[sinc]

Hello all,
This is my first post to this forum...I don't own an M3 but would like to soon! I test drove a Silver '02 M3 and thought it was a blast. I've come across a second M3 in my price range, another silver one, a year older, but with much less mileage and an almost identical price. Just wondering which might be the better choice given they are very similarly optioned cars. The '02 has 126K, the '01 has 82K. I haven't seen the '01 in person, it's a bit awkward to get to but probably worth looking at. The '02 is about $42K Cdn and the '01 is $40K Cdn.

I'm leaning towards the '01, it's a year older but with almost 50K less kilometers it seems like a better deal.

Also, I'm wondering if anyone has some tips on purchasing a pre-owned M3 circa 2000-2002. Thanks in advance.

Here's a link the '01 for sale.

http://www.canadatrader.com/result/d...1&pgno=1&srt=1

[Diesel Dud]

wow those r high prices!
$42,000CA for 2001@82,000km or 2002@126,000km?

point of reference - my buddy is selling a 2002 with around 50,000km for around $42,000CA

just a heads up..

[achtungM3]

Imo i would go with the lesser mile lesser money car. 50,000 miles is'nt too bad for an 01, but i think the $35,555 for the price is too high for the year. You should be able to to get an 03 04 for the money. good luck and your plans for an M3 is great, wonderful involving auto.

[Diesel Dud]

this is a tough topic of convo for US members
M3 pricing if higher in Canada than it is in the US

[dieselbro]

then why not possibly goto the States to purchase an M3 and drive it home, the gas might get yah, but you could save some money as the CAD is quite strong right now

[sinc]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have a Canadian Used Car price guide I bought around 6 or 8 months ago. The retail prices for the M3 in the book are:
2001 $46600
2002 $55100

I visited their website for updates. Clumsy system but I got the update for the 01...it's now $43300. I imagine the 02 would be down to around $50K.

Maybe the book prices are a bit high but when I search CanadaTrader.com the prices look similar. I think used car prices in BC tend to be higher than they are in the East since the winters are not as harsh (very mild actually in Vancouver/Victoria).

I don't think I'd bother going to the US for one. I looked at a 03 Audi A4 the other day up from Seattle. It lacked daytime running lights and had huge miles per hour numbers on the speedo (and tiny red KM numbers). I think after the currency exchange, brokerage costs, and hassle of converting the car over to meet Canadian standards it's probably not worth the bother.

[Noodle555]

Originally Posted by dieselbro

then why not possibly goto the States to purchase an M3 and drive it home, the gas might get yah, but you could save some money as the CAD is quite strong right now

That's what I did. There are steps you need to take though and give yourself 72 hourse for paperwork to clear.

Swithing on daytime lights is as simple, dealer programable option. Prices on west coast aare definately higher as cars are in better condition (usually).

I would go with the lower mileage 2001. Bothe cars would have had the rod bearing recall and the only other difference is the strut tower bar. You can buy this separatle and bolt it on. You may want to check m3.madrussian.com for other year differences.

[wkrinsky]

I have seen that car and its nice - very clean, but I am opting to purchase mine out of the california dealer auctions. Some clean cars and with the USD being a lot weaker than has been in years I will save a lot of money. On average 01's and 02's go for $21-$25 USD there. Have to be carefull when buying them ofcourse... it helps to know the right people down there.

But I do agree in pricing being much higher here for M3's. That was the cleanest best price I have seen of all M3's I have looked at. I test drove a Laguna Blue at brian jessel. Not a fan of the color, and the $46 price tag for an 02 wasn't even a joke.

Good luck though!!

[benjamin1137]

WOW to high of prices

[wantsanM3]

the 01 for sure!!