Looking at a '11 ZCP, versus a new car, opinions please :)

[matty231]

Hi Guys,

Long story short, I originally owned Subaru's before I got my first 335i last year, the BMW is an amazing car in every way bar reliability to a degree but anywho, i've sold my 08 335i and now looking at a NEW STi or a USED ZCP M3 Sedan.

The cars:
2014 Subaru STi Premium 6MT in Black ($66000NZD)
2011 BMW M3 ZCP Sedan w/ DCT (50000km on clock) ($76000NZD)

Now, if both cars were side by side and price wasn't an issue, i'd hands down go the BMW, but i'm thinking to myself, if I loved the 335i, then i'd surely love the M3, but the STi wouldn't really be an "improvement" as such from the 335i, just a newer car.

Anyone came from a STi to the M3? Or at least from STi to the 335i then M3?

Just looking for opinions obviously it's my decision but some people tell me the Subi will be a lot funner, but i'm more of a "like the fun" but then "love the luxury & prestige".

Cheers

[Amirsm3]

That's easy, lol. Go for the M3.

I don't know how significant 10,000 NZD dollars are in the sense of how much work you put in to earn it, so that something you'll have to figure out.

To me, the M3 is worth the premium of higher purchase price and presumable higher maintenance cost.

[Leonardo629]

Have you test driven both?

[Ezio]

The only time i would pick up a STI is if i wanted a fun winter car. other than that the M3 is overall a better car.

[matty231]

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

That's easy, lol. Go for the M3.

I don't know how significant 10,000 NZD dollars are in the sense of how much work you put in to earn it, so that something you'll have to figure out.

To me, the M3 is worth the premium of higher purchase price and presumable higher maintenance cost.

Yes good point, the M3 has full 2year servicing & Warranty too.

Originally Posted by Leonardo629

Have you test driven both?

Yes, M3 is something special, STi is a nice car too, quick & fun with the manual box but not like the M3, but it is 'new' technology and not a car based on a E90 chassis from mid 2000's I guess.

Originally Posted by Ezio

The only time i would pick up a STI is if i wanted a fun winter car. other than that the M3 is overall a better car.

Yes haha dead right! NZ winters are mild so it's OK here. Well in Auckland anyway.

[M3/4 life]

M3 hands down!!!!

[Ludey]

There are so many reasons why the M is the better choice here. Unless you are the type of guy that is loyal to the Subaru, I can't see why you aren't making preparations to get the M right now instead of posting on the forum,

The fact that you are getting a 2 yr warranty and service just seals it. I'd do it even without that, but that would be probably the biggest (only) argument against the M, personal preference aside.

The only reasons to the Subaru I suppose would be because you need 4WD for some reason. Or if you are in to rally racing. The only ride I've ever had in one, I felt like I was in a very unsafe tin can. It was noisy, and felt unrefined.

Seriously though, just test drive each, the decision will be pretty obvious at that point. Get the M and don't look back, you'll thank yourself later.

[M3-S65]

31k miles on the 2011 is not bad but allot can happen in 31k miles. The risk will be hard to know ...you will never know if it was beat to hell or not? Like for instance..accidents never reported but fixed, burnouts, track day after track day, donuts, drag racing....or nothing at all...that's the risk. Was the break in done correctly, all maintenance done on time? ...

The STI would be a lower risk because its new, no nicks, no mechanical issues...with zero miles on it and never had a fool driving it before you! Break in will be done correctly, maintenance on time...never beat on until you do it yourself...something wonderful about that. The STI also has a lower overall cost (even brand new with zero miles!!) , has a lower cost to maintain, easier and funner to work on and modify (lower cost aftermarket mods) better gas mileage, and plenty of power and fun as hell to drive.

BMW M3 however is a car that brand new was probably in the upper 60s to mid 75s... and the interior and options and overall feel of the car is an obvious upgrade from the STI..the M3 will definitely impress the ladies allot more..if your married - who cares. LOL

[///M///]

Talk to m3freak86. He has owned a M as well as a Subaru.

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by M3-S65

31k miles on the 2011 is not bad but allot can happen in 31k miles. The risk will be hard to know ...you will never know if it was beat to hell or not? Like for instance..accidents never reported but fixed, burnouts, track day after track day, donuts, drag racing....or nothing at all...that's the risk. Was the break in done correctly, all maintenance done on time? ...

The STI would be a lower risk because its new, no nicks, no mechanical issues...with zero miles on it and never had a fool driving it before you! Break in will be done correctly, maintenance on time...never beat on until you do it yourself...something wonderful about that. The STI also has a lower overall cost (even brand new with zero miles!!) , has a lower cost to maintain, easier and funner to work on and modify (lower cost aftermarket mods) better gas mileage, and plenty of power and fun as hell to drive.

BMW M3 however is a car that brand new was probably in the upper 60s to mid 75s... and the interior and options and overall feel of the car is an obvious upgrade from the STI...

BMW wouldn't CPO (I'm under the assumption it's CPO because BMW extended warranties won't allow the next owner to take over the maintenance portion of the coverage) the car if the car in question didn't have the 1200 mile break in service completed on time.

Also, for the most part and generally speaking, these cars are reliable and well engineered. Even if it's got track days and burn outs under its belt, the car is gonna last for the OP as long as he does due diligence with maintenance.

[Sered]

Originally Posted by matty231

but it is 'new' technology and not a car based on a E90 chassis from mid 2000's I guess.

Just because it's newer doesn't mean it's 'new' technology. The S65 is more advanced than any engine Subaru has ever made and so is the DCT regarding transmissions.

IMO STIs are way overhyped, the EVO is a much better car for so many reasons. But either way, unless you need AWD, I'd go with the M3 hands down and let someone else get ringland failure on that STI.

[M3-S65]

Originally Posted by Sered

Just because it's newer doesn't mean it's 'new' technology. The S65 is more advanced than any engine Subaru has ever made and so is the DCT regarding transmissions.

IMO STIs are way overhyped, the EVO is a much better car for so many reasons. But either way, unless you need AWD, I'd go with the M3 hands down and let someone else get ringland failure on that STI.

Take your pick: ringland failure or bearing failure? ...
Again, the lower cost STI engine reduces the risk (probably half the cost to replace than our V8 20k + to replace) , plus the new car warranty, and the fact that again...you know it was broken in correctly and properly maintained.

[M3-S65]

Originally Posted by Amirsm3

BMW wouldn't CPO (I'm under the assumption it's CPO because BMW extended warranties won't allow the next owner to take over the maintenance portion of the coverage) the car if the car in question didn't have the 1200 mile break in service completed on time.

Also, for the most part and generally speaking, these cars are reliable and well engineered. Even if it's got track days and burn outs under its belt, the car is gonna last for the OP as long as he does due diligence with maintenance.

Maybe it did have the 1200 break in service, but was it driven correctly up to and through the break in period and service? Or did the guy floor it every chance he had..even at mile 50? Who knows?

Bottom line: Less risk with lower cost =WRX STI
Way more prestige, better looks, faster, higher quality..but with a higher price tag upfront and overtime + more risk IMOP = BMW M3

Bottom line get what you WANT....not what is more logical. Because if we were buying cars with logic we would all own a stupid econo box...so use your emotion and buy what you want or you will regret it and waste more money exchanging etc.

[STooK]

2 very different cars. I would get a Sti to compliment my m3 in the winter but I wouldn't buy one as my main car. I guess part of it is because I'm getting older and performance itself doesn't mean much without the luxury and comfort to go with it.

If you're still in your late teens to early 20s then Sti wouldn't be a bad choice but if you're in your late 20s and on then m3 might be a better option.

[///WeissBisBlau]

Originally Posted by M3-S65

..the M3 will definitely impress the ladies allot more..if your married - who cares. LOL

Hey now. C'mon... You still care!

[ChrisF]

Fun, hands down M3. Luxury, hands down M3. Cost, hands down STi.

I've owned WRX's and STi's and they are fun. The M3 is in a different class. If money's not at issue, it should be a pretty easy decision.

[Sephiroth]

I had a 2008 GR STI hatch (the new STI has the same engine). Loved the car for its AWD. It could handle any weather condition I threw at it, plus the hatch was super practical.

In my opinion the M3 even in E46 form is superior in every other manner. The build quality is definitely superior in the M. The E92M is also very reliable.

[Ludey]

I'm not so sure that the cost is going to be necessarily cheaper with the STI. Sure, you're going to pay more up front. However, consider once that STI is titled, you lose 15% or more in value. The M loses relatively nothing (assuming you get a good deal). So, the asset equity is better with the M3 day one. Even in the long run, I'd wager you'd end up with an asset worth more 5 years down the road, given the fact that all variable equal (maintenance, upkeep, etc), the BMW is going to hold value better. I'm not going to run the number here but you get the point.

As far as the previous owner beating on the vehicle. Let's say worst case that that happened. After a good PPI, wouldn't most major problems be showing themselves already (compression, codes, services records, fitment, etc) by now. Who cares if it was beat on, as long as nothing went wrong in the process and the car passes the PPI with flying colors, you're good... the car's feelings are going to be hurt. It was built to handle quite a bit of punishment and still stand the test of time.

[matty231]

Cheers for the comments guys, money wise I can pretty much afford (just) the car in cash, but would rather finance it for tax purposes in my business, will have lots left over for things to be covered like gas but obviously I have a gut feeling, is it a bit too much to spend, although afterall, in the end it comes down to how much did you loose owning the car, not how much was the purchase price... I think the M3 would be worth hopefully around $50k NZD in 2 years time which means around 12.5k per year in loss. So $1k NZD a month which is like (at the moment) $800 USD a month, wow.

Lol I could afford a NEW M4 if i lived in a the US , i'm essentially paying like $65k US for this car haha.

[Yvette]

not even, M3 hands down.
Why would you compare sit to M3? if you were comparing P car vs M3 then yes.... different answer maybe.

[davesaddiction]

Always more bang for your buck to buy used. Smart move to let someone else take the initial depreciation hit.

I've driven that gen of WRX (before I bought my car) and wasn't impressed. However, the new car is getting rave reviews.

Drive a 2015 STi, and then decide.

[nicksm3]

I previously owned 2 Worked STi's...love the cars, the direct hardcore feel, the handling!!! but i always wanted an M3, especially the V8 with the DCT and i bought it. Never looked back and another STI again and quite frankly the new STI's look like crap and have that same lame ass motor where the pistons will blow regardless of mods or left stock. The S65 motor is a true race motor, rev it ...you'll see what i mean