'11 STi vs E46 M3 vs. 350z
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 38
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From: Canada
Thanks for the feedback guys.
I never said the driving experience IS dull, I've just heard it from a few people. Can't really judge until I've driven one, but posted that so I could get your opinions...especially if you've driven the others.
Budget wise, the gap is large because I'm thinking about this in terms of monthly payments, resale value, etc.
I can afford about $800/month for a car. This does NOT include gas, oil changes, etc., I have money for those additional costs.
The '11 STi is around the $800 mark, and I wouldn't have any other expenses because it's under warranty (other than scheduled maintenance).
The M3 would cost about $500 a month to finance, but I'm allotting the extra $300 for maintenance and repairs.
The 350z would be closer to $350 a month, with extra money for mods, repairs, maintenance, etc.
FYI I'm 23 years old.
I never said the driving experience IS dull, I've just heard it from a few people. Can't really judge until I've driven one, but posted that so I could get your opinions...especially if you've driven the others.
Budget wise, the gap is large because I'm thinking about this in terms of monthly payments, resale value, etc.
I can afford about $800/month for a car. This does NOT include gas, oil changes, etc., I have money for those additional costs.
The '11 STi is around the $800 mark, and I wouldn't have any other expenses because it's under warranty (other than scheduled maintenance).
The M3 would cost about $500 a month to finance, but I'm allotting the extra $300 for maintenance and repairs.
The 350z would be closer to $350 a month, with extra money for mods, repairs, maintenance, etc.
FYI I'm 23 years old.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3
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From: any
theres plenty of cars you can choose from even in canada you left out alot of cars that are awesome/fast/reliable/great looking well start here that would be my choices
1. c6 corvette (used) 25-40k
2. cadillac cts-v ( used ) 20-40k
3. 370z New 28-35k
4. Sti <- comes in 4th
5. 335i <- awesome car
6. 135i <- awesome car
dont get a 350z they are outdated , dont get a evo there ugly and absolutely dont get a e46 there complete trash... JUST MY Op
1. c6 corvette (used) 25-40k
2. cadillac cts-v ( used ) 20-40k
3. 370z New 28-35k
4. Sti <- comes in 4th
5. 335i <- awesome car
6. 135i <- awesome car
dont get a 350z they are outdated , dont get a evo there ugly and absolutely dont get a e46 there complete trash... JUST MY Op
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 383
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From: CA and CO
Just go test driving. That should answer your questions. If practicality is a concern you have your clear winner. If reliability is a concern you'll probably want to avoid the M3. And if you are bored driving a Z there is something freaking wrong with you.
I will say that I chose an '07 Z over an '07 STi and have been completely happy with my decision and have not had a moment of regret, but then I thought about it and drove both cars quite a bit before buying. The STi just looks like garbage in comparison, and while fun to drive, I found the sloppy gearbox a bit annoying. I love my RWD and I track the Z...but I have the luxury of not having to face inclement weather. If I had to deal with snow and lots and lots of rain the STi may have been a stronger candidate. I did some rallying growing up and there is something to be said about a good AWD vehicle.
I will say that I chose an '07 Z over an '07 STi and have been completely happy with my decision and have not had a moment of regret, but then I thought about it and drove both cars quite a bit before buying. The STi just looks like garbage in comparison, and while fun to drive, I found the sloppy gearbox a bit annoying. I love my RWD and I track the Z...but I have the luxury of not having to face inclement weather. If I had to deal with snow and lots and lots of rain the STi may have been a stronger candidate. I did some rallying growing up and there is something to be said about a good AWD vehicle.
if ur gonna spend 38k then imo u are looking at the wrong cars unless u go for being practical then the sti gets my vote..with that amount id be looking at a used gt500 or a used c6 vette, maybe could even get into a c6 zo6 if u found a nice deal..
STI will get 15-16 mpg no matter how soft you drive, if that's a problem for you I would reconsider buying it. In the m3 and Z you can get over 20 driving normal.
My brother use to own a 2008 sti, his commute to work is only 15 miles each way and it was enough to make him sell it. Other than that it was a great car.
My brother use to own a 2008 sti, his commute to work is only 15 miles each way and it was enough to make him sell it. Other than that it was a great car.
STI will get 15-16 mpg no matter how soft you drive, if that's a problem for you I would reconsider buying it. In the m3 and Z you can get over 20 driving normal.
My brother use to own a 2008 sti, his commute to work is only 15 miles each way and it was enough to make him sell it. Other than that it was a great car.
My brother use to own a 2008 sti, his commute to work is only 15 miles each way and it was enough to make him sell it. Other than that it was a great car.
And OP - why are you willing to consider a used M3 but not a used ABC car (STI/Evo)? An Evo8 is bad***, and will run $20k MAX. Give me $20k and tell me to buy a single car for all-around use (commute, groceries, track, autox, night out, etc.), and that's where my money goes.
Last edited by scotts300; Feb 4, 2011 at 10:12 AM.
Do some research! I owned one and once the warranty is up you can kiss your wallet goodbye! Once I hit 60k miles I had all kinds of issues. Fast car but not worth the $$$ to keep running.