Lose a little money on a reliable sports coupe that gives you no problems, or lose MORE money in recurring repairs on the M3? Do you know how many M3s have had drivetrain recalls and engine swaps due to completely destroyed motors within the first 15k miles? A drivetrain swap depreciates a car's value a lot more than the SC430 is currently getting dinged for. And if you keep an M3 outside the warranty period, prepared to be buried in bills. I have a few buddies with E36s. Not only are M3s moneypits, but they are a dime a dozen (in my area at least). There are literally three M3s for every one SC430 in the SF Bay Area.


Here's a good link to read over if you're still considering a trade-in... http://members.roadfly.com/jason/m3engines.htm

 

Wow, 40-47 grand, now THAT'S a deal. Do you plan to buy from a private party!? Where are you located, I just found another certified SC430, for 49-grand, with Super Low Miles!

ES3 check around and take your time you will find a good deal out there. Check the norm which would be E-bay but also network with a auto broker who as ton of connects and buying power. I am just going to wait because alot of peolpe bought the SC just because it was new and after having it about a year they really found out that unless you have another car or live a warm climate it might not be the right choice. It sort of plays along the same side the Audi TT did. Brand new nothing really out there like and alot of peolpe just jumped on it. Me personnaly I love the SC430 and I can't wait to get one.
Also people who leased theirs will be returning them in about 7months to a year. I bet you a lease return will sale for $40,000 in some markets.

Also has anyone else noticed that Lexus cars are usually cheaper in Texas and Florida???????

 

Yes, and I've noticed the same phenomenon with BMW's.

 

Florida is one of the states where Lexus takes over an action facility from time to time to liquidate off-lease cars. If you know a someone with a dealer's license you can get a good deal there.

 

Id like to say that buybacks on leases are probably in the mid to high 40's, I doubt youll be seeing a dealership selling one for $40k. And if you do and think its probably too good to be true then it just may be. Dont forget to do checks on these super low priced cars. I have before and you find out they were totalled and dealers buy them, fix them up and sell them for relatively cheap because the title isnt clean. But who knows anyway. All the more reason to lease if you plan on selling your car after 2 years.

 

I noticed that KBB and Edmunds sites list 2002 SC 430 at about 49K for trade-in. I had a Silver/Black SC430 which I purchased cash in April of 2001. Since I did not drive it much ( 6100 mile in 19 months), I traded it in for a new 2003 LX 470. The dealer gave me $52,000 for it while giving me $6K off the MSRP for the LX. When you figure sales/luxury tax, I ended up spending 16K which works out to $842 per month. I figured I did about as well as a lease while being able to choose when to sell. As a matter of fact, it did better over that time than most of the stocks I own so it was one of my better "investment" of 2001 and heck of a lot more fun than trading stocks.

I sold it because I got fed up with the rattles but I do miss the fun I had now that it's gone. I guess that's why I check back on this board from time to time.