hubbstar

Title says it all. I just sold my e36 M3/4 and am looking for a suitable replacement. I don't want to take a step backwards, so my options are somewhat limited... especially given my MAXIMUM budget of $25k. I'm located in the Raleigh/Durham area if it matters.

Here are some things to consider:
- I'm moving to CA in July, so I was thinking a roadster would be fun
- I want to track the car
- It will be a daily driver
- I want something with a low cost of ownership / maintenance

Here's what I've driven so far:
- Honda S2K... alright if you can rev the crap out of it. Love the handling though. Feels very nimble and responsive as a true sports car should.
- '99 M Roadster... more power than the S2K but feels much less responsive and agile. Scared of subframe issues with the car and future maintenance costs.
- WRX STi... went to drive just for fun since my wife was out of town today. I am somewhat embarrassed to say it was a blast to drive. I am having a hard time with my fast and furious stereotype though.

Here's what has come across my mind but that I haven't driven:
- e46 M3... can I find a nice one within my budget? Cost of ownership?
- Mini S... worried about lack of power coming from the M3
- S54 M Roadster / Coupe... tough to find and probably too expensive

I have no idea what else I should be considering. Seems like my option pool is pretty small. Anyone have thoughts?? HELP!! :dunno:

John

rai

S2000

or


C5 Z06 (may have to up your budget a bit)

yungjoc

I'm selling a 02 laguna seca blue e46 m3 if your interested. A few thousand above your budget though, but its a great car

porschefan1013

Why, sir, don't you come ask your colleagues at M3forum.net? I'm sure they would give you much better advice.

In all seriousness though, the S2000 is blast, but do you really want a little 4-cylinder car that makes less power than the oh-so-sweet inline 6 you're used to. That sounds like a "step backwards" to me. Buuuuut, there are other variables to consider. It is a 2-seat roadster, and that is the very essense of a true sports car, in my opinion. And the shifting is freakishly perfect and the handling/balance on par with the best money can buy. And, you can more than likely find one that falls in your price range and still comes with a warranty.

The M roady is a fabulous car with great(er than the S2000) looks and you'd get a second chance with S52 motor, but the handling nature of the car will keep you honest, you have to worry about subframe issues, no warranty, and a big pet peave with me....no HID+projector headlights...you're stuck with the shitty halogen reflectors (although you can upgrade to Projector Z's).

Which would I pick...gotta be the M roadster. But how bad do you love that styling and the motor...b/c that's what would sell me. Then again, I couldn't do it again unless that motor came with individual throttle bodies...it would have to be an S54. So the choice is yours. You can't go wrong with either.

hubbstar

PM me details, location, miles, pics, etc. I might be interested. I'm a sucker for the e46 M3.

rai

[quote name='porschefan1013' date='Mar 17 2007, 03:14 PM'] do you really want a little 4-cylinder car that makes less power than the oh-so-sweet inline 6 you're used to.

Big_Al

perhaps hes referring to the torque-gap between the two? Otherwise the E36 M3 (whats a E36 M3/4?) posts comparable times to the s2000.

rai

4-door I think

Daniel L

I ran side by side with two E36 M3s and the 3.2L pulled on my S2000 while the 3.0L stayed even.

BTW, I spend a lot of time in both of the places you mention. CA would be a great place for a roadster. I miss having the S2000 whenever there is a warm summer night. Honestly though, for me it's too hot there to go top down during the day. It's even worse when you get stuck in traffic.

Dylan Hunt

The E46 is going to be above 30k for one with decent miles and in good condition. It's also pretty expensive to keep if it's out of the maintanence and warranty. Also like any other car if it was taken care of then you should be ok and if it was not taken care of then it's going to be one expensive ride.