got £30k to spend - M3/S5 or Cayman???
Discussion
The S5 doesn't float my boat. In all honesty neither does the Cayman - always preferred the cheaper Boxster. M3's a great package but what about an M5 or M6 - loads of fun. M5 stands as the most accomplished car I've ever owned but an M3 CSL is hands down the most thrilling to drive.
m33ufo said:
The S5 doesn't float my boat. In all honesty neither does the Cayman - always preferred the cheaper Boxster. M3's a great package but what about an M5 or M6 - loads of fun. M5 stands as the most accomplished car I've ever owned but an M3 CSL is hands down the most thrilling to drive.
Funny you should say that as I sold my M5 and bought the E92 M3 
The M5 is an epic car, but a bit too big and thirsty for my liking, the roads where I live I just couldn't get the most out of it.
Now if I had good A roads, it may be a different story, that and a free petrol card
jontysafe said:
Very different cars; I bought my current Alpina rather than a Boxster because, while I liked the Boxster a lot, I didn't think it worked quite so well for me as an everyday car. So with your choice, at first glance my heart says Cayman. But weighing it up with my head, I'd probably end up with the M3.
khushy said:
on Jan 01/11 we will be looking for a new toy - I have narrowed it down to a Cayman, an E90 M3 or an S5 - would be interested to hear comments please . . .
only need 2 seats - but must be fun to drive and reliable
khushy
Clearly this is not the place to get votes for an S5 - good looking, beautiful interior, great sounding V8, but nobody would claim that it compares with either of the others for driving satisfaction.only need 2 seats - but must be fun to drive and reliable
khushy
I considered a Cayman S before I bought my E92 M3, and have driven one a few times. It is a delightful car. (By the way, when I was looking for a new car to my spec in 2008 they both came out in the high £50 k's.) I chose the M3 for a combination of the sledgehammer performance and the extra convenience factors. Personally, the once I drove the E90 I did not feel as at home in it as I do in the E92; I don't know whether it is factually the case that you sit higher up in the saloon, but that is what it felt like to me, which meant that the E92 felt a bit more sporty. Again, I don't know whether the E90 is deliberately set up to isolate you more from the engine noise, but I had the impression that you experienced less of the fabulous V8 noises in the E90. So I would be saying that unless you use the back seat all the time, which you don't, you should go for an E92 rather than an E90.
I am concerned what sort of M3 you would get for £30k, and think the 135i Coupe was a good alternative suggestion.
gilford said:
Funny you should say that as I sold my M5 and bought the E92 M3
The M5 is an epic car, but a bit too big and thirsty for my liking, the roads where I live I just couldn't get the most out of it.
Now if I had good A roads, it may be a different story, that and a free petrol card
I went the other way round and had (well two), M3 CSL's then an E90 M3 and currently an E60 M5. As good as the E90/92 was it just felt a little boring compared to the CSL. The M5 is a bit more of a handful which is kinda fun. The M5 is an epic car, but a bit too big and thirsty for my liking, the roads where I live I just couldn't get the most out of it.
Now if I had good A roads, it may be a different story, that and a free petrol card
m33ufo said:
gilford said:
Funny you should say that as I sold my M5 and bought the E92 M3
The M5 is an epic car, but a bit too big and thirsty for my liking, the roads where I live I just couldn't get the most out of it.
Now if I had good A roads, it may be a different story, that and a free petrol card
I went the other way round and had (well two), M3 CSL's then an E90 M3 and currently an E60 M5. As good as the E90/92 was it just felt a little boring compared to the CSL. The M5 is a bit more of a handful which is kinda fun. The M5 is an epic car, but a bit too big and thirsty for my liking, the roads where I live I just couldn't get the most out of it.
Now if I had good A roads, it may be a different story, that and a free petrol card
I too had a CSL for a couple of years, chopped it in for a 911 and then the wife fell pregnant (
) so then came the M5! Kept it for a year but it was far too big for what we needed and now the little one is in a front facing seat the E92 M3 was perfect Few good ones around at that money. Good spec this one as well. Bare in mind it MAY have just expired warranty, I expect that is why its about £1-2k cheaper than I'd expect it to be.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2162180.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2162180.htm
You used to have a z3m.......z4m is too similar.....
The e90 m3 may be a compromise as it's an amazing car but just not fun enough!
The cayman could be a great option but what about a 996 turbo?
I didn't see you mention whether you do many miles? Sports cars are good fun and all but commuting takes the shine off a sports car due to our poo roads.....
The e90 m3 may be a compromise as it's an amazing car but just not fun enough!
The cayman could be a great option but what about a 996 turbo?
I didn't see you mention whether you do many miles? Sports cars are good fun and all but commuting takes the shine off a sports car due to our poo roads.....
Just to echo whats been said already really... the views in here will be biased towards the M of course and I wouldnt worry about a leggy one assuming its got a full service history. The S5 doesnt do it for me in the looks department and its certainly the lesser sports car. My mate has a cayman s that he paid 25k for so its a good and cheaper option but a lot less comforting on longer journeys and the interior is basic. My M being the jack of all trades will be a keeper for a long time as I simply cant fault it in any department! Great for the kids too.
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