Looking for a new exciting car

alex24 · 27 Dec 2012 at 22:23

hilly said:
No one is saying go for a 20 year old classic, but if you look for slightly older cars, like this M3:

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/...mw/e90-m3-post-08/bmw-3-series-m3-2007/970250

I'm not saying go for this one, but it opens up more options and BMW's warranty is excellent.

Totally get it. That's a lovely car and if I was going M3 that is almost exactly what I think I'd like best. What should I look at in warranty cover for these? I'd want it wrapped into the final price to consider against the others before I can choose.

Greedydog said:
I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet... get a Z4M Coupe... you'll get one of the best examples for about 17k... very fast, rorty, very obviously rear wheel drive (!)... looking over the long bonnet with probably the worlds best straight 6 engine snarling away is always an experience (much more so than in an E46 M3).

I bet the straight six is great. I got a brochure from BMW for the newer models, including the 35i, but I acknowledged that the model lineup is expected to change next year. I'm not sure how but haven't researched that yet tbh and so don't know if it's relevant.

Need to get hands on with some of these now I think.

Housey · 27 Dec 2012 at 22:27

M3 CSL.

paradigm · 27 Dec 2012 at 22:37

Housey said:
M3 CSL.

Whilst I wholeheartedly agree, a CSL is one of those cars you either already know you want, or you won't appreciate it properly.

For 90% of the fast-car buying public, the E92 M3 would be a better buy.

Housey · 27 Dec 2012 at 22:40

paradigm said:
Whilst I wholeheartedly agree, a CSL is one of those cars you either already know you want, or you won't appreciate it properly.

For 90% of the fast-car buying public, the E92 M3 would be a better buy.

Oh I agree, I ignore them sorts, freaks.

Tute · 28 Dec 2012 at 00:16

alex24 said:
Totally get it. That's a lovely car and if I was going M3 that is almost exactly what I think I'd like best. What should I look at in warranty cover for these? I'd want it wrapped into the final price to consider against the others before I can choose.

The warranty you want is the official BMW one, backed by Mondial. I'm not 100% sure on the pricing, but Fox should be able to advise regarding that.

It really is a very good warranty though, and lots more manufacturers are signing up for Mondial to provide it, which is a good thing.

Raymond Lin · 28 Dec 2012 at 01:15

alex24 said:
I currently own a 2012 Fiesta Metal, which is great, but it's not a sports car. I realised there probably won't be much time in my life to own properly fun cars,

You are only 24 aren't you?

and what happened to

alex24 said:
I think I'll be keeping it at least 2 years though. It's great fun to drive, getting something larger or more powerful increases the insurance to crazy levels, I'm only 23. The insurance on this was very reasonable indeed.

NathWraith · 28 Dec 2012 at 09:14

370z, quite cheap for what you get, reliable and running costs aren't hideous

ChrisD. · 28 Dec 2012 at 10:45

Raymond Lin said:
and what happened to

He changed his mind. Not hard to work out.

Stephen B · 28 Dec 2012 at 12:49

owned my 3dr manual M135i for almost 2 months now, 1500 miles on it

previous cars were Vtecs, Alfas and a few VAGS so although not comprehensive have sampled various engine types and drivetrains

Driving with std summer tyres in the wet and cold conditions have been a riot and the car is more than capable of keeping back end in check without a mechanical LSD

4 driving modes are available with ecopro being the obvious choice in snow or ice, as it cuts the throttle response significantly.

I feel the std M Sport suspension could be a bit stiffer to be honest as it does feel a bit cruiser-like sometimes.

The straight 6 sounds fantastic and peak torque is available from 2k to redline with little drop off

With some prompting you should secure up to 10% off list from a main dealer but I'd do it soon before its reputation is fully established. I specced mine to 32k with some "essential packs" and ended up paying just over 29k, there is also a 5yr service plan for £300 which is way cheaper than an M car

p.s. not ugly IMO

pioneer2000 · 28 Dec 2012 at 12:59

The only problem with that plan is that it's a hideous looking car!

Stephen B · 28 Dec 2012 at 13:04

pioneer2000 said:
The only problem with that plan is that it's a hideous looking car!

how rude

OP looking for exciting not glamourous IIRC

pioneer2000 · 28 Dec 2012 at 13:12

Stephen B said:
how rude OP looking for exciting not glamourous IIRC

Oh, in fairness in blue and certain angles it doesn't look so bad - but it's still got that meh BMW front end and a weird, unsporty rear. It's a bit like the front half is all very sculpted and muscular and the back half is some big round arse.

And I struggle to get excited about a tarted up 1 series... no matter how fast they make it!

Hilly · 28 Dec 2012 at 13:33

alex24 said:
Totally get it. That's a lovely car and if I was going M3 that is almost exactly what I think I'd like best. What should I look at in warranty cover for these? I'd want it wrapped into the final price to consider against the others before I can choose.

I bet the straight six is great. I got a brochure from BMW for the newer models, including the 35i, but I acknowledged that the model lineup is expected to change next year. I'm not sure how but haven't researched that yet tbh and so don't know if it's relevant.

Need to get hands on with some of these now I think.

I'm sure Fox will be along to give you the full low down; But it's mileage dependant up until 60,000 miles. Depends on car too;

You can get onlien quotes to check, google BMW Warranty.

I'm sure Fox will put me right though!