deciding on 2 possible cars...

[03ozwhip]

so im not too sure what i want to do so i thought id get some input. its not set in stone yet but want to get some info on 2 cars from owners or previous owners.

1. 1996 M3. low km, apparently doesnt need any work but a windshield(will still get an inspection) everything i want in a car, its an M3, what should i look for on this car, what sort of recalls or problems are there to watch for?

2. 2001 IS300. same scenario, low km, needs no work. what should i look for as far as issues, recalls etc.

the M3 is a 5 speed where the IS300 is automatic. i really want my "fun" car to be a 5 speed but i love the look and the reliability of the IS300. i know the M3 has more power and more potential even though im not going to do crazy mods or anything.

im torn, ill be taking both out on saturday, ive never driven either of these cars so i dont know what to look for. thanks for your help guys.

[ekguy]

I vote m3. Older and still definitely puts the IS300 to shame in the looks department.

[slinkie]

i'd wait for manual is300

[ekguy]

m3 is way classier and the older ones look so nice though.

[slinkie]

I don't dislike e36 styling but e30 and e46 are just so much better looking IMO. Plus the lexus is a lot more reliable and any example has probably been bagged on a lot less

Post reviews after you drive them on saturday, I've never driven an e36 M3

[dirtsniffer]

Try to find a 94 m3. Then you'd be pimping

[Team_Mclaren]

auto is300 is boring as fuck imo. It wont provide you with any "fun"

[cam_wmh]

Jesus. Two complete polar opposites.
Lexus doesn't make a "drivers" car. The IS series, glorifies that. Gutless, sterile, boring.


Comparing it to the M, actually insults that nameplate.

I can't wait to read your comparison AFTER you drive them.

[JimmyJones]

sorry to go off subject op but where you driving up 4th street today? If so your car is

[spikerS]

fuck cory, you change your vehicles like most people change underwear

[Mitsu3000gt]

2001 Lexus - reliable, less fun (especially with an automatic that car is a dog)

1996 BMW - Fun and possible expensive to maintain.

Buy whatever is most important to you.

Personally I'd buy something else because I wouldn't trust a 15 year old M3 unless it's been maintained amazingly well.

[LLLimit]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren
auto is300 is boring as fuck imo. It wont provide you with any "fun"

Nothing but oil changes at CH toyota and 2 new batteries in 5 years of ownership.

[CapnCrunch]

Lol, I'd pick neither.

Old BMW or slow Lexus?

[CapnCrunch]

Originally posted by LLLimit


Nothing but oil changes at CH toyota and 2 new batteries in 5 years of ownership.

FUN!!!!!!!

[bspot]

I find the IS300 a bit nicer looking, E36's are the ugliest generation of M3, not saying they are ugly necessarily, just not as nice looking as the rest, still a decent looking car.

[03ozwhip]

ok so as far as issues with these cars, what should i be looking for? especially the M3. i read something about the subframe..

[Neil4Speed]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt

Personally I'd buy something else because I wouldn't trust a 15 year old M3 unless it's been maintained amazingly well.

+1

[03ozwhip]

^^ the car has only 89k on it. either way i will be taking it in for a full inspection before i decide anything.

[Kloubek]

For me personally, I'd go for the M3. People are saying the e36 is ugly, but I actually thought they look pretty good for the years. I guess it is all personal taste.

The main reason for my preference to the M3, though, is the performance. 0-60 in over 7 seconds for the IS? That is not exactly inspired performance to me. The M3 drops about a second and a half off that time. They even out a bit more in the 1/4 mile, where the M3 is only a second quicker if I'm not mistaken.

The interior of the is300 is more modern, as the M3 was running with that basic interior since... what... 92? I also always thought the speedo cluster on the IS looked pretty cool.... if not a little gimmiky.

I don't have the stats, but I can only imagine the IS would be better on gas.

So I guess what it comes down to (in my view, anyway) is how much performance is worth to you. You have a less reliable, older, lesser interior, and higher consumption car in the M3. But it should be loads more fun... especially with the manual tranny.
Is it worth the premium? Your call.

[max_boost]

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?threadid=152660

rage2 and Altezza can handle the IS300 in winter lol but bigboom and pinoyhero said something is not right with the car. It just doesn't operate like a typical RWD car + winters. My buddy 2000impreza who is also an IS300 owner parks his for the winter lol

E36 M3 FTW! The car still looks so good after all these years. I actually prefer it over the E46.