I am looking to get a fun daily driver car. One that is practical but also fun. If a 6-12k budget.

I am currently thinking between:

-2001-2006 r53 Mini Cooper S 6spd
-2006 e90 BMW 330i 6spd
-e46 bmw 330i ZHP

Suggestions?

I am a bmw enthusiast but I am open to all cars.

Thanks

Nething wit ls1

corvette or bust

No on the mini cooper

For practical fun I'd add about $1k to your max and find an 05 or 06 GTO 6 speed with the lowest mileage I could find. They are far more comfortable than most things in that price range and have quite a bit of room. The maintenance is really cheap as well.

I want a car that has good handling. How is it for handling? Didn't you use to own one?

No I don't own one but I have driven and worked on several. They handle well for a big car. It's no 330i BMW, but it is quite a bit faster. I'd say it is more practical and probably more comfortable for the driver and front passenger. The GTO has some of the best seats GM has ever put in a vehicle. They are easily modded like any other LSX powered vehicle.

If you are dead set on great handling you should be looking at smaller, less practical cars.

THIS

That is some good advice. I am a pretty big dude 6'1 220 lb. I larger car would probably be a good idea. I like the idea of the GTO. They look like a lot of fun. I am just bmw fan boy so those shiny bimmers make me happy from a cosmetic view. I do love LS engines though. I drove a firebird for a while

Yeah, I'd veer away from the Mini, I have an 05 r53. Though mine has been absolutely flawless, that is not the case with a lot of people. However, if you're looking for handling, you won't find better, short of an Elise. They are stupidly fun cars. If you were considering this route shoot me a pm and I can let you know what to look for.

Any domestic will be worlds cheaper to maintain. GTO would be a decent investment for the future, in my opinion.

I have 2 firebirds and as much as I love/hate them I would not recommend one as a practical DD. For $10-12k you could easily find one in really, really good shape with the right mods already done but the only practicality of the car is the gigantic trunk well. The back seat is big enough for a small adult for a short trip.