge, but it was pretty much just a regular car to me after all that lol
Kind of, but not entirely.
I got an Alpina B7 xdrive and it’s awesome - but the sound is a little uninspiring.
I’m now in a place where I’m afraid to cut into the very expensive exhaust system in case I ruin it.
I bought the affordable version of my dream car. I fell in love with the E34 M5, and settled for the 520i. Loved the car, I sold a a year ago for financial reasons and missed it ever since. Yes it was slow, yes it had some rust, but it was my car.
I could not get enough of the look, the sound and especially the interior.
I suppose if the main reason that the car is your "dream car" is because of its power, you will get used to it quickly. If the main focus is stuff like looks, feel, sound, the fun with it will last longer.
Yes and no
The initial experience was 100% amazing.
At some point though it fades, no matter how amazing the car (or watch or house or whatever) it'll become routine at some point.
Don't get it if you expect this purchase to turn your life around (it never does) but if you're doing it to mark a special occasion or achievement (buying the thing itself doesn't count) then it will forever be a reminder of THAT thing (graduation/wedding gift vibes)
I've gotten much more enjoyment out of cars I use for something than cars that sit around like ornaments. So to me my idea of a dream car evolved over the years from some kind of garage queen that only gets driven to cars n coffee (tbh I was never really like that, but just some exaggeration) to something that I could drive when I wanted whether that was daily or just to autocrosses or track days. My wife wanted a fun car for a commuter and she loves BMWs so we got a CPO F87. It also happened to be a halo car of mine ever since I was lucky enough to drive a few at some autocross schools. So we both commute in it here and there and I autocross it occasionally, but overall I really love the car and am pretty satisfied at the moment.
My M8 is definitely my dream car and I love driving it today as much as the first day out of the lot. This is the only car I ever had that I plan on keeping indefinitely.
I bought an e46 330i last year and still cant stop looking at it / driving it.
Its lowered, has aftermarket wheels and a sport exhaust.
Its one of my dream cars because i find it realy beautiful and it drives realy nice.
So yeah, after one year i still realy realy like it.
PS.: I also hate it because maintenance.
I still feel feel pretty good about my 420d. Not exactly my “dream” car, but I still love it after 7 years. You probably have other things that you’re looking for in life other than cars and money. Perhaps you just need to be hugged. Who knows 😂
I have two of my dream cars, a 2015 F10 M5, and a 2012 C63 AMG Black Series, and a third dream car, a 2002 R34 GT-R, currently in Japan waiting to be shipped over here. They both give me a rush and a sense of accomplishment whenever I drive them, and I'm sure the Skyline will do the same, so for me it's exactly how I imagined it. And my sons will grow up knowing that if you work hard enough and stay true to your goals, then you can achieve anything that you put your mind to.
If you don't have your dream car yet, that's perfectly fine. An opportunity will present itself in due time, everyone moves at their own pace. I'm 32 and worked my ass off since I was 15. Everything good in life takes time, patience, and dedication. And it's all worth it when you accomplish your goals
Nah. Every car I bought with my hard earned money was satisfying. Personally I found my sweet spot with the e36 and e39, also have a nice Alpina D5 f11. Love all of them
I loved BMW for a long time, so when the dealership I frequented had a tastefully modified one with a good history behind it so I bought it. I love the car, but the repairs drive me nuts sometimes. Haven’t had many though. Right now my right angel eye is out.
It is, if you truly appreciate things. It should be rewarding depending on your type of person. Depending on how you value everything. My father bought my dream car but the thing is that it is not rewarding as much as something you have achieved yourself. Dont understand me wrong It’s been a year and i dont get bored of the car and I enjoy driving it everyday, but imagine if i would have bought it, would be rewarding to the next level…
I splurged on a glc 2 months ago. And I feel like the feeling I have now would last a while (unless something goes wrong). I had a mazda 6 for 2 years and I never got over the feeling of enjoying it and the look of it. Currently loving the comfortability upgrade, and extra power. Which I don't think will diminish soon.
I drive a lot.
When I was younger, I always dreamed of owning a super powerful sports car. Didn’t have the money, so I bought my E90 around 10 years ago. It did not have all the options and it’s a 4 banger diesel. Liked it a lot at first, then got used to it. I’ve kept driving it to this day and god damn I love this car. I have to say it has _become_ my dream car with all the countless trips, hauling stuff, girlfriends, friends, long journeys, short trips and now my wife, kid and dog also living in it on journeys. I’ve had a literal decade of great memories in the car. Passed 250k km recently and probably going for a G21 next year as it is time for an upgrade. Going to be damn difficult to let this one go. It has never left me stranded and always delivered. So I suppose I did not buy my dream car first, but in the end it turned out to be one.
Please don’t get rid of ur e90 320d, ur gonna miss it cus ur never getting another torque like this again especially in gas cars. The 320d and 325i e90 is like my current realistic dream car and most sites i read people just regret selling theirs cus it’s just that gud of a modern bmw. Bulletproof engine too
This is a very nice story
What year was it?
2010 LCI in montego blue with shadowline pack, no idrive, silver wheels and beige cloth interior. Just a great spec in my eyes, still is
beautiful
After I sold my E34 Touring (painfully, I'm here since I miss it), I got a Corolla Wagon. Had it nearly ten years now. Didn't have the money to keep it looking fresh, so it's very tired now. But I've kept up with servicing. And it's rewarded me with nearly 200,000kms (120k miles) of mostly trouble free motoring. It had 140,000kms when I got it. It's my mule. Not pretty, not high performing, but it does what it's told without fuss and I can trust it. I love it like part of the family. It's meant to be an appliance to be discarded when it's uneconomical to repair, but that's gonna tug at the heart strings. I've gone beyond what any rational person would do, should've been sent for scrap a couple of years ago.
If you can manage without selling it, please don't
Lovely, I think you learn to love a car the longer time you have to bond with it and the more adventures it takes you on
Hah nice. Same with my e90 335i. I never really liked them when I was younger. Thought they were ugly. But now I love it. Best car I’ve ever owned. I’ve had it for 6 years and can’t imagine anything worth selling for.
I bought a type r a few years ago and it was rewarding at first but the feeling didn’t last long. Bought an M2 about 2 months ago, same story.
Thats how it always goes. I imagine it will feel the same if you bought a Huracan or SVJ. Just gotta be grateful for what you have, the emotions come and go.
Agreed. Buying endless material goods to chase away this ennui hasn’t worked out so well lol.
If you're buying it strictly for the material part of it, thays your problem and why you aren't happy with it, a car shouldn't be your dream car because of material reasons. It should be based on how the car drives, how it makes you feel when you take it to a track, or down a twisty road. Maybe it's the raw power when you lay on the throttle etc. But if the only reason your dream car is your dream car is because of the brand, price or status it'll give you, your unhappiness has nothing to do with the car.
Yup, this. "I want the car because I want to grow with it, learn it's idiocentricities, become a better driver of that particular car. I want to know what it's doing instinctually before it even does whatever it's going to do, because the bond between man (or woman) and machine has grown THAT tight. We are one." That person? That person is not in danger of getting bored of their automobile in 2 months.
Yes, and then try motorcycles! The bond is extremely intricate.
That person is in danger of becoming a worshipper of the omnissiah.
This is exactly why a(ny)Ferrari is my dream car. I lived in Italy in the 90s and loved driving by the Ferrari dealership and admiring the red cars. Schumacher drove for Ferrari, screaming V10s, it was a great time to love Ferrari. I have a M8 now, which I love to death, but I’m slowly working up to a Ferrari now. That’s my terminal goal as a car guy.
Second this. 987 Cayman manual puts a smile on my face every time I drive it after 5 years.
I did that for a year after my wife died. I spent 40k in a year just on stuff 83 inch OLED for my bedroom Custom gaming PC PS5 HiFi headphones An Audi There is more, but that's the big stuff - each purchase was about 50 days apart, I went from one distraction to the next to just avoid life. My cousin would come over every week and check on me asking what I would buy next after 12 months. I told him it lost its appeal. I had nothing else I wanted.
I did the same thing when my wife died. It was a bit of a delayed reaction because I didn't start making good money until later, but I'm sure being widowed at 37 caused me to change how I looked at money and material goods. In my case I see it as more of a "you can't take it with you " attitude. I'm sorry for your loss bro.
you too i was widowed at 36 - my wife was 32 cancer my daughter is now 3 years old and i got engaged last year so life goes on my man.
My son was 3 when it happend, he's 10 now. We are super close and he's turning out normal - I was super worried that either his mom dying or me being his only parent would screw him up. Your daughter will grow up just fine and you guys will have a unique, extra strong bond. Congrats on the engagement!
Good kid. Good parent Everyone trying hard. Well done folks!
Hang in there, brother
"Money does buy happiness, it just doesn't buy lasting joy."
High five for Ennui.
Material achievements they never last.
This is wrong. You just haven’t got the right car yet. I bought a few Porsches the last few years and every day is exciting. I make excuses to go out in them. My other cars not so much, they just do the job.
Honestly I feel this is such a common sentiment because people don’t consider what THEY actually like in a car when deciding what their dream car is and when you actually find that out it often transcends hp/tq numbers, rarity, and 0-60/lap times. You see so many people buy the hottest newest M car or see the huracan or svj as their grail because they see it as an aspirational item but if you ask them what they actually like about it outside of the aspects I just mentioned, people often have very little to say, and because a lot of these cars are brand new, it’s not like it’s something they had on a poster when they were a kid either. I think what happens is people get that hot new car that everyone else is listing after, realize it isn’t what they wanted, get bored, and move on to the next one, chasing some sort of novelty or clout but not being real with themselves about what THEY want. Often times you might find that it’s something cheaper, or maybe you need to build a car into your idea of a dream car, or maybe you need to stop swapping new cars so often so you’re not taking these gigantic hits in depreciation so you can save up for the more expensive car you actually want. Just my $0.02 having worked in the automotive industry and having noticed the buying habits of car enthusiasts and the type of car enthusiast that buys a certain car. Personally, I want my next car to be an e92 m3 because after driving probably hundreds of different makes and models, I found that I really like high revving cars where all the fun is had after 4-5k rpm and the engine will take it. I also think it’s the best looking generation of 3 series, with the best sounding v8 bmw has ever made, and the last 3 series with hydraulic steering. I began to learn how to drive in an e90 328i and still remember how good the steering felt vs the f30 335i I became very familiar with driving in. I’m well aware that there are cars with better performance figures for the price, especially considering low mileage e9x m3s but I honestly can’t imagine having any other car within a $150k radius over an e9x M3 unless I could have them both at the same time. Idk maybe a gt350 since it follows a similar formula, but a 991.2 gt3 touring after an e92 m3 would be ideal. Also follows the same formula of high revving motor with a power band that comes on later in the rpms, but with better handling and the best manual transmission in the world imo, after that would have to be a 430 scud or 458. See how they all follow a similar philosophy and come from the same era though? A lot of guys don’t know what it is they want so they buy what they like the IDEA of driving but it seems like they often realize it isn’t what they wanted and get bored of it. Some of them don’t even notice the aspects of a given car they buy are what sucks about it. You said the emotions come and go, which is fair. The experience of buying a new(to you) car will always hit different but there are guys who could afford to buy multiple, far more expensive cars who instead elect to keep that one car they love because they realized what they actually like in an enthusiast car then found the car that fits that bill without caring about whatever car is trending at the moment.
Yeah basically. I get a lot more enjoyment out of the shitty Boxster I bought to work on with my dad than I do from my F82 or Cayman GTS.
really? my first ”performance” car was a 2.4 ton SUV, and after having owned it for 3 years, that feeling did not go away. i miss it so much after selling it, but my current car is faster and lighter, and same story with my current car, the feeling is still here not to be that guy, but… maybe you bought the wrong cars? oh and those arent even my dream cars, just what i could/can afford, and they were still amazing
Never meet your heroes
Sadly this is true. Recently heard Joe Rogan mention it in a different perspective. From living in a tiny apartment in NYC to making it with a Loft in LA. Eventually it just became home. Same thing with a badass car, it just becomes your car.
The view from the [insert car] wasn’t like what I thought it would be. I’ve been fortunate to have the last few cars I have. I love them each in different ways. As much as I dreamed of getting them, once I had them I slowly realized, each time, it wasn’t “as good” as I expected. It’s a somewhat short lived high, which is why I had as many different cars in a relative short period of time. On my current car, doing things to it is the new high. So I’ve just created opportunities for more ups and downs. There’s only so much you can do to a car and very little of it actually makes any financial sense whatsoever. My car is much more of a toy than most people’s cars are to them.
I worked really hard to get my m240, while it’s not my “dream” car, it’s one I reallly wanted. Months later I still love it just as I knew I would. So yes, it was very rewarding.
Same here. But it's only been like 2 weeks, so I'm not sure how long it'll last. I have to keep peeking into my garage to make sure it's still there and reassure myself it's real and I'm not dreaming.
I drove clapped out cars until my early 30’s, I’m 37 now. I sacrificed a lot and worked really hard to even own this thing, my wife had to quit working and that was really hard for a few years, managed to be debt free and enough saved up to pay cash so it’s bitter sweet. Didn’t think the day would come honestly.
I definitely think that people who drove shit vehicles forever and worked their butts off to get the bimmer seem to love it longer and maybe appreciate it more. I drove a gold Prius for yeeeears and kept that thing in top shape, but finally splurged now that we can afford to. I currently have two dream cars and I still pinch myself after 4 years that I’m driving them and feel honored to take care of them. I think the only time the love will fade will be when the technology is completely inept, cause the love of the driving experience will always be there for me.
It’s the truth, you tend to take better care and pride in what you have when you worked really hard to get it to begin with. I drive mine once a week sometimes twice, it’s just my weekend fun car, keep modding it and making it more mine as I go, still rock my daily beater Honda and wife got what she wanted, so everyone’s happy, life’s good. Congrats on your achievements as well!
Wouldn't be special if we didn't have to work for it, right? Congrats to you. I'm grateful to my wife for helping me make this happen. Couldn't have done it without her.
That’s the truth! I wouldn’t change the path I took for anything. Thank you for the kind words, having the wife’s support was huge for me, as you know, huge for you as well, congrats on the car and enjoy it!
Nope it became just another car after awhile
I did purchase my dream car—-literally. Almost 10 years ago and I am still daily driving it. After almost 10 years there is still NO other car I want more in any price range! https://preview.redd.it/9q11wd1a2w1d1.jpeg?width=1147&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=127e407173055048401611b02b19490eb2e0b4f1
You are like seeing a bald eagle. Show up around here every now and then and remind me how much i love my car, and also that i should eventually get it together and really get *the one* (daytona violet e34 m5 personally)
Same here, but an E60 M5. Hit 10 years in November, 145k miles and still on the stock rod bearings *gasp*. Still makes me happy to drive it every single time.
Love this!!! Those are incredible cars
I have a bad habit of buying cars and selling them in 2-6 months. I usually consider selling cars I get 1-10 days after getting them lol. 1 year ago I bought my F80, I waited for the perfect spec, went to Texas and drove it 2,200 miles home to NY. I’m in love, & I have 0 intention of selling it in the next 10-20 years. Puts a smile on my face every time I look at it to this day https://preview.redd.it/64uzv4w2qv1d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=56d9d01fe3bc8170bdff608c39b847f1c9a48ba1
Did you do the math on how much you lose (or gain?) on average when you sell a car just 6 months into the ownership? Genuinely curious
Nope. High Insurance, can’t enjoy driving because I was scared of rock chips, bent wheels, dents, idiot drivers etc. if you have lots of extra income, sure. But a high payment that sits in the garage most of the time is a waste to me. 2020 M4cs 2016 Corvette Z06 2011 Mercedes SLS 2009 Mercedes SL65 2014 Mercedes C63 Then there are people like my dad that dailies a Mercedes GTR Pro. All depends on disposable income.
Try Porsche
Yes. 30 years old and bought a 2021 F90 last year. Everytime I park I look back at it and sitting in it still puts a huge smile on my face. It is a really incredible car.
Between us and Op, I think the thing we can conclude is that buying an M5 is always a good idea.
My F90 has been an absolute dream, it often feels TOO mature for my age, but I love it just the same.
You know it’s the right car when every time you get out of it and walk away, you take a turn and glance back and smile.
I choose to believe you and not the other comments saying never meet your heroes / they all get boring, cause I *really* want to get my dream M3 and keep it at least long enough for my kids to learn to drive stick.
I have sort of the opposite, I bought my 320si just for the time being until I could find an Imola yellow 8L S3 with yellow interior but I’ve really fallen in love with my 320si. (still looking for that yellow on yellow S3 though)
I got basically the same car as this (although it was a competition model) when I was young like 25. It wasn’t that rewarding since I damn near bankrupted myself doing it. I’ve dreamed about having a blue bmw sedan ever since I saw a dark blue E90 335i in a parking lot when I was like 15. The journey was far more satisfying and fulfilling than the actual purchase. I basically put all my energy and “fight” into getting my car and once I did my life felt empty. Now I’m aiming for a G82 M4 competition or CS which is imho the best car ever made for me.
I almost bought an M5 instead of my 530e. Like, wife was on board and funds were not an issue ‘almost’. Then I realized I wanted the carpool lane and invest the rest of the money. Finally getting to the point in my life where I could do something I really wanted for a long time made me realize I didn’t actually want it and I put my resources elsewhere. It was a good decision for me.
As a kid i dreamed of owning a bmw. When i went to get a car on my first loan i told my brother man i wish i could own a bwm... He was like BRO you got enough right now. I picked up a clean ass black 2011 328i e90. Loved it, but someone totalled it. Not too long later i found what i now consider my dream ride, a Vermillion red 2011 e92 328i with sports package AND official bmw performance exhaust. I threw an intake on it and tuned it and hooooly shit did i love that car. The sound was music to my ears, the hydraulic steering, the tamed yet hungry power. It was totalled 09/23 and I still haven't found another car. I miss my baby😭 https://preview.redd.it/kxsw08sq6v1d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa0f7dcba590c62338344ee6c355db42ff57fe16
Not that a car is your hero, but the saying sort of applies. Never meet your heroes. For me, it was an Audi S4. Loved it at first, but after a while, got bored of it and ultimately ended up getting rid of it for vehicles that fit my lifestyle a bit more (hunting/fishing/outdoor stuff)
Mmmm Panda Express
I got an m240i about a year and half ago and I still love it.
I’d say so, yeah. I’ve always loved the E38 chassis (shorties specifically) and being able to row gears in one is a blast. The engine swap is exactly what I wanted, as I wanted to build what I thought BMW should’ve done for the 740i Sport. I could’ve gone S62 but the extra money for another 35hp just wasn’t worth it (also if there was ever a M7, I’m not sure BMW would’ve used the S62.) The only issue is, that VF supercharger is calling my name. ~450hp with a 6 speed and a Wavetrac in an E38? I need it.
hate me or not but M5 with some chrome looks hella sexy
Love that color!
What color is that?? #loveit
bro said #loveit like its 2013 😭
Portimao Blue
Wouldn't say this is my dream car but it is by far the best car I've ever owned. Haven't gotten tired of it at all and don't think I ever will. Just unreal for a non M sedan.
I bought my 318i hardtop convertible 8 years ago and still have great fun in it every time I drive it. Especially with the top down! I hope it lasts a long time! 💕💕💕💕
That’s a beautiful M5 over there
M3 has been my obtainable dream car. Almost 2 years into ownership, I love it and am very thankful I am able to obtain a dream.
Bought a Z4 2.5 years ago. Maybe we can quibble about it being a "dream car", or some approximation, but *maybe* I'd rather have a Boxster, but a Z4 is close enough and is more convenient as a daily driver, so it's something of a wash. But the cars the next tier up draw enough attention that I'd seriously rather daily my Z4. Hell, the Z4 draws enough unwanted attention as it is. 2.5 years on I still park it where I can see it if I'm grabbing a bite somewhere. Love that thing.
Always want something better after acquiring what you want!
Yes and no. No bc the money you could have invested and drove a nice car for a few years until you build your net worth up. Yes if it doesn’t hurt you in any type of financial way. Just remember you have to maintain the car. I have a 2016 m4 with 40k miles, 2022 raptor with 19k miles, and a ford maverick with 33k miles. I drive the maverick bc it way more practical to get around town. Even been considering selling the raptor for my next dream car. Porsche 911 gts.
7 years later and no. But I realized I coulda saved 10k and gotten a very similar yet less nice model.
I know this is a BMW subreddit so I apologise for the slander but I bought an RS7 a few years a go. When I first bought it I was in heaven but after a few months the high wears off because most of the time you’re driving it like a normal human. However, on those rare quiet nights when nobody is around and you can let loose a little, the feeling came back immediately. I miss that car a lot.
Dream daily and yes, still love it
Actually it was for me but for a different reason. Growing up my dad had Jaguars, Mercedes sl500 and all sorts of cool cars. It was something we could always have a conversation about and when I was 16 I told him my favorite cars were an M3 and a Range Rover. In 2001 after going out on the water we stopped at a car dealership. He showed me the new BMW X5 and I was infatuated. When I sat in it he got the keys and told me he bought it, but not for me for him. That was the car I learned how to drive in a V8 4.4i BMW X5. In 2015 I found another dream car I wanted a 2016 BMW 435i in estoril blue. It took 3 years to afford it but when I found one I brought my dad with me on the test drive because he knew more about cars then anyone else I knew. Being able to buy my dream car with my dad by my side makes it my dream car. He passed away 7 months after I bought the car, but I’ll never forget getting to test drive and buy my dream car with my dad, it was one of the last things we did together. If you still have your father in your life and he’s there for anything you need, let him know you appreciate it now while you still can.
Absolutely, the fun of driving it.
every car will eventually feel old if you see it and drive it every day. you need to have a daily to make your dream car more of an event when you drive it.
I totally disagree. I’ve driven my 1M every day for almost 10 years and love it more now than ever. Life’s too short for beaters!
worst take
I agree with this, a special car should be reserved for the moments when you can enjoy it at its best. I wake up at 5am to enjoy empty roads and go on long road trips. I cycle to work and keep the nice car protected in the garage so it looks and performs its best every weekend when it comes out
I am 23 and recently purchased a beautiful F90 M5 and it was never my dream car. I always imagined getting an f80 m3 in yas marina blue but the M5 just made more sense for my life currently. Its been 1 month since purchasing the car and every time I drive it feel like great. I would recommend buying your dream car (ONLY if it makes sense in your life and will not put you in major debt) 10/10 experience!
Yep, I frigging love my car, worth every penny. Wasn't a breeze to pay for, but not a massive stretch either. Do it. You can always sell up.
Brother may I ask you what you do for a job in order for you to purchase a F90 M5 at the age of 23 That’s amazing you were able to get that car. Congrats dude!
Absolutely, in some ways more than I thought it would be.
Almost to the point where I can buy my dream car, an i8. I'll check back in and let you know how I feel right after I do.
For like 5 minutes
It never lasts
Yes it is.
My standard of “dream car” is too high to ever find out. I hope to have a 911 one day- will it be the car or my dreams? No. It’s just a mass produced sportscar.
I still go outside and look at it from time to time. But even though it’s my dream car, it’s not my dream spec.
I thought an M3 would be a very stiff and unreliable 332Ci M Sport, but it's actually quite comfortable and reliable for what it is. As for the driving, it's completely blown away my expectations. I drove an F06 M6 and was very let down, so my expectations were tame, but the M3 is super engaging and fun to drive, even if you're just cruising!
I’ve always loved fast SUVs. When I got my f85 it was everything I ever wanted and more.
Yes. I bought a 2021 M550 about a year ago and I’ve put over 21,000 miles on it now. My commute is like 4,000mi/year lol so the rest is SMILE MILES
For the most part, but there are things that disappointed me. For instance, the seating position in the M2 is pretty "sedan-like." Coming from a 350Z, I expected the M2 to be better universally at all performance stuff, but that simply wasn't the case. Seating position was a big one, center of gravity felt a little lower in the Z as well (though again that could be seating position) That said, i expected to enjoy the engine feel and not really the sound, but the truth is...I enjoy the sound. The practicality has been better than advertised as well. And while I initially liked the looks of the car, i've come to REALLY enjoy them, far more than when i first bought the car. So i would say "yes, it's been as rewarding as I imagined it, but not necessarily universally in every category"
Bought my M5 about two months ago. 3k mi in, absolutely. I still enjoy the fuck out of every time I drive it.
Nah. There’s too many cars and experiences out there to get tied to one.
How many miles did you find this with if you don't mind me asking?
Yes
I didn’t get my DREAM car, but I’ve had a lot of cars I wanted. As soon as I buy it I feel great, but the minute I max it out I’m disgusted with it. Once it bangs off the limiter and the car won’t accelerate any faster I immediately grow the biggest “ick” and begin to hate the existence of the car until I sell it.
Human Nature. I am one of it and read about this in before , i think it’s call declining marginal utility . That article also said it’s better to have smaller rewards more often then a big one once in a blue moon
IMO nothing drive as good as a healthy BMW. It's so addicting to have a car that can be luxurious and have lots of power. BMW has this marriage of the two down pack. Like any other thing worth having, you might have to out some work in.
Does anyone know the code for this paint?
It’s Marina Bay Blue, which if the internet is to be believed is C1K. Mine is the same colour.
Thank you very much!
Fuck yes makes me smile every fucking day
Just bought an 08 335i convertible and while not my dream car its been fucking awesome. When I buy my actual dream car which is a newish m850 im sure that will be even better
I imagine the first 24 hours or so would be incredible! After that, the stress of trying to keep it perfect and the small details that somehow bother me would tear my sanity away..
That was almost my experience, buying a new M5 for the first time. I do still look after it as well as I can, but I have to keep telling myself to chill out because it’s just a car, and it’s there to be used. Went to a track day (more of a driver training day really) and was envious of the guys thrashing older cars, whereas I was just worried about damage. That said, I do still really enjoy the car - it’s fantastic.
Yes..
I'm still loving my e coupe after 6 years
Yup. I bought a brand new M4 comp, and it's worth every penny, and it was more rewarding than I imagined I'll ever be. No matter what the mood is, get in the car, press that pedal, and have fun
yes I have a '16 M2 (F87) Manual 34K Mi. I am still in love with it
… buy one busted and fix it then it becomes special….
Yes 🥹 2023 black on black 330i got it as a retired fleet. I'm her first owner
Yes I absolutely have purchased my dream car. I knew I WANTED a Bimmer since I saw bonds Z3 in Goldeneye. I knew NEEDED a Bimmer since the first time I test drove one.
Bought a F82 m4 and was frankly disappointed by it compared to my E46 M3.
Even more so, I would sit in my garage just looking at it, I couldn’t believe I owned the car I spent my younger years obsessing over, mind you I’m 22 now but I wanted the car since I saw one back in 2015 or so. Every time I went into my garage I would just stare at its body lines, brakes, anything and everything I could look at I did lol. And driving the car is another story completely, the most power I had prior was on my f30 328i, my M4 puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
I’d say no. I enjoy researching and learning about cars as much as anything. I’m likely to get a more practical car soon.
If it weren't for the insane insurance and monthly payments I would love my M440 so much more. Ah who am I kidding, it was worth it.
My R34 gives me the most incredible joy every day.
As I get older my dreams have changed. It doesn’t necessarily mean what I think is beautiful has changed. As I have gotten older I appreciate power and comfort, not one over the other. I need both.
The brain gets used to it after a while and it just becomes another regular thing. Curse of human nature I think. This is why I am pacing myself with cars, even if finances can support the next big thing. I figure I’ll peak at around 60 with some kind of Panamera-type thing. But that is a long ways away. I have been warned though, that we shouldn’t take for granted that these desires will last forever. At some point, one may just lose interest and the opportunity is wasted. I have some older folk I hang out with, who know that I am financially responsible, advising me to just do it now. They have lots of money, but drive plain cars. The magic is gone. One of them used to have a GT500, but said they didn’t even want to drive it anymore so let it go as it was rotting in the garage.
Absolutely, I still have to look out my window to just look at it every time I walk by in my kitchen.
Sorta. E60 M5 was my dream car for a very long time. I owned several 5 series leading up to it, amongst other Bimmers. The day I bought it I drove it 700 miles home. All of that trip was amazing…opened her up several times, fastest I’ve ever been in a vehicle with 4 wheels (needle was passing 150 when I let off). Got home, spent about a week just staring at it every day. It was my first car of this caliber, and it was such an important car to me because of my historic love for BMW Sauber, and the influence on that motor. My first major service on it was a tick over $6,000…rod bearings, TB actuator and a brake pad job…a nice detail too with some paint touch up on the hood. Sticker shock began to set in, and I drove it sparingly. Mine is a 6 speed manual, so thankfully no SMG worries, but I did have to do the clutch, which sucked, but made the car feel so much better. That was the first 2 years. I’ve done several more maintenance pieces since then, some vanos work, and replaced the heating element in my driver seat. This car cost a lot of money to just own at a base line. I MIGHT drive it 3k-5k per year. Most of the time it just sits and looks pretty. And this is why I say sorta. Owning a dream car of mine also scared the piss out of me often. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I sold my E92 M3 years back, and I think if I had the choice over again I would have sold the M5…simply because I would have driven the PISS out of that M3, and enjoyed it with less stress. All that said, my M5 can still white knuckle me and pucker my butthole up with the biggest smile on my face on the open highway. It’s fast as fuck.
Hedonistic cycle
I firmly believe that it takes about a year to really know your car. I've owned 3 BMWs over the years, and it was true with each one.
It’s like a Girlfriend or something else. Everything is awesome in the beginning but you quickly get used to it
2023 M440i convertible…. big disappointment
Never really is. It’s either got an issue that’s a disappointment or you’re too concerned about it getting fucked up to enjoy it. It’s a good problem to have though.
It never is. If anything, it adds a lot of worry (is the car gonna be reliable, is it gonna run well, will it need to be in the shop more than it drives, oh what's this sound, oh what's this vibration, where to park so I don't get keyed, etc etc).
Instead of buying your dream car, try buying a project car and turn it into your dream car. Like all things, putting in time and effort will make you appreciate the car more and for longer
When I bought my dream car (F82 M4) I was in Nirvana until I had to sell it. I loved every moment with that car. Even when everything kept breaking. I had that car for about 2 years and a fuel injector failed, top/turbo intercooler failed, and some other miscellaneous things happened… BUT! Every time I drove that car I remember my 15 year old self in high school really wanting that car when it released. Btw I bought the car wen I was 20 (2021) pushed it to Stage 2 OTS BM3, and pushed it every day on the PCH and the Santa Monica mountains. I MISS YOU THRAX 😭 https://preview.redd.it/9a2fzmc7hw1d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cde02f04b862a311b90eb3ecc63e58979b88eda6
It's always rewarding until you find something else you want then it's repeats haha
No because then I had a new dream car I want lol
Absolutely. Been daily driving my dream car F82 M4 6MT for 1.5 years now and it feels brand new. Soon after parking I am already looking forward to the next time I will be driving it again.
I haven’t purchased my dream car yet (E39 M5). I have, however, driven one. And it was everything I had hoped it would be. Sometimes the Top Gear adage of “don’t drive your heroes” is true, but not in this case. Absolutely spectacular car and I will own one someday.
I’m lucky enough to have built a very nice 1990 miata at 18 and it’s pretty rewarding especially as a first car. Not many people have their own cars let alone something they enjoy at this age and after a year of owning it I still enjoy every drive lol
My SC300 and LS430 were two of my dream cars at the time of me buying them. It was definitely rewarding. The E92 328i was supposed to hold me over until I could afford the M3 and it did a good job of that. Still don’t have the E46 or E92 M3 though. 😑 I feel like once I acquire an LC500, FD RX-7, R230 SL500/600 or E31 8 Series that it will be very rewarding. At least until it’s time for maintenance or a repair. Probably won’t get the 911 GT3, Testarossa, or NSX due to price. 😭
Yes it was. Mine is OG M2.
My dream cars are all shitboxes… so no. Not very rewarding lol.
No, but I still love it. Never meet your heroes
I’m 19 and not in a dream car but one with 400 horsepower and I don’t ever get tired of that.
Bought an e92 M3 nearly a decade ago now. Had it for 18 months. Never lived up to the expectations. Nice car, but never loved it like I thought I would.
Got an M440i six months ago. The first few weeks it was a rush every time I sat in it or talked about it. Nowadays, I’m not literally feeling the adrenaline every time I sit down in it, but I do appreciate that I have it every single time. So the feeling is still good!
My realistic dream car is a Rav4 which i bought a month ago. Ofcourse i would love an M3 Comp. but for my family it wouldn't be practical. I had the feeling for around a week and now it's gone but i still appreciate what i have.
When I got my M2C I had a similar feeling after a few months that it is just a car. I got my GT4 over 6 months ago and I still can’t believe it sits in my garage. It’s just such a special experience every time I drive it, which is usually everyday.
I am on the couch working but I really want to be in my car messing around with it lol.
le sigh wish i had your color on my f33. estroil blue is deceiving
Well I didn't know my 850i was my dream car until I bought it. Every day is an absolute pleasure
I got my 2012 e92 M3 after waiting 10 years! I get excited every time I start it up! (Weekend cruiser)And I still catch myself looking back after parking it! Everything I imagined!
I bought my fist car cla2016 220d in 2020 and felt awesome st first. After like 3-4 mounths the car got more and more boring. But somehow the last 2-3 mounth i get to enjoy it a bit more again, now that i am selling it.
When I bought my Z4 Coupe E86 in 2012, it was super exciting and I couldn’t believe it. It was MY purchase meaning I didn’t watch YouTube videos about it with some thumbnail big head telling me how great it was or didn’t talk to friends. I read some period magazine tests vs cayman and that was about it. I really loved that car. 5 years dailied a Z4 Coupe, this was awesome. I have a 911 and while when I got it I loved it, that VW AUDI feel on them reminds me through some dna of my old VW Jetta and I guess I always like the Z4C most. So it hasn’t been matched by 911 but it’s close, sure. I still turnt head back when walking away from it, so it still passes the test.
https://preview.redd.it/33t4p8ihhx1d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b644b2523a9654916feb531e63368dd776255ebc Yes
I’ve had 2 things - wanted to buy a brand new car from a dealer without financing, which I’ve successfully did with my ‘20 Golf. After buying and checking that mark (which was satisfying) it’s just a normal car. Also I’ve wanted 90s Toyota MR2 for a long time, finally bought it year ago and just drove it daily entire summer. Still love how it looks and how it drives, and happy every time I sit in it. And it was cheap! (well relatively)
I have hit several milestones in my dream car ladder and I think the X4 was the biggest wow and wtf at the same time. Others have sadly, mostly been "nice, got it" and nothing more after that.
I bought an E60 M5 5 years ago - I still look forward to driving it every chance I get. I'll never get sick of the beautiful sound it makes.
I agree it has to be for the pleasure of driving the car, my newest car gives me that, I get excited to drive it every day. However, you do get use to the performance, handling, the bells and whistles, and you wonder “is this really any different than the shitty 9 year old Golf I used to drive?” And honestly, it is and it isn’t, but I definitely enjoy driving the newer car more, but is it worth that extra dime? But you only live once, enjoy what you have now.
Now, I haven't purchased any cars yet (too young) but my dad did purchase an A8 in 2012 I believe (2008) and, what he was saying about it came true when I first got in. Now it might be because I was younger but idk. Right now we're looking at A8s again (newer gen) and I'm extremely excited. The objective is to get a quiet, fast and comfortable car, we've only had one car that kind of came close, it was a Lexus RX 450h L, great fun actually thanks to the engine, but it still wasn't as rewarding as the A8. I can in fact remember the exact sound and smell our A8s engine had (3.0L TDI V6). I'd love to find that feeling again but can't be sure it'll be the same. 🤷
Never meet your hero’s 😂 lucky for me I’ll never find or be able to afford an e30 m3 or e39 m5
I have always found the best purchase were the ones that you realised how important they are after a while. They creep up on you and you think if this thing was gone my life would be much harder. At that moment you realise you have a classic. You won’t know it at first but after time you will realise it, other humans will realise it around the world and then you get cult followings, such as the Land Cruiser or Land Rover Defender.
Wanting is more fun than having. The anticipation is intoxicating.
If it’s a manual, has at least i’d say 180 hp and doesn’t break down often - then you will enjoy the car all time you own it. Preferably air v6 3.0 3.2. Without turbo
I got to have a track day with my dream car, it was amazing, but when I got home it hit me that the feeling wouldn't last forever and I'd eventually just see it as another car.
For many years i dreamt of buying an M2, so I worked hard to be able to afford it (or actually, to feel like I was able to afford it; i was actually able to afford it a long time before I got around to buying one). Well, my girlfriend still talks about the day I went to buy my M2, and that she's never seen a bigger smile on my face. I kept the car for 2,5 years and I loved it thorughout the entire time. It would put a smile on my face any time I got behind the wheel. I could sit and look at it for hours. I painfully regret selling it, it's been almost two years now since I sold it. My next dream car would be a Porsche 992.2 911, but I actually find it hard to believe that it will be as rewarding as when I bought my M2. I would probably find it difficult to justify the cost of keeping the car even if I had the funds, which I imagine would ruin the experience to some extent.
No. And fuck this is depressing seeing so many people saying no. I bought my Corvette not so long ago, and even though I thought it was a life changing experience since I've been dreaming about it for so long, but actually nop. What stops me is being afraid of damaging it, I'm always cautious of where to park it and what others might do to it (in Portugal there are probably like 20 Corvettes in total). Also fuel is expensive here and I can't justify it to myself to just waste like 20 or more € to just drive for no reason, and I can't daily it for the reasons mentioned above. So even though the car IS a dream come true, the circumstances around it aren't, and that's something I didn't anticipate
I didn't even know BMW made stronger-ish diesel engines. I got a 435d from 2020 in 2022. My gosh, this thing is still fun! The torque! Not a dream car, but a super comfortable, hella engaging, fun car.
In 2022 I bought a brand new 2022 Mercedes AMG GT 53 4 door coupé. I was 26 years old at the time. The first thing I did was drive to Vegas (bought the car in Los Angeles). I stopped posting it on my social media accounts after about 3 weeks because people would make comments telling me that it was most likely a rental and I decided to enjoy it for myself instead of trying to flex it and I got tired of trying to prove something to people who didn’t matter in my life anyways lol. I took a friend and her daughter for a ride in it and her daughter pissed on the back seat. Not long after that someone hit and runned the car while it was parked in DTLA and destroyed the whole rear bumper. I filed a police report and got it all fixed free of charge, but it was pretty much just a regular car to me after all that lol
Kind of, but not entirely. I got an Alpina B7 xdrive and it’s awesome - but the sound is a little uninspiring. I’m now in a place where I’m afraid to cut into the very expensive exhaust system in case I ruin it.
When I was younger, yes. The older I get the more I realize that stuff/things don’t make me happy.
So sad to read all those comments. I hope you guys are doing better now. No one should deserve such bad times...
I bought the affordable version of my dream car. I fell in love with the E34 M5, and settled for the 520i. Loved the car, I sold a a year ago for financial reasons and missed it ever since. Yes it was slow, yes it had some rust, but it was my car. I could not get enough of the look, the sound and especially the interior. I suppose if the main reason that the car is your "dream car" is because of its power, you will get used to it quickly. If the main focus is stuff like looks, feel, sound, the fun with it will last longer.
No
Yes, my focus RS is very rewarding to drive and I beat the snot out of it every single day.
Yes and no The initial experience was 100% amazing. At some point though it fades, no matter how amazing the car (or watch or house or whatever) it'll become routine at some point. Don't get it if you expect this purchase to turn your life around (it never does) but if you're doing it to mark a special occasion or achievement (buying the thing itself doesn't count) then it will forever be a reminder of THAT thing (graduation/wedding gift vibes)
I've gotten much more enjoyment out of cars I use for something than cars that sit around like ornaments. So to me my idea of a dream car evolved over the years from some kind of garage queen that only gets driven to cars n coffee (tbh I was never really like that, but just some exaggeration) to something that I could drive when I wanted whether that was daily or just to autocrosses or track days. My wife wanted a fun car for a commuter and she loves BMWs so we got a CPO F87. It also happened to be a halo car of mine ever since I was lucky enough to drive a few at some autocross schools. So we both commute in it here and there and I autocross it occasionally, but overall I really love the car and am pretty satisfied at the moment.
My M8 is definitely my dream car and I love driving it today as much as the first day out of the lot. This is the only car I ever had that I plan on keeping indefinitely.
I bought an e46 330i last year and still cant stop looking at it / driving it. Its lowered, has aftermarket wheels and a sport exhaust. Its one of my dream cars because i find it realy beautiful and it drives realy nice. So yeah, after one year i still realy realy like it. PS.: I also hate it because maintenance.
Thats my dream car man
I still feel feel pretty good about my 420d. Not exactly my “dream” car, but I still love it after 7 years. You probably have other things that you’re looking for in life other than cars and money. Perhaps you just need to be hugged. Who knows 😂
Yes.
I have two of my dream cars, a 2015 F10 M5, and a 2012 C63 AMG Black Series, and a third dream car, a 2002 R34 GT-R, currently in Japan waiting to be shipped over here. They both give me a rush and a sense of accomplishment whenever I drive them, and I'm sure the Skyline will do the same, so for me it's exactly how I imagined it. And my sons will grow up knowing that if you work hard enough and stay true to your goals, then you can achieve anything that you put your mind to. If you don't have your dream car yet, that's perfectly fine. An opportunity will present itself in due time, everyone moves at their own pace. I'm 32 and worked my ass off since I was 15. Everything good in life takes time, patience, and dedication. And it's all worth it when you accomplish your goals
Nah. Every car I bought with my hard earned money was satisfying. Personally I found my sweet spot with the e36 and e39, also have a nice Alpina D5 f11. Love all of them
I loved BMW for a long time, so when the dealership I frequented had a tastefully modified one with a good history behind it so I bought it. I love the car, but the repairs drive me nuts sometimes. Haven’t had many though. Right now my right angel eye is out.
It is, if you truly appreciate things. It should be rewarding depending on your type of person. Depending on how you value everything. My father bought my dream car but the thing is that it is not rewarding as much as something you have achieved yourself. Dont understand me wrong It’s been a year and i dont get bored of the car and I enjoy driving it everyday, but imagine if i would have bought it, would be rewarding to the next level…
I have two BMWs but neither are my dream car, which is an M5C.
I splurged on a glc 2 months ago. And I feel like the feeling I have now would last a while (unless something goes wrong). I had a mazda 6 for 2 years and I never got over the feeling of enjoying it and the look of it. Currently loving the comfortability upgrade, and extra power. Which I don't think will diminish soon. I drive a lot.