Is it worth it?

[Dr_Rick]

So, I’m in an enviable position of “needing” to change my car. Currently running an S3 with a Stage 1 Revo tune, but the ride is too hard for my son, who gets car sick on bumpy Edinburgh roads. My wife has suggested getting something interesting, which is nice.

My choices so far include:
- m240i, plus a JB4, and keeping some cash in the bank
- M4, which is about £10k more than the above, and a bit bigger obviously
- Go back to Lotus, and get something like an a Exige S at the same price point as the M4

Now, running parameters include:
- Daily driver
- 12000 miles a year, ish
- Garaged
- Scottish weather
- 2 kids, but mainly one being driver at a time, occasionally. Usually my commuter car only.

I can talk myself into and out of each option. I know I’m likely to get “biased” responses here, but I’m after a view of tuned m240i vs M4 really. I did have an Elise S which I ran from new and did about 16k in its first year, and an Evora more recently, so I’m not totally guessing with Lotus, and that was in Scotland too.

Any thoughts?

[Dr_Rick]

Welshbeef said:

Why not change the suspension in your current car so it is adjustable therefore “comfort” when the boys in the same and whatever you want when you drive it.


Also you say M235i but add on JB4 ?? Why not stick to a standard car first that meets requirements instead of already considering modifications which will ruin its resale value.

Both valid points.

I recently drove an m240i, and the power levels were good, the ride competent and the quality certainly a league on from my 2009 S3. I was just pleasantly surprised at the bang for the buck options with the likes of JB4. My only issue with the m240i, is the lack of drama; I do like cars that are a bit of an “event”.

I think saying it’ll ruin resale value is a bit strong, isn’t it.

[Dr_Rick]

Doh, iPad autocorrect!

Need to get out in an M4 really. The local dealers don’t seem to have a demo to hand.

[Dr_Rick]

Welshbeef said:

Sounds like he needs a family car but with a big motor

Been there, done that: had a Lexus ISF with the 5.0 V8. Bit too thuggish, and "controlled".

Will take on board the comments on the immediate jump to a JB4.

However, will also have a test of a vanilla M4 to see what's what.

1. zenlikestate
2. canseethewayforward

[Dr_Rick]

Alright people, back in your boxes....

I've had Lotus' / Loti before so it's not a completely irrational concept to revisit them, especially as we have a RRS as the family wagon. However, plans for an interesting car in the next couple of years means I'm discounting the Lotus stable for a next daily driver.

I drove a standard M4, and think I'll be heading down that route as it gives a little more space in the rear for the kids growing, and a boot I can get stuff into. Plus the longer wheelbase will suit the commute better than the shorter m240i.

So my only question is whether I need to look harder for an M3 for the 4dr option. The prices are holding up better than the M4, and the M3 does continue the lineage of the original M-cars.

Was really pleasantly surprised by the ride quality of the M4 over some really hideous scabby B-roads around Edinburgh.

The hunt begins...

[Dr_Rick]

PorkInsider said:

Regarding M3/4 prices holding up (or not), don't forget the M3 is already out of production, but will also be replaced sooner than the M4, so things will start to even out again in the next year or so.

Just worth bearing in mind as, if you pay considerably more for an F80 M3, you might find it falls quicker at some point.

Fair point, but my days of brand spanking new aren't here at the moment. I tested an e90 M3 and only didn't buy because the condition of that particular one wasn't really up to where I'd want it to be.

Hot Knife said:

I was very interested in the M4, I would go for that if I didn't need seating for 5.

My seating requirements are for max 4, more common would be me + 1.