Well first HI to every one, I currently drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee that got me through college with out blowing up which was impressive but now its time to look for a new car. I am currently debating between an M3 and a WRX and was pursuaded toward the WRX today and looking for your advice from experiance. Looking to spend around 10000 and I know my way around a car. This is going to be my daily driver I want it to be fun but reliable and no matter what it is im sure it will get better mpg than the jeep. Any suggestions are appreciated. Chris
Welcome to the club! For 10k you're probably going to looking at getting a Bugeye (02-03). Not to worry though, as this is the best looking WRX available in the states With a WRX you are definitely going to get both fun and reliable. The only problems with the earlier models are notoriously weak transmissions. This being said, if you're not abusive with you car (or putting down a ton of power through aftermarket mods) it should be fine. I know plenty of people, myself included, that have never had a problem with a tranny. But yeah, good luck with the search and hopefully we'll be seeing you around.
Welcome to the site. I think you'll find a better car for the money with a WRX. I'd say keep your eyes open locally and then go see the car and of course use the resources on this board and others to find out if the car has been abused or not. Good luck!
2003 WRX's have a somewhat stronger transmission. If you are looking for the same utility as the jeep, step up to a bugeye wagon.
i'm assuming an e36 m3? they are very 2 different cars, you should test drive both of them and see which you like
I was assuming an E36 M3 as well. If that is what you are looking at i think the WRX would be better for the money. If you can find an E30 M3 in good condition for $10,000 that may be a different story. I have a soft spot for the Boxy E30. Reminds me of the Datsun 510.
I have a soft spot for independent throttle bodies..... Good luck with your purchase... both cars are a good choice.
e36 M3 sedans are one of my favorite cars...but the chances of finding one with decent mileage is gonna be tough. probably have better luck finding a bugeye with decent miles for that price
I was looking into the e36's before I bought my WRX. For $10k you'd be looking at a fairly high mileage e36. I came across a lot of reviews that said the cars were great, but the maintenance was an absolute killer.
yeap, i was determined to get an e36 m3 but i got my wrx aswell and haven't looked back since. But yes i'd kill for an e30 m3 in great condition, very rare. safe bet is to get the wrx as you dont know how well the m3 was taken care of as they can have many problems
The downfall to the BMW from my experience is the cost of parts. Even regular stuff that you can do yourself, the parts are very expensive in my opinion. I was big into BMW's a while back, and came close to buying an E30 M3, but it just wasn't practicle enough for daily driving. I had and E30 328 for a short while as well, and it turned out to be a little money pit. I think time and money would be better spent with a WRX, especially for your 10k price range. My $.02
I work with BMW freaks. I am selling my WRX with hopes of getting an E36/E46 M3, or and E39 540/M5. My best advice is to log into BimmerForums and other quality sites and search there. Lots of those guys take VERY good care of their cars. Maintenance records are often supplied, as well as, good references by other members.