Huzer wrote:E36 M3 would be a fun car too. How is the ease of DIY and the expense of aftermarket for them though? It would seem a Miata would ultimately be more inexpensive. That said, I haven't priced NBs. I simply took the cheapest Miata I could find when I received spousal approval. Had to strike while the iron was hot.
I'll be honest, though. If given the choice between the two at the same pricepoint, I'd go M3, potential headaches be damned!
DIY is reasonable on the E36. Not quite as simplistic as the Miata, but still a longitudinally mounted inline-6; so they're easier to work on than most transverse or V-engine vehicles. The aftermarket is also reasonable, but not nearly as cheap as the Miata. The motors generally take a good beating and run forever, but consumables would be pricier due to larger brakes, wider/taller tires, more cylinders, ect.
I hear ya Tim! The little lady is on-board in this case. She could care less about what I get (within reason- financially) as long as I take her for a ride in it from time to time.
