Is there an alternative to an M3?

[sjc]

My mate has just been offered a 53 plate M3 manual 17000 miler full spec in grey for £28K seems like a hell of a lot of car for that price. Surely the new shape 3 is not affecting reiduals yet as the M3 replacement is yonks away, or is there another reason?

[_VTEC_]

Gazboy said:

R34 GTR for 25k? Are you sure? Other jap stuff- mint late RX7, NSX, 98-on Supra (not many here, and no more coming over)

For 25k you might get an early one but I was talking new M3 money. For 40k you might even get an M-spec but good luck on finding one.

[Zod]

for just over £40k, you can get a CSL.

[Zod]

sjc said:

Zod said: sjc said: HSV, no question.... Of course there's a question and the answer is not an Australian tractor. And you've driven exactly how many?

and you have driven how many M3s?

The Monaro is an old-fashioned brusier. It is not as good as an M3.

[Zod]

bruciebabie said:

Any Skoda, at least it isn't a BMW. Seriously Jag S type R. The world's best sports saloon. Better made than a beemer. Far more comfortable. Infinitely superior cabin. The more powerful Germans cannot really use their extra power because they are sprung too hard for British roads. M3 is bad for you image as a human being. Just don't go there.

What a ridiculous statement. Willful ignorance. I knew when I first saw this thread that at least one poster would come up with this kind of mindless drivel.

>> Edited by Zod on Sunday 17th April 18:53

[sjc]

Zod said:

sjc said: Zod said: sjc said: HSV, no question.... Of course there's a question and the answer is not an Australian tractor. And you've driven exactly how many? and you have driven how many M3s? The Monaro is an old-fashioned brusier. It is not as good as an M3.

Driven about 6, which is probably 6 more in total than the amount of HSV's you have driven. Where the did I knock the M3? The title of the thread is IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE M3? I didn't even say it was better,but no question it's an alternative, and if you read the authors other post you will see that he find other options too mainstream. Although you are obviously well clued up on the HSVs in fact the Monaros are Holdens not HSVs, even the VXR only has a few HSV parts but I'm sure you already new that.
Read a few roadtests in respected magazines from 2 or 3 years ago when the HSVs were originally brought over, and take the blinkers off.

[Zod]

sjc said:

Zod said: sjc said: Zod said: sjc said: HSV, no question.... Of course there's a question and the answer is not an Australian tractor. And you've driven exactly how many? and you have driven how many M3s? The Monaro is an old-fashioned brusier. It is not as good as an M3. Driven about 6, which is probably 6 more in total than the amount of HSV's you have driven. Where the did I knock the M3? The title of the thread is IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE M3? I didn't even say it was better,but no question it's an alternative, and if you read the authors other post you will see that he find other options too mainstream. Although you are obviously well clued up on the HSVs in fact the Monaros are Holdens not HSVs, even the VXR only has a few HSV parts but I'm sure you already new that. Read a few roadtests in respected magazines from 2 or 3 years ago when the HSVs were originally brought over, and take the blinkers off.

I read all thsoe tests, because I;m a typical PHer who religiously reads Evo and Car. My objection was your statement that there was no question, so take your own blinkers off. I know what the HSV is, but it's a completely different proposition.

>> Edited by Zod on Sunday 17th April 19:13

[Robdickinson]

Personaly I'd agree with the other RX8 owner !

RWD, LSD, seats 4 (more room in the back of the 8), not sure on boot size tho cant be much in it, RX8 is better balanced, handles better but is down some on power/weight ( 100hp, but is 200-300kg lighter at least).

Can always add a turbo for a 330bhp RX8 that'll see of that M3 easy :>

[fq400]

Yeah I'll agree to that too - rx8 chassis is perfectly set up and with standard power you get more than enough to play with. Traction on its stuck to the road, traction off and you can get it sideways easier than any other car there is. A bit revvy, and a bit slow at higher gears, so easiest is to stick on some nitrous or a supercharger.

[sjc]

Zod FFS, it's not is there a better car than the M3 it's IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE and my point was that yes (no question) the HSV was/is an alternative.Read my other earlier post, you will see I have no problem with the M3,but unlike yourself I wouldn't dismiss a car without driving it. Have we got it yet?

[Robdickinson]

Personaly I'd say the holden was more M5 competition?

[sjc]

That will really piss Zod off, not bad for an Australian tractor eh?

[Zod]

sjc said:

That will really piss Zod off, not bad for an Australian tractor eh?

No need for the ffs. I agree it's an alternative. As for it being M5 competition, being a teeny bit ambitious I feel (if you refer to the new M5).

[GetCarter]

greg2k said:

vladd said: Alpina B3 - Very nice, but not as fast as an M3 and are they auto only? 305 bhp (slightly less), six speed manual or slush box option, more exotic, higher residuals, cheaper and no 155 top speed (165mph top). >> Edited by greg2k on Sunday 17th April 18:29

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the B3 (how could I around here ) ... but FYI I did 172 in the M3 (GPS not speedo)... the 155 limiter thing is a total farce.

B3: nice car... an option if you can find one at the price.

Steve

[Robdickinson]

Zod said:

No need for the ffs. I agree it's an alternative. As for it being M5 competition, being a teeny bit ambitious I feel (if you refer to the new M5).

Nah old M5, large car v8 type rarther than smaller saloon with I/V6. On price performance its closer to the m3.

[GetCarter]

bruciebabie said:

Any Skoda, at least it isn't a BMW. Seriously Jag S type R. The world's best sports saloon. Better made than a beemer. Far more comfortable. Infinitely superior cabin. The more powerful Germans cannot really use their extra power because they are sprung too hard for British roads. M3 is bad for you image as a human being. Just don't go there.

Hey bruciebabie

This is absolutely nothing to do with this thread (sorry people)... but I've been reading your posts for a while now, and wondered what you drive (your profile doesn't enlighten)... put me out of my misery!

Ta

Steve

[clubsport]

M3 is a great allrounder....but in some respects is a compromise......I enjoy my S4 for practical,stealth running around and a 993 for road/track fun,,,,an M3 particularly a CSL could perhaps cover my motoring needs, but mainly down to it's weight has never quite hit the mark for me.

Depends how much you want to spend, to cover your motoring needs at the end of the day.

[whoami]

greg2k said:

vladd said: Alpina B3 - Very nice, but not as fast as an M3 and are they auto only? 305 bhp (slightly less), six speed manual or slush box option, more exotic, higher residuals, cheaper and no 155 top speed (165mph top). >> Edited by greg2k on Sunday 17th April 18:29

How can it be both cheaper and have better residuals??

[Smartie]

by costing less and maintaining a higher percentage of its cost price after a certain period?

[toppstuff]

bruciebabie said:

Any Skoda, at least it isn't a BMW. Seriously Jag S type R. The world's best sports saloon. Better made than a beemer. Far more comfortable. Infinitely superior cabin. The more powerful Germans cannot really use their extra power because they are sprung too hard for British roads. M3 is bad for you image as a human being. Just don't go there.

Oh my god, I don't know where to start disagreeing with this post!

The Skoda is decent enough, but the Jag S type is average at best and a depreciation nightmare. Stuck with Auto too - which rules it out instantly for me. The Jag is a good effort, but its still not there IMO.

I have some experience of M BMW's and I must admit that I do not recognise the statement above. It makes no sense. The M3 and M5 are lovely cars to drive, and certainly some of the nicest handling ( and easily driftable ! ) cars on the market.

Any image problem is in the mind of the beholder, not the owner as far as I'm concerned...

This BMW bashing really is very boring and misinformed...