BMW M Roadster or Jeep Wrangler? (buying, prices, moving to)

[phillirp]

I will be moving to Oahu (Navy PCS) in August, and I am considring buying a BMW M Roadster or a Jeep Wrangler. Just wondering if anyone can offer guidance on whether one or the other is a better vehicle for Oahu?

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Do you plan to do some serious off-roading?

[hotzcatz]

I'd pick up a used cheap beat up car on Oahu unless you are trying to impress your buddies or something. Good gas mileage, easy to park, cheap to fix and not a target of thieves or vandals would be my top priorities. Or go for fun! A convertible is always fun! The beemer takes itself too seriously and the Jeep is a bit too testosterony for me, but it's your car. Get what you like, you can fix everything else.

Oahu has loads of traffic, tight congested roadways and no big open places to zoom about. Get a car that is comfortable to sit in while waiting in traffic. Good sound system, air conditioning might be nice, comfortable seats, handy drink holder, that sort of thing. Plus something you can park at the beach and not have it broken into while you're in the water. And something that deals well with sandy clothes, feet, wet towels and rust from salt air. Basically, a beach beater and have fun with it. There's loads of cars being sold as folks go to and from base, so no need to buy something involving payments. Just pay cash for a beater, insure it for the minimum liability and enjoy it, nobody really cares what car you drive in Hawaii.

[winkosmosis]

Buy a Miata. The gas mileage is better.

I'm guessing there aren't many trails on Oahu

[KonaKat]

A nice jeep only a few years old with AC. Spiff it up with some new Wet Okole seat covers and you're good to go, sailor. (Thanks for your service)

[phillirp]

Originally Posted by KonaKat

A nice jeep only a few years old with AC. Spiff it up with some new Wet Okole seat covers and you're good to go, sailor. (Thanks for your service)

Thanks!

I guess I wanted the convertable, well lets face it, who wouldn't want a roadster convertable in that weather! But if the traffic is that bad?
And no where to really open her up, what's the point? And sand really would jack up the interior of a BMW. And can you imagine a surfboard sticking out of the passenger seat? Thanks for your comments everyone, any other random advice would be appreciated! Never been to Hawaii before, and I'll be there for over three years.

[Joliefille]

I'd second the Jeep. If you're buying new and the Navy is paying to ship it, I'd buy on the mainland. Since there's not many dealers over here, prices are not competetive.