Editor’s Note: We love scouring the internet for reasons to spend money we don’t have on cars we daydream about owning, and these are our picks this week. All prices listed are bid amounts at the time of publishing.
Traditional sedans might be slowly disappearing from manufacturer lineups as they take up less and less market share, but that doesn’t stop them from being some of the more practical and better-looking cars on the road. Unlike their two-door counterparts, sedans make more sense for a family of four or so, but what happens after the kids are dropped off and the long, winding route home beckons? That sort of lifestyle calls for an older performance sedan. The latest super sedans seem to pride themselves on shouting about their performance cred, signified by massive vents, wide fender flares and even wider wings. There’s a beauty in balancing subtle style and maturity with wild-eyed, corner carving abilities. These four sedans prove it’s possible.
2004 BMW 330i ZHP
Mileage: 96,000
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
What we like: Ok, so a fire engine red (sorry, Imola Red) BMW isn’t exactly subtle, but nobody around you would know your 330i would give an M3 a run for its money. The ZHP package bridges the gap between the more pedestrian 3-Series cars and the top-of-the-line M3 with suspension tuning and a higher redline, plus a tad more horsepower, courtesy of hotter cams. There are a few visual upgrades but nothing like the litany of M badges you get on the M3.
From the seller: “Vehicle is in ZHP package-exclusive Imola Red and has natural brown leather, power and memory seats, power moonroof, Harmon Kardon sound, Premium Package and Performance Package, Navigation and Parking Sensors.”
What to look out for: After about 60,000 miles valve cover gaskets may start to leak, causing oil to burn. Luckily parts to repair this problem only cost between $200-$300.
