This is my question:

I saw a commercial for a new BMW M3 is pretty fair, considering they have 6 year purchase plans, which is comparable to a 3-4 year purchase plan for the RX8. I began rethinking the RX8 just because "I think" the M3 is/might be a better vehicle? I've never owned an M3 before but I hear good news all the times from M3 owners. I know there are a few people who own M3s, please, give me some input, I'm truly stumped? Am I just dreaming that I can get a new 2003 M3 w/ a $12k down for as low as $600-700 a month (to own)?

I think my brain went to sleep, after reading what I wrote, I still don't get what I was saying. Let me rephrase my question:

I recently saw a commercial advertising a new BMW M3. The commercial advertised the price to own this vehicle at $x dollars down but at $299/mo. I didn't see how much down was required, so this is part of the dilemma.

Now, since there is an option to finance a car for 4-6 years, this would alleviate the monthly costs. Is this a good decision, buying an 2003 M3 for a 4-6 year purchase plan or a 3-4 year purchase for an RX-8? Would the montly payments be similar to one another?

I'm a very big fan of BMW, especially the M3, but I thing it's too expensive. 70000 - 75000¤ is way too much for such a car in my opinion. 35000¤ for a full option RX8 is more than half the price of the M3. The RX8 has also more convenience (4 adult seats), they don't steal japanese cars as much as M3's, the weight distribution of the RX8 is better...
Only the power is less... but I'm sure there will come enough aftermarket parts to blow that M3 away ;)

If I can choose, I take the RX8. I don't pay for 'a name' (anymore).

Alex, if they were advertising it at $299 a month, there is a good chance that was a lease. You see a lot of luxury cars like that advertised as leases, and you can only tell by reading the fine print at the end of the ad (the stuff that flashes by so fast no human could possibly read it).

, I just went and worked out a payment plan on a hypothetical purchase of an M3- (I'm assuming $55k, base + some options). If you put down $12,000, a 60 month purchase plan at 6% is going to cost you $879 a month, or $754 for a 72 month purchase. So I'd assume a 84 month plan would be around $630 a month.

And I just checked the BMW website, looks like the coupe starts around $47k and goes up from there, so my calculations above aren't that far off..but yes, looks like you could get an M for $600-$700 a month if you were careful. That's an awfully long time to be paying for a car.

I am getting the RX-8, and with $6-7k down, I plan on paying about $600 a month for 48 months at about 4.89%apr. I just don't want to be paying for the car forever. But given the choice(if I could afford the M3 for 48 months), I honestly couldn't tell you which I'd pick. Though with as many issues as we've had with our elderly 325, I'm kind of skittish on BMW right now. But with a full warranty, I'll bet it'd be fine.

(wow that was a long post for me..:))

I think you're mistaken. I've seen commercials for $299/month, but that was for a lease on a 325i, with like a $3500 down payment in addition.

Theoretically, I suppose you could own an M3 for $299/mo, but I don't know of any banks off the top of my head that offer 20 year auto loans. :p

I guess my point is that if you want an M3, you will be paying at least $20k more than the RX-8, no matter what the terms of the purchase are.

Yes it was the 325i commercial, not the M3.

thanks, I think I was having the pre-owner/new car syndrome where doubt seems to lurk at every corner. Since I've never seen the car, in person, either at a show or on the road, I don't really know what to expect. Pics are cool and all but a first hand glance would probably help.

--alex

Yes I'll chime in here too... I saw that commercial and it was for a partially loaded 325i.

An M3 *lease* will run you around 800-1000 a month with 2500 down. And that's just a bloody lease!

RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, RX-8, Rx-8 . . . Get it yet??

You also got to worry about those exploding M3 engines. Read all about it here: http://members.roadfly.org/jason/m3engines.htm

I saw a commercial for a new BMW M3 is pretty fair, considering they have 6 year purchase plans, which is comparable to a 3-4 year purchase plan for the RX8. I began rethinking the RX8 just because "I think" the M3 is/might be a better vehicle? I've never owned an M3 before but I hear good news all the times from M3 owners. I know there are a few people who own M3s, please, give me some input, I'm truly stumped? Am I just dreaming that I can get a new 2003 M3 w/ a $12k down for as low as $600-700 a month (to own)?

you know most of us is going to say go for the rx-8. If you are rethingking about the m3, than go for the m3... bcz the only thing you worried about is the payments right? I think the rx-8 is better car but thats just me, but I wouldn't complain if I had an m3.

rethinking... I just caught taht.

Originally posted by MRX
You also got to worry about those exploding M3 engines. Read all about it here: http://members.roadfly.org/jason/m3engines.htm That's an old problem and has long since been remedied.

It's mostly the Audi crowd that keeps those in circulation.

This is a no brainer.. if you have the means, get the M3! Otherwise get the next best thing for half the price.. :p

If the M3 was anything near affordable, I don't think any other car would sale...

Any German car is more expensive to buy, repairs are more expensive and more frequent, they break down more, parts cost more and have more Lemon law suites.

German cars = $$$ / repairs / in the shop / poor service

Don't take my word - look at the other forums.
:eek:

Originally posted by ACRX8
Any German car is more expensive to buy, repairs are more expensive and more frequent, they break down more, parts cost more and have more Lemon law suites.

German cars = $$$ / repairs / in the shop / poor service

Don't take my word - look at the other forums.
:eek: That's why 80%+ of BMWs are leased.

Any German car is more expensive to buy, repairs are more expensive and more frequent, they break down more, parts cost more and have more Lemon law suites.

German cars = $$$ / repairs / in the shop / poor service


As a FORMER (and never again!) BMW owner I second this- well put!

Originally posted by ACRX8
Any German car is more expensive to buy, repairs are more expensive and more frequent, they break down more, parts cost more and have more Lemon law suites.

German cars = $$$ / repairs / in the shop / poor service

Don't take my word - look at the other forums.
:eek:

very true. i am never owning another BMW. i'll take an rx8 before an M3 (not that I can afford one right now)..

Originally posted by Hercules
That's an old problem and has long since been remedied.

It's mostly the Audi crowd that keeps those in circulation.

No, If it's been long remedied then how come there was just a oil pump/connecting rod recall on the M3 March 20, 03.

Read about it again: http://members.roadfly.org/jason/m3engines.htm

Don't know where you got the BS about the Audi crowd... That site srictly BMW M3