As I drove our long-term M3 last week with the windows down and sunroof back, I reveled in the luscious engine sounds amidst a beautiful Southern California day. As I pulled into the Edmunds garage and briefly considered going back out just for the hell of it, it dawned on me how much of a wise buying decision this M3 was. Here is a car that with the right care will be a classic someday, a car that is more fun at six years old than most cars are at mile 1 -- and we bought it for less than 30 large.
In between spouts of doing actual work (if you can really call what I do "work"), one of my favorite diversions is to trawl eBay motors for used cars that fit into the M3's bargain future classic category. I'll spend time looking at mid-80s Porsche 911s or first-gen Boxsters, or checking out BMW M Coupes or old Aston Martins (not so much bargains here). I'm not sure why I think it's fun, maybe it's my great desire to have a Leno-sized garage someday...
However, after buying what I think of as my own future classic, I've realized a good tip for buying one. Find one with an old year and low miles, one that could be described as a toy rather than day-to-day transportation. This not only increases the chances of you buying someone's well-treated baby, but the way auto pricing works, the older year ensures a lower price despite mileage. Our M3 doesn't quite match this, but I certainly hope we keep this in mind when we start to search for a pre-loved replacement for the Ferrari. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to wasting time on eBay motors.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
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(wistful sigh...)
You totally got the right color of Z3. I have wanted one just like James Bond's ever since I saw that movie in high school. Nice to know I'll be able to have one some day.
I have a 2001 M3 now and I really think I will trade up to a used 2006 model in a couple years. It is a joy to drive and methinks it looks better than all of the current flamebroiled, er flame surfaced, BMW's put together.
m_thrizzle, as an M3 owner, you're contractually obligated to dislike the newer generation. Many E36 M3 owners cried bloody murder when the E46 came out, and although the E92 M3 is likely to garner legendary status once it has sufficiently barrel-aged (just like the E46 did), E46 M3 owners are not allowed to like it until then.
I'm not talking about just the new M3, I'm talking about all of the Banglized Bimmers. I don't think the designs look very good and the (over)styling seems to cater towards women (every woman I've talked to about the new Bimmers love them).
Only time will tell whether this current crop of cars will be considered a classic or will been seen as awkward. I drove the 135i and it was a lot of fun, but it is as ugly as a Subaru WRX (any generation).
Regarding future classics, here are my suggestions:
1. USDM STi and/or Evo 8, preferably first-gen
2. Last-gen Ford Lightning
3. If you care about motorcycles, any generation of Ducati 996
I'd add Ram SRT-10 to that list.
I think the Acura NSX and the Mazda RX-7 will become valuble classics as well. NSXs are already starting to appreciate in value and I've seen 3rd gen RX-7s on autotrader that are going for more than a new RX-8!
^the last generation Supras are the same way. The RX-7's were curvy and classic, and the NSX is an easy semi-exotic that is relatively cheap to maintain. 1st Gen Vipers should be classics too.
Once more I must sigh that BMW did not make a 4 door e46 M3. I would own one today and never consider another car.
I'm with you, blueguydotcom.
Again, happy to see that I am not alone in my neurotic habits. Ebay motors is definitely a place to kill some time admiring what might be.
What? No love for the 944 Turbo? Or the late 924S (1987-88)? I would take either of those over a Boxster, given the option. But if someone's handing out Boxsters, I'm not complaining.
I'm still looking for a nice E46 M3 with the Xenons, CWP, and the Competition Package. Without a sunroof.