Affordable M3 alternative?

[JC919]

The 135i is probably one of the most enjoyable cars I've driven in a while, but of course its far from the M3.

[ersin]

IS-F, CTS-V and C63 are not much under $60K. In fact, IIRC, you can get a bare M3 for less than any of these. Caveat: this is MSRP, not OTD prices -- YMMV.

[torredresen]

Mitsubishi lancer
Subaru Impreza

[NoM3ForMe]

...Subaru Outback*, like I drive. And for $60k, you could get 4 of them!




*Complimentary Flannel Shirt and lipstick lesbian while supplies last.

[MJC///M3]

335i....if I were in your position. Car is amazing.
also consider....

E46 M3 w/ competition package.

[E394KEN]

Good answers here. Like someone already posted a used M3 can be had for about 59K, a 335i is the alternative choice in the BMW world. Nice looking car, a real performer, add a juice box or vishnu and you got a hell of a ride. My .05 cents worth.

[Subw00er]

Pontiac GTO V8 (vette engine) is a nice car (dont worry, its not a pontiac really, its a holdon). My friend has one. I guess there is a new version out? I forget the model name..

[ChrisFastM3]

E46 ///Mtree FTW

[White Shark]

[MMMorish]

A used M3!

[White Shark]

Are brands other than BMW?

[Ali.K_BMW]

pay 2k more and get a M3. I am sure you can find one with less options.

[arr0gant]

Cayman S

[White Shark]

Hyundai Genesis maybe? 4.6 V8 375 bhp, RWD ... 42K MSRP (w/technology pkg)
http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/#/performance/

Deserves to be a poor man's E90 M3?

[mdrobc13]

Originally Posted by White Shark

Hyundai Genesis maybe? 4.6 V8 375 bhp, RWD ... 42K MSRP (w/technology pkg)
http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/#/performance/

Deserves to be a poor man's E90 M3?

You're kidding right? Have you read the reviews at all? So far okay on quality but poorer marks on driving feel, road handling, and V8 performance still doesn't match up with what the M3, C63, Lexus IS and RS4 are doing and numbers they're putting up out there.

I'd say spend the extra $2-4k for what you want otherwise you'll end up spending it later on mods to whatever else you get as you try to get more and more out of that car! If you can't find a BMW sedan at under $60k (was your limit right?) out there in this economy and with BMW giving 0.9% Finance rates then you aren't looking hard enough. I am sure there's one around new or used with low miles that can be had for that. You may have to travel to pick it up or have it delivered to ya but it'll be worth it in the end. Good luck!

[watrob]

If you have already test driven the M3 then you won't find a better car for a cheaper price that will come close to the M3 once you have sat behind the wheel.

You may find a better car at higher price, but whether you go cheaper or dearer you will compare each of those cars against the M3. For me the M3 is the standard, so I would only choose above the standard if I did not buy another M3.

Once you own a M3 I could not see myself going to a 335, to me that is below the standard, the 335 is a good car, don't get me wrong but to me its the little brother to the M3 and the 135 is its nephew. Now that's not to say you cannot have an extended family in garage, a 135 for daughter, 335 for the wife and big brother (M3) to watch over them, now that's family values.

[arr0gant]

Originally Posted by White Shark

Hyundai Genesis maybe? 4.6 V8 375 bhp, RWD ... 42K MSRP (w/technology pkg)
http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/#/performance/

Deserves to be a poor man's E90 M3?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by White Shark

Are brands other than BMW?

Originally Posted by White Shark

Hyundai Genesis maybe? 4.6 V8 375 bhp, RWD ... 42K MSRP (w/technology pkg)
http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/#/performance/

Deserves to be a poor man's E90 M3?

So, what is it you aren't telling us? No one who wants in M3 would in their right mind buy a Genesis over a 335i.

You say you are worried about your trade. Ok fine, but how will a Hyundai dealer be any more generous than a BMW dealership? Any chance you'll reveal this trade-in, or is that still a secret?

If you are simply worried about the stigma of driving a German luxury car, you are missing out on a great experience. Don't let others opinions dictate what you do.

[TLud]

Originally Posted by White Shark

Hyundai Genesis maybe? 4.6 V8 375 bhp, RWD ... 42K MSRP (w/technology pkg)
http://www.hyundaigenesis.com/#/performance/

Deserves to be a poor man's E90 M3?

Hmmm...less power, more weight, slushbox, crappy gearing... I'm going to go out on a limb and say NO.

It's unclear what you want here. The M3 fills a lot of niches. You can get a sedan, coupe or convertible. Some buy the M3 for the luxury and cache, others strictly for its performance and fun-to-drive factor. So what are you looking for?

Cars under $60k I wouldn't mind owning: BMW M Coupe, 135i, 335i, Corvette, Mitsubishi Evo, VW GTI, MazdaSpeed 3, Infiniti G37s. If you open it up to used cars under $60k, I'd take a CPO'd Cayman S or used E9X M3. You'll notice that I want something relatively small and fun to drive, which probably isn't what you want if you're looking at a Hyundai Genesis.

[mdrobc13]

Maybe it's the cost of the car and putting out that amount of $$ in the current economy. I mean the OP is asking for a cheaper/more affordable alternative to the M3. The ones he's named definately fit that bill! Last thing he needs to do is stretch himself economically for a car which it sounds like he may not be sure he can afford OR want to pay such a sum for!

As for the trade...if he's really worried about the trade he should sell it privately OR ensure that the trade in deal is a seperate one from the purchase of the M3. As for the Hyundai dealer being more generous on their car...they probably have alot more room to do so with dealer rebates, and other factory kickbacks to push their new V8 that they can give him alot on his mysterious trade in. However my warning would be that you do get what you pay for and if the OP thinks that the Hyundai alternative will hold its value on trade later on or depreciate any slower than the M3 then I think that he/she is mistaken on that part. Properly equipped I should think the M3 coupe or sedan should hold its own in value compared to all current competitors.

But if $$ is the issue then get the 335i and be happy with it. At least it is the equivalent almost 99% to the outgoing e46 M3! Hey that's a thought...for $60,000 the OP could probably get TWO used e46 coupes (one for the track and another with SMG and daily driving!

[Bikerjoy]

Am I missing something here? Trying to find an M3 below 60k?

List MSRP E92 M3 59k, looks like below 60 to me and that is MSRP, should be able to talk that down some.

EDIT TO ADD: Or go with the E90 that starts at 57k.

If you need to be SIGNIFICANTLY below 60k, I would go E46 M3 every day of the week. Also an AMAZING car!

[Voltigeur]

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Low mileage Cayman S: hands down.