What performance car would replace your M3?

[65fastback]

Originally Posted by ZombieM3

For the $30's, I think my 2011 e90 ZCP is probably one of the best all around compact sedans blending comfort, practicality, strong power, balanced handling and fun to drive. Best of all is the soundtrack!

However, what if you didn't need the comfort, the practicality or backseats? What if your priority was performance for the street and track?

What used car would you replace the m3 for under $40k if overall performance was paramount?

Seeing used c7 corvettes coming down into the 40k and lower price range.

[94jedi]

F80 M3 or F10 M5, Maybe a W204 C63. Can't really think of anything else better, at those price points (used of course) that does what I need a car to do.

[REDEV217342]

Originally Posted by GeorgeA

Cayman's and 997 Carreras seem like a performance downgrade from the E92 M. Having driven both, I would never take it over my M.

Having owned a 997.1S, a 987S and a 981S, you are indeed correct. Although the 981S was a blast to drive.

[Yoko22R]

Probably find a cheap FD rx7 and do a LS swap.

[slowm3]

For under $40k is very hard to find a car to replace the e92 m3 imo. Rather keep my m3!

[MorganM]

If anyone here thought there was a better car for the money wouldn't they either have one or be in the process of selling what they have? Dunno. I can't think of what else I would rather have. I see not much mention of a C63. I like what i've got but I can see how someone might like the Mercedes. Same strong points. V8 sound and practical. I wouldn't go for anything I couldn't put 4 people in or 2 people and golf clubs.

[New2Roundel]

I don't think there's much I'd replace the M3 with if I was limited to a price of <$40k. If that price wasn't a limiting factor, I would like my next performance car to be C7 vette grand sport. Those aren't <$40k, LOL.

I guess if I had a gun to my head and had to get something, I'd move to a focus RS, STI, or Golf R.

[xander_g]

I would really like to experience some older japanese cars - supra, skyline, nsx, etc.

[jlo0109]

Originally Posted by DSilk

What fun driver's cars are currently available for $40,000 or less that will come close to matching the M3? Few and far between. The Porsche Cayman S is a logical choice, but it costs more. The same is true of any 911 worth owning. You can find some Lotus Elises for under $40,000, as well as some Honda S2000s and some 3rd generation twin turbo Mazda RX-7s. But the Mazdas are hard to find unmodified, will be from the mid-1990s, and are likely to need some major work.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by jlo0109

Uh $80k is double $40k because maths.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by ZombieM3

For the $30's, I think my 2011 e90 ZCP is probably one of the best all around compact sedans blending comfort, practicality, strong power, balanced handling and fun to drive. Best of all is the soundtrack!

However, what if you didn't need the comfort, the practicality or backseats? What if your priority was performance for the street and track?

What used car would you replace the m3 for under $40k if overall performance was paramount?

Under $40k? Nothing I want more than my E93. I'd spend the money on a supercharger first.

At this point, my next car is likely a Porsche. Hec, I'd buy another E9X before I'd buy something else for under $40k. It's that good....that I would seriously consider another, like a manual E92 Comp Package, to go with my DCT E93. Then, I CERTAINLY wouldn't buy anything else for a long while, until I could afford a Porsche.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Uh $80k is double $40k because maths.

Not if you negotiate half off msrp which is exactly what I would do!

If I could do that...

[jlo0109]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Uh $80k is double $40k because maths.

a used one from 2014 and up goes for lowe 40s.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

I don't think there's much I'd replace the M3 with if I was limited to a price of <$40k. If that price wasn't a limiting factor, I would like my next performance car to be C7 vette grand sport. Those aren't <$40k, LOL.

I guess if I had a gun to my head and had to get something, I'd move to a focus RS, STI, or Golf R.

If you got any of those cars you'd end up with a gun to your head applied by yourself.

If I didn't have money for an E9X I'd probably buy another E46M or if I had even less money I'd try a 330Ci 5MT which are more fun to drive than any hot hatch POS

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by KevinGS

Under $40k? Nothing I want more than my E93. I'd spend the money on a supercharger first.

At this point, my next car is likely a Porsche. Hec, I'd buy another E9X before I'd buy something else for under $40k. It's that good....that I would seriously consider another, like a manual E92 Comp Package, to go with my DCT E93. Then, I CERTAINLY wouldn't buy anything else for a long while, until I could afford a Porsche.

I wouldn't do the P car, but when I wanted an additional car I literally bought an E90 to join my E92

If I were to buy another car for sure it would be a E93!

[Shiza]

Originally Posted by jlo0109

For that money you could pick up a nice low mileage 360 Modena

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by jlo0109

a used one from 2014 and up goes for lowe 40s.

Here's a pic of a 991.2 GTS. This doesn't represent a $40k car but older used ones can be had at that price.

[Transfer]

After watching this: https://www.motortrendondemand.com/d...gt/0_1u1zl02i/

I think the SS 1LE's performance could elevate it beyond the detractions of the cheap interior.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I wouldn't do the P car, but when I wanted an additional car I literally bought an E90 to join my E92

If I were to buy another car for sure it would be a E93!

I have an E93, and would love an E92. Next year, I may buy another E9X, or I will supercharge my E93, we'll see.

The previous Boxster/Cayman with the V6, the prices have readily dropped, like into the low to mid $30s. Eiither is a LOT of car for the money, in terms of raw thrills and handling. It moves better than a go-kart, and is plenty quick. It may look like a toy car, but it's anything but.

And used 911 Turbos have dropped to $50k to $60k, which is a TON of car for the money.

And P Cars at the track, they're quite bulletproof.

Another E9X or a P Car, either will work for me.

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

If you got any of those cars you'd end up with a gun to your head applied by yourself.

If I didn't have money for an E9X I'd probably buy another E46M or if I had even less money I'd try a 330Ci 5MT which are more fun to drive than any hot hatch POS

Why a 330 rather than a 335?

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

Why a 330 rather than a 335?

NA engine

I've had two, put 100k on each of them and still own one in Barcelona. It's hugely fun to redline several gears in a row

I have the N55 in the X5 and I'm not a huge fan. The 330Ci is pretty reliable and powerful enough to get out of its own way

[D1ESEL]

I will be adding a 997.1 GT3 to the fleet with my M3's when ever I can find the right one.