Is this as foolish as I'm thinking it is? 2002 M3 *UPDATE PURCHASED*

[NAC]

I'd take it to a BMW dealer, unless you specifically know a mechanic with M3 experience.

I recall spending close to $300 at an Audi dealer to get my S4 inspected.

 

[PricklyPete]

I'd take it to a BMW dealer, unless you specifically know a mechanic with M3 experience.

I recall spending close to $300 at an Audi dealer to get my S4 inspected.

The guy just had an inspection done by the local BMW dealership in April, everything checked out, and he has that paperwork. The shop that has the $185 price comes very highly recommended and is supposed to be one of the few "go to shops" for all the people in the area with fancy German and Italian cars. A guy who works at my client has an M5 and raves about the quality of service at this place. Guess I was thinking I might get a more thorough check there and they seemed very experienced with M series cars when I talked with them.

 

[KIAman]

I would do it. The only risk is potential cost of ownership from repairs, which applies to EVERY vehicle. Some carry a slightly higher risk than others.

In my experience (and I'm sure you know), a well maintained vehicle will last you a long time regardless of vehicle type. My 1996 KIA sportage and my wife's old 93 Chevy Lumina come to mind. 2 absolute POS but no major repairs.

 

[Throckmorton]

Take up offroading again, problem solved

 

[PricklyPete]

Take up offroading again, problem solved

I know the first time I need to haul something or drive on my parents property...my wife is going to look at me and ask me how I'm going to manage that with the M3. Sherpas?

 

[DivideBYZero]

I know the first time I need to haul something or drive on my parents property...my wife is going to look at me and ask me how I'm going to manage that with the M3. Sherpas?

Don't be so sure, the rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat like a hatchback!

 

[PricklyPete]

Don't be so sure, the rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat like a hatchback!

Giddyup...that's definitely a bonus! I think I have my wife 90% there...we'll see. It doesn't help that she's in SC right now. I think if she had taken the test drive with me she'd understand more why I want to go through this hassle.

 

[Fenixgoon]

silver E46. win :thumbsup:

 

[Throckmorton]

Giddyup...that's definitely a bonus! I think I have my wife 90% there...we'll see. It doesn't help that she's in SC right now. I think if she had taken the test drive with me she'd understand more why I want to go through this hassle.

Doesn't help offroad!

 

[PricklyPete]

Doesn't help offroad!

Oh I know. I may come to regret this...but lust has taken over and I'm ready to cheat on my truck.

 

[exdeath]

Bad move coming onto ATG to get talked out of a M3
:awe:

 

[DivideBYZero]

Bad move coming onto ATG to get talked out of a M3
:awe:

This.

()

 

[SearchMaster]

Just do it. You can afford it, you have no kids to help prioritize your spending habits , and the car has depreciated to the point that if you change your mind in a year or two, it hasn't cost you that much.

 

[StageLeft]

If you don't drive much maint. is not as much a biggy but I would instead get a mustang gt at the same price point.

 

[PricklyPete]

If you don't drive much maint. is not as much a biggy but I would instead get a mustang gt at the same price point.

That's not a horrible idea...I'm pretty set on this car... but I don't want to do something rash. I might do a search and just see what I could get for ~17K in a mustang.

 

[PricklyPete]

bad move coming onto atg to get talked out of a m3
:awe:

lol

 

[Imported]

Get it! I'd do it ;D

 

[exdeath]

That's not a horrible idea...I'm pretty set on this car... but I don't want to do something rash. I might do a search and just see what I could get for ~17K in a mustang.

That's getting close to a terminator

 

[PricklyPete]

Ok...my wife gave the go-ahead. I'm going back and forth with the guy on price... I gave him a final offer and he said he wants to sit on it for an hour. We'll see how this goes. If this doesn't go through...I'll definitely go and test drive a mustang or two..but if this guy meets my offer...I just can't resist. Of course, my offer only stands if it checks out mechanically...didn't want to put money into getting the mechanic to look at it until we had agreed on a price.

 

[RichUK]

Get a 2004+. LED rear lights FTW!

 

[PricklyPete]

Get a 2004+. LED rear lights FTW!

Out of my price range...just looking for a swap with my truck in terms of value. I'd love a 2004+...just not going to happen without me putting down another 5-10K...wife would not be ok with that scenario...she thinks we've spent enough this year on cars...and she's right.

 

[RichUK]

Fair enough.

 

[DivideBYZero]

LED lights are only the tails anyhow. If you need them you can add them yourself.

 

[StageLeft]

So what happened?!

 

[PricklyPete]

So what happened?!

We've decided on a price, but my mechanic was closed for the day and not opening till Monday. The guy is going to "hold" it for me till Monday. So if everything goes well I should be picking it up from him early next week. Crossing fingers.