Quote:
Originally Posted by 2SSRSB
I thought I would have to spend $70,000 or more to get a loaded, great performing, great looking, great handling car.
I looked at:
M3
550i
Cayman
GT500
XFR
Corvette
CTS-V
and many others...
I bought a 2SS RS with lots of extras, got everything I wanted AND saved $30,000. Smartest car buying decision I ever made.
And I also live in LA and though I loved the M3, it's a FREAKING BELLY-BUTTON CAR in this town since few can tell it apart from a 328i.
I was originally unimpressed with the Camaro's interior until I saw one in Inferno Orange with the IO door panels and the dashboard trim. Retro cool with modern features that says "muscle car". It's not a luxury car, however, and if that's what you want you should get something else.
The only thing lacking in the Camaro is a map-based navigation system, but I can use my iPhone on those few occasions I need a map.
As for reliability, check out JD Powers. BTW - BMWs are actually not that reliable compared with some other makes, and they are expensive to service once the "free" period is up ("free" as in you're paying for it in the price of the car).
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Good post.
I'd personally go 335i if it was my only car. If it is a second/DD car, I'd go Camaro.
First off, maintenance and upkeep CAN be a nightmare on the 335i if you keep it for a while and things go wrong. As far as reliability, I'd put my money on the Chevy, I drive 600 miles almost every week for work trips, and I bought a Chevy Malibu because I don't trust my Benz in not giving me some major headaches (plus I want to keep it pretty).
The 3 has a lot more gadgetry, and engineering complexities that can go wrong, where's the Chevy is a simpler car, less to break. It's a give and take, you reap the benefits of the extra miles BMW goes, but if/when they go wrong, you'll have to pay for it.
Also, looks are subjective. 3-Series' are like lamp-posts to me, just no satisfaction from seeing one, and very "plebeian". Camaro looks cool now, but especially being a run-of-the-mill V6, give it some time, they'll be everywhere, and equally as uneventful in some years.
If money is a big factor, and you don't want to pay possible $$$$ for repair, definitely go Camaro. They'll last a lot longer than 3 years, lol.
Oh, and the deal breaker for the Camaro for me has always been the interior first and fore-most, no offense to anyone, but it's a joke to me, like in, I literally laughed when I sat in it. Also, visibility is horrid. The 3 has a much more quality, classy, and refined inside, with an "airier" vibe.
Performance wise, 335i all the way, in every way, this goes for driving pleasure too, along with comfort I'd even wager (basing it against the V6 Camaro).
Safety wise, you'll also be better protected in the Bimmer.
Once you drive both, you'll know your answer, totally different cars, and both very good in their own right.