[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Bimmer2000

Thank you! Super helpful. Yes, I am shocked how well my current car handles. That's one of the things I'm worried about losing. My last BMW was an E60 535i, and I always thought it handled way better than any loaner F10 I got. I know what all the talking heads say about the steering and handling in newer BMW's not being what they used to be. I just need to drive them back to back as I mentioned above.

Honestly, I really think you'd be happier buying out your vehicle, and I don't think stepping down a trim or buying an equivalent used M3 would increase that happiness, especially if you are already really in love with your car and well acquainted with it. Just my $0.02.

[Wmzorba09]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

That wonder bread is more of an Ultimate Driving Machine than the Artisan M3 is, have you tried driving an ATS-V before?, I suggest you do so, you may be shocked at how good Wonder Bread has become!

I think most important consideration is how your current ATS will hold up over time compared to a new M340. That's what I'd be asking myself and I believe the answer is clear... not as well.

[cantona7]

It sounds like you should just lease a new ATS-V. I'm assuming you got a decent lease deal on your current one, and if you did, that would make buying it out a pretty bad deal.

A pre-owned M3 ZCP is going to be short on warranty, so you need to gauge your comfort level with owning that car without coverage. Or pay for a good exclusionary extended warranty. It's pricey for M cars either way. I myself went through this dilemma recently and decided to go M340i (patiently waiting for mine to be delivered).

But I also had many years with an E46 M3 under my belt, and I know the feel of that car is not going to be replicated. So I figure if it's going to be different, I'd rather not be in a car that sorta reminds me of the E46, but ultimately isn't the same thing. Sometimes different can be better.

[Bimmer2000]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

Honestly, I really think you'd be happier buying out your vehicle, and I don't think stepping down a trim or buying an equivalent used M3 would increase that happiness, especially if you are already really in love with your car and well acquainted with it. Just my $0.02.

Yeah, that's where my head was that, as I started looking at preowned M3's. But then I started doing a lot of research on the M340i, and it led me to post here to get everyone's opinion. It's almost like a win-win and a lose lose situation all wrapped into one.

[Bimmer2000]

Originally Posted by cantona7

It sounds like you should just lease a new ATS-V. I'm assuming you got a decent lease deal on your current one, and if you did, that would make buying it out a pretty bad deal.

A pre-owned M3 ZCP is going to be short on warranty, so you need to gauge your comfort level with owning that car without coverage. Or pay for a good exclusionary extended warranty. It's pricey for M cars either way. I myself went through this dilemma recently and decided to go M340i (patiently waiting for mine to be delivered).

But I also had many years with an E46 M3 under my belt, and I know the feel of that car is not going to be replicated. So I figure if it's going to be different, I'd rather not be in a car that sorta reminds me of the E46, but ultimately isn't the same thing. Sometimes different can be better.

Yes I got an incredible deal on the V. I was able to get a GM executive VP code to use on the price. The residual is ridiculous, so my dealer said that they would try to buy the car from GM, certify it, and then sell it back to me. But even then I just don't think that they are going to be able to get to where I will pay a couple of grand over what it's worth, which is all I'm willing to do knowing Cadillac depreciation and reliability.

[MmmmmM2]

Remember the 2019 ATS-V in only a coupe now. They discontinued the sedan.

[Eagle Creek]

Originally Posted by Bimmer2000

[But even then I just don't think that they are going to be able to get to where I will pay a couple of grand over what it's worth, which is all I'm willing to do knowing Cadillac depreciation and reliability.

Those being notoriously good or bad you mean?

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by Eagle Creek

Those being notoriously good or bad you mean?

Bad, in terms of depreciation and reliability.

[Bimmer2000]

Originally Posted by Eagle Creek

Those being notoriously good or bad you mean?

Bad, especially in depreciation...

[Bimmer2000]

Originally Posted by Eagle Creek

Those being notoriously good or bad you mean?

Bad, especially in depreciation. Only thing I'm wondering, and no way to really know, is will it hold due to the fact they aren't making the sedans anymore, and that they over-engineered this car. It really is shocking how good it is. Can't say the same for any other cadillac save the CTS-V. I wouldn't be interested in any other. That's the other thing is the community. There's not really an enthusiast group like there is for BMW. I miss that.