Another lame what car should I buy? thread. UPDATED

[Jesda]

Send an email to ceniack. He bought an E36 M3 with 160k. Its been reliable for him and his wife.

[Dire91]

Who doesn't have a subaru..? I vote E36 M3, that picture is gorgeous, get it in that exact color.

[naladude911]

BMW FTW. Its a f***ing M3. I saw a beat up one the other day in white and it was still a sexy car.

[Watermelonwarrior]

Send an email to ceniack. He bought an E36 M3 with 160k. Its been reliable for him and his wife.

Ya man my bro had one he bought with 140k miles. Drove that thing all the way to 220k and then sold it. Never had any major problems. That car is sooooooo easy to work on. Everything is easy to get to.

E36 is just okay, but the M3 version is built to a higher standard. Best handling car of the 90s, period.

Absolutely!

[Chaotic_Warlord]

I voted for the WRX/STi, it's more relaible has a MUCHHHH larger aftermarket support, parts are cheaper, can do everything an M3 can do on a track, and then do the same thing off road, you'll actually be able to drive it in the winter, plus you won't look like a pretentious c*** drive it. When it comes to the M3's I'm a huge supporter of Jeremy Clarkson's view on them, yeah they are great to drive, but is it worth looking like a pretentious d-bag? If you want to go the M series route my vote would be to get an M5, or if you are seriously hard on intent on getting an M3 make sure it's a at the very least a CSL or has the Dinan package.

[alphapig]

I absolutely love that generation M3

Beautiful cars

[Heavy]

I voted for the WRX/STi, it's more relaible has a MUCHHHH larger aftermarket support, parts are cheaper, can do everything an M3 can do on a track, and then do the same thing off road, you'll actually be able to drive it in the winter, plus you won't look like a pretentious c*** drive it. When it comes to the M3's I'm a huge supporter of Jeremy Clarkson's view on them, yeah they are great to drive, but is it worth looking like a pretentious d-bag? If you want to go the M series route my vote would be to get an M5, or if you are seriously hard on intent on getting an M3 make sure it's a at the very least a CSL or has the Dinan package.

didnt clarkson take the "d-bag" award away from them and give it to audi rs4 drivers if i remember correctly?

go with the m3, its something different for a change....

[Zydeco]

yeah he did and good luck with what ever you get. When you do find your new car make sure to post pics.

[lino]

///M3 all the way.

Be careful to check trouble spots and service history. These cars are incredibly fun to own, but can be costly to run especially to the inexperienced. Do your homework first. Tons of info out there.

The Canadian 1994 version is very nice (limited edition of only 45). Released a year earlier than it was to the US and also had the better high diceplacement, higher horespower engine.

I like the sedans too.

[PoorManQ45]

2004 GTO...

[Kompresshun]

2004 GTO...

^Agreed.. A friend of mine has one and it's one wicked ride even in stock form. Get a 6spd and you'll get great gas mileage too, he's pushing a little over 400hp now and still can get 28-30mpg if he keeps his foot out of it.

[PoorManQ45]

And the back seats are actually comfortable for people up to ~6'

[Bubba1]

2004 GTO...

Disagree. The Holden GTO is only good in a straight line, OP is looking for something that handles well(VIR is not a dragstrip) .

[PoorManQ45]

I don't really care...

You can modify the suspension...

Nothing like ~400hp for ~$10k

[Bubba1]

I don't really care...

You can modify the suspension...

Nothing like ~400hp for ~$10k

Meh. there's more to a car than 400hp. Pedals are too far apart for heel/toe, the steering is numb. Not a great choice for an occasional road race track day, which is what the OP is seeking. But don't let me stop you from buying one.

[PoorManQ45]

Meh. there's more to a car than 400hp. Pedals are too far apart for heel/toe, the steering is numb. Not a great choice for an occasional road race track day, which is what the OP is seeking. But don't let me stop you from buying one.

Hey! I'll park my shiny new car infront of my trailer if I want to!

We don't need no stinkin' heel/toe when going in a straight line.

[93coupe]

e36 M because my buddy Zach is finally finishing the wiring in his... for the 1jz in it.

[GrilledCheese33]

Another thing that might be worth mentioning is insurance costs.

I've heard WRX insurance costs can be ridiculous. But then i've never heard about the E36 costs.

My 02 Wrx is $60/Month, Full coverage, under my parents policy, but still with me as the primary driver of the subie. Geico full coverage for my own policy was quoted at $120/Month. I think sti's rates are worse though.

I can't vote in your poll because I have never driven or been around a BMW m3. But I also can't say enough good about my subie. I love the thing. Good luck in whatever you decide on.

[240marcuSX]

So, I made a deal to buy a car (finally), and it isn't quite either of the options I originally posted....
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It's a 2005 M3 6 spd. You may have noticed the stop tech brakes and csl wheels.

I wasn't planning on buying an E46, but the price was right, and insurance is surprisingly affordable. Its very clean and local, so I just had to.

[Watermelonwarrior]

So, I made a deal to buy a car (finally), and it isn't quite either of the options I originally posted....

It's a 2005 M3 6 spd. You may have noticed the stop tech brakes and csl wheels.

I wasn't planning on buying an E46, but the price was right, and insurance is surprisingly affordable. Its very clean and local, so I just had to.

How much you get it for? If its in california then Im pretty sure I talked to this guy almost 5 months ago. I thought it had been in an accident which is the reason I didnt get it.

[240marcuSX]

This car is in Virginia. It has been registered in Florida, NC, and Virginia.

I looked at a couple other ones, but they were both suspicious of major collisions, this one has no indication of any major collision, and the carfax was clean.

I'm picking it up this week.

[Watermelonwarrior]

Cool man. Hope everything works out. What mileage and how much? Iv actually owned 2 E46s this year so Im pretty good about the pricing on these.

[240marcuSX]

The mileage is ~70k, and I paid ~25k. Keep in mind the car has About $5000 in brakes and $2000 in exhaust. The mileage is on the high side of my range, but with the condition of the car being what it is, and having a good pre purchase inspection done, it is definitely do-able. I also have some ASE master techs willing to help me complete any services in the future.

Normally I wouldn't consider buying a modified car, but considering the high quality of parts and BMW installation, the price is right for me.

[dre1507]

shweet caa. me rikey.

[RCA]

Holy hell that is a clean M3...

I can haz high resolution!