So I'm buying my first car as a "grown-up"... Advice?

Ummm so pressing enter in the poll options field submits the poll. Bummer.

I voted A because its probably your cheapest option,
But unless you have tons of cash to throw around.
I'd recommend buying a cheaper car and just run it into the ground.
In that time you can get yourself financially stable enough that you can afford to buy a nice car.
And not risk sending yourself into massive debt.

07 Lexus yo.

You just need a good car for hitting big ass ramps.

BMW man...get a black one. you will get respect from every man!

" You just need a good car for hitting big ass ramps. "

In my experience people with M3's are tailgating assholes. Which is fun for braking suddenly. Also, I think IS250's are pretty nice.

Anything with mounted machine guns is fine. That Zombie apocalypse is coming any day now.

Buy a monster truck.

None of the above.

I'll choose the B, then A, then C. The M3 is the cheapest I assume as it's second hand plus it's German, so that means quality build there. But at same time, people who drive M3s tend to be assholes/weirdos (not that I'm saying that you are but might turn into one if you do. I know someone who owns one but that's a long story). The Mazda 6, while not as good looking as an M3 (to me at least), is Japanese which again, means good build quality there. As for the Lexus, I don't think that'll be a good care for a young person to own. Not that it's a bad car but it's more of an old business man's car (or Japanese Mercedes if you're Alan Partridge).

Mazda 6.  My first car was a Eunos 500, which is what eventually led to the Mazda 6.  No point in buying an expensive to maintain and repair first car.  The executive and upper mid range Mazdas give a really lovely ride and they are pretty cheap to get parts for.

i would say get a mazda 6. i like those cars, u also have to know about things like car insurance and things like that. i would say don't get used cars as i had a friend who bought  a used cars a lot of times it shit the bed like every month. there would always be a problem with the car.

I couldn't be asked to look at any of the specs for those cars, but i would say in the current economic downfall you should go for whatever car has the best fuel Economy.

How about this? 

Just don't drive above 87 if you have less than two plutonium rods with you.

" I voted A because its probably your cheapest option, But unless you have tons of cash to throw around. I'd recommend buying a cheaper car and just run it into the ground. In that time you can get yourself financially stable enough that you can afford to buy a nice car. And not risk sending yourself into massive debt. "

I ended up getting a 2005 Lexus IS300. I love it.

" I ended up getting a 2005 Lexus IS300. I love it. "

It's almost impossible to say without knowing your current situation.  Definitely get a used car.  There's a huge price premium on getting a brand-new car, and the value of it drops dramatically after the first year.  I made that mistake when I bought my first car.  For me, I'd go with the Mazda, as it will be a lot cheaper to get work done than either a Lexus or a BMW (or any German car for that matter).  Also, your car payment shouldn't be more than 20% of your gross income.  This is the sensible approach to buying a car.

That being said, if you're a young guy, now is the time to get a ridiculous, fun car.  So if you can afford the payments and upkeep then get something f'n fast and drive it like a madman.  I knew I should've bought a Suburu STI when I got my first car, but I pussied out and got something more affordable.  The STI would've cost me an arm and leg to maintain, but it would've been worth it.  Now that I'm married and looking at buying a house, there's no way I could justify that car to myself (or my wife) unless I get a new job with a massive raise in the next few years.
 
There could be a middle ground.  I don't know how much it costs to maintain, but what about the Mazdaspeed 6?  It's not quite the performance machine that the M3 is, but it's got some good zip to it and it's not terribly expensive.

No love for the Lexus? Oh nvm...

Depends on how much money you have... seeing as you probably have 15,000 to blow from what i see on the cars you have listed as options.  Go with the 3-series.  The Mazda 6 gets the same mileage but not as classy and the old ones before 2009 are actually smaller, same size as the 3-series i would say.
Lexus sucks and those are really nothing more than a glorified Toyota.  Not saying toyota is bad, just Lexus is not worth the price.

Get whatever is within your budget. Done.

I dunno man, I really like my 07 Ford Fusion. Call me a sissy or a grandma, but it does a damn nice job for casual driving.