Looking for a new exciting car
- Thread starter alex24
- Start date
Nope, never driven an M3. As said though, I can probably get a test drive in the final few I'm considering but it won't be in budget for '11 or newer. If that is the overwhelming opinion, I can always bend the criteria but I am pretty sure about that one at least.
Like you were though, apart from the engine, M3 has never excited me that much. Not sure if it's the looks or the size (prefer smaller sports cars) or what but it wasn't on the list when I was originally considering for second hand. I used to like them back in E36 era but modern ones don't seem as cool. Maybe it's also due to the types that drive them around in Essex!
I needed something for work, got a great deal and loved it after test driving. I also earn a more now than I did then.
I already explained above. I didn't really want to argue my motivations or criteria, just more wanted opinion on the cars that fit! I guess you have to expect that here though, so I've answered.
I hear what your saying.
Despite this, try one. You said yourself, you love the sound of a V8, I'm no fan of current BMW looks in general, but the M cars, imo, more than compensate in ability, if you drive it & still don't like it, fair enough, I'd be amazed if it didn't make you reconsider though...
I really don't get the age requirement, a low mileage e90 M3 08 plate for example, comes in under budget, extend the factory warranty and have pretty much a new car experience...
Your money & choice certainly, but , over age and type of car,I know which many of us would compromise on.....
Despite this, try one. You said yourself, you love the sound of a V8, I'm no fan of current BMW looks in general, but the M cars, imo, more than compensate in ability, if you drive it & still don't like it, fair enough, I'd be amazed if it didn't make you reconsider though...
I really don't get the age requirement, a low mileage e90 M3 08 plate for example, comes in under budget, extend the factory warranty and have pretty much a new car experience...
Your money & choice certainly, but , over age and type of car,I know which many of us would compromise on.....
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Thanks for the input - the M135i has much more power, but no LSD and it's a bit chunkier. Do you think it would it be as fun to drive? I'm not old, so comfort isn't paramount....
I'll test both myself, wonder if anyone here has driven the M135i? It is a very ugly beast though, but I'm not buying to pose.
Apologies, missed that post. As far as I'm aware, you can get a BMW Insured Warranty on most of their approved used stock - worth looking into perhaps?
Obviously with a more expensive performance car, running costs can spiral, might be worth asking a few members here about their typical running costs.
Does the Lotus Evora come in under budget yet?
If newer = better just find whatever brand new cars = exactly your budget and off you go. If that doesn't appeal, may be newer doesn't = better!
Guys, I get it.
I'll take your advice and take a look as well. It seems too highly regarded not to...Feel free to link some here if you had something more specific in mind.
Chris Harris rates it very high and says unless you're spending a lot of time on track then the lack of LSD isn't too much of an issue. I imagine it'll be a lot of fun to drive too, having been only a passenger in one it's difficult to say what it'll be like compared to an '86.
Go drive both and see for yourself, we all like cars to be different. I'd still say that for commuting the BMW is the better choice. It's a turbo so will offer loads of usable power where the '86 you'd have to rev it hard to get rewards, plus the BMW will be a nicer place to sit and will be built better as well as hold its value a lot better.
How far is work? I commute 6 miles through town in my VX every day.
Bah, just say it in the OP. If it is mainly motorway driving I think an Elise may drive you mad. My biggest issue on the motorway is exhaust noise which gets a bit droney after 65MPH. Comfort is not an issue but even if you have a silent exahust engine and tyre/road noise is always prominent in the cabin.
Bah, just say it in the OP. If it is mainly motorway driving I think an Elise may drive you mad. My biggest issue on the motorway is exhaust noise which gets a bit droney after 65MPH. Comfort is not an issue but even if you have a silent exahust engine and tyre/road noise is always prominent in the cabin.
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Agreed, thanks!
How far is work? I commute 6 miles through town in my VX every day.
About 18 miles there. Can be a lot of traffic on bad days, flows most.
How do you find the VX? Basically an Elise so I'm curious!
The 86 is a turbo too!
It's not. Maybe could do with it for power but would lose that NA responsiveness I guess.
Peak torque is something silly like 7k RPM, so I imagine you'll need to rag it a little as Chris hinted.
Sorry, stand corrected. I could have sworn it was a turbo boxer engine, even after reading about a dozen reviews too
I've just edited my post above. Other things that drive me mad is the ride height. Although standard is not quite high enough for a lot of ramps and it feels like I'm constantly picking up my numberplate from the road.
The trade off from having such a stupid car is that once you've got through the winter they are great fun in the summer, has an amazing owners club and steering feel that is unmatched by the comfortable alternatives.
Thanks - there are speed bumps around the corner so that could be a pain in the backside. It is a bit in my current car tbh. Elise may be too raw as a daily for me then...
Thanks also - you're certainly not alone in that opinion so I have to respect that. I'm opening my options a bit, but I'm not going too old for the same 'stupid' reasons mentioned.
I spent similar money earlier in the year and went with an 09 (which looks near new and feels it) which gets you in a car that cost close to double the budget when new. I also bought a car last week that cost less than 2k and is ancient. Both great!
Perhaps spend a bit of time familiarising yourself with the Warranty options on BMW's and the likes, as there are options of extending them past the 3 years (do a degree).
Even opening up 2010 cars increases what you can get substantially. Or even just pay less for the same car but less then 12months older...