Car dilemma

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21-06-16, 21:49
Remote

Car dilemma

Looking for some ideas or input into helping choose a new car.

The Porsche will be departing soon so il have to fill the void with something, il be looking for something German and sporty, I'm giving myself a budget of approx 30K. I had my heart set on an E92 M3, but I ideally wanted an LCI model and was planning on spending more, but I'm happy enough to work with approx 30K with the view to keeping the car for 12-24 months. Ideally I don't want something that will drop in value too much, which has me thinking of dropping back the years for something with lower miles that may hold its value well.

I'm not ruling out an E92 M3 if the correct one pops up, but I'm after starting to look at low mileage E46 M3's or B7 RS4's.

Would 20K sterling for a 25K mile E46 M3 be a stupid purchase..... Or 25K sterling for a 50K mile CS.....

The VRT on either shouldn't be too bad.

While 20-25K Sterling can get you into a nice B7 RS4 with circa 50K miles. I found myself looking at the Estates in these and some are pretty good looking and very rare here.

Anybody any experience with the B7 RS4?? Apart from being followed home I suppose.

If anybody knows anything coming up or has something I may be interested in just throw it up in here.

Il post up some pics of what I'm looking at.

Cheers
21-06-16, 22:20
Remote

6 Attachment(s)

Two RS4's on Pistonheads
21-06-16, 22:22
Remote

5 Attachment(s)

25K mile E46 M3 @20K sterling
21-06-16, 22:33
Remote

4 Attachment(s)

M3 CS with 72K miles @ approx 23K sterling
21-06-16, 22:39
dergside

VRT might scupper this suggestion as its noticeably higher than the , but if you are thinking along the e46 M3 lines then what about a Z4 M coupe?

The values on these have been very steady at worst and modestly rising at best over the past year or two. More limited numbers than the e46 M3 and being a bit more hardcore will likely mean it holds its value better, or improves, ahead of the M3.

Even if the VRT is relatively high on one for importation, if you take the view that you'd likely export it at the end of the time with it then you'd get a good chunk of it back.
21-06-16, 22:42
dergside

Nice dilemma, by the way :)
21-06-16, 22:53
Remote

6 Attachment(s)

Cheers, but I think the Z3M coupe boat has sailed, you need to be spending quite big to get a good decent miler.

I don't want to be going high miler as I will be driving it.

If the budget allowed I would be all over a frozen silver E92 M3, but I think at the moment with VRT @€17,000 for a 2012 M3 with reasonable mileage, it's a non runner.

I think they look great though
21-06-16, 23:01
nige

Tbh I think if you're after a nice e46 just hang around on m3 cutters and spend 12k on a mint oem car with lowish mileage. Spending a premium for a car with 25k miles would ruin ownership for me as I'd be terrified putting miles on it in case it devalues.

It's a niche market willing to pay a premium for a good e46 m3 at 15k euro. Once you get into the big bucks you're talking about I think you'd want to keep the car for a very long time.

Given your car history I think either the €30k or €35k m6 in Beshoffs would be a great buy and largely depreciation proof!
22-06-16, 00:02
dergside

OK - on the basis that an Audi RS is a contender, so 4wd, V8, a bit under stated (OK, maybe not quite ala RS on that one) and about €20k under budget......

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...code=p&adPos=6 ( :) )

VRT of €1649.... if you never got any of it back on re-export, it'd still be cheap....
22-06-16, 05:30
Alexoc

Mark are you a member on RS246.com? Normally a good selection of well looked after RS4s available there and at least you can see the build threads/history for the cars on offer.
Well worth a look if you're thinking of an Audi.

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22-06-16, 08:24
Remote

Cheers guys, but that Volvo can go and fcuk right off ; )

Afraid the M5/M6 ain't for me, so as good a car as they are I couldn't live with them.

Cheers Alex, didn't even know it existed, will sign up and get looking, if you see anything let me know or send me a text.
22-06-16, 11:44
james forde

Quote:

Originally Posted by dergside

OK - on the basis that an Audi RS is a contender, so 4wd, V8, a bit under stated (OK, maybe not quite ala RS on that one) and about €20k under budget......

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...code=p&adPos=6 ( :) )

VRT of €1649.... if you never got any of it back on re-export, it'd still be cheap....

No offense but I think that's horrible:ambivalence:
22-06-16, 13:12
RobH

I have a very very good 04 e46 m3 in silver grey with 89k which I might sell, I have been undecided for the last couple of weeks on what to do with it.http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps3nca9mb7.jpg
22-06-16, 14:11
dergside

Quote:

Originally Posted by james forde

No offense but I think that's horrible:ambivalence:

None taken :). I'm not selling it, just offering up a left field alternative to the obvious choices. Sometimes in situations like this the hardest thing to do is see beyond the RS/M/AMG options. Looks like a lot of AMG options will stretch beyond the budget mentioned.

Other options in this direction could include Jag XF SV8 or R, Monaro, etc.
22-06-16, 14:14
ian.j

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobH

I have a very very good 04 e46 m3 in silver grey with 89k which I might sell, I have been undecided for the last couple of weeks on what to do with it.http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps3nca9mb7.jpg

Is it manual?

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22-06-16, 14:23
ian.j

Sorry just noticed it's Alan's old one.

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22-06-16, 14:48
james forde

Quote:

Originally Posted by dergside

None taken :). I'm not selling it, just offering up a left field alternative to the obvious choices. Sometimes in situations like this the hardest thing to do is see beyond the RS/M/AMG options. Looks like a lot of AMG options will stretch beyond the budget mentioned.

Other options in this direction could include Jag XF SV8 or R, Monaro, etc.

That's true!

Hard look past a low milage e46 m3 if your looking to buy something that wont loose you money when selling.

Couple of the Jap Cars are on the way up but not sure if there to everyone's cup of tea. If I was going for something different around the 30k mark a noble gto or r34 gtr be nice.
22-06-16, 15:16
dergside

I wouldn't base any decision on the expectation of appreciation. The market is a funny old thing and it's the flip of a card as to whether the market for modern classics will continue to rise and grow or if there is a market crash somewhere on the horizon for the classic market generally.

Buy something that you'll enjoy and the costs will be forgotten before the time to tally up the capital gain/loss arrives.
22-06-16, 18:04
m3 mick

Seriously nice dilemma your in!!
Would you go outside the norm ! ! Mental cars to drive and not exactly shy in the looks dept either!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...six/248570?v=c
22-06-16, 18:07
m3 mick

My bad didn't see ya wanted German!! But whopper cars ale the same
22-06-16, 18:40
Remote

Looks well Rob, send us on the spec / price when you get a chance. Only thing is mileage, ideally I'd want to be selling with under 100K on it, as the Irish market seem to think a car will blow up at 101K

Really liking the look of an RS4 at the mo, Jap won't suit as il be using it partly for work and the Jap stuff I'm into wouldn't really fit the bill.

I don't mind bringing something in from UK, gonna trawl through PH again and see if anything catches my eye.
22-06-16, 19:02
Gar

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...ne/4823627?v=c

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...ic/5497942?v=c
22-06-16, 19:20
318 iS Cosmos

Mark you've had 2 M3's in the past including a bloody gorgeous CS..I think you need to try out a RS4 IMO..those tourings look epic!

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22-06-16, 19:23
Alexoc

I agree that a B7 RS4 would be a nice car to go for, just a warning, the performance will be very underwhelming after your Turbo...the sound might make up for it though!!

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22-06-16, 20:02
Remote

To be honest I have accepted the fact that whatever I get into is going to feel underwhelming power wise, I drove a B7 RS4 a few years ago and wasn't blown away, during E46 M3 ownership, but right now I'm not after huge speed, quick and good looking will suffice.

The bigger plan will be to get into a 997 Turbo / PDK in a couple of years so il scratch the rocket ship itch again. A nice usable daily / spirited drive will be fine right now.

You driving an RS4 in the fleet at the moment Alex?

Alpinas never appealed to me for some reason. I think it will be between an E46 M3 / B7 RS4 / early E92 M3, preference for the RS at the moment.
22-06-16, 22:16
Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by dergside

None taken :). I'm not selling it, just offering up a left field alternative to the obvious choices. Sometimes in situations like this the hardest thing to do is see beyond the RS/M/AMG options. Looks like a lot of AMG options will stretch beyond the budget mentioned.

Other options in this direction could include Jag XF SV8 or R, Monaro, etc.

I think that Volvo is class. Ever since my 850R I've had massive respect for fast volvos.

That engine is the same as the one in the Noble M600 if I'm not mistaken.

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23-06-16, 08:40
hooch

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

I think that Volvo is class. Ever since my 850R I've had massive respect for fast volvos.

That engine is the same as the one in the Noble M600 if I'm not mistaken.

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Friend of mine has an S60R from new and its over 400bhp. Still one of the fastest cars i've ever been in. Would definitely be a match for an E39 M5. They are very underrated cars.
23-06-16, 13:09
IRISHD M3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Remote

Cheers, but I think the Z3M coupe boat has sailed, you need to be spending quite big to get a good decent miler.

I don't want to be going high miler as I will be driving it.

If the budget allowed I would be all over a frozen silver E92 M3, but I think at the moment with VRT @€17,000 for a 2012 M3 with reasonable mileage, it's a non runner.

I think they look great though

Its a Z4M Coupe not a Z3 that Dergside was suggesting. AFAIK the same engine as the E46 M3 and a hell of a rare car. Couple of very nice ones in the UK too and I agree with the point that they should start appreciating soon. Not as much as the Z3M of course but gradually so that you shouldnt loose much money on one if you keep it for a couple of years. Stick a nice set of BBS wheels on either of these and you have a serious head turner:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...-m/5568710?v=c

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...07/5633179?v=c
23-06-16, 14:22
dergside

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

I think that Volvo is class.

OP excepted of course, there's more support for the Volvo than I expected :).
23-06-16, 15:19
Remote

4 Attachment(s)

Sorry I thought it was a Z3 M coupe mentioned.

The Z4 is lovely looking and I'm sure it's a super car to drive, but I couldn't live with one.

Dergside, apologise I didn't realise you had a Volvo 😁😁 just wouldn't be for me, I'm sure there quick but not my taste.

Been reading up on the B7 RS4 quite a bit and seems to be a lot of talk about being under powered and various other things. Fifth gear done a show comparing it to an E46 M3 CS which was interesting, couldn't help but be drawn to the E46 looks, really are a fun car to own, however I'd probably go down the same road as before and stick wheels and coil overs again, but they look so good with a couple of things done....... FML

It's a tough call.
23-06-16, 15:21
Remote

6 Attachment(s)

This B7 RS4 is very nice also
23-06-16, 15:27
Smokey Bear

Colour is a bit bland and I think they need to be an avant! Seats do look fantastic in them though.
23-06-16, 15:45
Remote

5 Attachment(s)

VRT of 2/3K Euro on the low mileage E46M3 with 30K miles

That's €26,000 which is crazy money for an E46, landed you'd prob do it for €27,000 if you arrived with cash.

It is mega low mileage just a lot of money for it.

Looks great though
23-06-16, 15:46
Remote

For some reason that colour in the RS4 really appeals to me.

The bright blue (" sprint blue" I think) is very common.
23-06-16, 22:26
Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by hooch

Friend of mine has an S60R from new and its over 400bhp. Still one of the fastest cars i've ever been in. Would definitely be a match for an E39 M5. They are very underrated cars.

It must be quite heavily tuned!

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23-06-16, 22:33
Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by Remote

For some reason that colour in the RS4 really appeals to me.

The bright blue (" sprint blue" I think) is very common.

I looked quite seriously at a B7 RS4, there's a one owner dry stored 32k km car down here in sprint blue and they can be expensive to own, on par with an E92 and I think I'd have an E92 over an RS4.

You also notice the absence of torque, there's in the region of 70lb/ft of torque less than the M5 and its apparent.

Outstanding levels of grip though

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