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25k Coupe - E46 M3 vs G35 vs Genesis Coupe

4 messages,  Last post on May 17, 2011 at 10:27 PM

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What is this discussion about? Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Infiniti G35, BMW M3, Car Comparisons, Coupe

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#1 of 4 25k Coupe - E46 M3 vs G35 vs Genesis Coupe by youareslow

Jan 06, 2010 (1:16 pm)

I'm looking to spend 25k on a car this spring. I have the itch for a coupe and have been thinking of 3 models that I can get for about 25k. The 05-06 G35, E46 M3, and Genesis Coupe R-Spec. I have been thinking about each and it is a hard choice. Looks wise I love the Genesis and G35. Performance the M3 is the bomb. The new Genesis would seem to be the smart choice, but the other cars might be better long term values. What would others choose?

#2 of 4 Re: 25k Coupe - E46 M3 vs G35 vs Genesis Coupe [youareslow] by wjtinatl

Jan 18, 2010 (2:18 pm)

Replying to: youareslow (Jan 06, 2010 1:16 pm)
Interesting, as I'm considering 2 of the 3 you are, I've not thought of the Hyundai. As impressive as the G35 is, the M3 is in a whole other league. That said, I know the G will cost me lots less in the long run. Many of the M3's I've seen have the SMG II gearbox. While not the smoothest unit out there, it's pretty fun when driving hard. However, the repair and maintenance costs of the SMG scare the hell out of me. Plenty of internet chatter about the box, pro and con. Also, it's harder to find a really nice G35, the M3's were typically bought by a real enthusiasist and have been well kept. Some of the G's are ragged pretty good, or perhaps their interior trim doesn't hold up as well as the BMW. I really cannot bring myself to consider the Genesis, even though it's gotten great publicity. This may sound egotistical, but in rewarding myself, a Hyundai just doesn't do it, no matter how nice. Overall, I'm pretty sure I'll decide on the M3....

#3 of 4 Re: 25k Coupe - E46 M3 vs G35 vs Genesis Coupe [wjtinatl] by k12rider

Mar 18, 2010 (11:56 am)

Replying to: wjtinatl (Jan 18, 2010 2:18 pm)
There's a lot of things to consider in rating these 3 vehicles and which is right for you. I own a M3 convertible 6 speed which I love. I grew up around VW, BMW, and german car enthusiasts and as a result am accustomed to their ride and handling as compared to Japan and Korea? There are many other things to consider:
Ride
Styling
Power
MPG
Type of driving you do
Commuting
Cost to maintain or repair
Economics of household / Affordability
Insurance rates
How long do you plan on owning it...
 
BMW has a number of resources for DIY and performance enhancements via forums and internet vendors etc. It is fantastic! This helps tremendously if you are handy and not afraid to do some of the repairs yourself. As for the SMG, my father had a 2003 M3 convertible SMG and ultimately hated the SMG. I hated it as well because I want more control of when the shifts actually take place and so on. I don't thing the e46 SMG was a good enough version of the paddle shifting of formula 1 racing and chose to avoid it in favor of the 6 speed.
 
I love my 2002 and am slowly fixing little things myself. The only way I'd get rid of this car is due to economics, trading into a newer BMW or like, had to seat 4 or more comfortably and often, or the MPG killed me.
 
I'd be happy to give you more specifics on my experience. I think the other vehicles are very fine examples its more a personal preference thing. In my experience, the Japanese or Asian manufacturers are so good that they turn the sports car into a more vanilla experience to the point that the initial thrill may be great but eventually diminishes below that of perhaps an older, originally more expensive german car.
 
For 25k, you should be able to find a very nice M3 and perhaps have some bucks in your pocket tomake it your baby.

#4 of 4 Re: 25k Coupe - E46 M3 vs G35 vs Genesis Coupe [wjtinatl] by mfanatic

May 17, 2011 (10:27 pm)

Replying to: wjtinatl (Jan 18, 2010 2:18 pm)
I also had to choose between the m3, g35, and 350z after driving all three a beeme rs a beemer. Infiniti, Nissan, and Hyundai will never come close and of course i got the e46 m3 and very happy with my choice.http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.10.65/img/forums/w- ebxicons/emotorcons/emo_shades.gif

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