Some questions about the FRS

[@Art_Mighty]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

I've never seen someone cross shop a Mazda 3 and BMW M3. Hmmm...

It's all based on price....

New FRS = $24k ish
New Mazda 3 = $24k ish
2004-2006 E46 M3 with "low" miles = $25-30k

[@Art_Mighty]

Originally Posted by phobos512

Also, not sure if you're considering differences in maintenance but that M3 may eat you alive (particularly with the SMG) compared to the FR-S which comes with oil changes ("Scion Service Boost") and won't likely need anything else for several years.

'

^ This is important.

When you buy an M3 you're paying to maintain a $60,000 car. You may be able to buy it for less, just remember nothing is cheap on a BMW. Especially an M car.

My advice still stands. It's only money...

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by @Art_Mighty

It's all based on price....

New FRS = $24k ish
New Mazda 3 = $24k ish
2004-2006 E46 M3 with "low" miles = $25-30k

You can get a used 1st gen Dodge Viper with "low" miles for $25k. Maybe add that to your list.

Prob cheaper to keep on the road than E46 M3 too.

[@Art_Mighty]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

You can get a used 1st gen Dodge Viper with "low" miles for $25k. Maybe add that to your list.

Prob cheaper to keep on the road than E46 M3 too.

...now you're being silly. As for the viper I can't speak to the cost to keep one going but every impression of that car leaves it a league away from the livability of an M3. The first vipers didn't even have door glass.

the OP's logic is pretty straight forward.

My "List" at around $25k would be...

New 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
New 2015 FT86 platform car
Used Evo X
Used last gen WRX STI
Used 2013 370z
Used E46 M3
Used E90/92 335i
Used Z4 M Coupe/Convertable
Used 1st gen Caymen
Used C6 corvette
Used Lotus Elise!

I mean there's all sorts of really nice cars you can get at 25K and below.

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by @Art_Mighty

...now you're being silly. As for the viper I can't speak to the cost to keep one going but every impression of that car leaves it a league away from the livability of an M3. The first vipers didn't even have door glass.

the OP's logic is pretty straight forward.

My "List" at around $25k would be...

New 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
New 2015 FT86 platform car
Used Evo X
Used last gen WRX STI
Used 2013 370z
Used E46 M3
Used E90/92 335i
Used Z4 M Coupe/Convertable
Used 1st gen Caymen
Used C6 corvette

I mean there's all sorts of really nice cars you can get at 25K and below.

And none of those are a Mazda 3. Thanks for proving my point!

[@Art_Mighty]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

And none of those are a Mazda 3. Thanks for proving my point!

that's "MY" list. regardless he's shopping within a price range. The reason why the Mazda 3 is probably there is because he's willing to consider a FWD drive car (and with only AWD and RWD cars on my list, I'm not)

[E46C204]

I pick Mazda 3 because it is practical and the handling is ok. And I pick E46 M3 because I am a hardcore E46 fan and have owned my E46 330i for 13 years. I know and love my E46. So if I buy used car, it will be E46 M3 only and it is just personal preference thing.
Anyway, I was at the dealer and made an offered $28,000 otd for the company demo Monogram / Whiteout /Auto / TRD exhaust with the 100 miles on and got the counter offer of $32,xxx which is $1k off of all the 2014 FR-S. The gap was too big and I left.
I think the 2015 base with auto will fit my budget better.

01' BMW 330i
12' MB 350 coupe (sold)
89' Celica ST (sold)

[TheMuffinMan]

1. I'm fairly sure the Bespoke system is just an upgraded head unit.

2. I have the TRD exhaust and often drive both my sisters and mom from time to time. No complaints from any of them while inside the car. I love the exhaust's deep rumble, but there are plenty of louder/deeper cat-backs that can be had for the same price or cheaper

3. The A/T should be perfectly capable of getting sideways, but I really recommend the manual.