Okay, M3/4 drivers, what's your NEXT car gonna be?

[M.a.r.k.u.s]

Lots of possibilities. Next gen m3, 911, Tesla, Audi rs3...

Still got two years on my lease so it depends on what's out then and what my circumstances are

[WinterWolf-F80]

I need american muscle in my life. Im thinking of a ZL1, Shelby 350R, or wait for a Shelby500/Cobra? Some may say its a backwards move but honestly im not as happy with the F80/M3. Anyone else on here in a similar situation?

[jmg]

Originally Posted by WinterWolf-F80

I need american muscle in my life. Im thinking of a ZL1, Shelby 350R, or wait for a Shelby500/Cobra? Some may say its a backwards move but honestly im not as happy with the F80/M3. Anyone else on here in a similar situation?

For the money the ZL1 is a beast! I don't know if I can get into an american car though. I guess time till tell... and a test drive.

[neilum]

I've been leaning towards keeping an older sports car or older BMW around as the fun car and getting an appliance for daily duties. I'm thinking 996 911 or E36 M3 and then a MK7 Gti or Accord Sedan or something like that to tool around in for DD.

I think new cars at this level are getting too fast to truly enjoy. The next M will have AWD, and a hybrid drivetrain and just get farther away from feeling connected despite getting even faster.

I am missing the old days of how cars felt connected and mechanical. It's a weird feeling because the F80 M3 is awesome and I love it but can't really enjoy it as much as I could because it is too powerful and simply too fast.

Sounds bassackwards I know.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by neilum

I've been leaning towards keeping an older sports car or older BMW around as the fun car and getting an appliance for daily duties. I'm thinking 996 911 or E36 M3 and then a MK7 Gti or Accord Sedan or something like that to tool around in for DD.

I think new cars at this level are getting too fast to truly enjoy. The next M will have AWD, and a hybrid drivetrain and just get farther away from feeling connected despite getting even faster.

I am missing the old days of how cars felt connected and mechanical. It's a weird feeling because the F80 M3 is awesome and I love it but can't really enjoy it as much as I could because it is too powerful and simply too fast.

Sounds bassackwards I know.

I think you are right. I'm getting less concerned about the newest technology and the most HP and an older car might be more fun on the weekends like an E46, 997 or Cayman S. I'm thinking something reliable like a Lexus LS460 as a daily.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by jmg

I think you are right. I'm getting less concerned about the newest technology and the most HP and an older car might be more fun on the weekends like an E46, 997 or Cayman S. I'm thinking something reliable like a Lexus LS460 as a daily.

I just traded my 981 CS in for my ZCP M3 - if I could have the best of all worlds, I would DD the M3 and save the 981 just for thrashing.

The 981 was ok at DD, but not great. Great for driving for pure enjoyment - the car was like a surgical instrument, and the flat 6 screaming in your ear is truly one of the greatest experiences I have ever had related to cars, which is saying something.

The M3 is marvelous at DD, due to the awesome "range" of stiffness, sportiness, and overall utility. It leaves a little to be desired in the "driving just for fun" department - don't get me wrong, it is very good. Just not much drama.

I really need a third garage bay and more disposable income.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

I just traded my 981 CS in for my ZCP M3 - if I could have the best of all worlds, I would DD the M3 and save the 981 just for thrashing.

The 981 was ok at DD, but not great. Great for driving for pure enjoyment - the car was like a surgical instrument, and the flat 6 screaming in your ear is truly one of the greatest experiences I have ever had related to cars, which is saying something.

The M3 is marvelous at DD, due to the awesome "range" of stiffness, sportiness, and overall utility. It leaves a little to be desired in the "driving just for fun" department - don't get me wrong, it is very good. Just not much drama.

I really need a third garage bay and more disposable income.

I just saw a Cayman GTS on the road today and started drooling. I know it's a different beast, but I feel like I would miss the extra HP in the M3. I'm probably being silly since the 0-60 and 1/4 are practically the same on both. What are your thoughts?

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by jmg

I just saw a Cayman GTS on the road today and started drooling. I know it's a different beast, but I feel like I would miss the extra HP in the M3. I'm probably being silly since the 0-60 and 1/4 are practically the same on both. What are your thoughts?

The M3 feels MUCH faster on the low end - the 981 revs high and fast, but you can't outdo the forced induction on the M3 with 325 (CS) or 340 (GTS) BHP. Part of me hates that Porsche deliberately underpowers the car too - with the engine in the middle, you sort of feel like you're driving a posh go-kart. Just needs additional grunt...like how they deliberately didn't give the GT4 an engine that revs to 9K like the GT3...you just know, that as good as the thing is...it could be a lot better.

In terms of the M3 vs. 981, they're really different cars - my problem is that I have ADD when it comes to vehicles, which is driven by the fact that I only have one garage space for my car. I also have a Ducati, so the really crazy shit can always come on 2 wheels.

The 981 was the best car I've ever owned...and the drama, sound, excitement - all of those things were 11s on a 10 point scale. But it wasn't very comfortable, and you didn't have much utility for everyday stuff - so there are some limitations you have to accept if it's your only ride. But I can't think of a better weekend or nice day toy - it was so much fun to thrash around.

Makes me think that a car like the 991.1 GTS might truly be the best of both worlds, because not only is it a sports car built from the ground up, it can be more forgiving and docile with the throttle adjustments and PASM.

[John Tanglewood]

Haven't read the thread but I'll put the over/under on Porsche mentions at 33. Let me know if I'm close!!!

[JoeyBananas]

Jeep Wrangler

[SMGCFP]

I will not be replacing my M4 until 5/19, but if I were deciding now, it could be the Corvette ZR1 assuming it's out by then. If not, maybe the Z06. I've never liked the look of Porsche. Audi R8, Acura NSX are still a fairly giant step away. I'm assuming also we will still be in this same F82 body in May 2019. I don't think I'd get the 1st year of a new model anyway, which I guess contradicts my interest in the ZR1. (I'm assuming we'd know of a ZR1 for 2018 already)

All that being said I'm probably not this forum's definition of an enthusiast. I make a good living and can afford nice things, but SUV's and luxury sedans don't interest me. I like coupes that go fast. I love my M4, and may even buy it when the lease is up (have never bought a car after lease) if nothing appeals to me in May 2019. Good thread.

[Mikecom32]

Probably either a 991.1 Turbo S or a Cayman GT4.

[PunjabiM3]

Lots of possibilities as it is a great time to be a car enthusiast. The M3 is more my daily driver whereas my R8 is my fun weekend car. The M3 is definitely a lot of fun to drive, but now after owning it for about 6 months and previously owning the current gen MB C63 S, I can say for sure that my next car MUST be more comfortable than either of these two cars. So my first priority as a replacement car must have a more compliant suspension than the M3, better tech, and a bit more interior room while also being decently fast. So far here are my contenders for the M3 replacement: new M550i, M5, Panamera S, next gen Audi S6, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, upcoming Lexus LS. Other possibilities are a used 750 or used S550. At this point I am unsure whether to make the move sooner than later so as to not lose more money on depreciation on the M3. I like the M3 a lot, but don't love it due to it not being civil enough in comfort mode.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by neilum

I've been leaning towards keeping an older sports car or older BMW around as the fun car and getting an appliance for daily duties. I'm thinking 996 911 or E36 M3 and then a MK7 Gti or Accord Sedan or something like that to tool around in for DD.

+1000

I took the funds from the sale of my F80 and used them to do a pretty much straight swap for a modded 996TT (toy) and a chevy spark EV (commuter)

It has been pretty awesome. Both cars are excellent for their respective jobs

[ssuene93]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

+1000

I took the funds from the sale of my F80 and used them to do a pretty much straight swap for a modded 996TT (toy) and a chevy spark EV (commuter)

It has been pretty awesome. Both cars are excellent for their respective jobs

lol, I have a Fiat 500e as commuter. Can't beat the price.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by ssuene93

lol, I have a Fiat 500e as commuter. Can't beat the price.

They had a $69/mo lease a few months back after rebates. A really good deal. Too bad the range isn't enough for my commute.

[ssuene93]

Originally Posted by jmg

They had a $69/mo lease a few months back after rebates. A really good deal. Too bad the range isn't enough for my commute.

Ya, I saw that deal in one of the largest dealer in OC back in Feb. My deal was a bit better at 103 tax included before the $2500 rebate. That is equal to $32 after tax per month. I think it is pretty nice.

[jpdchicago]

2018 Porsche 911 Gt3 but manual only. Trying to get on the list with local dealer. No luck yet.
Keeping the M4 Gts though. Just too much fun...

[saeyedoc]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

I just traded my 981 CS in for my ZCP M3 - if I could have the best of all worlds, I would DD the M3 and save the 981 just for thrashing.

The 981 was ok at DD, but not great. Great for driving for pure enjoyment - the car was like a surgical instrument, and the flat 6 screaming in your ear is truly one of the greatest experiences I have ever had related to cars, which is saying something.

The M3 is marvelous at DD, due to the awesome "range" of stiffness, sportiness, and overall utility. It leaves a little to be desired in the "driving just for fun" department - don't get me wrong, it is very good. Just not much drama.

I really need a third garage bay and more disposable income.

You just need a 911. I went from a 335 (mine) and M3 (wife's) to a '12 Cayman S, traded up to a '13 Carrera S recently that was loaded. So much power coming out of turns, never spins the rear wheels like the M3 did. Much more room in the cabin. Mine has sport exhaust, so it's plenty loud. Unless you really need full size rear seats, it's such a great car. I thought my Cayman was the best car I ever had, till I got this one.

[Spoonman929RR]

Largely depends on if the next gen M3/4 will have a manual. I'd love to get another, but if not, maybe a 718 Cayman S

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by ssuene93

Ya, I saw that deal in one of the largest dealer in OC back in Feb. My deal was a bit better at 103 tax included before the $2500 rebate. That is equal to $32 after tax per month. I think it is pretty nice.

What was the drive off? The deals I was getting were ~$8k total (drive off + monthly + tax) before the state rebate, so I decided instead to buy my car for $12.5k (had 1.4k miles only). Figured it would be worth more than $4k in 3 years.. I guess we'll see!

Smoking deals all around on these cheapo EVs these days

[jmg]

Originally Posted by ssuene93

Ya, I saw that deal in one of the largest dealer in OC back in Feb. My deal was a bit better at 103 tax included before the $2500 rebate. That is equal to $32 after tax per month. I think it is pretty nice.

If I could get that in an EV with a range of at least 120 miles I'm sold. I'll get one TOMORROW.