-> Its been a while lurking through S2Ki...

-> I've been thinking replacing an S2K to reduce my monthly payment (USD$555.56/month on more than a year left on payments). Is it worth replacing?

Keep my 2004 Honda AP2 S2000? (yup, this is 'Silvie')


OR

Should I get a 2003-2005 BMW E46 M3? (will be named 'Trina')


-> The M3 that I'm looking for must have the following:

• Has to be between 2003-2006
• 6-Speed Manual (no SMG please!)
• Less than USD$20K
• Has to have either Black or Gray interior
• Around 120K miles/193K km or less

^ I also considering on purchasing any extended warranty and maintenance programs to alieviate the fear to German car ownership. I would think even with these additional packages, the M3 will cost less compared to the one I'm paying on my S2K...and I think the M3 is more of a car too.

-> But before I select the right one, I have to do these procedures:

• Do a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI#1 and/or PPI#2) by BMW
• Check for oil leaks
• Double check rear subframe

-> Is the E46 a worthy upgrade? Are the parts costs the same? And I'm keeping it stock, yup no Jersey Shore douchebaggery on this M3.

-> Or should I consider other alternatives? Like the fun GTO 6.0/VZ Monaro or should I go back to Subaru with a '07 STi?

 

I wouldnt go near those M3s for obvious reasons. They are nice when they are operating properly though.

The GTO would be a pretty solid and reliable purchase but probably wont be as fun as the M3 or as nimble as the S. Its only a few boltons away from 400whp and has a pretty decent bsckseat. The Subaru has big mod potential as well and is the most practical but I dont know how they hold up over time.

 

Trina's a hoe.

 

You're fooling yourself if you think you're going to save any money by switching to an M3!

 

The m3 with 120k+ wouldn't really be practical....as good as it looks. That's serious high mileage. I would look more into an 06+ GTO. They are cheap to buy, and have nice interiors. Also sounds nasty with exhaust and headers and a big ass cam on it.

 

2nd.. M3's with significantly less than 120k miles still have costly repairs. None of my business but I'll put it out there anyways - paying cash for your next car will probably save you more in financing costs than switching from the s2000 to something else. Now if you are getting <1% financing on your used M3 more power to you.

 

That'd be a bad move financially.

 

That was being kind.

You have two choices at this point, drive the wheels off your S2000 and start thinking about a little financial planning or Sell the S2000, get a cheap Civic and start thinking about a little financial planning. Never finance a depreciating asset, it is the quickest way to poverty.

 

yea, Id sell the S and pickup a cheap civic or something along those lines. I told myself that If I couldnt buy my S outright with cash that I would have no S at all. I cant fathom the thought of paying extra money on top of the selling price that depreciates over time, but thats just me.

 

I agree with everyone that you're out of your mind for jumping for a relatively cheap sports car to an extremely expensive one. The repairs alone and maintenance should be enough to warrant you away, even with a warranty.
I must admit though, m3s, especially the e46 are damn sexy.