OPPO - please convince me to keep the M3 and not buy a Chevy SS (or don't). UPDATE - y'all are a bad influence...

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction) 09/17/2020 at 15:15 • Filed to: SSV

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UPDATE: I’m buying it! And my brother’s going to buy my M3 - LOL. And here’s what I didn’t mention: the car only has 130o MILES ON IT! I told him it’s not going to be a garage queen in my possession, and he said he’s happy it’s going to someone who’ll use it the way it’s supposed to be. I’ll definitely feel the pressure to keep it pristine for a few years!

From the listing:

I have made the difficult decision to sell my SS. Life changes have caused me to go in a different direction vehicle wise. This is the second SS I have owned, both have been a joy to own and drive.

One owner, purchased new with 44 miles on odometer from Victor Chevrolet – Victor, NY in November 2017. Shipped to Texas via covered transport. Never driven in rain or inclement weather under my ownership. Still has new car smell. Always garage kept. Break in procedures diligently followed per owner’s manual. No paint chips/scratches or wheel rash. Hand washed only using two bucket method. Oil changed under warranty at 641 miles 08/19/19 by local Chevy dealer. Battery regularly kept on tender. Never smoked or eaten in. Showroom condition inside and out. There is lien on car with local bank. Free local pickup. Buyer is responsible for shipping.

No performance mods

Cosmetic mods
Holden steering wheel air bag (!!)
Holden black out front grille
LS3 badge front bumper
Holden wheel center caps
Holden badge on trunk with SSV/VFII Redline badges
Black out front fender side air vents
Black out fog lamp bezels
Holden floor mats
Holden trunk cargo mat
Window tint all around Madico film 30% rear/20% sides
Black license plate frame rear bumper

Included in sale
All Chevrolet & chrome bits removed
Full size OEM spare rim/matching tire mounted in trunk with OEM jack/wrench/storage
tray/retainer plate. Rim has stickers on it same as from factory
Spare tire inflator kit
Battery maintenance card
2017 brochure
Dr. Color Chip touch up paint kit - never used
Original floor mats - never used
Car cover
Muzzy’s CAGS skip shift eliminator – never installed
OEM front license plate frame – never installed
Original window sticker

—————

(original post)

Here’s the conversation with my brother, who might be test-driving the above car for me this weekend:

Thanks – there’s an older automatic for sale at a dealer here in town. I’ll try to find time to check it out, but probably will be next week ( [the inlaws] are coming in town this evening for the long weekend).

So, brass tacks… better to pay to continue to maintain/repair an old car, or take the annual hit on depreciation on a new one?

The M3 will have some larger maintenance costs coming up in the next few years, but should be at the bottom of its depreciation curve (probably worth $15k now, after 8 years and 90k miles with me).

The SS will depreciate, but it’s actually a very rare, desirable car with the manual, so should hold value well. A similar car (Pontiac G8 CXP – also a rebadged Holden) has listings for $30k+ (2009 model).

The smart money would just sell the fun car and then drive the Tacoma until it dies, but we both know that’s not going to happen! [He’s a financial advisor.]

Clearly, the correct answer is to buy a car that will never depreciate, like a GT3. I’m glad we had this talk; I’ll inform [Mrs. addiction] of our plans.

WilliamsSW > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:19

3

1 - Keep the M3

2 - Buy the SS with a manual

3 - ????

4 - Profit

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:19

5

Is the SS automatic? And is your M3 manual? If so, I cannot in good conscience recommend that move.

Manual yugo > auto cheby ss

Dash-doorhandle-6 cyl none the richer > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:19

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Another M3 will probably come along.  A manual SS probably won’t. 

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:20

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You’ve got a barn, why not both? In all seriousness, I’d keep the M3, but then again I have an E90 M3 so I’m biased. 

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:21

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LOL at your face stepping into that GM interior ICK. Cool malibu, B Y E;)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 09/17/2020 at 15:21

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SS es Manuel...

WilliamsSW > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 09/17/2020 at 15:21

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“ Manual yugo > auto cheby ss”

Having driven both of those things, this is decidedly untrue

Snuze: Needs another Swede > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 09/17/2020 at 15:22

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I don’t think that’s quite true. Yugos get some love because they are weird and jalop, but I think an auto SS would be quite a hoot compared to a yugo.  Now any kind of legit sports car, even a slow one, like an NA Miata, then yeah, I’d take that over an auto SS.  

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Dash-doorhandle-6 cyl none the richer 09/17/2020 at 15:23

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Interesting point. Holden is dead...

Now, whether I’d want a future M3 or not is another story... Hoping IND has an M340i-style front clip for the G80 M3 in the works.

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:24

4

Depreciation doesn’t enter into the calculation at all unless you are planning to drive for a limited time, enjoy the fling, and then move on. Then, that money becomes a big factor. If you’re debating between keeping the M3 or buying the SS to keep, I say get the SS. But that’s me. It really comes down to which car you will enjoy the most long term.

Tl;dr:  buy the SS so I can read your posts about it, since I’ll never get one.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:24

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From a pure driving perspective I’d assume M3>Holden.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 09/17/2020 at 15:24

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If I had your M3, I’d keep it, but I have mine.

Still might keep it.. . Very much on the fence.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > WilliamsSW 09/17/2020 at 15:25

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If only!

Nick Has an Exocet > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:25

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These two things are kind of similar. The SS was benchmarked on the M3/M5.

You should look at used LC500 prices. lol

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/17/2020 at 15:26

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Haha - have you sat in one?

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:26

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Cause it’s an 11?

If you can afford to keep it, might as well. Nothing wrong with two toy cars. I understand your situation is different than mine.

WilliamsSW > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:27

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They’re investments! The M3 is at the bottom of the depreciation curve! The manual SS is a unicorn! Look at prices on 2009 G8 GXPs (which btw have hugely shitty interiors)!!

So much saved monies from not buying a GT3!  That’s basically moar profit!  

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > WilliamsSW 09/17/2020 at 15:27

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Should've put a /s lol

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 09/17/2020 at 15:27

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They might be closer than you think...

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-comparison-tests/a25248/the-comparison-2003-bmw-m5-versus-2015-chevrolet-ss/

My old boss actually bought the exact M5 from this review...

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:27

1

Nope, don’t even know if I have seen one IRL

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Snuze: Needs another Swede 09/17/2020 at 15:27

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I agree, should've put a /s on it

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:28

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I would go for it...i think the LS is much more enjoyable in a daily car than the high reving BMW S-motors...

WilliamsSW > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 09/17/2020 at 15:29

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lol around here it’s hard to tell, some are truly passionate about their 3rd pedals.

I drove an SS with the slushbox and it was a blast - I get the comps to the E39 M5, and it sounds glorious.  Yes, I’d rather have that 3rd pedal on it, though - it’s an NA V8, FFS.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chariotoflove 09/17/2020 at 15:30

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I’ve enjoyed the M3 for 8 years , and would continue to enjoy it. It was my first real “sports” car (even though it’s a 4 door), so I am sentimental.

T he SS will be more comfortable for my growing kids, and would be something new & different to enjoy.

Sovande > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:31

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Scrap the M3. Get the SS. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/17/2020 at 15:32

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SSleeper.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > WilliamsSW 09/17/2020 at 15:33

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C ould you call my wife?

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:33

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I see the SS as a potential forever car. It will have seating and storage to be practical through all stages of life to come, repair and maintenance will be affordable due to being a Chevy V8. But it has to hit the spot just right for you.

Maxima Speed > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:34

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WilliamsSW > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:35

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Based on my track record of having conversations like this with my wife, I don’t recommend having me do that.

:(

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:37

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Pcar... not much depreciation there either 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 09/17/2020 at 15:41

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Because it’s still low mileage and not due a lot of maintenance in the near future. Doesn’t help that they redesigned the flywell for 09+ and I’ll have to replace that when I get a new clutch. Suspension’s needing a refresh, RBs always in the back of the mind...

Mrs. addiction would definitely not be on board with me having 3 cars (yet).

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Tripper 09/17/2020 at 15:41

1

E90 interiors aren’t much to brag home about.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Sovande 09/17/2020 at 15:41

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Scrap?! Hopefully not.

But thanks for the input. =)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Maxima Speed 09/17/2020 at 15:42

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How is it at the track?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Chariotoflove 09/17/2020 at 15:44

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That’s a very good point.

Not sure about repair and maintenance, as it’s a discontinued Holden...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/17/2020 at 15:44

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Need a real back seat.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > WilliamsSW 09/17/2020 at 15:44

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Stop talking stuff, you are making me remember that I want a SS.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nick Has an Exocet 09/17/2020 at 15:45

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Manual: I needs it...

Tripper > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/17/2020 at 15:47

1

I agree in that it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as some others, but still far “nicer”. I also think the cockpit in the e9x M3 is one of my favorites. It really kinda brings you in if ya know what I mean, makes the car feel smaller than it is (in a good way).

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:49

1

Buy the SS

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 09/17/2020 at 15:50

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Why do I get the feeling you might be biased?

CaptDale - is secretly British > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:51

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BUY THE SS

hillrat > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:51

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Get the SS, I see 100  Beemers everyday but I go months at a time without seeing an SS. ‘Murica

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > CaptDale - is secretly British 09/17/2020 at 15:51

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NO NEED TO SHOUT

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:52

1

That’s fair, I didn’t realize that when I got mine, I just wanted to get the newest one I could afford. I think I’ll do the rod bearings at some point soon, just for peace of mind.

I told my girlfriend that we’d need at least a three car garage some day. 

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:52

1

Ah yeah. The SS is a neat car if I’ m giving credit where it’ s due and it will definitely be cheaper to own. My vote is still for keeping yours, or getting another E90 M3 or getting an E39 M5. I saved the best for last there;)

CaptDale - is secretly British > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:52

2

There was much need to shout. My internet connection is very far away from yours. I was worried you wouldn’t read hear me

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > hillrat 09/17/2020 at 15:53

1

It would definitely be appreciated more out in my ‘hood.

I sometimes wonder what g oes through folks’ minds when they see my M3 out in the sticks.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 09/17/2020 at 15:54

1

I definitely got the newest one I could afford at the time. Gave myself a $30k budget, then bought my M3 for $10k more. LOL

For sure.

hillrat > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:55

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Nothing because most of them think it’s a Honda

facw > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:55

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I have a low opinion of GM

WilliamsSW > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 09/17/2020 at 15:56

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Lol as always - only come to Oppo if you want your questionable car decisions validated

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > CaptDale - is secretly British 09/17/2020 at 15:57

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Fair.

WilliamsSW > Tripper 09/17/2020 at 15:58

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The E9X has a nice interior. Almost as nice as the E46.

I may be biased...

Snuze: Needs another Swede > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:58

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D rivetrain stuff is easy, due to aforementioned Chebbiness . Its got an LS engine , Tremec trans, etc. It’s body and interior bits that would be tough to source. So basically, if blow the motor up doing burnouts, you’re fine. Fender bender? Y ou might be screwed.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > WilliamsSW 09/17/2020 at 15:59

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I’m gonna b an adult and only concentrate on trying to get a JZX90 next year.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/17/2020 at 15:59

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Almost bought an ‘01 M5 for half what I spent on my ‘08 M3 in ‘12. Would be interesting to know how that would’ve played out.

A newer M3 with fewer miles has definitely been on my mind as well.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:59

2

Get the SS. If you don’t, I might. When I get back from my work trip in a month. And get the Cruze and 850 sold. So by then it will probably be gone. Hopefully to you. Basically you need to buy this to prevent me from buying it is what I’m saying. Just do it.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 15:59

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Sell me your M3 next year for 15k thanks 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > hillrat 09/17/2020 at 16:00

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LOL

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Snuze: Needs another Swede 09/17/2020 at 16:01

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Yep.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > facw 09/17/2020 at 16:02

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Show me where they hurt you...

It’s a Holden...? I dunno.

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:02

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When did you get yours? I wanted to spend around 40k, but realized what I wanted was ~50k, so that’s what I spent. This was back in 2014. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 09/17/2020 at 16:03

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If I still have it, hit me up.

phenotyp > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:03

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Tough call, but if it were my decision, I’d probably stick with the M3, just because the interior, where one spends one’s time while driving, is a nicer place to be.

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:03

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I have driven A LOT of neat cars via valet, but the E39 is my #1 favorite “big” car to drive

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Snuze: Needs another Swede 09/17/2020 at 16:03

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Haha! Okay.

Sovande > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:03

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I may have been a bit hyperbolic. Perhaps sell the M3. I find the SS way more interesting. 

facw > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:04

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I can’t say for sure, but I can’t say “The Mark of Excellence” without extreme sarcasm.

Chariotoflove > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:05

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What Snuze said, although even body work won’t be a problem for a long time. It may be a discontinued Holden, but it’s also a recently discontinued Chevy, which means dealer network in the US will have parts for a long time.

Maxima Speed > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:06

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I imagine it would be an experience 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 09/17/2020 at 16:07

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2012

Textured Soy Protein > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:07

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It’s the same Zeta platform as the 5th gen Camaro, and Holden even built Australian-market Camaros in Australia. The Camaro was the only Zeta car built in North America. Sure there are bound to be some Holden/SS specific stuff but a lot of the major things are shared with a pretty common car.

GM build quality ain’t exactly a step up from BMW. Lateral move at best, with arguably crappier materials, but easier to access shit when it breaks and cheaper parts.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/17/2020 at 16:09

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But now it’s a 20 year old car. But with waaay fewer electronics than my M3.

Shane Moore > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:10

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I had a manual SS for a bit. It obviously didn’t keep my attention because I got rid of it. On paper it is fast but its a smooth fast that isn’t as aggressive as I expected. Then I did headers and a tune which sounded awesome and the first 3 weeks it was genuinely fast. Then I got used to it and above 4500rpms it just stops pulling. The Cayenne GTS I had kept pulling, and pulling, and pulling. It did not die off like the LS3. It was not as fast as the SS but it felt like a more aggressive engine to drive. I also did not like being in the interior. It looks nice but using it wasn’t as nice as it looked. And the infotainment center seemed 5 years behind. It is a good car but not a great car. Paint is very thin too.

BUT maybe you would like it, it just didn’t keep my attention. I’m also 3 cars removed from it.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:11

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DO IT! I know you read my review.

Tripper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:11

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Lemme tell you about how scared ol’ tripper is of old Germans ...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > phenotyp 09/17/2020 at 16:13

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I’m very much on the fence.

If I keep the M3, I’ll definitely need to refresh the suspension soon.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:14

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Dunno, maybe you’re  psychotic? Definitely couldn’t be based in reality in any way. Not a chance.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Shane Moore 09/17/2020 at 16:16

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Thanks for the experienced opinion!

Does anything keep your attention for long? =)

Would be a huge change from 8000+ rpm screamer to LS3 torque.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 09/17/2020 at 16:19

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Clearly. If I had the knowledge and ability to DIY more , I’d definitely keep the M3 .

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 09/17/2020 at 16:19

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Yes I did.

Shane Moore > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:20

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The answer would be.... No. or maybe not yet?

3 Exceptions.

1. Thunderbird SC (First car I bought in HS sold when I moved)

2. S2000 (Was traveling a lot in my truck and needed to get my wife a vehicle to drive while I was gone. Manual lessons were not going well.)

3. Porsche 911 (I am always looking for one or dreaming for one. I should just get one.)

Poor_Sh > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:20

2

I agree buy the GT3

WilliamsSW > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 09/17/2020 at 16:21

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4 doors?  Seems overly practical but you do you

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:23

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I’m gonna be making significantly more money soon and those are on my shortlist, but at the same time a brand new Chrysler 300S or Charger R/T is selling for only a couple grand more than a 5yo SS...

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > WilliamsSW 09/17/2020 at 16:23

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Its the cheapest and least effort way to own a manual 1JZ powered car...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Poor_Sh 09/17/2020 at 16:23

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Okay, will do.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Shane Moore 09/17/2020 at 16:28

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The S2000 is, by far, the car that most people wish they’d never sold.

I’d be buying a Porsche if I needed fewer seats, or if I could afford a 991. One day, but not today.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/17/2020 at 16:28

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Decision, decisions...

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:28

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Have you thought about a newer E90? If it’s just the up coming maintenance items and it’s what you’d prefer.

Part of me wishes I’d gotten a 1M, but to recoup any resale value, I’d have to sell it. Plus the E90 M3 was the car I always wanted. 

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:31

1

While I haven’t been in an SS yet , Chrysler’s got some pretty good interiors an d their infotainment is miles ahead of Chevy. Without testing all of them back to back the FCA choices seem to be better.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 09/17/2020 at 16:33

1

Yeah, I’ve kicked that idea around, too.

They are special cars...

Nothing > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:34

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You’ve had the M3 for EIGHT years? In Huzer years, that’s roughly 14 cars ago. Not only should you get the SS, you then need to replace it monthly for the next year. Curious to see what that twelfth car will be! Have fun!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > hillrat 09/17/2020 at 16:37

2

Pretty sure you mean 'Stralia.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing 09/17/2020 at 16:39

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Yes, E I G H T. It’s only the 6th car I bought - old Pathfinder and Tacoma make 7 & 8 - in my 26 years of driving. I do love it, but might be time for a change.

I had my Mazda previous to it for 7 years...

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:41

1

That they are, which is why I want to hold on to mine for a while. I can understand your dilemma.   

Snuze: Needs another Swede > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/17/2020 at 16:42

1

It’s definitely on my radar as a Cruze replacement.  It might need some Cruze badges, though, just for Lulz.  

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Snuze: Needs another Swede 09/17/2020 at 16:44

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Just for the Lutz?

https://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/bcportal.html/currentVideoId/1183525736001/pnId/28/typeId/c/currentChannelId/Most%20Recent.html