[robwils]

M3 is 3 years old soon and don’t normally keep cars much beyond that, however still like the car and in my eyes at least a real looker.

So been looking and browsing for its potential replacement and the budget (in my head at least) is doubling at what I’m finding myself looking at, GTR, M5, Porsches etc.

Just thinking 8 years ago was so excited to get my 330D for £30K ish and then 3 years later the 335D for £40ish and so on.

Can’t really believe that I’m now even considering the cars I’m looking at and the associated cost. Anyone else finding there need (and wants) spiralling ? As each car seems to set a new baseline ?

Think I need a reset of some description...

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by robwils

M3 is 3 years old soon and don’t normally keep cars much beyond that, however still like the car and in my eyes at least a real looker.

So been looking and browsing for its potential replacement and the budget (in my head at least) is doubling at what I’m finding myself looking at, GTR, M5, Porsches etc.

Just thinking 8 years ago was so excited to get my 330D for £30K ish and then 3 years later the 335D for £40ish and so on.

Can’t really believe that I’m now even considering the cars I’m looking at and the associated cost. Anyone else finding there need (and wants) spiralling ? As each car seems to set a new baseline ?

Think I need a reset of some description...

I have an F30 (only for one more week, hurrah!), was planning an X3 M40i and decided to go for an X5 40i - know exactly what you mean

[SteveChester]

Keep the M3!

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

I have an F30 (only for one more week, hurrah!), was planning an X3 M40i and decided to go for an X5 40i - know exactly what you mean

2nd post quoting the 1st haha Didn't k ow the X5 was so soon. Pics when it's in

Rob, that SY M3 is well worth keeping. 180kg lighter maybe than the new ones and a class design.

[isleaiw1]

Standard thing every time I swap. Let’s be honest, when I got out of the M5 I was going to buy a £30k (to £35k, budget creep from the beginning!) Volvo estate, or maybe a Golf R.... and I bought an RS4 for slightly more than double the original budget!

If you like the car you have got, remember the grass isn’t always greener, even if it’s more expensive!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

If you like the car you have got, remember the grass isn’t always greener, even if it’s more expensive!

This is so true.

It is one reason I couldn't justify the cost of getting a G31 to replace my F11, when I had a serious look. It would have to be a really exceptional spec', to be better than the one I already have. Not simply a car that costs much more to run.

[Tengocity]

I know what you mean Rob. I'm finding myself looking at some fairly tasty machinery on one hand, and some less pricy stuff on the other.

With my weekend toy though I'll likely stick with things that have really solid residuals, and that can justify the higher prices. Next up for me after the Exige will probably be a GT4.

But for the more every day stuff going with 2-4 year old cars that have done their worst depreciating. I've got the new car bug out of my system and going to be more canny.

[Tengocity]

Oh, and why wouldn't you just keep your M3 if you like it?

It's done it's worst depreciating now, and I think they will flatten out nicely.

[sahajesh]

Oops you're right @JustChris - pretty pointless post 2 quoting post 1

G05 due 1 March, can't wait! 3er goes 26 Feb.

[kzg1969]

Similar boat - Santa Fe -> 335d -> X3M

in that journey also squeezed in a Focus RS as a weekend toy.

I am pretty sure i will be going "down" on the next car. Realistically dont need anything more that a 2.0. Also retirement maybe 10year away, so that is a factor.


BUT, as long as you are enjoying the cars and can afford it, then do it while you can - never know what is around the corner (well, apart from electrification!)

[robwils]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Oh, and why wouldn't you just keep your M3 if you like it?

It's done it's worst depreciating now, and I think they will flatten out nicely.

Few things making me think, apart from a bit of lockdown boredom and too much time on my hands on an evening to watch you tube

Impending warranty end (will probably just pay for the extended at £100 a month for peace of mind).

Value is still about £40K, so wondering what is likely to happen as the newer shape starts to land - and maybe be discounted. One things for sure I’m not going for one. Only benefit would be a switchable x drive one, which aren’t out yet.
And lastly and more relevant man maths and quite fancy something different sometimes.

If I do keep it though I reckon I need some 763’s finally....

[robwils]

Originally Posted by SteveChester

Keep the M3!

Thing is I know I should....

[robwils]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

Standard thing every time I swap. Let’s be honest, when I got out of the M5 I was going to buy a £30k (to £35k, budget creep from the beginning!) Volvo estate, or maybe a Golf R.... and I bought an RS4 for slightly more than double the original budget!

If you like the car you have got, remember the grass isn’t always greener, even if it’s more expensive!

Sounds exactly like my dilemma, started looking at what I might buy with the same budget just newer, then the GTR review pops up and then it gets compared to an M5 and then a Porsche etc. Oh and the M2CS winning car of the year gets your attention.
I reckon I should just log out of everything for a while...




How you liking the RS4 ?

[robwils]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

This is so true.

It is one reason I couldn't justify the cost of getting a G31 to replace my F11, when I had a serious look. It would have to be a really exceptional spec', to be better than the one I already have. Not simply a car that costs much more to run.

Very true... the costs seem to be mounting up, and I’m still looking
Is there a rehab for this ?

[MashinBenzin]

Not such exciting cars, but yeah I was over the moon when I bought my 320d and really thought that was all the car I needed. Then the intention to get a 3.0 diesel something became a 440i. And the plan to accompany that on the driveway with a XC60 morphed into the next class up and the Discovery, although the 440i (rather than the Auris) did leave to balance the books a little.

Scope creep is deadly.

I too hope to spend less on the next car, feel that my outgoings in that department have peaked.

[DB118D]

Originally Posted by robwils

Few things making me think, apart from a bit of lockdown boredom and too much time on my hands on an evening to watch you tube

Impending warranty end (will probably just pay for the extended at £100 a month for peace of mind).

Value is still about £40K, so wondering what is likely to happen as the newer shape starts to land - and maybe be discounted. One things for sure I’m not going for one. Only benefit would be a switchable x drive one, which aren’t out yet.
And lastly and more relevant man maths and quite fancy something different sometimes.

If I do keep it though I reckon I need some 763’s finally....

One of the Edinburgh dealers (Eastern maybe) are advertising an 18 plate M3CP

£42k sticker price, £5k deposit and £575 per month. £16k GFV.

4 years, 8000 miles a year

Gives you an idea of where the finance company expect them to fall to in terms of depreciation.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by DB118D

One of the Edinburgh dealers (Eastern maybe) are advertising an 18 plate M3CP

£42k sticker price, £5k deposit and £575 per month. £16k GFV.

4 years, 8000 miles a year

Gives you an idea of where the finance company expect them to fall to in terms of depreciation.

They'll never be £16k, unless maybe insurance claims categorised.

Even the high mile 2014 ones now are consdirably higher.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by robwils

M3 is 3 years old soon and don’t normally keep cars much beyond that, however still like the car and in my eyes at least a real looker.

So been looking and browsing for its potential replacement and the budget (in my head at least) is doubling at what I’m finding myself looking at, GTR, M5, Porsches etc.

Just thinking 8 years ago was so excited to get my 330D for £30K ish and then 3 years later the 335D for £40ish and so on.

Can’t really believe that I’m now even considering the cars I’m looking at and the associated cost. Anyone else finding there need (and wants) spiralling ? As each car seems to set a new baseline ?

Think I need a reset of some description...

It probably confirms my status as one of the last of the luddites but in many respects I often find these newer and more expensive cars less desirable than the ones they've replaced. I suppose I should caveat that by saying I'm retired - and hence no longer do the sort of annual mileage I used to and therefore perhaps crave the benefits of new technology less than some - but, while newer cars are undoubtedly better by reference to a lot of objective criteria, IMO they're often not as involving or fun to drive.

My M340i is doing the job it was bought for extremely well but if I was looking to replace it - and didn't need something with the same versatility - I'd be looking at something like an M2C or 981 Cayman S (and would want either with a manual gearbox). Even if I had the money (which I don't!) I honestly don't think I'd be tempted by more expensive higher tech machinery!

[KRS_SN]

law of diminishing returns.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by JNW1

It probably confirms my status as one of the last of the luddites but in many respects I often find these newer and more expensive cars less desirable than the ones they've replaced. I suppose I should caveat that by saying I'm retired - and hence no longer do the sort of annual mileage I used to and therefore perhaps crave the benefits of new technology less than some - but, while newer cars are undoubtedly better by reference to a lot of objective criteria, IMO they're often not as involving or fun to drive.

My M340i is doing the job it was bought for extremely well but if I was looking to replace it - and didn't need something with the same versatility - I'd be looking at something like an M2C or 981 Cayman S (and would want either with a manual gearbox). Even if I had the money (which I don't!) I honestly don't think I'd be tempted by more expensive higher tech machinery!

I love it. M2Competition or 981 S for the simple life. Oh the humanity.

Just kidding, we're all as bad as one another pretty much.

[DB118D]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

They'll never be £16k, unless maybe insurance claims categorised.

Even the high mile 2014 ones now are consdirably higher.

I don't expect they'll drop that far either

Just seems a very low GFV

[robwils]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

They'll never be £16k, unless maybe insurance claims categorised.

Even the high mile 2014 ones now are consdirably higher.

Interesting, I’m wondering how much change there will be over next few years, I know not BMW , but didn’t JLR just announce fully electric range or something in 2025, which would be the end of PCP’s getting started now. Sort of brings it home that change could be quick. I guess finance companies are hedging their bets a bit to make sure they don’t end up with too many cars back at too high a price. The downside is higher monthlies but maybe dare I say it some equity left at end .