Help me choose my next car

[KingBurt323]

Good afternoon, how is everyone doing??

Well i am due for a raise in a couple months or so and i was wondering what my next move should be? I am 22 years old, no kids, etc. I currently have a 2015 328i and had a 2000 328i before then so i am completely enamored by the BMW brand. Obviously i will test drive everything before hand and choose for myself i was just looking for some insight if you have owned, currently own or know somone who does. Basically i am looking for information/opinions on durability and performance more than anything as i do plan i keeping this next car for 5+ years other things also help. I can afford 800-1200 monthly payment so the ideal situation would be 1000/month. I have compiled a list and it goes as follows:

-Porsche Cayman S/BMW M3
-Alfa Romeo Guilia Qudrifologio
-Mercedes C63 AMG
& the wild card: Z06

Thanks for your time.

[996ttelise]

Dude, get a CPO 2012 997.2 C4S or GTS from a Porsche dealer and thank me later. These cars will also hold value, unless you wreck it, so dump it in 2 years loosing very little out of pocket and do it again. In fact, prices for both have appreciated over the last year.

[KingBurt323]

Originally Posted by 996ttelise

Dude, get a CPO 2012 997.2 C4S or GTS from a Porsche dealer and thank me later. These cars will also hold value, unless you wreck it, so dump it in 2 years loosing very little out of pocket and do it again. In fact, prices for both have appreciated over the last year.

Thanks i will look into this, but i hear maintenance/service on these can get a bit pricey?

[gatorfast]

Man I dont want to get all preachy but a $1k monthly car payment at 22 sounds insane.

[996ttelise]

Originally Posted by KingBurt323

Thanks i will look into this, but i hear maintenance/service on these can get a bit pricey?

It will likely have already been serviced if it is a CPO and that will be the major due to age. Wear items such as rotors, tires, brake pads, clutch have to be within a certain tolerances for the CPO so you could easily but the right car, do nothing to it and then sell it after 2 years. I personally don't find the services that bad and items such as rotors and brakes have a lot of options out there.

You could also do a CPO 991.1 that is a 2013 or 2014 for the same price or less than the 2012 C4S or GTS, but it won't retain value as well and I prefer the 997.2 over the 991.1.

[F80Dreamer]

My advice? Stick with the plan of buying a nicer car but don't go too far, too fast. I would think about something like a mint used E9X M3...incredible car, progression from what you currently drive, and you won't need to stretch too far. Just my .02...

[KingBurt323]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Man I dont want to get all preachy but a $1k monthly car payment at 22 sounds insane.

Nahh not at all dude just that the M3 has always been my dream car, and if i have the money why not? Thanks for looking out though.

[KingBurt323]

Originally Posted by 996ttelise

It will likely have already been serviced if it is a CPO and that will be the major due to age. Wear items such as rotors, tires, brake pads, clutch have to be within a certain tolerances for the CPO so you could easily but the right car, do nothing to it and then sell it after 2 years. I personally don't find the services that bad and items such as rotors and brakes have a lot of options out there.

You could also do a CPO 991.1 that is a 2013 or 2014 for the same price or less than the 2012 C4S or GTS, but it won't retain value as well and I prefer the 997.2 over the 991.1.

Cool thanks! I appreciate it, will definitely look into it.

[KingBurt323]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

My advice? Stick with the plan of buying a nicer car but don't go too far, too fast. I would think about something like a mint used E9X M3...incredible car, progression from what you currently drive, and you won't need to stretch too far. Just my .02...

Thank you i will look into that as well.

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by KingBurt323

Nahh not at all dude just that the M3 has always been my dream car, and if i have the money why not? Thanks for looking out though.

You have to look at what is the total payment (lease fees or interest rates), thinking how much is the monthly payment *only* might get you in trouble if God forbid you lose the job or have some emergency.

Now I'm not going to sit here like your father and preach you about what to do, IMO, if you never wanna get rich or have some money in the bank, go ahead and do the loan/lease at this age.

Back to the original question, how about a 2011-2013 M3 E92/E93? Gotta love those naturally aspirated V8's power and especially the exhaust note and provided you take care of the car, it won't lost much lin value over the time so you could easily sell it and get another car when you are bored without losing much.

Just my 2 cents worth, take it or leave it.

If you want new, then I'd go with the M3 obviously since I'm a BMW fanboy OR the Mercedes C63 AMG

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Of course we know nothing about your financial situation (house, debts, retirement account, insurance policies) but I'm gonna say get something that's $500/month and invest $500month. Then buy something ridiculous in your 40's. I'll second a E9X M3. No one's gonna make a car like that anymore unless you look to American brands.

[KingBurt323]

Definitely going to look into a 2013 E92 with low mileage at a good price.

[neilum]

you don't need practicality I would be all over a 911 in your shoes. Find one that is CPO if you're really worried about it.

[basscadet]

Nobody will doubt you can swing a $1000 payment. A lot of people, me included, would argue that you are doing yourself a disservice by jumping from an e46 328i to a $70k car. Enjoy the iterations that exist between your car and those and save a lot of money.

My recommendation is that you should look at cars such as a E92 M3, the 2015+ Mustang GT (a car that will SMOKE the M3, btw), or the C6 Z06. I have owned all of these cars, by the way.

You're young. Buy a fun car that is affordable. If I were in your shoes, it would be the Mustang for sure. If you just absolutely hate American cars, get the E92 M3. If you want a true track monster and live in a climate where you never see snow, the C6 Z06 is the car.

There is just no reason to look at cars like the Alfa and the Porsche because you will frankly look like a tool driving the Porsche (a 22 year old in a Cayman....come on,man) and the Alfa is a car for a guy who wants a sporty car to haul his kids around (i.e NOT YOU).

[KingBurt323]

I appreciate all the feedback its really helping out.. I probably wont get my raise/promotion until September or later so i got time to figure it out. Ill be test driving cars here and there.

[basscadet]

Originally Posted by KingBurt323

I appreciate all the feedback its really helping out.. I probably wont get my raise/promotion until September or later so i got time to figure it out. Ill be test driving cars here and there.

If I were you I would test drive anything that you find remotely interesting. Is this work? Yes. Is it fun and ultimately lead you to the best car? Absolutely.

Many years ago (14!!) I remember going to a Nissan/Mitsubishi dealership and, after having saved up money to buy a 350Z, my dream car, I got to test drive one and was horribly disappointed. The salesguy convinced me to test drive this hideous, riced-out car they called a Lancer Evolution and I bought one of those immediately afterwards. Just like dating, people "connect" with some cars.

[gatorfast]

I'll jump on the E9x M3 train. Favorite car I have ever owned. Still a recent generation so it doesn't look dated, will come with most tech features of current model cars and the v8 is pure aural bliss. Not to mention a good example can probably be had in the $30-40k range compared to double that of a new M3.

[KingBurt323]

Originally Posted by basscadet

If I were you I would test drive anything that you find remotely interesting. Is this work? Yes. Is it fun and ultimately lead you to the best car? Absolutely.

Many years ago (14!!) I remember going to a Nissan/Mitsubishi dealership and, after having saved up money to buy a 350Z, my dream car, I got to test drive one and was horribly disappointed. The salesguy convinced me to test drive this hideous, riced-out car they called a Lancer Evolution and I bought one of those immediately afterwards. Just like dating, people "connect" with some cars.

I feel you! I just dont like the part where they try to get too serious about trying to sell it to you im just trying to get the feel for it and enjoy it for the moment while i wait for my raise. Definitely looking for that connection part my first car was a bucket and the first BMW i got into just felt awesome so i know what you mean.

[KingBurt323]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

I'll jump on the E9x M3 train. Favorite car I have ever owned. Still a recent generation so it doesn't look dated, will come with most tech features of current model cars and the v8 is pure aural bliss. Not to mention a good example can probably be had in the $30-40k range compared to double that of a new M3.

What do you have now? Not gonna lie i like the look of the E92 better than the F82 im not too worried about the tech features or anything like that simply about performance and durability. I havent seen any for $30k but a couple good ones around 40. What would be good mileage one of those?

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by KingBurt323

What do you have now? Not gonna lie i like the look of the E92 better than the F82 im not too worried about the tech features or anything like that simply about performance and durability. I havent seen any for $30k but a couple good ones around 40. What would be good mileage one of those?

Have a F80 M3 now

I would think 2012-13 models could be found with less than 50k miles. I had mine until 80k+ miles with no major issues and I know there are a ton of people on the e9x board with over 100k miles so it's a pretty reliable car.

[KingBurt323]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Have a F80 M3 now

I would think 2012-13 models could be found with less than 50k miles. I had mine until 80k+ miles with no major issues and I know there are a ton of people on the e9x board with over 100k miles so it's a pretty reliable car.

Broooo lucky!! Haha F80's appeal to me more than the F82 M4. But ok sounds good thanks once again.

[gtr]

If I were you I'd go with a M2. Better driving feel, cheaper, and holds resale. Jump to the M3 when you're older and need the 4 doors. If you like to experience 0-60 go with the vette or the new TTRS.