What performance car would replace your M3?

[HadesM3]

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?

[ricardofors68]

C6 or C5 Z06 Vette. Maybe a Camaro ZL1.

[Foggins]

I’d go previous gen Cayman S...reasonable cost and just a blast to drive.

[pbonsalb]

The cars I want cost more so the E90M3 stays until I can afford what I want.

[tdott]

A 911 GT3 is probably the only one that would satisfy my desires right now.

For under $40k, nothing. I’d keep my M3 until I can afford something better.

[Montaver]

Theres lots of interesting new cars in the 25-30k range (Miata, BRZ, GTI, ST, WRX). Savage geese just did a good video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=8G8-DnWt4uU

30-40k gets you more flavours of WRX, Golf R, Civic Type-R (probably my pick), Focus RS, or a Mustang GT.

Used market different story, the E9x M3 is basically unbeatable under $40k IMO. A 981.1 Cayman S would be sweet, but under $40k you can only really find base Caymans. I'd have an M3 over that or a 987. I'd probably try and find a 997.1 Carerra S, with some suspension and drivetrain upgrades it would be a very focused machine.

[MattM3SVT]

Originally Posted by tdott

A 911 GT3 is probably the only one that would satisfy my desires right now.

This. Though I would take a GT4 as well.

[Dr. Dre]

997 Carrera

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by tdott

A 911 GT3 is probably the only one that would satisfy my desires right now.

For under $40k, nothing. I’d keep my M3 until I can afford something better.

Ditto. 997 GT3 is on my short list. I'll either pay the E90 off and then add that to the garage as a toy or sell this prematurely and replace it with a GT3.

P Car is about the only thing on my brain that's obtainable.

[STooK]

Like many of you, I can't come up with anything that can compare to the e9x M3 especially now that price has come down on most of them. There are a lot of cars that offer equal or better performance, but often lack the complete package provided by the M3 which includes comfort, luxury, and class. I don't want to be seen in a Evo, Sti, or even mustangs/camaros no matter how much faster they are.

I think about this from time to time. If something happens to my M3, what can I replace it with? Besides a mint s2000 or another e90/92 M3, I can't think of another car out there.

[pbonsalb]

My 08M3 was used when I bought it 8 years ago. It’s worth only $20-$25k now. For $50k, I might buy a 2014-2015 Mercedes E63 AMG BiTurbo. For $100K, I’d buy a 991.1TT. The Porsche is the plan. There is nothing I could buy for the same money as my M3. There is nothing I could buy for $10k or $20k more than its value that I would want. I might supercharge the M3 to make it more interesting so it can entertain me for a few more years, and to give it straight line performance that will keep up with most of the fast new cars.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

The cars I want cost more so the E90M3 stays until I can afford what I want.

Bingo. This is why I struggled so much trying to figure out what I want. You have to pay significant premium to go up a level from the E9X M3. This car is very good. I finally bit the bullet at the high $50s, low $60s level. I was also looking at a 997.1 TT and a 997.2 GTS.

[cenix]

Without practicality considered, on the low end I'd get another AP2 S2000 or high end a used 991 GT3. Nothing else.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

The cars I want cost more so the E90M3 stays until I can afford what I want.

this, 100%. i think the e9x M cars are the best value for the money right now.

[thetastelingers]

Originally Posted by ricardofors68

C6 or C5 Z06 Vette. Maybe a Camaro ZL1.

If I didn't have kids, I would already be in a C6 Z06.
I've had my eye on 911s and a Lexus LC500 for touring.

[nycplumber]

I don't know about replace but I have been thinking about what a tuned 718s would be like. Its engine is almost half the size with only 4 cylinders but it seems like such a fun car. Honestly with how practical the m3 is I don't know what else would be a real replacement. I would have to look at what's most important.

[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.

[HadesM3]

My choices would be a 987.2 Cayman S which is a step up on the performance ladder over the M3 in handling, braking and overall feel.

The other would be a C6Z which is several levels above the M3 from a performance perspective.

For now, I need backseats so the m3 is my default.

[Brake_Dust]

I’m contemplating on getting a Ferrari 458 to replace my 2013 e92 M3.

[velociti]

I'm hoping to hold onto my E90 for as long as possible -- it's the ultimate daily in my opinion. But in a couple years I'd love to add a used M2 to the stable. Once BMW transitions to the S55, I'm betting (hoping?) the N55 ones will take a hit. The N55 sounds great, is reliable, relatively tunable (Stage 2 tune, sport cat, and intercooler for peace of mind will net 385/420 to the wheels), and more than a few people have likened the chassis to a modern E46 M3, which I used to own and dearly miss. I'd love to have the first world problem of choosing between an F87 M2 and E90 M3...

[yidgyi]

Probably a turbo'd BRZ or M2.

[xcusem3]

Originally Posted by Brake_Dust

I’m contemplating on getting a Ferrari 458 to replace my 2013 e92 M3.

No you're not