Considering an M3, Few questions.

[m3f_Caruso1428]

Well, I've narrowed it down.



I'm either going to get a 2000 Lightning, 2001 Bullit Stang, or a 95-97 M3.



I know that the M3 would be better on Gas milage, but what about insurance?



Also, Is it true that the Automatic M3 is almost a second slower in the 1/4th?



I live in New Orleans and Drive in traffic often...Thinking an auto would be better because of that reason, however I'll take the 5spd with NO problem.



Thanks.

[m3f_NLR]

It all comes down to what you want in a car. If your after straight line acceleration, get the Lightning. Those things can gain alot more power just by simply changing out the stock pulleys for the supercharger. You definitely will spend alot more on gas of course.



As far as comparing the Bullitt Mustang to the M3, the two pretty much have identical acceleration numbers, perhaps the Mustang edging the M3 out slightly in that category, but the M3 will run circles around the 'Stang" all day long when the road gets twisty.



And yes, the automatic M3 is about a second slower than a manual version to 60 and in the 1/4 mile. In my opinion, if you are even considering an automatic transmission, go with the other two, since a manual tranny is what makes an M3, an M3. Again, just my opinion though.

[m3f_Caruso1428]

Thanks man..



Im really leaning toward the M3, would be very nice...



How about insurance? What kind of rates would I expect?

[m3f_NLR]

Originally posted by Caruso1428

Thanks man..



Im really leaning toward the M3, would be very nice...



How about insurance? What kind of rates would I expect?



Not too sure on this one. It all depends on your age, (under 25=higher rate) driving record and location. I'm with USAA and I am 27 years old with a good amount of speeding tickets and a couple of reckless driving infractions. All of those were issued a few years back though.



I think I pay about around $800 every six months, and that's after the accident I had back in July of this year in which I wrecked my previous '00 328i causing approximately $15,000 in damages. Not surprisingly, when I recieved the car after the repairs the car didn't drive like it did before the accident, so I turned it in after lease end and bought a '99 M3. Actually kinda glad I did wreck my other car, since I probably would've ended up buying it when my lease expired and I never would've gotten the M3.

[m3f_Dunbar]

The other thing to consider with an M3 is maintenance. Based on what I've read here it's about $1500 a year. You're gonna drop at least a grand every 15,000 miles on tires. Then you've got shocks every 40k plus brakes and scheduled inspections every 15-20k (inspection I and II.) I'm 25 and the State Farm quoted me $1400/yr on an M3, about $200 cheaper than a 2001 Prelude.



I drove a Lightning and was quite impressed for a truck. I couldn't drive something that got 12 mpg though...

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

drag racing isn't all that.. ok so u can go in a straight line in ur lightning or 5.slow.. but what about those turns.. i say buy the M3 (more luxurious than the fords, more responsive, and just more bad ass!).. then u can through some coilovers in her and run around those fords.. shoot.. one of these days there is going to be a ford trying to follow us through a turn and lose control because they think they are all that and a bag of chips..



Dude.. M3.. ya won't ever buy another american car after that

[m3f_BlkBimM3R_4c5ffa766f]

I would go for the M3 w/ Manual Transmission... I live in CA and work near LA area so I know what traffic is like :???: IMO it would be wierd to get a sporty car w/o a manual transmission but thats just my opinion...



anyway seeing your choice in cars I don't think gas mileage would be that big of a concern... I would go w/ the M3 because it is a very capable car and its classier than driving a Ford... also in turns the M3 would probably hand those cars its a$$...



insurance can be a bit expensive depending on your age, driving record, geographic location among other factors... I've seen some people w/ really low rates.. but when I got quotes they were pretty high... its best to call your agent (and try other companies) so you get an idea of what your going to pay based on your stats...



classy, luxurious, handles well, fun to drive, pretty fast, good safety, bmw reliability, potential for upgrades, good aftermarket support, what more can you ask for... M3 all the way... :thumbsup:

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

I checked into insurace on a 99 M3, 2001 330 (or maybe 2002, I forgot), 2002 WRX, and my current 95 Prelude.



I am 20 and had a few accidents and tickets back when I was like 16, so companies like Geico wouldn't even record that, but Allstate (my current carrier) remembers those slight problems and bills me out the butt.



So, I pay about 3200/yr now. When I turn 21, I get another 10% off. Whoopee. Still, the M3 ended being the most expensive at 3600 a yr, the other two cars were somewhere in between there. But in reality, there is only a 400 dollar spread...which isn't ridiculously huge compared to various other costs of owning these types of cars.



So, I would pay about 3240 a year for a 99 M3. I haven't checked with Geico yet, but they said it was cheaper.



My parents pay for my insurance (yes I know...whatever, drop in the bucket compared to my private school education ) so I have this huge freaking liability etc. coverage. They don't trust me and don't want the other people suing them.



Regardless, it isn't marginally that much more for me. Seriously, what is another 400-600 bucks spread over 12 monthes if it's something you really want.



Don't rule out something because of dumb things like gas mileage or insurance. Remember, you don't want to be telling everyone who asks why you didn't get car X that "well, car Y had better insurance rates and gas mileage". that's just lame.



Don't make lame excuses if you really love the car. Now, if sticker price is significantly more, then you might want to think harder, but don't get caught up on the little stuff.



Honestly, think of how many mustangs you see cruising...and frankly, no one is impressed by trucks.

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

i usually only see the stalions in my rear view.. unless i run into a blower. hehehe

[m3f_tm3cc21]

and if u wanna race the lighting in a straight line , you should take him high end anyway areodynamics **** on those past like 80

[m3f_knave]

Go get a quote from your insurance provider before you do anything. Don't want any nasty surprises. I got a quote on a 98 M3 and it was the same as if I got a 03 Nissan 350Z... $2600 every 6 mos. I have a mediocre driving record (1 accident, a couple tickets), which I'm currently cleaning up. But it ****s, because the insurance is almost prohibitively expensive. (Especially if I want to get a house any time soon...)



I'm going to be driving a beater (240sx) for a while before I get the M3 or the Z, it seems...



Mike



Edit: I can't say s-u-c-ks??

[m3f_werder_bremen]

Previously i owned a 99 Mustang Cobra and now own a 99 M3 w/ manual transmission. The Cobra was a fun car and i am glad i got one. That being said, the M3 is better in almost every way except perhaps in straight line acceleration. The overall quality and handling of the M3 are the things that really stand out as being no contest compared to the Ford. My .02