m3 e46 or (vs) Evo IX ?
- Thread starter Vend1go
- 4 comments
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- Puerto Rico
- motortrend
Drive them and decide for yourself, Evo is more mod friendly, practical and will probably cost less in the long run if you don't go for crazy power. On the M I would save the modding cash for future repairs as they can be expensive especially if it's the SMG, but the car has a great engine and is much more luxurious than the Evo. Comfort wise From what I have gathered both are pretty stiff with the M being probably more comfortable on longer trips.
NCRthree
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- Virginia
- ncrthree/GTP_ncrthree
I've shopped for 3 series and Evos many times. Not a E46 but a E36 was my other choice. Had sold my 2003 S2K and needed a back seat. Good luck finding an unabused Evo. I looked and looked for a relatively stock one for 6-9 months locally but they were either obviously run hard and de modded to look "stock" or were highly over priced in good condition. E36's were cheaper but looming repair costs scared me away. I'd feel the same way about an E46 with miles on it now. Unless you're a mechanic, it's something to consider.
As far as driving fun is concerned, an Evo IX is awesome. So much pull and very tight responsive handling and steering. However it's based on a Lancer econobox and is pretty noisy and rides rough as a result. Crappy plasticky interior but has great seats and driving position. If you want serious reliable power for not much cash, it's hard to beat an Evo-any year. AWD is another plus.
Don't know enough about E46's but it's going to be a much nicer car to drive around for a daily. Quality materials and a classic 2 door coupe shape-beautiful cars. Best ask about possible repair costs. At least in the States, any German car costs much more to maintain and repair especially electrical problems. Might not be an issue where you live.
Sometimes when buying used cars, I end up with whatever car has the best background. How it was maintained and by whom. Best to know an owner. Buying a used high performance car from a dealer can be risky. If it looks iffy-fried tires, spent brakes anything questionable-I walk away.
I couldn't find either of my dream cars used to my satisfaction and ended up buying a brand new Evo X in Dec. 2008. After 0% financing, it was about the same cost as a really nice Evo IX but with a warranty. Great car, no problems since I took ownership. Plan on keeping it a long time. Good luck on your search.
As far as driving fun is concerned, an Evo IX is awesome. So much pull and very tight responsive handling and steering. However it's based on a Lancer econobox and is pretty noisy and rides rough as a result. Crappy plasticky interior but has great seats and driving position. If you want serious reliable power for not much cash, it's hard to beat an Evo-any year. AWD is another plus.
Don't know enough about E46's but it's going to be a much nicer car to drive around for a daily. Quality materials and a classic 2 door coupe shape-beautiful cars. Best ask about possible repair costs. At least in the States, any German car costs much more to maintain and repair especially electrical problems. Might not be an issue where you live.
Sometimes when buying used cars, I end up with whatever car has the best background. How it was maintained and by whom. Best to know an owner. Buying a used high performance car from a dealer can be risky. If it looks iffy-fried tires, spent brakes anything questionable-I walk away.
I couldn't find either of my dream cars used to my satisfaction and ended up buying a brand new Evo X in Dec. 2008. After 0% financing, it was about the same cost as a really nice Evo IX but with a warranty. Great car, no problems since I took ownership. Plan on keeping it a long time. Good luck on your search.
- 289
I would go with the evo, usually if something were to go wrong it will most likely be the clutch ( unlike the 02 wrx's where you would blow the tranny in 1 month ). I had an 02 wrx modded to 405 awhp, after coming from a 240sx... the awd is a blast.... and esp if you ever drive in the snow or rain you dont have to worry so much. However I do dislike the evo interior like the other person has said. The evos are built and can handle basic mods, even if you dont mod it its a great all around car.... personally I would pick a subaru due to their better reliability in the newer gen models.
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