Greetings everyone! First off, I haven't posted much on this site but I do enjoy browsing and reading everyone's comments. I'm hoping you can give me some real world feedback which might help me with my dilemna. I'll try and keep this short.

I sold my modded 350Z a couple of weeks ago and am looking to 'upgrade' to another vehicle. My budget is between $40k - $45k. I have found an 08' M3 out of state which a local dealer is willing to bring in for me to view without commitment. It is priced within my budget and has mileage in the low 20k range. It is Jerez Black with red interior and contains the 'Technology Package'.

I'm also looking at and test drove the Infinity G37S Coupe because it also falls within that price range. I liked the interior of the car (especially compared to my Z) but felt it was a bit 'soft' for my taste. My Z was fast and very responsive.

I'm not looking for a comparison between the Infinity and M3 as I know which is superior. My question is, do I purchase the used *non-certified* M3 given the relatively high maintenance and repair costs involved should something go wrong? Do I take the more practical route and get a new car for the same amount of money with a 60k mile warranty instead?

It will be my daily driver and my daily commute is about 44 miles round trip. What would you M3 owners suggest given these options? Thank you in advance...



Sr. Panza

p.s. The dealer is really trying to get me in to a lease for an M3 which is something i'm not used to. I usually buy my cars.

 

Let me start by saying that I am personally not a fan of leasing a car. I find it to be a waste of money. Paying money and ending up with nothing to show for it is baffling to me. I see a lease useful ONLY under a business expense with a tax writeoff(if applicable). BMW's usually do not have high maintenance just normal wear and tear and scheduled maintenance. If it really came to it I'd say lease then sell when ready/ have a lease takeover. 44 miles roundtrip is not really much and if you plan to keep for long term, consider used(# of previous owners might be a consideration). Any car will take hit in resale value initially so it is worth considering as compared to a new G37S. If the options your looking for are in the used M3 it would be worth considering. Personally a BMW Fan myself and looking for an DD M3. The M3 will definitely keep you strapped to your seat! Hope this helps! Good luck with the search! Personally I have to say pick the M3 with that red interior. Normally being a hard to find with the tech package.

 

Need4Spd2, thanks for your input. I completely agree with you on the leasing bit. I've owned only 3 cars but have purchased and used all of them for a number of years.

As far as the M3 goes, it seems to me that the dealer then is trying to 'scare' me in to a lease. They let me know how much replacement parts are, etc. to outline how expensive the M3 would become over time. You, however, are giving me a different view regarding maintenance.

I would honestly PREFER the M3 but my practical side is really making me ponder the right choice. Thanks again and good luck in your own search!


Sr. Panza

p.s. The M3 in question has a clean Car Fax with only one owner.

 

Get the M3

 

I did forget to ask. The dealer you said you were at? What car dealer is it? BMW, infinity...?

 

Hello again Need4Spd2. I'm working with a local BMW dealer. I'm not sure if I should take their leasing advice or not. I imagine they make a lot more off of a lease. I've just never done one and like you don't see the point.

 

Get the used M3 because it makes much more financial sense. I wouldn't worry about the extended warranty because they are pretty much bullet proof. Good luck!

 

SuperleggeraGT3, thanks for your reply. I'm hearing this more and more. That the M3 is really very well built and holds up pretty well. I'm definitely leaning towards it now. The dealer is making a couple of phone calls today to see about shipping, etc. Thanks again!

 

I have same views in this matter.

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I think one of the reasons I find the M3 to be so appealing, is that the purposeful - all business - solid - billet like quality of the M3 interior reminds me - in a uniquely BMW manner - of past sport car glories.

 

I have to agree! Your making a wise decision with the M3. You wont regret going this route. Please let us know how its going and how the sale ends and hopefully pics upon delivery too!