Need inspiration

[Joe M]

Getting fed up with my e46 m3, the age of it etc and want something newish, under 3 years old, with 4/5 doors, but nothing is really jumping out at me.

Up to 20k, Leon Cupra 290?
25ish, golf r or m140i?
30ish, 340i, giulia veloce.

I don't think I would spend above that, as then I would want an f10 m5 but the running costs are scary.

Any thoughts?

[Weekendrebuild]

All those cars aren’t a patch on the m3 !!! The m140i is awful an looks like crap . A golfs a golf about as much of a turn on as diesel in my opinion. I love the m3 but do have the m5 aswell if I fancy 6mpg an some v10 backing track. The rs4 not bad looking motor but I didn’t like the steering feel myself each to there own .
All my opinion obviously ?

[Joe M]

Everything you say makes sense, and that's why I'm struggling to find a suitable replacement and have asked on here.

[HannsG]

I had an E46 M3. Went for a M140i which is to be delivered late April.

And I adored my M3.

[ericmcn]

Subaru 2.5 WRX STi Type UK 4dr, can get a 18 reg with 2k miles for ca 26k on AT

[Joe M]

So we have an against and a for m140i, both from E46 M3 owners. Must admit, a shadow edition for 24 looks like a good buy to me. Any must have options? (other than a quaife diff ASAP)

[Edible Roadkill]

F30 M3? Early one will be 25-30k now albeit 5yrs old

[Joe M]

I would love an F30 M3, but thought they were still mid 30's, will have a look.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you don't mind going older but in no way sacrificing reliability then you end up with a Lexus IS-F which are very good cars that get under your skin & are a very fun drive but you don't sacrifice reliability & the running costs will be lower too.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you stretch the budget then you can land a non comp pack F80 M3 but I'd say test drive one first I really didn't enjoy the car which is why it was gone after 3 months.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The XE S is also worth a look:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or a very good leftfield option is a Polestar V60:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Joe M]

XE s is a good shout, Polestar looks good, but can't see myself in one. Think it would be the most difficult to sell on as well if I don't like it.
Walked round the bmw dealer today and the m140i didn't really jump out at me, looked a bit small/narrow inside. I wasn't in the mood to look to be fair so didn't speak to a salesman to look inside it.
Went into Arnold Clark next door, cupra and a golf r there. I think by looking in the window, one of them would do...

Last couple of cars I've bought really jumped out at me, felt like yes, I must have this now. It isn't happening at the moment though, where to go from an e46 m3?

[ninjag]

XFR or XFR-S? 5L V8 with the excellent Meridian Surround 825W with 17 speakers?

Edited by ninjag on Tuesday 26th March 12:05

[Joe M]

Thought I would add the outcome of this thread, which is a very rare thing on pH!
I'm keeping the M3, just left a deposit on an e92 335d to use as a daily. I know, it doesn't fit all the requirements I had 😂

[ZX10R NIN]

Smart answer it makes sense, glad you got sorted.

[Mr Tidy]

Joe M said:

Thought I would add the outcome of this thread, which is a very rare thing on pH!
I'm keeping the M3, just left a deposit on an e92 335d to use as a daily. I know, it doesn't fit all the requirements I had ??

Great to hear the end result!

A month or 2 ago I was wondering if I should upgrade my Z4 Coupe to a Z4M Coupe - but my choices would be limited by budget!

So I upgraded my daily from an E91 325i to an E90 330i instead.

I'm sure a Z4MC will be on the cards one day, as will a 130i as a daily - but until then I'm happy!