[Teutonic]

I think that you must be wise, so you should put the brain first and the heart after.

First where do you use it? Do you go skying? maybe you need an AWD.

If M3 is your choice, you must open your eyes pretty well, some are abused.

If I will be in your shoes, I will pick something that is maintained, with low mileage and that was taking care of.
I will buy a wonderful 335, or a nice 135 instead of a beat up M3. Also the maintenance costs must be taken in consideration, you don't buy a new car right? M3 parts are more expensive, gas consumption is also different. Since you have a budget for monthly payment I assume that you have also a budget for maintenance.
Don't forget, buying a used car is like lottery, so be prepared.

If you don't need to much space and want a fun car for the money 135 will do just nice.
The fast car terminology depends on the driver too, you can be quick if you know how to drive a car.

Now, I know you want to buy a bimmer but there are some cool cars that may be taken in consideration as well; like Ford ST for example.

Anyway, whatever you choose, do it wisely.
Good luck!

[W12x]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

This

With the C7 Corvette coming out, OP might even be able to get a fairly new C6 Corvette/Corvette Grand Sport if he shop around enough.

[Robm129]

Subaru STI...if you can deal with the cheap interior. You get 4 doors and an every situation car. I think a new GT would be a great choice also if you are wanting a warranty. If warranty isn't an issue...older Corvette Z06 or M3.

[KingOfJericho]

For that money you can get a CPO S4 or 335i. An M3 is fast but for around town, a tuned 335i will feel much quicker.

[mythek]

with about $17,000 (trade-in value included) for down...and you want to keep your payment around $420. Assuming that you have excellent credit, your purchase price should be around $40-43k before tax and registration fee.

take a look here:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ortBy=yearDESC

i dont know how m3 coupes are priced in your regional market, but with your budget, I really believe that you can get at least an 2009-2010 m3 with under 40,000 miles. To keep your monthly around $420, you may need to finance it for at least 6 years.

[gtron]

335

[P1]

Not being American, I would not approach it from a "here is how much I can afford per month". Doing the match backwards, you could get a $40K car with what you're describing. But since I assume you're young, be smart and get a $30K car. You can get yourself a very nice 135i and they are plenty fast. It will be relatively new, have low miles and probably CPO. What else do you want?

Whatever you do: don't overextend yourself.

[RiverRunner]

Look at used C6 Z06 Corvette. I owned a Z06 for 10 years, only changed the oil and tires. Any BMW or Benz is going to cost you a lot on maintenance after the warranty period. If you're stuck on one of those choices, look a Carmax, they offer relatively cheap extended warranties on any car they sell. The deductible if you take the car to BMW for service is $100. I bought a used E550 Benz (less than 2 years old, 33,000 miles) for $33,000 and the warranty cost $1,800. The Maxcare warranty paid out over $9,000 over the 60,000 miles I put on the car. Needless to say, as soon as the warranty was up, I traded the car in on my M6 GC.

[F32]

Wait for the new M4. You should totally be able to lease one for 36 months with $17K down and your payments will be under $420.

[RiverRunner]

Originally Posted by F32

Wait for the new M4. You should totally be able to lease one for 36 months with $17K down and your payments will be under $420.

What's the expected price of the M4?

[F32]

Originally Posted by PackerFan

What's the expected price of the M4?

It will likely start in the low $70s.

[Red Bread]

Aside from the astronomical insurance, fuel and rear tire costs, you could get a low mileage Viper in your budget.

[RiverRunner]

Originally Posted by F32

Wait for the new M4. You should totally be able to lease one for 36 months with $17K down and your payments will be under $420.

Maybe, but after 36 months you'd be left lighter $17,000 + ($420 x 36) = $32,120 and have to turn the car in or purchase it after 36 months.

[F32]

Originally Posted by PackerFan

Maybe, but after 36 months you'd be left lighter $17,000 + ($420 x 36) = $32,120 and have to turn the car in or purchase it after 36 months.

C'mon, now...he's basing how much car he can afford by the monthly payment. No part of this entire thread was supposed to make financial sense.

[nicknaz]

Used BMW with have repair as a big X factor.

I agree with others C6 vette, mustang 5.0 are best bets for hp/$

[hellrotm]

M235i

[izzyM2]

EVO X or Subi STI... BRZ.. and maybe some mod money.

[Jparker82]

With 17k down you should be able to do the BMW option plan. Not sure what it's called but you could probably get a new m3.

[late apex]

I just purchased a '14 Focus ST as a commuter car. Never ever thought I'd get a little hatchback and even more surprising is I never thought I could enjoy driving one. Man, this ST is a blast to drive! Can't stop laughing at how a little hatchback is balanced so well that you can lift the throttle mid corner and just let the rear-end swing out to tighten your line. The car's handling is simply spot on! The torque is fun to play with as well. Definitely changed my opinion of FWD... I wish more were build like this. Got it for 21K OTD, been having so much fun with it lately I've only driven my M6 once since I've had the ST.

[P90Puma]

Elise?

[IEDEI]

135. definitely one of the best sport coupes for the money....

[RiverRunner]

Originally Posted by F32

C'mon, now...he's basing how much car he can afford by the monthly payment. No part of this entire thread was supposed to make financial sense.

F32, you are correct, my bad. This needs to be a purely emotional decision with no regrets! After all, he's not asking us which Prius model he should buy.