Looking for a fun do-it-all car in the $35-55k range. Has to be decent enough to commute to work in as a daily, but have enough power to still have fun on back roads. I’m considering between a few AMG and M cars based on this, and was wondering for those that have owned one or both, which did you prefer? To be clear I’m looking at the mid-level AMG and M cars, something similar to the CLA 35 AMG or the M340i. Not interested in Lexus although they are reliable I find them a bit boring with the exception of the LC500 and LFA. Audi sort of for the same reason. Porsche would be great but I need 4 seats, don’t want electric although the Taycan is great, don’t want an SUV, and the new Panamera is out of budget. What are your thoughts?
You could get M or AMG for less than 55k?!
lol if you go for 2-3 years old and get the mid level ones they are abundant at around $45k
Porsche Macan is actually great. It’s not really an suv but a cross over, sits at same height as a sedan. Also, M340 is not really a M car. Get a M3 instead.
Have the M340 pretty fun. Should check your boxes
CLA 35 and M340i are both entry level “AMG/M-adjacent” vehicles, borrowing its badge from full-fat variants. Which is fine, but just know what you’re getting into. If you’re into this line of cars, also consider a pre-2023 C43 which will still have a nice 6 cylinder under the hood. If it were me though, I’d go for an older M3, or C63 with a V8. Both are fun to drive while still being practical enough for a daily. These will not be as comfortable as a C43 or M340i due to stiff suspension though. For reference I’ve daily driven a 340i for 3 years (before BMW gave it the M-lite badge), and now daily drive a C63S
Yup, agreed on being AMG / M adjacent. I would consider an older M3 or C63 but I don’t know how reliable those would be or if they would have the sort of tech I’m hoping to upgrade to from a 2008 Subaru right now. Kind of need some more features and less miles but still decently fun.
M5 CS
You need back seats or have another car? GR Supra is amazing for the price and a true sports car. Paired with the B58 and ZF8 transmission it’s absolutely an amazing drive. Way better than a m340i or AMG especially the price range.
M340i has the B58 and ZF8 speed too? Is there something I’m missing on this.
Yeah M340i has the same engine and transmission — M3/M4 has similar but the S58 engine which is the twin turbo version of the B58. The thing with the Supra is it’s just light, you’re lower to the ground and the driving experience is more engaging. I daily drive mine already have 10k miles on it and it’s been like 8 months lol The instant torque is much more apparent in the lighter Supra compared to the heavier BMW sedans. Highly recommend test driving, enjoy them! Turo has a bunch you can rent for a day since it’s rare to find a dealership to let you drive the good stuff
Why do you need 4 doors? Kids? It would be a no-brainer otherwise: M2 with a manual.
No kids, just like the utility. Would go manual but as a daily driver in Seattle traffic I don’t know how fun that would be. As a weekend car, I totally agree with you
Audi RS3
Unpopular opinion: get a miata or an abarth. Things will happen slower and quicker (you can drift in a wet home depot parking lot and it happens at a much lower speed) And you can save a bunch of money
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Not having Audi’s S line in the equation is a mistake. Their cars are arguably more fun to drive than AMGs. All have pros and cons but I’d lean more into Audi than you are rn.
I’ve heard Audis have reliability issues, has that been your experience?
No, but all of the car lines you mentioned have a similar reputation. BMW id argue worse lol.