[Mako]

just curious the length most people on these forums keep their Ms, assuming you buy new.

the M3 is the first brand new M I bought (in 2015, had it 3.5 years now). before this car I can't even remember the last car I owned more than 3 years.

But as I am approaching the end of my warranty and free maint. I am questioning the "value" of keeping it any longer.

Doing very SIMPLE calculations it appears as though in September my M3 should have a trade in value around $43,000 (only have 20,000 miles on it, put on less than 6,000/year) and I figure it will depreciate around $500/month after that on average for the next 2 years, so at 6 years old with under 35,000 miles it should be worth around $30,000 (seems fair).

I got a quote from a local dealer of $2500 for 2 year extended warranty ($3,000 for 3 year) and because of the low mileage I estimate only around $1,000 in maintenance over the next 2 years.

So my total "cost" or loss per month to keep it 2 extra years out of warranty will be around $650/month


Now I know the G80 isn't coming out for another 1.5 years so for arguments sake lets say I was going to buy a X3M this fall, sticker of say $84,000. I figure after my trade in of 43,000 and maybe 5% off MSRP, means ~$82,500 total "cost" not including the value of my trade except for tax purposes. If that car also depreciated 55% over 4 years (low mileage) that means it will be worth about $46,000, so depreciation of around $760/month

seems like for only $110/month more getting a new car vs keeping my old one makes a lot more sense. Of course that also isn't factoring in what else I could do with that $40,000 I would have to put up for the new car (like investments).

Just seems like when people say buying a new car is a "waste" maybe it really isn't as much as people think.


Personally I will probably either get the X3M or keep my M3 for an extra 1-2 years until the G80 comes out. If I get the X3M then I will just keep my fingers crossed for a M4GC a few years later, which is what I really want.