[asdflkijd]

Of the two which would be a better buy as used? I know the m3 will run a couple grand more than the mini cooper (s).

Girlfriend wants to trade her scion tc in for something else.

Thoughts? Obviously my vote goes for the m3 but I'm thinking the mini might be better suited for her. She's interested in cars but not a petrol head. Car needs to be automatic and vert is a plus.

[positiveions]

if this car is for her, I would go for the mini.
Repairs and upkeeps are cheaper on the mini, and won't break her bank.

M3 is more expensive to own. For one, valve adjustments needs to be done, and that can cost upwards of $1500. Depending on the year and the mileage, you might invest some $$ to service the car. However, e46 M3s are blast to drive.

[evoi19]

Tough call.....
the m3 in SMG is great but maitenance is expensive and if you have problems with the SMG, that's a huge additional cost. Read this: http://sandiegobmw.wordpress.com/201...e-on-your-bmw/


the mini is a nice little car but reliability is questionable and while maintenance is cheaper than the m3, it may add up to be just as expensive in the end.

how about a regular e46 vert? If not a vert, then a e46 zhp would be nice.

[AbsoLutBMW]

i would go with the m3 for her

[toughluck]

I vote for the MINI but make sure you get the S with xenons. I really enjoyed my MINI... So fun to drive and affordable.

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by evoi19

Tough call.....
the m3 in SMG is great but maitenance is expensive and if you have problems with the SMG, that's a huge additional cost. Read this: http://sandiegobmw.wordpress.com/201...e-on-your-bmw/


the mini is a nice little car but reliability is questionable and while maintenance is cheaper than the m3, it may add up to be just as expensive in the end.

how about a regular e46 vert? If not a vert, then a e46 zhp would be nice.

An e46 very also came up in question but she in love with the M3.

I've never really heard of minis breaking down, is this very common? Of course reliability/ maintenance is a huge factor as well.

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by eatrach73

if this car is for her, I would go for the mini.
Repairs and upkeeps are cheaper on the mini, and won't break her bank.

M3 is more expensive to own. For one, valve adjustments needs to be done, and that can cost upwards of $1500. Depending on the year and the mileage, you might invest some $$ to service the car. However, e46 M3s are blast to drive.

Haha yeah she fell in love with the m3

[bimmerjph]

Depends can she drive stick? If not then I wouldn't even look at E46 M3's. I have heard horror stories about the SMG.

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

Depends can she drive stick? If not then I wouldn't even look at E46 M3's. I have heard horror stories about the SMG.

Nope.. Really? I heard those smg's are $$$$$$ to fix. I think we're looking at just e46's or possibly an e46 zhp but they're hard to find.

What's the rule of thumb for buying a reconstructed title? Is it case by case on what was damaged/ repaired??

[smmmurf]

if it has to be an automatic i would skip the e46 m3 due to SMG issues/reliability

though some like smg on the track, the real automatics in the e46 and e90 are way smoother for casual street driving

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by smmmurf

if it has to be an automatic i would skip the e46 m3 due to SMG issues/reliability

though some like smg on the track, the real automatics in the e46 and e90 are way smoother for casual street driving

Yeah it has to be automatic. That's hat scares me the most, that smg transmission.

[brandonb]

She wants the M3, then she should have the M3.. Such a difference between these two cars, I think you would regret getting the Mini after a while.

[ptack]

Your girl friend is coming from a Toyota that probably only required oil changes. Do you think she really wants to be ready to spend serious money maintaining either of those cars?

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by ptack

Your girl friend is coming from a Toyota that probably only required oil changes. Do you think she really wants to be ready to spend serious money maintaining either of those cars?

A new mini will be no-cost on maintenance for the first 3 years. A used one, on the other hand...I'm in complete agreement with you.

[Cerezo]

No one mentioned the common problem with the Vanos system on the E46 M3. Costs like 6k, or so a friend says. His car has like 50k miles on it.

[MisterSkiMask]

I would avoid smg

[Tallest]

why not something like 330ci or Mini Cooper? Why does it have to be the M3?.... Surely an E46 ZHP is just as good for her.