Guys-

Currently the wife has a 2005 ABP TL w/Navi that we love and I have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have been contemplating buying either a Vette (non-Z06) or a M3 as my next vehicle. I wanted to get your opinions based on my following criteria:

1) Have always loved the vette from about 6th grade on.
2) Want a sports car that can run with the best.
3) Something unique that everyone and their mother doesn't have (e.g. Mustang)
4) Limit of $60,000
5) Upgradability would be a plus.

Cons of the Vette
1) Only 2 seats.
2) Questionable quality and reliability.

Cons of the M3
1) BMW price
2) Questionable quality and reliability.

I won't be racing it, just something more performance oriented that I may take to a track every now and then. Any thoughts or suggestions of other vehicles that would fit these criteria would be appreciated.

Morgan

 

Sounds like you have already made up your mind.

Go with the vette. Save you a few bucks, much newer model than the M3 and is an amazing sports car getting great reviews

Good luck and post pics when you get it

 

I love the M3 but I say go with the Vette, especially with the new M3 2-3 years away. If you could wait for the new M3, then do it. If not, buy the Vette. Can't go wrong with either one IMO.

 

So long as a backseat is not a requirement, the choice here is simple: C5! BTW, I havent heard of any quality issues with the C5; then again, I havent followed the Vette that closely.

 

Vette.....if you want to go fast and get noticed.
M3...if you want to go fast, but don't want draw any attention.

 

*COUGH* C6 *COUGH*

 

C6

 

Thanks for the responses guys. My only concern with the C6 is that it is the model year and historically the model years have had more problems relatively than later years.

I drove an auto C6 (don't worry I'm not getting an auto spors car) at an auto event a month back and WOW, acceleration for an auto is amazing and handling is nice and flat.

The only caveat from the wifey is she like the flexibility of a back seat. Not that the BMW's back seat is anything to write home about but I guess you could fit someone back there in a pinch.

Any other suggestions in this league? I'd like to consider all possible options.

 

Audi S4 / RS4 (whichever....although RS4 would probably run around 70k and has yet to be released)

BTW, I'd go with the M3.

 

Well I think your wife answers the question for you. It seems that you want a 2 door but "need" a 4 seater. If you want a 4 door, I would say the C55 over the S4. But, out of them all I would recommend the M3 first.

 

Haha.....lol, yeah a Vette is so unique. I love Vettes (had a C5) but they don't get that much attention (unless you live in the middle of nowhere). Maybe a spanking new C6 will get attention at the moment, give them another 10 months and they'll be all over the place like the C5.

Anyway, my M3 attracts attention like flies on shit.

Vette production is much higher than the M3s.

 

i rather have a m3 than a c6, but i'd take a z06 over all

 

I would pick the M3, then again I did. For the track I prefer the Vette (of the two) but for the street the interior of the M3 and a quite capable chassis and drivetrain makes it a hoot to drive. I can't stand the shifter on the C6. Now when it comes to bang for buck in aftermarker the LS2 will rule.

Vandy

 

2 STI's

j/k

Everyone and their mother has both cars. the C6 is faster, but the M3 is so badass. Tough decision, but i'd go with the M3. Overall better package and value.

 

Since we're entertaining the M3, has anyone taken into account the E46's inherent rear subframe problem? (ie: rear mounting points for the subframe, tearing out from their mounting points on the sheet metal) .....not exactly a small problem.

 

I think the suggestion that someone gave for the Mercedes C55 is a great idea...that thing is a monster than can truely carry 4 people...the draw back is that it is not truly a sports car, and it has 4 doors...as for the S4, if you want a car that is very upgradable and will fit more than 2 people, that car is a tuners dream.

 

I haven't thought of the C55. I'll have to look into that.

Regarding the S4, we test drove the A4 when we were shopping for the TL and although there are significant engine differences between the A4/S4, the chassis is essentially identical and were not satisfied with the layout. Thus the decision to go with the TL. Too bad the TL isn't RWD or even AWD...that could have been fun.

I was actually more interested in the RS6 but that is in the M5 territory and if I could afford one of those, I'd be considering the Z06 and possibly the C55 AMG. Actually in that case, I think the wifey would want to consider a 911.

cob3686-
Actually we don't need 4 seats. With the TL and the Jeep we have plenty of doors already. She can't get past the whole 2 seater thing. Funny when we first met I had a Wrangler w/o a backseat....no problems there. Oh yeah, I'm keeping my Jeep until it dies.

It really doesn't matter if it has 2 or 4 seats. I want the performance and handling and decent comfort. 2 additional seats with the same performance is icing on the cake.

 

'05 Pontiac GTO maybe? Same engine as the Vette with a backseat, probably could be decently modded

 

if you're looking for a sports car, don't comprimise and get the vette. to hell with the back seats and attention of the attention whore car of a m3. who are you driving the car for? yourself or others?

if you want to mod the car, the vette is mod friendly, and cheaper to do as well.

i was, kinda still, a vette fanatic.

 

Ugh, can't believe that I forgot that the C55 is the AMG version of the C-series. Brain fart....

Anyways, I think I will go for the C6 but I will wait a year for Chevy to resolve any quality concerns with the model year vette. We have two 2004 M3s at work and they are both good looking vehicles. But I just can't get over the questionable reliability and price gouging that BMW is notorious for. Who knows, maybe in a year I can afford a Z06 and get that instead.

Thanks everyone.

 

M3 comes with 4yr/50k miles maintenance

you can upgrade to 6y/100k miles maintenance for $1k+

should cover your reliability worries

 

I think the first thing you should do is test drive both cars to get a feel of what you would want more. The c6 looks awesome but I love the M3. Upgrade the stereo and throw 20s on it and you will have one hot looking bmw!

sidemarker

 

Yes and no. first the extended maint is like $2500 and that only covers things like belts, brake pads, and oil changes. But after 50k miles if your alternator or ac breaks then you have to pay out of your pocket. BMW has a extended warranty program that cost about 3k for the M3 so if you add both you should be worry free for 7 years or 100,000 miles. If you get the M3 just DRIVE IT!!!

sidemarker

 

is this a recall type problem or just a single case?? I have not read in any of the m3 forums about this???

sidemarker

 

sidemarker

 

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if you want somthing not many ppl have...i suggest u getting a S4~

 

couple options:
Jaguar S type R: 400 hp supercharged V-8 great body on that Jag

Volvo S60R:
300 HP AWD,stick and a decent body plus well under your 60 k budget

if you don't like these i'd wait on the next gen 3 series chasis(the e90) and get the m3 then