[bucketfoot]

I'm waiting to find out if my 86 will be totaled due to extensive hail damage. In preparation I've started looking at things I'd be interested in if the worst case scenario occurs.

When I bought the 86, staying with BMW and getting an M240 was actually at the top of my list, but it was during the lost year between the F22 and G42 when the car was unavailable. The 2-series once again would be high on my list, but to be honest the frugal side of me has me taking a hard look at the Mazda 3 Hatchback Turbo. On the BMW side this in-turn has me also giving more consideration to the 230i instead of M240.

Everything I have seen says that both the B48 & B58 have been extremely reliable, and the ZF transmission is pretty much bulletproof.

I'm having a hard time seeing enough of a difference to justify the 230 over the Mazda. The M240 on the other hand is clearly superior, but at a hefty cost delta. But then there is the gorilla side of me expressed so well by Jack at Savagegeese... B58!!!

I guess I'm mostly looking on thoughts between the Mazda and the 230. The M240 will be a discussion between thrifty and more fun halves of myself!

[bucketfoot]

I should add that getting another 86/BRZ would be very unlikely.

I'm actually hoping that they don't total it, but it's just not a car that my wife enjoys riding in. Which means we take the Pilot anytime we are going somewhere together.

So if I do have to replace the 86 it would be with something smaller, comfortable and fun to drive that should would actually ride in.

[RM7]

Whatever to get out of driving a pilot!

[Ugly Kar]

The Mazda 3 with the turbo 4 is a great car. You definitely can't beat the value. If I were on a budget, that's probably the car I'd get. And I think there's chips for it so it can be made pretty fast for the class it's in.

I considered the 230, but I really wanted the B58. Just can't beat a BMW inline 6. But the 230 can be made really fast with a tune. Of course the 240 can be made really really fast.

[pbonsalb]

If you can afford it, buy the 240 with B58. Considerably faster stock and way more potential.

[FC4]

GR Corolla.

[BlkGS]

Don't cuck yourself. Get the M240. Mazdas are cheap little throwaway cars, if you want an M240, get the damn M240.

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

If you can afford it, buy the 240 with B58. Considerably faster stock and way more potential.

Being able to afford it isn't a factor. Being willing to pull the extra $$$ out of my cheap @$$ is

It's roughly a $20K delta between the Mazda and the 240. I enjoy driving, but there is a lot of other fun that I could have with the money!

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by FC4

GR Corolla.

One important word on an important requirement... comfort

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

Don't cuck yourself. Get the M240. Mazdas are cheap little throwaway cars, if you want an M240, get the damn M240.

All cars are throwaway cars. BMW even more so than Mazda.

I don't need a car to cover up for any manhood insecurities

[bucketfoot]

Part of the prior interest in the M240 was that I was actively tracking my car back then.

I haven't done this in a couple of years now and don't really miss it. Thus, while I still really like the 240, I'm not sure it is the right car for me now.

[bucketfoot]

Just setup the appoint with the adjuster and now have three weeks of sitting in limbo before knowing if the 86 will get repaired or scrapped

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

Being able to afford it isn't a factor. Being willing to pull the extra $$$ out of my cheap @$$ is

It's roughly a $20K delta between the Mazda and the 240. I enjoy driving, but there is a lot of other fun that I could have with the money!

If you are not that into performance, then certainly save your money to spend on other things and buy the hot hatch 4 cylinder. I had one of the original hot hatches — an 84 GTI. In this century, I have been more of an M3/M5 guy. Life can be shorter than you expect and you can’t take the money with you.

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

If you are not that into performance, then certainly save your money to spend on other things and buy the hot hatch 4 cylinder. I had one of the original hot hatches — an 84 GTI. In this century, I have been more of an M3/M5 guy. Life can be shorter than you expect and you can’t take the money with you.

That's probably part of it. I'm 63 and retiring within the next two years.

So I can use the extra $20K to have a lot of fun and create longterm memories for my kids and grandkids or use it for shorter-term fun for myself. But I can still have a lot of fun in a nicer/faster car

[G MONEY]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

That's probably part of it. I'm 63 and retiring within the next two years.

So I can use the extra $20K to have a lot of fun and create longterm memories for my kids and grandkids or use it for shorter-term fun for myself. But I can still have a lot of fun in a nicer/faster car

Bud. Your 63. You most likely put your time /money/blood/sweat and tears into all that stuff. Buy yourself what the hell you want!!!!! Enjoy it and leave it for your kids. When you croak the kids can sell it and get the money. Lol. Hopefully that’s way down the road but you are on the backend of this journey. Best of luck

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

All cars are throwaway cars. BMW even more so than Mazda.

I don't need a car to cover up for any manhood insecurities

I wouldn't say BMWs are more throwaway than Mazdas. Mazdas always just feel cheap.

You gotta decide if you want an economy FWD based hatchback or a RWD coupe. They're like, totally different, and if you're craving sports cars, Mazda isn't gonna scratch the itch.

If you don't care then the Mazda is probably perfectly fine as a daily commuter appliance, and you trade it on the next thing whenever it gets to be out of warranty and needing work.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

That's probably part of it. I'm 63 and retiring within the next two years.

So I can use the extra $20K to have a lot of fun and create longterm memories for my kids and grandkids or use it for shorter-term fun for myself. But I can still have a lot of fun in a nicer/faster car

How old are grandkids? Are they old enough to remember Grandpa's cool car? Get a manual M240 (or M2) and it'll be a legacy car that they'll want to hang on to.

[Donatello.]

It's time for an ND2 Miata

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

It's time for an ND2 Miata

That is what my wife and I both wanted when I bought the 86. But the passenger footwell is so small that she couldn't keep even a small purse down there and be the slightest bit comfortable.

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I wouldn't say BMWs are more throwaway than Mazdas. Mazdas always just feel cheap.

You gotta decide if you want an economy FWD based hatchback or a RWD coupe. They're like, totally different, and if you're craving sports cars, Mazda isn't gonna scratch the itch.

If you don't care then the Mazda is probably perfectly fine as a daily commuter appliance, and you trade it on the next thing whenever it gets to be out of warranty and needing work.

I don't think you been in a recent Mazda if you think they feel cheap, but I 100% agree the BMW will be sportier.

Basically what I will take from your feedback is that in a choice between the Mazda and the 230 you would suggest opting for the 230 and for a valid reason

[Donatello.]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

That is what my wife and I both wanted when I bought the 86. But the passenger footwell is so small that she couldn't keep even a small purse down there and be the slightest bit comfortable.

How tall is she? I am guessing tall or long legs.

[Donatello.]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

I don't think you been in a recent Mazda if you think they feel cheap, but I 100% agree the BMW will be sportier.

Sportier depends on driving style and the model itself.

You telling me a Z4 is better than a Miata? Let me know when the Z4 is the same $ and has it's own racing class.

No, I am not crapping on a Z4. I would own one, but not over the Miata for the $.

Go drive an AWD turbo Mazda3. Fun car for a commuter. UNless we're talking M3, M4, etc...nothing BMW offers is worth the $.