***Update now the guy said 22k - here is the link: http://open-road-auto-brokers.ebizau...e-4573887.html

So I have owned several Lexus cars and love the L - currently driving a 99 GS400 with a little under 130k on it. It's time for an upgrade - i love the v8 power but can't seem to find something in my price range with a Lexus that fits the bill (25k) - can't afford a 2006 GS350 or a 2006 GS430.

So I have been looking and you guys have always been dead on with advise. I found a 2004 M3 with roughly 86k miles with a good carfax - they want 24k.

Now after all the pages of reviews i found on M3's there are some reliabilty issues but what do you guys think??

If you had 20-25k what car would you buy?

2006 GS300 - Don't like that theres not much muscle

2004 M3 - lots of muscle and sexy

OR ??????????????

Thanks guys!

 

Well from someone who came from a 04 M3, let me give you a few tips.

1) Make sure that the Inspection I & II have been done. They need to be done every 30k
2) Check to see if the rear sub-frame has any issues as BMW was just sued and lost a huge case about the manufacture defect.
3) Plan for very expensive maintenance costs and mods are quite expensive as well
4) Check out M3Forum.net as they are a great group of guys with a ton a knowledge.

I must say, sometimes i do miss the handling and speed of the car... Good luck with your decision and feel free to contact with any questions or concerns. And 25k is too much.

 

Infamous - thanks for the good tips! Did you have any issues with your M3? What kind of drawbacks do you think it has... Thanks man i aprreciate it...

 

if i had that much, i would get a Z or a g sedan with 6 speed and make it a sleeper. but they are a dime a dozen now. m3 would be sick as hell, but i feel like there are better cars for the cash. sti or evo?

 

my friend has had nothing but problems with his e46, be prepared to shell out a lot for maintenance on an m3 with almost 90k miles

 

I agree with you guys, but it seems everytime I start looking at a different make I see a m3 cruising down the street looking sick and I'm like **** I have the money why not get that.....

I also want to throw in there I drive less than 7k miles per year!

The GS400 has to go but it's a sad day and hard to replace the perfomance!

 

06 gs430 fpr the win. New body style, 4.3 liter V8...

 

Does the m3 have the stick shift or the SMG?

I would pass on the SMG for reliability issues

 

use the money you have n boost your GS4 hahaha.

n get a cage + coilovers + braces n itll handle like a champ.

in the end ull have money left over + a one of a kind GS that will spank the m3 hehe.

jk

ive driven a E46 before n man wit the M mode on its QUICK!

 

Go for the M3,

It handles awesome and the power whoa....

 

i say go big or go home. Audi r8 or Audi S5

 

Do some research. If you find one with perfect documentation on maintenance, then you won't be that bad off. If you like how it drives, you won't find anything else like it.

 

How about a M5 ?

 

I think the biggest thing people need to keep in mind when buying an M3 or even an M5 is preventive maintenance. You need to be constantly aware of the condition of various parts and functions of the car and replace things well before they get to the point of breaking.

Its not a Honda where you can drive it until the wheels fall off and just change the oil. A BMW will run forever too but you need to be on top of the maintenance and when you get to the higher mileage be prepare to drop over $1,000 per year to keep in running in tip top shape.

 

I never had any issues with mine, but i also only had 35k miles on it. I bought it from a guy who was recently divorced and had to sell it. It was fully loaded silver grey metallic with imola red interior and 6 speed. The car was great but once you are out of warranty, it become a very expensive car to own. Most M owners keep these cars until the warranty runs out then sell them to buy a newer year with warranty. And Ms don't come with a spare tire. They use a big fix-a-flat container.

Also the smg pump are those cars are problematic. So go with a 6 speed