IZoomZoomI

or simply buy two rx8s

AQA101

Besides the fact that the M3 you're opting for has the worst possible color for a M3, get it if you can afford the maintenance. 1 year / 28k km is nothing for a BMW if it was treated properly.

I love my 8, but I have to admit that the M3 is a different league ...

buzzwordenabled

SO TRUE! The subsequent M3s just got heavier and more street-oriented.

buzzwordenabled

I owned a BMW prior to my RX-8. Last year, I spent $3k on maintenance for a car that I bought new in 1998. A few months ago, the drivers power window "failed" to the tune of $500 for parts and labor. With only 70k miles on the car, I never considered a power window to be a wear and tear item. Yet, there I was.

BMW delivers a fantastic driving experience and sublime handling. A test drive of the RX-8 converted me. Prior to my RX-8 test drive, I hardly considered the notion of owning a Japanese car. Since making the swap, I really couldn't be happier with the car.

If you're going to get the BMW, I hope that you've got yourself started on good career! Haha

Senseny

I would go with the M3, drive it for a couple of years, and sell it when the warranty runs out. Then I would see what is available in the Rx lineup in late 2006 or so. The only mitigating circumstance could/would be the ownership costs of BMW M power---insurance and service. I know I am not adding anything new to the conversation, but I thought I would just add another voice.

policyvote

IIRC, Top Gear's track tests of the RX-8 and M3 resulted in identical times. Of course, track conditions, course shape, and driver skill are all unaccounted-for variables here, but still, it's interesting to note.

xSxxKxxYx

in my opinion.... i think u should 1st try to get the best price u can on an 8... and just dot' add too much option... and use the left over $$ for after market parts.... then it'll be a SWEET ride.... :D

but again... if u got the $$ for maintenace and insurance... then ya... FOR SURE go for the M3

xSxxKxxYx

man.... u sure have NEVER driven a SMG.... they are as FAST as any manuel out there.... wait... didn't this guy "shelleys_man_06" HATE Drifting also?? umm... thoughts****

djantlive

M3 is probly one of the only cars that I would trade my RX7 TT for. If I had an RX8, I'd trade it in a second.

Redlinin 8

Heres my cousins ///M3......

Do yourself a favor and get this car.Fun to drive and a BEAST on the road.You wont regret it....

check out www.e46fanatics.com if you havnt alread.

Redlinin 8

next.....

shigginsrx8

^^ wow, thats a nice car. I love the BMW white, hell, I love white period. Looks so good at night. Although, I could do without the red leather, but its growing on me. Plus, I am canadian so i guess its patriotic.

Prod

Get the M3. I doubt you'll regret it.

TODreamer

Don't try it Shig.... you pay all that money for it and then try to tinker with it yourself????? ..... thats not a civic eh

shigginsrx8

I AM OUTRAGED!! I have never and would never own a honda civic, or anything in a similar range!!! :D

but seriously, I grew up working on cars/trucks/bikes/tractors. There isnt too much we (my father and I) cant do in the shop.

Racer Rick

Buzzword.....
My current M3 is a '98 and I've had similar experiences.....just went through BMW's inspection 2 on the car and it cost me a few thousand dollars (who ever heard of a car that is designed to have front control arms replaced on a life-cycle??). Nevertheless, I love the car each and every time I drive it!
Ironically I spend less on maintenance on my GT-3 rotary racer than I do on my M3!!

grapes

What a bunch of traitors.

bean438

According to many german car owners I have talked to, they feel that their cars perform well but are expensive to service and repair. After the 5th year of ownership things get real expensive.
Your 8 isnt solid and well crafted? Mazda are econo cars?
Huh?
Do you have a drug addiction or something?

GotBass

My Dad has an '02 M3 conv. Laguna Seca Blue, 6 Speed. Approx. 10,000 mi.

I love my car but I would trade him any day of the week.

Japan8

More like I'd never buy an SMG because I like clutching. Although the actual transmission is different, the idea is the same with the Porsche Tiptronic (sp?) and the unit I have on my S-Wagon (P5). I hate it. I want a freaking clutch and the good ol' double H pattern. Screw that tip forward and backward crap. So what if it's faster? I feel less connected to the car. NG for me.

shigginsrx8

haha, this thread is old. Already bought the car, drove the car, didn't really like the car, sold the car, buying a P car :D

IZoomZoomI

the m3 is the benchmark of FR vehicles much respect, and very well should be, great power, great handling and great balance. Just can't afford one :p. If I could it would be my daily driver and the rx8 be my weekend warrior.

RX Renesis

yo man is ur friend still selling his M3? or is it gone? i might be intrested

shigginsrx8

I bought it and then sold it too a freind of mine. He has no intentions to sell it that I know of.