Boxster S to M3?

[johnp68]

Due to the arrival of our first child, I'm looking for a more practical vehicle - i.e something with 4 seats and a decent boot. I want something that's at least as quick as the Boxster and that is (as far as poss) as enjoyable to drive.

Based mainly on reading reviews etc and a test drive (in the wet) earlier today I'm leaning towards a BMW M3. I'd probably go for something that's around 3 years old, i.e. similar age to the Boxster.

As much as I've never wanted to become a "BMW driver" (no offence guys) I haven't been able to find any suitable alternatives and, at the end of the day, I'm mainly interested in how the car drives, rather than the badge/image/looks.

I thought about Audis - eg S4/RS4/S6 maybe, but the general view seems to be that they are less of a driver's car, with the feel of the steering coming in for some criticism in the press. I used to have an A4 and found it's handling to be pretty dull.

Ditto Mercedes - some have similar performance on paper but I doubt that they would be as fun to drive.

So, what do people think? Anyone owned a Boxster S previously and able to contrast it with the M3 for me please? Have I missed any alternatives or underated the Audis/Mercs? Am I wrong to dismiss the alternative of a slightly older M5 on the grounds that I've assumed that it wouldn't be as enjoyable to drive (the bigger car would come in handy, especially when baby no 2 comes along)?

Cheers for any feedback.

[vic_s]

I had a E36 M3 when our first child arrived and it coped fine with all the gear (travelcot, buggy, steriliser, toys etc) for holiday's & w/e away; so I'm sure an E46 would be OK + fun to drive too!

With a second child it could be a struggle if you need to take 2 x the gear.....

I eventually (via a 911) got a S4 Avant - but wish I hadn't. Too much body roll & understeer - although it is plenty quick enough it is fundamentally a bit boring & not really that spacious either.

In hindsight I wish I had kept the 911 + bought a cheap 5 Series Touring for family journey's & daily commute.

So maybe hang on to that Boxster.........
Vic

[stuh]

johnp68 said:

Due to the arrival of our first child, I'm looking for a more practical vehicle - i.e something with 4 seats and a decent boot. I want something that's at least as quick as the Boxster and that is (as far as poss) as enjoyable to drive. Based mainly on reading reviews etc and a test drive (in the wet) earlier today I'm leaning towards a BMW M3. I'd probably go for something that's around 3 years old, i.e. similar age to the Boxster. As much as I've never wanted to become a "BMW driver" (no offence guys) I haven't been able to find any suitable alternatives and, at the end of the day, I'm mainly interested in how the car drives, rather than the badge/image/looks. I thought about Audis - eg S4/RS4/S6 maybe, but the general view seems to be that they are less of a driver's car, with the feel of the steering coming in for some criticism in the press. I used to have an A4 and found it's handling to be pretty dull. Ditto Mercedes - some have similar performance on paper but I doubt that they would be as fun to drive. So, what do people think? Anyone owned a Boxster S previously and able to contrast it with the M3 for me please? Have I missed any alternatives or underated the Audis/Mercs? Am I wrong to dismiss the alternative of a slightly older M5 on the grounds that I've assumed that it wouldn't be as enjoyable to drive (the bigger car would come in handy, especially when baby no 2 comes along)? Cheers for any feedback.

Recently had to make a similar move, as the ankle biter was born on boxing day. I'd had an E46 M3 previously but didn't think it would cut it as family transport. Apart from the small boot, an even bigger problem is the 2 doors. Try getting an infant into a rear facing car seat through the front doors!

Ended up with an M5. Has proven fantastic as the family load lugger

You can get a good one for less than 20k, so could keep the Boxster as the fun car?

[outnumbered]

johnp68 said:

Due to the arrival of our first child, I'm looking for a more practical vehicle - i.e something with 4 seats and a decent boot. I want something that's at least as quick as the Boxster and that is (as far as poss) as enjoyable to drive.

I did this the other way round. When we had child#1, I got a large family car and my wife kept her Punto. When it was time to ditch the Punto, and we'd had #2 by then as well, she took over the family car, and I bought the M3. She's happy 'cos she has a nice big comfy car to drive around in, and so am I...

Access to get at a child seat in the back of an M3, although it's do-able, is always going to be a lot harder than if you have a 4-door car. TBH, I'd be worried about doing my back in.

[chippy17]

stuh said:

johnp68 said: Due to the arrival of our first child, I'm looking for a more practical vehicle - i.e something with 4 seats and a decent boot. I want something that's at least as quick as the Boxster and that is (as far as poss) as enjoyable to drive. Based mainly on reading reviews etc and a test drive (in the wet) earlier today I'm leaning towards a BMW M3. I'd probably go for something that's around 3 years old, i.e. similar age to the Boxster. As much as I've never wanted to become a "BMW driver" (no offence guys) I haven't been able to find any suitable alternatives and, at the end of the day, I'm mainly interested in how the car drives, rather than the badge/image/looks. I thought about Audis - eg S4/RS4/S6 maybe, but the general view seems to be that they are less of a driver's car, with the feel of the steering coming in for some criticism in the press. I used to have an A4 and found it's handling to be pretty dull. Ditto Mercedes - some have similar performance on paper but I doubt that they would be as fun to drive. So, what do people think? Anyone owned a Boxster S previously and able to contrast it with the M3 for me please? Have I missed any alternatives or underated the Audis/Mercs? Am I wrong to dismiss the alternative of a slightly older M5 on the grounds that I've assumed that it wouldn't be as enjoyable to drive (the bigger car would come in handy, especially when baby no 2 comes along)? Cheers for any feedback. Recently had to make a similar move, as the ankle biter was born on boxing day. I'd had an E46 M3 previously but didn't think it would cut it as family transport. Apart from the small boot, an even bigger problem is the 2 doors. Try getting an infant into a rear facing car seat through the front doors! Ended up with an M5. Has proven fantastic as the family load lugger You can get a good one for less than 20k, so could keep the Boxster as the fun car?

have to agree with the M5 route, best compromise on the planet, would eat an M3 for breakfast in a stright line

[Zod]

chippy17 said:

have to agree with the M5 route, best compromise on the planet, would eat an M3 for breakfast in a stright line

only above 110 mph (I've tested it). Different story with the E60 though.

[johnp68]

Interesting comments. Think I'd better not rule out the M5 at this stage. Would be nice to have a car to use for holidays etc with plenty of room but still fun to drive.

Anyone know where I can get an extended test drive or, failing that, somewhere not too far from High Wycombe where I can hire one out for a day? I'd be buying one that's around 3 years old, so it's the old model that I need to test drive. I wasn't sure about buying the Boxster until the dealer gave me one to try out for a whole weekend!

[RobM77]

IMHO, any respectable manufacturer trying to sell a car for more than £20k should offer the car to you on your own for at least a day prior to buying one if you are serious. Mazda suggested it to me with an RX8 - I didn't even have to ask!

Sadly, though this is all well and good for demonstrators, but might be a bit different for a used vehicle. I certainly wouldn't want to buy a genuine 1-owner used to car to discover that customers had been ragging it at weekends!! If you're buying a demonstrator then you pay a lower price for a nackered car!