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      01-18-2015, 03:32 PM   #1
Antonio1988
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Went out for a half dozen test drives....

... and quite frankly, there really is little out there that can compete with the E9x M3. The looks have begun to feel like they will not go out of style (just like with the E46) in comparison to newer cars, the space and build quality is exceptional, the reliability has honestly been amazing, and the engine needs no comment. Under the totality of circumstances, the only car I can even consider would be a 2015 M4 (which is a fantastic car btw, regardless of the crap people talk about it), but that's too rich for my blood right now.

Some recent test drives:

1. 2010 Nissan GTR - Interior alone keeps me away... absolute garbage. Fast as s***, but no soul

2. 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S - smaller interior, higher bills, and honestly not as impressive as I'd hoped.

3. 2015 Corvette - loved it, just not at $70k. Also, no more back seat and I'd be left wanting the Z06

4. 2015 M4 - Honestly, it is an incredible car and does not feel anywhere near the 335. It is just an M car that you have to adjust to. This is the only car I could see myself in, just too rich for my blood. Equally optioned to my current E92 M3, it is almost $10k more expensive. There is not enough upside to justify it.

5. 2014 Audi RS5 - amazing car to be honest, but it's like an M3 that ate too much cake. If it was 500 pounds lighter, it would be a winner and had a fantastic transmission (6 spd manual), but considering they're fetching over $70 used, it too is too pricey in all honesty in comparison to the superior M3.

6. 2015 Mustang GT - after having driven the Boss 302, this just does not match up in terms of feel and is slower. The interior is much improved, but not as improved as the Viper and Corvette from last gen to current. However, the GT350 will likely make this the best car in the group, but that is all speculative since I clearly did not drive a GT350. Also, optioned out I was close to $50k, and that is something I cannot justify... and I'm a Ford guy.

***Updated with the rest of my short reviews***
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      01-18-2015, 03:45 PM   #2
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So what you're saying is, the E9x series of M3 is the best all around performance vehicle in terms of cost, performance, functionality and reliability this side of $100k?
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      01-18-2015, 03:52 PM   #3
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Absolutely, yes. Two and a half years and 30k miles later, yes I can say that with certainty
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      01-18-2015, 03:59 PM   #4
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Exactly why (given my financial status doesn't change for the better significantly) I will never sell this car. I can't think of anything else I would rather have for less than $100,000
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      01-18-2015, 04:11 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by |||||||||| View Post
Exactly why (given my financial status doesn't change for the better significantly) I will never sell this car. I can't think of anything else I would rather have for less than $100,000
QFT
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      01-18-2015, 04:27 PM   #6
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Exactly why (given my financial status doesn't change for the better significantly) I will never sell this car. I can't think of anything else I would rather have for less than $100,000
I have to agree with you all. In fact, there are several cars north of 100K I would not trade my E92 for. And I've owned several 911s and a Corvette in the past. In addition, there really is not much of anything I'm excited about with respect to cars coming out soon. I may take a look at the M2 when it comes out, but not sure. Engine and sound certainly won't be the same. And I imagine the backseats will feel 911-ish. We'll see.
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      01-18-2015, 04:35 PM   #7
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I test drove a bunch of stuff recently and came to the same conclusion , so I bought an o9 92
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      01-18-2015, 05:08 PM   #8
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Yes - just not sure what is available for less than $100k. I buy based on engine response and sounds. Not a corvette guy. Nor mustang. Went to Porche dealer just to explore and the super arrogant 27 year sales guy (with the plaid scarf tucked in just so) was more than I could take. Also - I like a bit of a low profile - not many cars hide a bespoke engine like the 9x M's.
Don't flame me here - but I'll probably keep my M3 for another 5-6 years and then buy a (then) 2 year old M5 with AWD. I'll be 55 or so by then - and the AWD will let me drive year round.
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      01-18-2015, 06:44 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mermar View Post
Yes - just not sure what is available for less than $100k. I buy based on engine response and sounds. Not a corvette guy. Nor mustang. Went to Porche dealer just to explore and the super arrogant 27 year sales guy (with the plaid scarf tucked in just so) was more than I could take. Also - I like a bit of a low profile - not many cars hide a bespoke engine like the 9x M's.
Don't flame me here - but I'll probably keep my M3 for another 5-6 years and then buy a (then) 2 year old M5 with AWD. I'll be 55 or so by then - and the AWD will let me drive year round.
Lol and you started off so well.
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      01-18-2015, 07:07 PM   #10
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Excellent write up. Would read again.
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      01-18-2015, 08:02 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Antonio1988
... and quite frankly, there really is little out there that can compete with the E9x M3. The looks have begun to feel like they will not go out of style (just like with the E46) in comparison to newer cars, the space and build quality is exceptional, the reliability has honestly been amazing, and the engine needs no comment. Under the totality of circumstances, the only car I can even consider would be a 2015 M4 (which is a fantastic car btw, regardless of the crap people talk about it), but that's too rich for my blood right now.

Some recent test drives:

1. 2010 Nissan GTR - Interior alone keeps me away... absolute garbage. Fast as s***, but no soul

2. 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S - smaller interior, higher bills, and honestly not as impressive as I'd hoped.

3. 2015 Corvette - loved it, just not at $70k. Also, no more back seat and I'd be left wanting the Z06

Also drove the M4, Audi RS5, and 2015 Mustang GT
How did the GT drive and how was the fit and finish? The GT350 intrigues me.

I too recently test drove a new RS5 and really wanted to like it, but it drove like a tank. The exhaust note and downshift throttle blip were amazing though!
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      01-18-2015, 08:37 PM   #12
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interesting. had the opportunity to trade the M3 for something else. decided I would keep it till I'm 40 and get myself a 991 or SC the M3
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      01-18-2015, 08:52 PM   #13
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Nothing < $100k (new car prices) is tempting. Love this car!
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      01-18-2015, 09:56 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mermar View Post
Yes - just not sure what is available for less than $100k. I buy based on engine response and sounds. Not a corvette guy. Nor mustang. Went to Porche dealer just to explore and the super arrogant 27 year sales guy (with the plaid scarf tucked in just so) was more than I could take. Also - I like a bit of a low profile - not many cars hide a bespoke engine like the 9x M's.
Don't flame me here - but I'll probably keep my M3 for another 5-6 years and then buy a (then) 2 year old M5 with AWD. I'll be 55 or so by then - and the AWD will let me drive year round.
Nothing wrong with that brother!
Quote:
Originally Posted by F1Venom View Post
Excellent write up. Would read again.
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by BoilerM View Post
How did the GT drive and how was the fit and finish? The GT350 intrigues me.

I too recently test drove a new RS5 and really wanted to like it, but it drove like a tank. The exhaust note and downshift throttle blip were amazing though!
Updated with the rest of my short reviews
Quote:
Originally Posted by nks_bb View Post
interesting. had the opportunity to trade the M3 for something else. decided I would keep it till I'm 40 and get myself a 991 or SC the M3
SC M3 FTW... rebuild the motor and SC the car. At that point you''d likely still be up at least $10k compared to the 991
Quote:
Originally Posted by Denk View Post
Nothing < $100k (new car prices) is tempting. Love this car!
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      01-18-2015, 11:31 PM   #15
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I supercharged mine and never looked back. Best decision I've ever made, hands down. Now I just need to install that performance wheel and 1M bumper and I can keep it a few more years.
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      01-19-2015, 12:46 AM   #16
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Don't require a back seat, so I am considering a 2014 Cayman S for my next car-- but not until a year from now. It does have less power than an M3, but also less weight at 2900 lbs. Always liked Caymans, but the newest generation is really attractive to me. IMO, smaller and lighter cars are just great fun to drive on twisty rural roads. If Honda had made an inline six follow-on to the S2000 (like a 330 horsepower S3000!), that would have been a hoot.
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      01-19-2015, 12:47 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by Beemdog
Don't require a back seat, so I am considering a 2014 Cayman S for my next car-- but not until a year from now. It does have less power than an M3, but also less weight also at 2900 lbs. Always liked Caymans, but the newest generation is really attractive to me. Also, smaller and lighter cars are just great fun to drive on twisty rural roads. If Honda had made an inline six follow-on to the S2000 (like a 330 HP S3000!), that would have been a hoot.
Just buy a slightly used Cayman GTS. That car is amazing from what I've read and seen.
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      01-19-2015, 12:56 AM   #18
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Low profile is key. Can have something that car guys know about and appreciate while still being invisible to 95% of the people out there. I can have fun with my car, talk about it without appearing pretentious (with Porsches, unfortunately for better or worse, have this air of pretension with the public at large, esp in the Bay Area). The M3 kind of fits in that spot pretty well, not to mention it is an awesome car..will go down in history as one of the greats!

Quote:
Originally Posted by mermar View Post
Yes - just not sure what is available for less than $100k. I buy based on engine response and sounds. Not a corvette guy. Nor mustang. Went to Porche dealer just to explore and the super arrogant 27 year sales guy (with the plaid scarf tucked in just so) was more than I could take. Also - I like a bit of a low profile - not many cars hide a bespoke engine like the 9x M's.
Don't flame me here - but I'll probably keep my M3 for another 5-6 years and then buy a (then) 2 year old M5 with AWD. I'll be 55 or so by then - and the AWD will let me drive year round.
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      01-19-2015, 01:40 AM   #19
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what amazes me about my E92 m3 is how old the car is. (design wise). we are talking about a car that was created in 2007. putting aside the 2008 performance numbers, the car is really impressive.

the only reason why i am looking for something new is because as long as i can afford it, i wanna keep trying out new stuff. until everything is electric and sell driven. haha
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      01-19-2015, 11:18 AM   #20
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Only car I'd get rid of the e9x M3 for right now would be a 997.2 GT3, and I can't afford one of those yet.
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      01-19-2015, 12:14 PM   #21
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I agree with these statements that the e92 m3, if you need a backseat, is hands down the best car you can get into in it's price range and that nothing else comes close. But, I would definitely have to drive the 2009 911 S to really say the M3 is better if you dont need a real backseat. I find that hard to believe. As no car is perfect, the E92 M3 when price and utility is taken into consideration really has no rival - that is what it was built for.
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      01-19-2015, 01:07 PM   #22
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Quote:
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I agree with these statements that the e92 m3, if you need a backseat, is hands down the best car you can get into in it's price range and that nothing else comes close. But, I would definitely have to drive the 2009 911 S to really say the M3 is better if you dont need a real backseat. I find that hard to believe. As no car is perfect, the E92 M3 when price and utility is taken into consideration really has no rival - that is what it was built for.
Simply put, the Carrera is 25% more expensive and is not 25% better than an M3
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