i am i high school senior this year and im gonna get a new car for college. two options i am considering are the ITR and the E36 M3. i really like the ITRs but the M3 is cool too and its faster. i plan on continuing to autox and do the occasional track event. i know the M3 is faster on the track, but i really wont be on the track all that much to justify getting that car. another thing to consider is that i am going to college and will be parking it in an open parking lot, too risky with the ITR getting stolen? (if it helps im going to a small school and not a really big school). this is a really tough decision, please help me out.

 

Seems to me that both cars are pretty expensive for a college freshman (especially since they are going to be parked in an open lot).........IMHO you could get quite a few cars that are "cool and fast" but a lot less expensive and less likely to draw attention from thieves - and would put more spending money (i.e. beer j/k) in your pocket..........but that is not the point of your post. How much do you have to spend? Are you going to be modding either car? How much do you intend to drive when at school? Where is your school (state)? You are right, it is a hard decision, but one that many people your age are not faced with. You should consider yourself very fortunate.

 

yes i am very fortunate, but its not being handed to me. i am buying it with money i have earned working at a nice resteraunt for the past 2 years of my life which involved giving up my friday and saturday nights to hang out and working instead, so it didnt come easily. but anyway, i am going to school most likely in either Richmond, Va or in South Carolina. i can spend under 20 grand, and both the ITR and the M3 fall into that category (around 18).

 

I agree!

 

If I was in your position as a new college student with soon to be limited funds, I would get neither.

ITR => theft prone

E36 M3=> maintenance costs can be high. You won't be making money while you are in school. Jealous person may key your car, sucks but people can be mean.

I would consider the following cars that are around $20K:

WRX => powerful, can be modified to handle well, in your price range, reliable, can carry a bunch of friends no problem (when you want to hang out), works well in any weather.

2000-2001 S2000=> powerful, handles well, reliable but, is very limited on seating capacity and trunk space.

any year Miata=> not as powerful as S2000 which is good because you may not crash it and the insurance will be lower. But similar problems to the S2000 with lack of people space.

2002 - 2003 Civic Si=> true not the best handler, but can be made to go fast, reliable, carries people, etc. etc.

2002 - 2003 Acura RSX Type S=> true not the best handler, but can be made to go fast, reliable, carries people, etc. etc.

 

Going to college, get the M3. Girls love bimmers.

Yeah, sounds stupid but have fun while you're there.

 

Glad to hear that you are appreciative of your situation and work hard for your money........choose wisely! davidnyc brings up a good point - are you going to be working during school? Cars need gas and insurance (and likely payments).......make sure to account for this. And it is inevitable that you are going to be doing some "fun" college stuff that costs money - all this should be factored into your equation. Ok, enough of the lecture.....haha I guess that is the elder statesman (28 years old) in me coming out. lol Take it easy man, and good luck!

 

thanks a lot guys. what about insurance though? because i know it is going to be crazy expensive to insure a BMW to an 18 /19 year old. and also, i looked at the WRX and just dont like it. as far as the civic si and rsx-s i can't justify either one, my GSR is faster than the civic and almost as good as the rsx. the R is looking better and better. any other comments or advice is welcome.

 

Did you get a quote for insurance on the ITR, or just the M3? The insurance on both is going to be CRAZY for a single guy your age - just be aware.

 

checked both, ITR $450 cheaper per year than M3. i want a car that is race-inspired and is competitive at the track and autox but practical enough for me to drive every day. in my mind the ITR is hard to beat in meeting those criteria. but i could be being just a stubborn 18 year old. thats why i need help from the experts: you owners.