Im looking to get back into something fun again and have been thinking I would buy something this summer since about the beginning of the year. Well the summer is here and quickly disappearing and I'm still without a "new" car.

I have been looking for an E46 M3 for a long, long time now and still have not found quite what I am looking for. Ive walked away from a couple because I didn't want to "settle" on something I wasn't totally happy with. Most have too many miles, insufficient service history, or are just over-valued; the lack of warranty bothers me a little but not to the point where it makes me NOT want to buy the car. I've done lots of research about the model years and just the car in general. I am, however, to the point now where I am considering broadening my search.

I thought about and '07+ 350z but decided against that as it would be too similar to my g/f's old G35 coupe. Nothing in the Lexus lineup is "fun" aside from an IS-F but for the price I'd rather pony up a few more bucks for an E90 M3. Audi's dont offer much aside from the S4 but the just feel heavy to me as I've driven them a couple times.

With that said I've kind of turned my attention to the following: 2006-2007 WRX STi, E90 330i manual, 330Ci manual w/ZHP or even maybe an E90 335i manual. I dont need a sedan by any means; I would prefer a coupe to be totally honest, but not an E92 and there isnt much else out there...

Anyway, I am open to hearing comments and/or suggestions that pertain to any of the vehicles I'm looking at. Go ahead and recommend others as well, but remember, it must be "fun," offered in a manual, and NOT a convertible.

 

Do you have a price point? most 335i's I've seen (used) are at least 35-38K.

That could buy a new WRX STI as well as looking at older ones that you already are.

It's a tough decision... I'm looking between an 05 E46 M3 and a new WRX STI. Both are listed in the upper 30's.

 

I really dislike the new body style of the WRX/STi; not that it's bad but it's just not for me. I'm looking to stay around the $35k area.

Have you driven both the STi and M3? Im curious as to what your thoughts/opinions aree about the two in comparison if you have.

 

I was going to say s2k until I saw the no convertible clause. Try to find a used Cayman?

 

That's out of my price range and if I bought one my g/f would laugh at me every time say saw it, or at least me in it... haha

 

If you are looking at BMW's, how about the new 135i? Or maybe a used e39 M5?

 

A 135 comes with a price tag that can KMA IMO. I saw one at a dealer the other day that actually fetched its $48k MSRP... E39 M5s are nice but same deal as the E46 M3 - most have too many miles.

 

You could check out a VW R32. I reviewed one some time ago and found it fun to drive and a good sports coupe (or rather, hatchback). The car has not sold in huge numbers, so you may have to look for a good used one (or an end-of-model-year '08...I think the car is going out of production for '09). It is not as powerful as the Evo or STI, but some of that is made up for by the fact that the FWD R32 lacks the weight and drag of the other two cars' AWD. The only really negative thing I can think of is that VWs have some reliability issues, especially with electronics.

 

R32 is AWD, and no manual transmission, only DSG.

 

There is a last gen 330 with a PHP package or something, people and reviews raved about it.

I think your heart is kinda set on the E46 M3 so I would be patient and get that near perfect car!

 

You can find a 2005-2006 C6 Vette for mid to low $30s. In my opinion it's the most fun car you can buy for the money

 

Sorry, you're right. I drove an R32; I should have remembered that it was AWD.


The DSG, though, is superb.....many of those who drive it forget about a conventional manual. It's one of the best transmissions I've ever seen without a clutch pedal. In fact, it actually is a computer-shifted, twin-clutch manual without a fluid-filled torque converter........that is why it is so efficient.

 

I think you're referring to the same ZHP I mentioned above. It had different wheel some suede and carbon fiber interior pieces and different software from the standard 3 series.

I once heard horror stories about the VW electronics you mentioned were a bit suspect from someone I knew who had an older (2002?) GTI hatchback. With that in mind having a computer controlled clutch and shift system worries me a bit. I've also heard that this car feels pretty heavy for a relatively small vehicle.

I thought about a 'Vette and that too might be something to consider. I see too many at work though, but still a very nice car no less and something to think about. I wonder how good of a deal I would be able to get on a used one these days.

 

2005 Porsche Boxster w/ 35K miles retails at $33K, whoops no convertible.... 2006 Cayman w/ 35K miles is $48K retail....

 

I wanted to let you know that I completely feel your pain. I am in the exact same boat and all summer I promised myself the same...E46 M3, the perfect one in 6speed for the fun factor. $35K (preferably less) on an 03 and up with low miles.

Alas, no car and September is around the corner because of the same issues your mentioned. So I am waiting until next summer, but you don't have to as you live in CA, so I need you to live for us both.

If you are like me, you don't want a boy racer. I considered all the above as well. You want something fast, but also gets respect and sorry, IMO Evos and STIs don't. They lack the refinement and quality, although they are very fast!!

I say get the perfect M3! The Vette is not a bad option, but get what you want. 3 Series are a dime a dozen and turbos and blow off valves are cool for but so long!