Not new, more like a returning member

[olyeller]

Several years ago I bought a 2000 GLX Turbo with the 5 speed. I loved that car but I sold it when my collector car hobby grew and I didn't need it any longer. Life happened, my health was severly affected and the old cars had to go with the big house and garage. I traded my 1965 Skylark for a 2002 BMW 325Ci and sold everything else. I have come to the realization that I am not a Bimmer guy.

That said, I'd like to buy a car that my wife has lusted after since they came out, the 2002-4 Aquarius Blue NBC. After I sell the BMW, I should have around $10K to spend. I'm thinking I'd like to find one with the 1.8 Turbo and the 5 speed after reading here about the troubles with the Steptronic. So far, in my short search I'm finding this combo is hard to find as most were the 2.0 with Steptronic.

It appears after reading posts here, now that the NB has been out awhile, the reliability of the NB is not too good. Am I reading this wrong? My 2000 was rock solid with only vacuum line replacement but it did have low miles.

I'm hoping for something with around 40-60K miles. Am I being realistic? What should I look for? The car will be garaged and pampered and given only light use. Advice and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.