370z vs used M3?

AK370Z · 02-04-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alefcole

Buy yourself the Z, you don't deserve the M3. Besides the Z is better looking right??.

------------------->forum rules

As much as I like an old M3, I have to say you have to be very lucky to get an used m3 that's not abused. Someone who needed to buy a M3, had a serious need for speed and I'm sure he/she didn't baby that car. Also, keep in mind, the repair costs (if needed) are way expansive than the Nissan. BMWs are most fun to drive during first 5 years since it's completely warranted by BMW. But after 5 years, if things starts going wrong, you may be in trouble.

If you can find a mint condition M3 for the same price range you're going to spend on a Z, GET IT!

Watch this video. You can get an idea where an old m3 stands performance wise.

bboypuertoroc · 02-04-2009, 02:18 PM

I'd personally wouldn't buy any used car (unless it was a beater). 370Z=win.

sbkim · 02-04-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bboypuertoroc

I'd personally wouldn't buy any used car (unless it was a beater). 370Z=win.

I agree - that's always my biggest concern with buying a used sports car. Althogh, it's probably the smart thing to do especially now days. Case in point, prices of 997 TT has dropped tremendously over the last year. New = $130k. Used 07s are around $80s and some are sold in auctions at 70s.

So far Z ranks at the top for me. Thanks!

TerribleONE · 02-04-2009, 03:27 PM

nice vid ^

bossman · 02-04-2009, 03:29 PM

M3 = money

frost · 02-04-2009, 08:09 PM

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.

Robert · 02-05-2009, 02:41 AM

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.

AK370Z · 02-05-2009, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

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!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

my preference in order would be used M3, 370z and 135i at current time.

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.

sbkim · 02-05-2009, 07:57 AM

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.

RCZ · 02-05-2009, 03:34 PM

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

sbkim · 02-05-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

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...

hardtopnow · 02-05-2009, 05:45 PM

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.

sbkim · 02-05-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardtopnow

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?

hardtopnow · 02-06-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbkim

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?

Yeah, they have 90 carmax locations, but only Maryland carries nissan. It is quite an impressive setup there, super easy to set up a deal, ask for Dan Hurtt, tell him Tom with the white base, sport sent ya, nice kid!

sensi09 · 02-05-2009, 10:43 PM

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.

02-04-2009, 02:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
bboypuertoroc Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Get out my way pimpin, HI Posts: 419 Drives: '06 Evo IX GSR Rep Power: 390	I'd personally wouldn't buy any used car (unless it was a beater). 370Z=win. __________________ Evo IX GSR - FPBlack, 30psi... 10's on pump? Let's find out...

02-04-2009, 03:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
TerribleONE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 10,203 Drives: WOT Rep Power: 5852	nice vid ^

02-04-2009, 03:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
bossman Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hawaii Posts: 169 Drives: 04 Xterra SE 4X4 S/C Rep Power: 0	M3 = money

02-05-2009, 02:41 AM	#7 (permalink)
Robert Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 1 Drives: 135i Rep Power: 18	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.

02-05-2009, 07:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
sbkim Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: nj Posts: 177 Drives: RRSC Rep Power: 18	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.

02-05-2009, 03:34 PM	#10 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1120	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

02-05-2009, 05:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
hardtopnow Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Delaware Posts: 20 Drives: 04 350z Roadster M6 Rep Power: 18	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.

02-05-2009, 10:43 PM	#15 (permalink)
sensi09 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: so cal Posts: 449 Drives: _ Rep Power: 18	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.