[Awesabre]

So i currently own a first generation(84) Mazda RX-7. Done alot of modification to it over the years. Its a fun track car and all, but not so much on the roads. Ive wanted to get the 3rd generation(>92) RX-7 but those are running about 16,000 for a fairly clean one. So i fall back on my 2nd favorite car of all time. The M3.

I dont really know alot about these cars or what to look for in them? I know every car has its quirks that happen in most of the cars. So if you guys could point out a few things to be looking for when buying one (problem areas and such) that would be useful. Also what should i be looking to pay for a 95. I have seen them range from about 9000 all the way up to 16,000 so i was just wondering what you recent buyers paid for yours.

Also what is insurance like. All info would be great. Ive been searchin and lookin at the faqs, seems like modification is limited, probably because of the complexity, but learning that will come with time. I am used to an engine that will run with no sensors plugged in so this will be a world of a difference.

[AMPowerJ]

To get a nice used M3 I would think the pricing is going to be right where the Gen 3 RX-7's are. $15000+

[Dreams190]

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

To get a nice used M3 I would think the pricing is going to be right where the Gen 3 RX-7's are. $15000+

Yeah but the FD RX7's tend to be problem cars. Not only that, it's hard to find a trustworthy shop to work on them, you dont even have a dealership to fall back on because even they dont know how to properly work on rotary engines. :nixweiss: I looked into an FD before I bought my M3. Go with the M3. No question.

For about $12,000 you should be able to get a nice M3. I looked around for almost 2 years before buying one. You'll find a lot of beat ones that are listed way too high. Just wait til you find that "right one" and remember, "you get what you pay for" (most of the time)

[Awesabre]

i do most all of my own work on vehicles. engine swaps, rebuild, modifications, repaints. between me my dad and my uncles we can get pretty much anyhting done. i know alot of the engine and electical stuff, my dad used to do body work, my uncle is a professional welder.

[fitchesbass]

I'd say for a "clean" e36 m3 you are looking at about the same price you mentioned for a third gen rx7

[8oh8]

Originally Posted by Dreams190

Yeah but the FD RX7's tend to be problem cars. Not only that, it's hard to find a trustworthy shop to work on them, you dont even have a dealership to fall back on because even they dont know how to properly work on rotary engines. :nixweiss: I looked into an FD before I bought my M3. Go with the M3. No question.

For about $12,000 you should be able to get a nice M3. I looked around for almost 2 years before buying one. You'll find a lot of beat ones that are listed way too high. Just wait til you find that "right one" and remember, "you get what you pay for" (most of the time)

true dat, love FDs... almost got an R1, but I'm glad I went with the M

[salty]

The M3 will take more punishment than the 3rd gen RX-7. I had a ist gen like you, it was a great car. I think it is cheaper to buy the best M3 you can afford, rather than one that is cheap for a reason.

[Cyrus]

In my view, it is silly to try to save a few thousand getting a cheap M3. The low prices of these cars is deceiving. They are not at all cheap to run and so if you are stretching your budget at 16k, then you will want to consider waiting until you are better off financially.

[nixtfy]

$12-$14 k should get you a nice m3 with average miles. Don't let a 95' deter you they have there own advantages and are easily upgraded.

[Ted-E]

1995 M3's are OBD-1 and are boat loads of fun to tune. I too considered an FD before I went the M3 route and so far I'm not looking back. Most FD's require you to dump in at least 10K more on top of what you paid for the car to get it running well, but it still won't be reliable because you constantly have to worry about it over heating and fuel flooding problems, boost problems, etc. With the M3, it can pretty much be a worry free daily driver when you want it to be.