M3 = money

Buy a used M3, do it!!!

Here is one point in your decision. Do you plan to mod whichever vehicle you choose. If so be prepared to spend an insane amount of money to get very minimal gains out of the S65. If you go any form of F/I it'll be well into the XX,XXX figures. The M is probably more at home on the track then the Z is but again cost in tracking them will be higher in the M too. Both are great cars but I agree with the whole used aspect. People don't buy sports cars to drive them in a non aggressive manor, so with the used M if thats the route you wanna go, get a PPI done and make sure the after break-in inspection was completed. Good luck with whatever you choose, both cars would be fun cars to have.

If it were very low miles, id take the m3. I wouldn't go over 15K miles on a used car, unless I just wanted something I could whip on.

If you can swing it I would go for the M3 with great certainty. I understand the concern of potential abuse on preowned sports cars but ask your this: Would you spend 20-25k on insurance premium to make sure the base is covered? That sounds absurd to me especially the car is still under warranty and have free maintenance for another 3 years. If you can find one in the high 40s that would be a awesome deal and most of the initial depreciation is already accounted. Buying a Z is 40k out the door and another unrecoverable 3-4k initial depreciation off the lot.

I am not recommending the M3 because I own a 135i, in fact my preference in order would be used M3, 370z and 135i at current time. I should have waited I could have gotten a better deal ( I was initially waitlisted on the m3 since 06)

I do like the 370z a lot but it makes no economic sense for me to switch out of it now for a car similar in performance but who knows what I would do. =) I have no brand loyalty. Who ever makes the best car for the price wins my money.

Very good post, Robert!

It's funny because that's exactly my preference as well. It used to be GTR, M3, 370Z and 135i but after the big price hike, I had to eliminate GTR. 135i is a really good car and runs neck and neck with the new 370Z. Can I afford a m3? not yet. so for someone who has need for speed and NOT worried about backseat, 370Z is your right decision. If you need back seat, you can't go wrong with 135i. I am not suggesting G37s because it's more comparable with 335i. I don't think you can buy a better car than M3 if you have 65K in your bank account.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
Back on topic, cheapest used m3 I can find (with clear title) is going for $54,880. That's $24,950 over a brand new base 370Z (or 21,950 over a sports package equipped Z). So, unless you're ready to shell out 20K more, I don't see M3 as a choice.

Robert - Excellent points.

AK - I've seen as low as 51k on Ebay:

eBay Motors: BMW : M3 (item 320336508613 end time Feb-08-09 16:49:07 PST)

It wasn't uncommon to have sold left over M3 coupes at high 50s so I can certainly see high 40's soon.

ps I would seriously buy that one you have linked if it was Silverstone or White.

sbkim,.... I AM YOUR FATHER..........

I think you will have a real challenge finding an e92 for the price range and even if you do I would def be a little skeptical. I could see if it was an e90 but finding the coupe that cheap sounds a little odd. But again if you find one just get a PPI and if everything checks out then you got a great deal on an even better car.

I test drove the M3 a few times and I have friends that have it... It is nice, its fun.. but the more I see it the less I like it...

Its too heavy too :(

I will test drive both DCT and 6 speed this Saturday. I had 335 previously so I am not too keen on getting similar looking car again...

SBKIM,

Just a heads up, Carmax in White Marsh Maryland has a few 370's on the lot and by far have the best prices. I just backed out of buying a new one last week, but loved it nonetheless. Anyway, being you are in NJ, it may be worth the ride.

The Platinum one they had, a dude flew in from California and drove it home. Best prices around.

Thanks so much for the headsup! Almost seems like these guys are offering up cars at if not below invoice?? Are they an actual Nissan dealership?

At first I thought this was between a 370Z and the older e46 M3. The e46 M3 is still a great car, but between those two, I'd likely take a brand new 370Z.

But if we're talking about an e92 M3, then I'd take the M3 for sure if there isn't too much of a price differential.

.... definately like the straight six ;)

Good point though about the numbers not telling the whole story.... ain't that the truth!