I am losing sleep over this question. I have a friend that is selling his 98 M3 (fully loaded) with 15,000 miles and in mint condition for $31,000. Up until now I was really set on buying a new S2000, what should I do? The trade in value on the M3 is 2-3k more, so 31k is a really good price and I don't want to miss the opportunity. I know the cars are very different in many ways and that there are cons and advantages of each. Please help me decide what would be the best decision. I have driven both and both are great cars. I like the razor sharp handling, power, and looks of both cars. I like the fact that the s2000 is so unique and a convertible and I like the M3 because it is very practible. I have no kids or family, single as they come. I have an VW corrado with a blown supercharger that needs to be retired. Need to get another car soon, and from what I hear the dealerships are pretty much out of s2k 2001 and there is a long waiting period for the 2002's. Please advise.

Thanks in advance

 

get the stook for convertible or wait to save for the new m3

my two cents

 

Why not get the best of two worlds with better performance (subjective view, of course)?
Get a M Roadster~!!! 98-00 M Roadsters are getting a real beat down on their price because of the new engine in 01.

You will get that "TORQUE" and the feeling of open top all at the same time!!! And you don't have to hear anymore of "M3 Vs S2K"
; )

 

I love the S2000 and would never get an M3 over it. I wanted a convertible and I love the racing heritage of the S2000.


The cars are so different it is hard to compare them, sedan versus 2 door convertible sport car. I think you may be on your own on this one, however here are my 2 cents.


S2000--Go cart handling, more of a looker, tigher feel, open road exposure, a poor mans ferrari.

M3--Stealth performance, excellent engine, very tight handling, practicle (expensive to maintain) The price looks good so if you did buy it and changed your mind you could pick up a low miles 2002 S2K or new, and not loose a lot.


Hugh

 

I'm thinking that I should buy the M3 and drive it for a year. If then I still am craving the S2000 I will trade it in for the s2k and not be out so much money, b/c I bought the M3 at a good price.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by M Power
[B]Why not get the best of two worlds with better performance (subjective view, of course)?
Get a M Roadster~!!!

 

Ive owned a 97 M3 for a bit over a year. Great car if you need to seat 4 people.

Engine and Transmission, no problems. Lots of small annoying electical related problems ( which I also experienced in a 5 series I have owned).

Handling was great. But I got tired of the car because of the annoying electrical problems. Also the engine seems to run out of breath at high rpms. The S2000 on the other hand keeps pulling all the way to redline.

Ive raced M3's and M Coupes and my S2000 seems to always start pulling away on the top end. On the low end, they kick my ass.


The S2000 is a perfect go-cart feeling convertible except for:

1) annoying buzzes and rattles from the interior and annoying clutch chatter.

2) the car is too sluggish when the weather gets hot. when its cool outside, the car runs awesome.

other than the above two problems. I love the S2000. I like driving the S2000 even more than my old NSX-T.


btw, if the new M3, M coupe/roadster is an option, go for that. I've test driven the new M3 and im really excited about that car. Now im on the long ass waitlist to get one.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by M Power
[B]Why not get the best of two worlds with better performance (subjective view, of course)?
Get a M Roadster~!!!

 

Nope.. the Roadster was recently tested in C&D. 0-60 in 4.5 secs with the new motor. Same soft rear suspension.

I was planning on buying my brother's 99 modded M3. When that fell through I got the S2000 (after not being able to find an M Coupe for a good price). I prefer the S2000 waaaaay over the M3. I like the go-cart feel much more than the luxury of the M3. I think it depends on what you are looking for. Although depreciation does hold pretty static on M3s.. so you might be able to just keep it a while and sell it for what you paid.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jws626
[B]

Nope.. the Roadster was recently tested in C&D.