M3 Owners: What's Your Next Sports Car?

[rzm3]

Watched 60 Minutes today, and thought about being Andy Rooney for a moment.

Like many of you, the M3 has been a dream to me for many years, but now that I have had it for a couple months, I am already finding faults and thinking about what to buy next.

One thing that I noticed about my M3 coupe is that the roof is quite high, not very sports car like... to be exact 56 in., almost 5 in. taller than the 911. I am a short Asian guy so don't really need all the head room. Then there is the weight, 3700 lb, a couple hundred pounds less would be nice and nimble. The car also feels a bit big, yes it seats 4 adults comfortably, but how often do we use all of them? (All you really need is a hot girl next to you)

So, to my list, of course there is the 911, a must have for all car nuts before we die. Probably a GT3 since it's the best mix of road and track. Then there's the Aston Vantage, simple yet beautiful, though not the best in terms of performance. Then there's the XK-RS -- a beautiful classic cat-like GT. And the ultimate American muscle supercar, the ZR1. Tons of torque, carbon and aluminium body, Ferrari defying performance. How about going green and buy a Tesla? But I better get a garage where I can plug in. Also have to love the curves of the Maserati GT, but again, as the name suggests, just a Grand Tourer...

The list can go on and on, what's on your list for your next car, realistically speaking?

[adamr]

my list is: 997 TT, 997 GT3, Gallardo Lp560 and of course the GTR-35 ... so anyone of those ... but more realistically will look at the GTR-35 ... the other 3 for now are too expensive for me ...

[masmole]

I'm on a short list for the V10 version of the R8 but I've always wanted a Porsche and so I'm also looking forward to learn more finalized details on the upcoming 997TT and GT3 refresh.

I originally wanted a GT3 last year but had a hard time securing one without a ridiculous markup. Even worse mark up on a GT3 RS. This year, my dealer finally caved and offered me a new GT3 for msrp but after hearing of a model refresh in 2009, I passed.

The 997TT was much easier to acquire at msrp or even a discount from the beginning... but after driving one back-to-back with a GT3, I wasn't all that impressed and felt the GT3 was a much better driving car at the time. It also didn't help that I started hearing media reviews on how the new Nissan GTR beats the 997TT at its own game. Maybe Porsche will improve on the 997TT on the upcoming refresh to answer all doubts. Who knows...

All I know is that the M3 has been such a great and satisfying car so far that I've even stopped thinking ahead about what's next.

[Blake]

i think if i were to get a sports car besides a bmw it would probably be a porsche GT3 or a gallardo...don't know which i'd like more. but that will be a few years down the road, provided the market bounces back.

[Sticky]

The facelift GT3 or Gallardo. If things go exceptionally well, something with a prancing horse.

[TailHappyM3]

I already have mine.


GT3 (any of them) is a phenomenal car!!!!

[TailHappyM3]

996 GT3!! For ~$70-80K there is simply no other better supercar value!

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...fications.html

http://motortorque.askaprice.com/art...he-996-gt3.asp

[TailHappyM3]

$70-80K current used prices, of coarse.

Even Road &Track agrees as they put the 996 GT3 in their list of top ten supercars.

BTW, this is a great book for the collector. I have one.

http://books.google.com/books?id=9Pl...um=6&ct=result

[jct0518]

I would take the maserati..stunning car and a FERRARI engine..what more can you ask..

[watrob]

I think the new R8 vert V10 or the new 2010 CLK AMG vert, if Merc adhere to it being on a S platform with 500hp and a good gearbox it might be a good car.

Also, as long as they are a hard top verts.

[bmstyle71]

looking into the RS5.

[spyderco10]

I'm keeping my M forever. M3 has been my dream car and will always be. But if the stock market ever recovers and I wanted add to the stable, Aston Martin DBS

[Sticky]

Originally Posted by jct0518

I would take the maserati..stunning car and a FERRARI engine..what more can you ask..

The actual Ferrari engine instead of the watered down stuff?

[GnokGnik]

Originally Posted by Sticky

The actual Ferrari engine instead of the watered down stuff?

Actual ferrari engine:

[MrHarris]

Ferrari F430

[watrob]

Originally Posted by GnokGnik

Actual ferrari engine:

I am led to believe the motor in the Maserati to the Ferrari is different as to a change in crankshaft? amoungst other things, plus a drop in HP.

I looked at buying a f430 but I like my options, no Nav etc and its not DD, that's my opinion so don't get all worked up about it.

[sparkyg]

I'm out of the game. This is it. I envy you guys who prob have much more capital and flexiblity in this market.

All beautiful cars.

My 0.02 if I had cash would be the Porsche, take your pick on the version, all really are the next logical step after an M3.

[rawedge2]

Originally Posted by bmstyle71

looking into the RS5.

+1, lets see how much they ask for it, i dont think it should be worth over $85,000, but i have a feeling audi wants +100K..

its beautiful, AWD and should be a monster of an engine.. the Luxury of a v8 and turbo's..

[ihyln]

M5 for me. Except this time I will wait an extra year so I don't get hosed with something like the iDrive.

[mkoesel]

My next car will probably be an F30 M3.

[rzm3]

Thanks for responses guys. Looks like we all want a GT3 sooner or later...

As for the Maser engine, it's probably very similar to Ferrari's, but of course it is watered down, since "its a taboo to be better than a Ferrari in Italy-because it would be like throwing up on the Pope", according to Clarkson.

[watrob]

There will be some interesting cars coming out in the next couple of years. Merc has a new SL & CLK coming 2010 -2011, new Ferrari as well and Audi.

BMW will have to step up.