So I'm in the market of an second car to replace the current one i have..
an C63 AMG, M3 or an IS-F
i driven the IS-F and is an fun car.. luxury, sporty.. something I can't do with my runner.. it would be nice to roll up to the clubs with the IS-F.
any m3's owner on the boards? C63's? pro and cons?
thanks.
From your post, i made these assumptions:
1. Fuel economy not big of a deal
2. You need WOW factor
3. Budget around $35k or so and below
4. Weekend car...thus, maintenance cost should not be that important
Of your 3 choices, i would pick M3. Girls and general public KNOW M3 if they have any idea about cars. Some (many?) may look at ISF as a pimped out IS (entry level Lexus)...like a Civic with big wing and coffee can muffler. Don't get me wrong, i think ISF is uber fabulous, but that is because i am a car enthusiast and knows what it is (and what it costs). But, Lexus made the IF too much like a pimp-out IS with all the silly add-on-like spoilers. How many car enthusiast at a club? Not many...esp. when talking about the opposite sex. Same goes for C63...but, Mercedes is a Mercedes and gives more WOW factor than a Lexus IS at a club entrance. AMG carries more weight than the "F" behind IS name. Everyone knows about M-cars...it is a semi-classic. "M3" carries with it its own heritage and most normal folks know it by name.
Having said that, let me offer you a different viewpoint. The problem with sports car (i owned 2003.5 M3 SMG) is that it goes out of date as fast as an Android smartphone! You can buy the latest and greatest and within 3 months, there will be something on the market that is faster and better! Your sports car will look dated. This is why i will not buy a high-end sports car again. And if i do, then i will stay away from Car & Driver magazine!
If you want to buy the above cars for fashion, then good...but know that it will be outdated very quickly. Remember, ISF is based on the old IS...there will be a redesigned ISF in the near future. M3's tend to "age" better in that old M3s are still held in (some) respect. C63 age quickly too...probably somewhere in b/w ISF and M3.
My suggestion (based on my assumptions above) is to get something ultra unique that does not age. My two suggestions are:
1. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon...pimp it out as an expedition vehicle. Don't make it silly (big ass lift, big meat eater tires, etc.). Make it nice...with solid mods. (GOOGLE AEV Jeep Rubicons for reference!!) Get the newer Rubicon with the Pentastar V6. But, this may require that you sell your 4runner too since Rubicon will take its place. Look, at a club, driving up with a nice Rubicon will get attention because it stands out from all the other sports car. (I would get extended warranty since it is Chrysler...but this should be well within your budget.)
2. 2004-2006 Mercedes G500 (G-wagen)...should be in your price range. Hey, this will get you attention!! Since Mercedes has no plans ever to replace nor redesign the G-wagen, it will age very nicely like fine wine! In fact, it does not age at all! No casual folks can tell the difference b/w an old G-wagen and a new G550. It is an old school Mercedes. Just tell the girl you're with to open and close the doors (that alone is a WOW factor trust me!) and she will be in bed with you quicker than you can say, "there is a party in my pants"!
It is a different experience. Trust me, the club will put your G-wagen in front with all the Ferraris and Lambos. (Now, this is partly why i sold my G-wagen when i had a family...too much attention!!) Maintenance is costly as with any luxury car. (Remember, Lexus oil change is above $200 at most Lexus dealers.) And you can keep this G-wagen forever because Mercedes will support it for a very long time. It does eat gas...so, you should keep your 4runner...or sell it to get a more economical car. G-wagen is also in a different league when you off-road it compare to your 3rd gen...even in stock form (but it does need proper tires and maybe a nice set of sliders for such). It will satisfy your off-road and clubbing needs all in one!
In your situation, my vote is for the G-wagen.
Now, if you need to even attract more attention, then get a Prius. People will laugh at you, but hey, there is no such thing as bad publicity, right?!
Or get a Sienna minivan...girls know that you're an honest man who wants lots of kids! Girls will fight each other to get into your van! (I deal with that everyday!) As Seinfeld has said, "if you see it rockin, don't go knocking!" :whoo:
