I have an '06 TL with A-Spec package that I've enjoyed driving for 2 years now. It's in very good shape with approximately 19k miles. Just recently I started looking at used 02/03 BMW M5. I could get one with 45k miles for about the same value as my TL. Does anyone have any advice or opinions? I really enjoy my TL, but the M5 has a lot more power and seems to be much closer to a true sports car. I used to own a '94 twin-turbo Supra before having kids and I still miss the fun factor of that car. However, I'm afraid I'll miss the reliability and practicality of the TL. Please help!

Ben

 

BMW: great car, likely much faster with M package (but with gas as expensive as it is, how much mashing of the pedal will you be doing?), much more expensive to fix (likely more to insure as well), higher mileage, older car, the M's mpg will be lower than what you have now.

Acura: great car, great reliabilty (I have the 06 as well), cheap to maintain (essentially oil changes only), low mileage, newer car, pretty good mpg

The verdict: I think you would be better off keeping your TL (that is if you enjoy it as you had indicated). I personally don't think the trade off is worth it.

 

trading in a low mileage 2-yr old car for a 5-6 yr old car is not a wise choice. It will be much more $$$ to upkeep the M5.

I would personally budget 5-10k to build a beater track car and keep the TL, or go all out and mod the crap out of TL.

 

I just checked Consumer Reports.org:
The 02's/03's had some reliability issues with Engine cooling, transmissions, and electrical (although this isn't specific to the M5, just the 5 series). I'm not trying to dampen your enthusiasm for a trade, but you don't want to spend ~ $25K or so, just for admssion to the club, then have a bunch of PIA repairs to make.

 

The only time you should get a BMW is if you can afford to lease it brand new for 3 years. You get the warranty and a maintence package. They cost a lot to own/maintain/repair. I would steer clear from a used BMW. Possibly picking up a certified used one from a dealer would be better.

Putting my bias opinion aside the fact is that the Acura is a better built, more reliable, cheaper to own/maintain/repair car. It's def not as fast as a BMW, but there are things you can do to make it quicker, and more responsive.

If I were you, I'd save up and pick up another Supra/S2000/NSX/Integra Type R or something more reliable as a toy. I'm sure the M3/M5 cars used were romped on pretty hard and now you will be stuck with all the major repair/maintence that is due 5 years later.

 

ben74, this type of discussion belongs in Car Talk in the Off Topic section of the forum. Since we can't move threads there, feel free to restart it. Thanks and good luck.