Hello there...


I have a bit of a conundrum in that I am in the market for a new car. I currently own a 2001 hoda prelude. The only thing it has is a 3 inch cold air intake. I am getting ready to graduate and am in the market for a new ride and was really considering the s2000. However, on the other hand, for the same price I am going to pay for one I could have a used m3. 333 horsies and a luxury vehicle at that. I am worried about the roominess of the s2000 as well. I sat in on the other day at a dealership and the larger elbow space upgrade made a difference but it is still tight looking in there. Yet, it is a convertible. And that is a plus. I just dont know what to do. The 350 was another option but i ruled that out when i went and test drove it. Thing is cheaply made in my opinion. As of now though, I am leaning toward the s2000 because it will be brand spanking new, a convert, a screamer with some light modifications, and a handling animal. But. the luxury and prestige of the bimmer would be nice also since I am going into business. Anyways, any suggestion you could give would be greatly appreciated.


Best Regards,

Joe

 

how are you going to get a used E46 M3 for $30K??? i still see the MY01's at around $40K.....oh also i don't know if i'd get a MY01 with all the rod/bearing issues

 

ok the s2000 is not going to cost me 30k its going to cost around 37 at least with hard top and tax and all that crap. i can get a used m3 2001 for right under 40 with less that 40k miles. what are the rod/bearing issues?

 

I would worry about an e46 M3 in that price range... Also its never good mojo to buy the first model year of any car. The S2000 has a great track record and performs great. It is by no means as practicle as the M3. It is much smaller and does not have a back seat.

It would also depend on where you live.

I would do one of two things.

Hold back for a 2002 M3

or

Buy a 2003 S2000, take the extra money and buy a daily driver. You have the best of both worlds and spent the same amount of money.

 

- if you can afford it, spend a little more on an m3

 

I had the same decision to make. I passed on the Bimmer after talking to several owners who all shared the same experience: When BMWs start to age (like 3+ years) they really start to develop nagging problems. The power-train was not problematic, but things like power windows and seats that die, gauges malfunction, rattles and other obnoxious noises. Yes it is a luxury car, but do you really want one with those kind of problems? Granted some cars and models will be better than othes, depending on how they are cared for.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide. Personally I think the E36 model was a lot better looking than the E46--just not as fast.

 

I buy all my cars new ... would never buy a car used unless I knew the person very well that I was buying it from. There is nothing better than driving off a lot with a car that you know is brand spankin' new.

 

You should investigate this more. The only mod that makes a significant difference is FI.

 

i'd go with the s2000 .. as a few members already mentioned .. get ready for some problems .. yes it is a luxury car .. which meanz a nice luxury $$ when it comes to maintaining the damn thing .. and since your goin into a business type world .. would u really want a car that probably every1 else is gona have? the first yr or even sometimes the second yr of the model made isn't very dependable .. since they still have a few bugs to work out .. itz not a good idea to buy the first one out .... it also depends on do you need a back seat? if you do then maybe u might wanna consider the bmw ...another thing is that .. u can leave the lot with a piece of mind knowin itz a brand new car n if nethin happens to go wrong (god forbid it does) u have warrenty .. right now the s2k sounds like the winner imo .. n one more thing is that .. since ur spendin so much $$$ try not to think to much bout the power difference n worry more bout the quality n the long run of the car ..

 

Except maybe driving off with thousands of dollars in your pocket....

If you get bored with cars easily, keep multiple cars in your stable (and thus only put 5-10k miles per car)... used cars can be a fantastic option.

I think of it like golf clubs... I'm going to scuff them up by USING them, what do I care if they *were* clean and shiny.

But to follow up the original thread....

DO YOUR HOMEWORK if you're going to buy a used M3.
But probably a better car for business... unless your car breaks down and you miss your meetings.

If you're considering used cars at all, get a used S2k.
With hard top, you can get one for well under $30k. Search through old classifieds here. You'll get an idea of what you can get with your money.