Considering trading my M3 for a Mk2 Aston Martin DB9 - Am I Nuts?

[mr pete]

I don't think I would ever buy a car with a rebuilt title, particularly a car that has historically poor resale value.

I think if you do the manual swap, you'll enjoy the M3 immensely. I just did exactly that and its made the car 1000x more enjoyable.

And my wife hates all my 'old hoopties.' But she knows how much these cars mean to me, so she gives me a pass.

[Andratch]

I don't think I would ever buy a car with a rebuilt title, particularly a car that has historically poor resale value.

I think if you do the manual swap, you'll enjoy the M3 immensely. I just did exactly that and its made the car 1000x more enjoyable.

And my wife hates all my 'old hoopties.' But she knows how much these cars mean to me, so she gives me a pass.

Mine gives me a pass too, just sucks that the passenger seat is always empty.

Good point on the resale topic - and TBH, I'm not sure the later DB9 is fully depreciated and on its way back up yet like the M3 is. So it could be a double bummer of losing depreciation value accelerated by a bad title

[dr_011]

Go for the heavy GT masterpiece. Second, keep SMG and piss off the "enthusiasts".

[jayjaya29]

Have you driven it yet? The driving experience, how you fit into the car, touch points, visibility, etc etc would be a big factor to me.

[Andratch]

Go for the heavy GT masterpiece. Second, keep SMG and piss off the "enthusiasts".

I actually like SMG for what it is! I would agree that a 6 speed is more 'fun' and engaging, but SMG is a cool technology, especially for early 2000s.

[Slideways]

I'm not as concerned about GT vs Driver, our roads are more for GT down here. Weight doesn't really bug me either at my age, but parts and cost are definitely concerns for me. I've been spoiled by FCP Euro and whatnot.....I don't see many vendors for Aston at all. I dont want to be "dealer only"

The title is a concern just from a resale standpoint if I part ways with it down the road. I was around for the damage that "totaled" it, and it was just a case of bad spot for a minor bend that Insurance doesn't like to repair.

I don't think he's desperate to sell the car immediately, so maybe I can enjoy the M3 more and then do the trade down the road. But another factor weighing on me is that my wife doesn't like the M3, so it feels selfish to keep just for myself.

The M3 is a great GT car if you don't put stiff suspension or a loud exhaust on it. Tiff Needle said something about "the [E46] 3 series moving into the GT category" in his Top Gear review.

The title is a real deal breaker unless we are talking about a track car.

Might want to ask what she does not like about it and how the AM, or any other sporty car for that matter, will change that. You could end up in a similar spot but with a rebuilt title AM that might continue to depreciate.

Always a good watch:

[liam821]

The DB9 will depreciate (and continues to drop in value - especially with a rebuilt title - small accident or not) while the e46m3 is going to appreciate in value (low miles, desirable color combo, tasteful mods).

[Andratch]

The M3 is a great GT car if you don't put stiff suspension or a loud exhaust on it. Tiff Needle said something about "the [E46] 3 series moving into the GT category" in his Top Gear review.

The title is a real deal breaker unless we were talking about a track car.

Might want to ask what she does not like about it and how the AM, or any other sporty car for that matter, will change that. You could end up in a similar spot but with a rebuilt title AM that might continue to depreciate.

Always a good watch:

It’s actually a good point. If I recall correctly, the last time she was in it, it was about half an inch lower, and on the previous set of coilovers that were quite firm even on the softest setting. Maybe time for a redo!

[01SG]

Why are you limiting yourself to the DB9?

The 2006 and up generation v8 Vantage can be had within your budget with low mileage and a manual. The drivetrain is extremely reliable. You will pay out the ass for things like tail lights and luxury parts, but the car itself is robust as hell. That way you get the style, luxury, and performance all in one. Your wife will love it and so will you.

The engine is dry sump and completely behind the front axle making it a front mid engine car. Weighs about 3600 pounds. It's the only car I would trade my e46 for, it is the only one I view as a direct replacement and upgrade in basically every way. I would miss the ITB and slightly lower weight and smaller dimensions, but the Aston will steer, handle, and sound better.

And it's an Aston. These cars are extremely under valued. It blows my mind people will pay more for a 997 or m3...and with more mileage even!! The Aston is far more special than any of the above. It's simply one of the most special cars of our time and it happens to be a total bargain. As phenomenal as the M3 and 911 are...that Aston is another level. It's an exotic.

[Obioban]

If you don't have corners.... M3 doesn't make a ton of sense.

[Andratch]

Why are you limiting yourself to the DB9?

The 2006 and up generation v8 Vantage can be had within your budget with low mileage and a manual. The drivetrain is extremely reliable. You will pay out the ass for things like tail lights and luxury parts, but the car itself is robust as hell. That way you get the style, luxury, and performance all in one. Your wife will love it and so will you.

The engine is dry sump and completely behind the front axle making it a front mid engine car. Weighs about 3600 pounds. It's the only car I would trade my e46 for, it is the only one I view as a direct replacement and upgrade in basically every way. I would miss the ITB and slightly lower weight and smaller dimensions, but the Aston will steer, handle, and sound better.

And it's an Aston. These cars are extremely under valued. It blows my mind people will pay more for a 997 or m3...and with more mileage even!! The Aston is far more special than any of the above. It's simply one of the most special cars of our time and it happens to be a total bargain. As phenomenal as the M3 and 911 are...that Aston is another level. It's an exotic.

The look of the Vantage just hasn't resonated with me for some reason. I know it's pretty close to the DB9, but i dunno....something about it just didn't click. That said, I totally see your point, and maybe it's just the stock vantage at stock height with stock wheels that turns me off....I'll give them a look.

I think all of this discussion has put me off of the DB9, sticking with keeping the M3 and converting it to a 6 speed. I haven't had much time to enjoy the CSL intake and whatnot, 6 speed would add a whole new dimension to the car. Perhaps I'll keep it for a few years and reassess, with a Vantage in mind then.

[D-O]

Uhmmm...both.