Downgrading from an M3

[jmg]

The decision has been made: My kid is going to private school next year and it's not cheap. My M3 lease is up early next year as well, and my i8 or AMG GT plans have been scrapped for now. Since I can't make a decision on what to do until the G80 comes along and since my next car won't be my "ideal" car, I'm thinking I don't want to spend more than what a M3 would cost, any I might go as far to say that I might as well save some money in the meantime. With downgrading in mind, what is a good sub $80k car that will still be fun to drive? My only stipulation is that it leases well of course. My list so far:

1) BMW M2 Competition

2) Audi RS3

3) Cayman - non S

4) Alpha Romeo Quadrifoglio - if they knock off $20k lol


What do you think? Anything else I should add to the list?

[PshhhhhMW]

Originally Posted by jmg

The decision has been made: My kid is going to private school next year and it's not cheap. My M3 lease is up early next year as well, and my i8 or AMG GT plans have been scrapped for now. Since I can't make a decision on what to do until the G80 comes along and since my next car won't be my "ideal" car, I'm thinking I don't want to spend more than what a M3 would cost, any I might go as far to say that I might as well save some money in the meantime. With downgrading in mind, what is a good sub $80k car that will still be fun to drive? My only stipulation is that it leases well of course. My list so far:

1) BMW M2 Competition

2) Audi RS3

3) Cayman - non S

4) Alpha Romeo Quadrifoglio - if they knock off $20k lol


What do you think? Anything else I should add to the list?

These options are not much of a downgrade. A Honda Civic is a downgrade.

[hellrotm]

I would say option 1, but M2 lease numbers are usually no bueno. Cayman...I guess. Have you thought about a F-type, Jag discounts and lease numbers are usually really good.

[PshhhhhMW]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

I would say option 1, but M2 lease numbers are usually no bueno. Cayman...I guess. Have you thought about a F-type, Jag discounts and lease numbers are usually really good.

If you really want to save money and want something to have fun with, grab a hellcat. I believe leases can be had for less than $500/month.

[Fuller]

I like the M2. I'm not sure I can give concrete reasons why I like it better than the Porsche or RS3, but often car preferences are based on emotion as much or more than calculated reason.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

I would say option 1, but M2 lease numbers are usually no bueno. Cayman...I guess. Have you thought about a F-type, Jag discounts and lease numbers are usually really good.

I'll have to look into what the leases look like on the M2CS. As far as the F-Type, a buddy of mine already has one, so I want to go in another direction. Plus the R is the only F-Type I would consider, and it's way more than an M3.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by PshhhhhMW

If you really want to save money and want something to have fun with, grab a hellcat. I believe leases can be had for less than $500/month.

I really can't see myself getting into a Hellcat right now. I'm aiming for something smaller and sportier instead of an alll out beast.

[nicknaz]

Cayman non S. lol. Yea that's a downgrade

Wait, hellcat leases $500/mo?!

[Circuit Hunter]

Originally Posted by jmg

The decision has been made: My kid is going to private school next year and it's not cheap. My M3 lease is up early next year as well, and my i8 or AMG GT plans have been scrapped for now. Since I can't make a decision on what to do until the G80 comes along and since my next car won't be my "ideal" car, I'm thinking I don't want to spend more than what a M3 would cost, any I might go as far to say that I might as well save some money in the meantime. With downgrading in mind, what is a good sub $80k car that will still be fun to drive? My only stipulation is that it leases well of course. My list so far:

1) BMW M2 Competition

2) Audi RS3

3) Cayman - non S

4) Alpha Romeo Quadrifoglio - if they knock off $20k lol


What do you think? Anything else I should add to the list?

If you are leasing again I don't think any of those are cheaper unless I'm missing something. If you are looking for a performance car that leases very well look into a Cadillac ATS-V or Camaro SS 1LE.

[PshhhhhMW]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Cayman non S. lol. Yea that's a downgrade

Wait, hellcat leases $500/mo?!

I think deals are based by area/region. I looked it up for Los Angeles and yeah, their current lease offer is under $500/mo.

[DS_BMW]

Originally Posted by Circuit Hunter

If you are leasing again I don't think any of those are cheaper unless I'm missing something. If you are looking for a performance car that leases very well look into a Cadillac ATS-V or Camaro SS 1LE.

Ats V does not lease well at least from dealers i reached out to. RS3 has like 45% residual too.

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by jmg

The decision has been made: My kid is going to private school next year and it's not cheap. My M3 lease is up early next year as well, and my i8 or AMG GT plans have been scrapped for now. Since I can't make a decision on what to do until the G80 comes along and since my next car won't be my "ideal" car, I'm thinking I don't want to spend more than what a M3 would cost, any I might go as far to say that I might as well save some money in the meantime. With downgrading in mind, what is a good sub $80k car that will still be fun to drive? My only stipulation is that it leases well of course. My list so far:

1) BMW M2 Competition

2) Audi RS3

3) Cayman - non S

4) Alpha Romeo Quadrifoglio - if they knock off $20k lol


What do you think? Anything else I should add to the list?

I'm in a similar situation, had to sell my M4 convertible as I needed some cash and ended up ordering an RS3 after test driving it. That thing launches like a rocket thanks to its Quattro AWD system, is practical, has a nice interior and the virtual cockpit and Bang & Olufsen sound system are on another level.

This is the car I'm getting, the color is called Catalunya Red. Looks like orange under bright light but shifts to red when it's a bit darker:

[gatorfast]

lol at that list of "downgrades". I doubt any of those cars will save you big, if any, money over the M3. OP if you are really trying to save money you need to be looking at something like a GTI (which is probably the best all around car for the money).

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

lol at that list of "downgrades". I doubt any of those cars will save you big, if any, money over the M3. OP if you are really trying to save money you need to be looking at something like a GTI (which is probably the best all around car for the money).

For the money, it is one sweet little zippy car indeed. Just depends how much money the OP wants to save.

[cotmfk]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

lol at that list of "downgrades". I doubt any of those cars will save you big, if any, money over the M3. OP if you are really trying to save money you need to be looking at something like a GTI (which is probably the best all around car for the money).

+1, and VW is really giving tons of discounts on them as well.

[danniexi]

1. none of those cars are real "downgrades".

2. none of those cars will lease "well".

3. youd probably save money by getting into another F80 lease (swapalease?) or just keeping your car, paying it off, and selling it later for the next gen M3 (depending on condition, options, mileage, etc.).

4. as someone mentioned, a proper downgrade would be a GTI or something.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Fuller

I like the M2. I'm not sure I can give concrete reasons why I like it better than the Porsche or RS3, but often car preferences are based on emotion as much or more than calculated reason.

I'll give a reason for the M2 over the RS3: I won't pay +60k for a front wheel drive based car.


I concur with others that say none of those options are much of a downgrade. A Honda Civic Si seems like a decently fun car that is much cheaper than what you have now

[Darth One]

it took 13 posts on a thread like this before the GTI was mentioned. this forum is slipping

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by danniexi

1. none of those cars are real "downgrades".

2. none of those cars will lease "well".

3. youd probably save money by getting into another F80 lease (swapalease?) or just keeping your car, paying it off, and selling it later for the next gen M3 (depending on condition, options, mileage, etc.).

4. as someone mentioned, a proper downgrade would be a GTI or something.

gotta be honest, this downgrade thing is very skewed here... if ur downgrading for financial reasons, I dont see how a car over 25k makes sense... then again this is BP

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by ASAP

if ur downgrading for financial reasons, I dont see how a car over 25k makes sense... then again this is BP

something something eat cake too.

GTI wouldn't be too bad, especially used.

if not, go for a low end toyota or hyundai.

or public transportation.

or quit gym membership and run everywhere.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by ASAP

gotta be honest, this downgrade thing is very skewed here... if ur downgrading for financial reasons, I dont see how a car over 25k makes sense... then again this is BP

Originally Posted by danniexi

something something eat cake too.

GTI wouldn't be too bad, especially used.

if not, go for a low end toyota or hyundai.

or public transportation.

or quit gym membership and run everywhere.

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I'll give a reason for the M2 over the RS3: I won't pay +60k for a front wheel drive based car.


I concur with others that say none of those options are much of a downgrade. A Honda Civic Si seems like a decently fun car that is much cheaper than what you have now

Originally Posted by danniexi

1. none of those cars are real "downgrades".

2. none of those cars will lease "well".

3. youd probably save money by getting into another F80 lease (swapalease?) or just keeping your car, paying it off, and selling it later for the next gen M3 (depending on condition, options, mileage, etc.).

4. as someone mentioned, a proper downgrade would be a GTI or something.

Originally Posted by gatorfast

lol at that list of "downgrades". I doubt any of those cars will save you big, if any, money over the M3. OP if you are really trying to save money you need to be looking at something like a GTI (which is probably the best all around car for the money).

Lol I guess calling them downgrades is a stretch. It's more that I don't want to spend MORE so either it's another M3/4 or something slightly cheaper, and which ones would I not mind going slightly cheaper. I admit, I haven't looked at lease rates yet.

[uniqueMR]

I would say:

1) BMW M2 Competition
2) Audi RS3

Coupe or Sedan. Depending on your situation. If want a coupe, M2 C and if want a sedan, then RS3.