this is what i would do. investigate on the m3 that you are referring to and make sure that it has neither been severely crashed or damaged in any way that would warrant the super discounted price. if everything seems to be fine, then buy the M3. after that, thoroughly testdrive an s2000 and compare it with the M3 to see which you would rather own and drive. if it turns out to be the M3, then just keep what you bought and be happy to not have to worry about depreciation for you have purchased the car for way less than what it's worth. on the other hand, if you prefer the s2000, then sell the M3 for $43K, buy the s2000 for $33K (after tax and liscense) and net $8-$10K in profit!! either way, you can't lose...

 

I think it's impossible to find a 03 M3 w/5K miles for less than $40K. Unless it's a salvaged car.

 

When you say M3 coupe are you confusing the car with the M coupe (z3 based hard top) ?

I ask because there is a silver/black 2002 for sale for 31 grand, about 4-5k under market value, however it has been determined to have been in a major accident.

As to the which to buy decision; you will see lots of S2000 folks claim the S2k is more fun to drive. Not me. I've owned them all and think they are all fun to drive, albeit for different reasons.

For me, the S2000 is not a car I can own alone, day in and day out I simply get frustrated and angry at how little horsepower and torque it has.

 

well, i know that my reply wont add anything to your disision.. but i know someone who had a silver/black S2000.. he sold it and replaced it to a silver/black M3... if u want better handling and more sporty looks take the S.. the m3 is much faster in a straight line.. but track performance is to close between these two cars.

 

I disagree, given equal drivers the track performance of the two cars is not very close.

Better handling is a subjective term; the S2000 is more tossable by virtue of it's lower weight, however the numbers thrown up by both cars are similar, with each car besting the other in certain categories.

What's unfortunate for the S2000 is that Honda, unlike BMW has chosen not to up the dosage of horsepower with age. Whereas 240hp was a good number 3 or 4 years ago; it simply no longer is enough to keep up with the others.

 

it is going to be your car so definitely drive both to see which is more to your liking. both have thier high and low points.

 

M3 or M-coupe?

An '03 M3 with 5K miles, assuming no salvage title or other significant issues, should bring at least high $30K's.

 

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IMO.
I agree with everyone here, somethings fishy and not right here.