opinions asked: how good is an M3 (for an ex-Elise owner)
Discussion
My 111s is no more.
I need another car shortly and I got useful opinions here asking about the boxter 987 but I ruled it (S) out as 2nd hand ones are not affordable yet.
Before I burn my money on a Lotus again ... what do you think of a BMW M3?
Essentially a nice 03 M3 convertible is about the price of a new exige TP aircon.
I have't test drive an M3 yet, only a (slow) pax ride in a convertible, so
did not experience the power.
loved the roof. can be a practical 2nd car too.
I don't like the luxury looks (I prefer the special essentiality of a lotus) but it seemed a good car.
where would you throw 30k at ?
I need another car shortly and I got useful opinions here asking about the boxter 987 but I ruled it (S) out as 2nd hand ones are not affordable yet.
Before I burn my money on a Lotus again ... what do you think of a BMW M3?
Essentially a nice 03 M3 convertible is about the price of a new exige TP aircon.
I have't test drive an M3 yet, only a (slow) pax ride in a convertible, so
did not experience the power.
loved the roof. can be a practical 2nd car too.
I don't like the luxury looks (I prefer the special essentiality of a lotus) but it seemed a good car.
where would you throw 30k at ?
Hi,
I've just sold my Noble and bought a 53 M3 convertible with SMG, I also previously had a VX220 so I'm reasonably well placed to comment here. It's been a really difficult process getting a vaguely practical, everyday car with enough power to enjoy and I have to say I'm delighted with what the M3 offers me. It's definitely not as quick or raw as the race-bred Elise/Noble option but you shouldn't expect it to be. It delivers a more refined, but fantastically enjoyable drive and the gearbox is starting to become immensely rewarding. Big thumbs up.
Scott
I've just sold my Noble and bought a 53 M3 convertible with SMG, I also previously had a VX220 so I'm reasonably well placed to comment here. It's been a really difficult process getting a vaguely practical, everyday car with enough power to enjoy and I have to say I'm delighted with what the M3 offers me. It's definitely not as quick or raw as the race-bred Elise/Noble option but you shouldn't expect it to be. It delivers a more refined, but fantastically enjoyable drive and the gearbox is starting to become immensely rewarding. Big thumbs up.
Scott
Ive had 2 Esprits, S4 and a Turbo Esprit(Stevens) and also 2 M3's still got one , I know they are a lot older than what youre discussing here, but if you spent as much as I did on my 2 Esprits it put me off buying another Lotus for life, The M3, and BMW in general are in a different league from Lotus, which yes do look awesome but are sadly a very crude attempt at a supercar,and really are as bad as their reputation,
Nearest M3 to an Elise would be a CSL. Steering and handling are sharper than a standard M3. Seats are fixed buckets, similar to the Elise, and the CSL certainly has a 'raw' feel.
CSLs are now changing hands for £35k or less, so your £30k budget might get you close to one.
I have a CSL and also an S1 Elise. The CSL is more practical, but I enjoy the Elise more.
CSLs are now changing hands for £35k or less, so your £30k budget might get you close to one.
I have a CSL and also an S1 Elise. The CSL is more practical, but I enjoy the Elise more.
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