[sthodla]

Just came from the Lexus and BMW dealerships after test driving 2 m3's,a 330i and a 325i. My dad is looking to sell or trade in a 2001 GS 430 for these cars. I need some feedback on the prices I encountered.
Car I drive now - 96 328i sport automatic.

1st car driven.
97 m3 4dr Estoril Blue - $32,995
The car looked great but acceleration felt slow. I have a 96 328i auto and this car did not feel measurably faster. The seats were not power so not easily adjustable and the car was annoyingly loud. The handling was way better than my car. Overall, this having been my first m3, I was very disappointed. Maybe I expected too much

2nd car
2001 325i Silver - $31,000
What a dog. This car was way too underpowered. Solid car and supportive seats as well as good alround feel but even with the right foot planted to the floor, it took forever to get to highway speeds. Cabin noise was low and handling felt precise but a little soft (well softer than my car)

3rd car
2001 330i Silver - $38,000
Damn... this is what I'm talking about. Amazing car. Acceleration was instanaenous even in D. With the shifter in sport, it took off like a rocket. Nice growl on WOT and low wind noise. Has the sequential shifting option which adds measurably to the driving involvement. overall, the favorite.

4rd car
98 Dinan M3 - Silver with painted mouldings - Dinan CAI
Wow, this is more like it. Car was beautiful and handled well. Accelaration was not as instanateous as the 330i but was fast nonetheless and I frequently found myself slowing down to keep somewhere within 10 mph of the speed limit. Handled amazingly well and better than any of the above cars. Dinan CAI made it a little bit loud but I don't mind though on long trips, might be a pain. Overall, much closer to what I expected of the M3.

So, there's a purpose to all of this. We didn't get the price we wanted for our car and we are thinking of selling it instead of trading it in but I wanted to check in with all of you and see whether these cars that I drove today were good deals. I'll be heading back to buy one of these cars as soon as the GS is sold so I'd love some feedback. Let me know what you think.

* Remember, it's for my dad, not me. He's picky and he doesn't like his cars big like the Lexus but not a street racecar either.*

BTW, if anyone wants to buy the GS or knows anyone in the market you'll be getting a good deal.