ZHP vs M3

[TG3]

So I have decided that I will be making my purchase at the end of the year.. and I'm TORN

Should I pick up a ZHP? (15k budget) or just get an M3? (18k budget if I do this)

What would be the pros/cons of each?
What would you guys take into consideration?

I like the M3 because.. HELL its an M3, but the idea of DD'ing tears me apart.. but DD'ing a zhp is not as bad.. also 4 doors sounds nice.
But I want to get back into a coupe. But I like 4 doors. But i want a coupe. HELP ME!

(also I know I'm not the most active person here, however I like this forum MUCH more than others, everyone's cool!

[jwalther]

ZHP=DD
M3=Track/Weekend fun ride.

[cakM3]

Keep in mind that even if you can pick up an E46 ///M for under $20k, you still have a car that commands $50k level of maintenance if you want to keep it in top shape. The ZHP is rarer than the ///M, easier to maintain from a cost perspective, and gives you a more "refined" driving experience. If you're looking for outright power and aggressive looks, then the ///M has it but will cost you much more in maintenance. Something to think about.

Another thing is if you think you will do okay doing most of the maintenance thru DIY.... keep in mind parts for an ///M is much more expensive than parts for the ZHP. Although in my case it does not matter because I have both the M3 and ZHP, I can tell you that it is much cheaper working on the ZHP

[slater]

ZHP is the perfect car for an enthusiast's DD.

peter

[JB3]

An M3 is a fine street car. But as noted, you will spend more on maintenance/repairs on the M3. The ZHP is a better DD no matter how you slice it, but it's not like the M3 is a full-blown race car or anything, it is refined enough with sound deadening/ heat insulation/ amenities. If you have kids, the extra doors of the sedan make life easier.

That said...
18K will buy you a decent-to-good M3, that will probably need a few things in the near future, if not immediately.
15K will buy you a <100k, vanos-updated, cream-puff, enthusiast owned, one-owner California ZHP, that needs... probably just a Coby wrap and shocks, depending on if they were done.

[FL116]

ZHP is the perfect car for an enthusiast's DD.

peter

+1

[cakM3]

I love daily driving my ZHP but also love having my ///M to drive on occasion when I miss that power It's like I have the best of both worlds having these two in my garage


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[stephenkirsh]

Danger of buying a zhp in this case is always wanting the m3. I never wanted an m3 cuz I want 4 doors and refuse to pay maintainence at that level. So if you'll always wish you had the m3, get the m3. Otherwise a zhp is pretty darn good.

[fantinno]

It's also worth pointing out small differences in cost that add up over time for a car that will be a DD, I.e. Insurance will be more for an M than a 330i, cost of fuel, etc.

[Pip]

It's also worth pointing out small differences in cost that add up over time for a car that will be a DD, I.e. Insurance will be more for an M than a 330i, cost of fuel, etc.

Funny you mention the fuel cost. My m3 gets better gas mileage than my old auto ZHP. Fair point on insurance and manual to manual gas mileage.