Let's say you won the lottery (20k) and you needed a car. You could only spend at max 20k. New or used it doesn't matter, which one would you pick and why? Go

 

New - VW Jetta orRabbit or Subaru 2.5RS

Used - Too many to list but i would lean toward any high end German car MB, Audi or BMW

This is cars only i aint getting into SUVs, Trucks or other vehicle styles

 

Probably an '01 or '02 Benz, or older SL500 if maintenance/reliability wasn't an issue... I'm liking the '02 CLK500s right now. An '01 M3 or so would be awesome, but I'm sure they run a tad over $20k. What I've got right now cost about that - a little over, + I added about $2,000 in audio stuff :P. (Getting a little tired of the 4-banger though, wishing for a little more performance)

 

Why not buy an m104 engine? It should drop in, right?

I think i'd go with a tC or Mini new. Maybe even an A3 if they'd go that low bare-bones. Used, probably a 190dt/16v/sportline, 300dt, or 330 coupe.

 

The AMG 3.6 m104 version would be nice - 275+ hp - but how expensive would that engine be? I do work at a Mercedes shop, so labor is discounted

The A3 starts at $25k MSRP. Which means it should be decently easy to talk it down to close to $20k final price at the dealer. Depending on the dealer and their ability to move cars though.

 

Well for thebase M104 (i think it's 3.0)...they're anywhere from $800-$2500, $800 with high mileage and a cracked t-cover. The AMG motor I would guess would be $3.5k or more?