Automotive ADD or something else...

Sigh...as some of you know last month I bought an E36 M3 convertible. I love this car. Its beautiful, it's fast, its responsive......but....

I wake up in the morning facing my 70 mile drive and 3 times out of 4 I get in my Smart car and go to work. Now if I were able to keep the Smart around then this would not be a problem. If I were well off enough to pop the M3 into the garage for sunny days and driving in anger I would be a happy happy bunny. But that is not the case.

In a few more months I have to give up the Smart and the M3 has to be my DD, and I'm not looking forward to it. I really can't put my finger on why but here's the possible reasons.

a) Its just too nice, its a low(ish) mile example and it seems wrong to plop 40k a year on it in DD duty. This is probably the least of my concerns as I feel cars are meant to be driven, but it does nag at me

b) its more work to drive. Aside from being a manual the M3 just has to be driven, there's no commuter mode "autopilot" with this thing. I get the same feeling about commuting with it as I do with my motorcycle, I know its gonna be one hell of alot of fun, but is also going to be work.

c) Im reducing the fleet. Sold my truck, Smart car is going away. While shopping for this car I also seriously considered E46 Wagons and I think that would have been a bit more practical.

I test drove a few E46 wagons today. They were easy to drive, good commuter fodder in manual or auto (drove them both). They aren't anything special that I worry about running into the dirt. All around I'd rather have one of them for my commute.

So I'm putting the M3 on the market for a trade on a wagon...but its a struggle, I reaaaaaly love this car.

Not sure what Im looking for, just venting I think. Or if anyone has a winning lottery ticket they wanna share that would be cool.

Don't ask me, what would I know about Auto ADD

aussiesmg wrote: Don't ask me, what would I know about Auto ADD

I think GRM = ADD in our little alternate universe.

Real ADD would mean you get a 2nd M3 so you keep the millage down on both cars

I understand. My commute is only 22 miles each way, but some times at the end of a shift, I want to plop into a beigemobile, put it in D, set the cruise and get home.

I miss our Vulcan powered Tauri.

I tend to 'autopilot' with a stickshift just fine. Granted it easier in a Saturn than a Corvette.

Hmmm, think it is more anxiety, then ADD.

Why?

b - is perfect for ADD... and yet you don't see that as a +

a- is pure anxiety

Now... ask yourself... "If I sell the M3 will I hate myself for doing it?" If you will need to replace it with another one in the future... it is NOT likely to be as nice as this one (based on your description) So... the truck is gone, the Smart will be gone soon.... keep the M3, and get an E46 wagon, and if your passion for the M3 wanes in the next year... sell it. BUT, if I were in your shoes... the likelyhood in my case would be to enjoy the mundane in your daily, and anticipate the drive in your toy.

My mundane is a very nice AE95 All-Trac sedan, while my toy is a AE71 with a Loynings engine under the hood

Wanna go ride bikes?

jthw8, why not get a complete toilet of a mid-90s GM genericar to soak up the commuting miles?

You have to get rid of one for financial reasons? All I can say is commuting 40k/year in a M3 convertible is fiscally irresponsible. ~24mpg on premium vs. the smart at ~42 on regular? What's the cost difference there - almost $3000 / year?

BTW, I know exactly how you feel regarding the commute. I'm about to sell my DD and get a different DD. I have an S2000 that I drive to work only once maybe twice a week. Its really hard to want to get into a sports car and sit in traffic. As neon said: I want to get into my beigemobile and put it in D. Especially when winter rolls around :)

My former E36 328is (5 spd, Sport Pkg.) was a great commuter, so I would say you're on the right track with the E46 wagon. Auto/manual probably has more to do with the type of your commute than anything else.

chaparral wrote: jthw8, why not get a complete toilet of a mid-90s GM genericar to soak up the commuting miles?

Actually my other option/thought is to go back to a GM b-body wagon...I loves me some b-body floaty goodness.

ProDarwin wrote: You have to get rid of one for financial reasons? All I can say is commuting 40k/year in a M3 convertible is fiscally irresponsible. ~24mpg on premium vs. the smart at ~42 on regular? What's the cost difference there - almost $3000 / year?

The smart is not part of the equation, my daughter gets her license in December and then it is her car. Also the Smart is premium only too, not regular...not that it matters that much.

Fuel economy wise Im willing to give up some to put my butt in something comfy. With the amount of miles I put in on my commute it's worth it.

It's not entirely a financial issue, I could afford to keep the M3 and buy another commuter. But then that moves it to "toy" status and I already have a motorcycle, the Wartburg and a VW Thing as toys...even I know sometimes I have to have limits. And if I'm adding another toy I'd much rather put the money aside toward one of my dream toys and get a little closer to having them in the garage.

dj06482 wrote: My former E36 328is (5 spd, Sport Pkg.) was a great commuter, so I would say you're on the right track with the E46 wagon. Auto/manual probably has more to do with the type of your commute than anything else.

Actuallly not as much as you may think. I have 3 miles on either end of the 70 that's local, the rest of it is 5th gear, 80mph on the open highway, I commute on a "staggered shift" so I dont sit in traffic.

I actually am in talks with another bimmerforum member about a ride swap for his 325i wagon, we'll see what happens.

If you're looking for comfy commuting, I'm thinking the B-body would definitely do the trick. If you want something just as comfy that handles a little better, think on the Lincoln Towncar. I had one of them for a number of years. It would eat the interstate miles like nothing else. You can also buy them dirt cheap.

Toyman01 wrote: If you're looking for comfy commuting, I'm thinking the B-body would definitely do the trick. If you want something just as comfy that handles a little better, think on the Lincoln Towncar. I had one of them for a number of years. It would eat the interstate miles like nothing else. You can also buy them dirt cheap.

I've rocked both the B-body and the Lincoln before, both great cars, the GM is a little better on the upkeep and reliability. As long as I can get mid 20s highway I'll be happy. Not rushing to anything right now, the M3 will have to be sold or traded before I move on. Im on an inventory reduction spree here, no need to add more.

I'm done trying to preserve low mileage cars. I owned a beautiful Miata that eventually came to own me. I finally asked myself, "Who am I saving this for?".

Woody wrote: I'm done trying to preserve low mileage cars. I owned a beautiful Miata that eventually came to own me. I finally asked myself, "Who am I saving this for?".

Kinda where Im at I think. I wasn't hunting a low mile car when this one fell in my lap. I think it would be better served by someone who cares about the mileage.

Provided you didn't pay a premium for a low mileage car, I'd run it 5 days a week for a couple of weeks and see if you still feel the same way. E36s are almost fully depreciated right now, so I wouldn't feel guilty putting mileage on one. In some cases, a simple change in philosophy will help you enjoy a car a lot more.

What are the characteristics of the M3 that make you not enjoy it for commuting? Sometimes new tires, a new exhaust, fixing suspension issues, etc. can make all the difference from a commuting perspective. I initially thought it was the fact that it's a manual, but if you're on the highway for 90% of your commute in 5th gear, that's probably less of a factor.

dj06482 wrote: Provided you didn't pay a premium for a low mileage car, I'd run it 5 days a week for a couple of weeks and see if you still feel the same way. E36s are almost fully depreciated right now, so I wouldn't feel guilty putting mileage on one. In some cases, a simple change in philosophy will help you enjoy a car a lot more. What are the characteristics of the M3 that make you not enjoy it for commuting? Sometimes new tires, a new exhaust, fixing suspension issues, etc. can make all the difference from a commuting perspective. I initially thought it was the fact that it's a manual, but if you're on the highway for 90% of your commute in 5th gear, that's probably less of a factor.

I didnt pay premium, like I said I didnt want a low mile car, but this one came up for less than most high mile cars were trading at. I've been running it pretty regular for a month now, logged over 2000 miles on it already. The problem is I can't put my finger on what it is that makes it not desirable for the commute.It has no issues, suspension is tight and smooth, exhaust is just how I like it, quiet at cruise but a bit throaty if you romp it. Tires are good, I have flogged it wet and dry and have yet to be able to get the back end to come loose. It is infinitely more fun to drive than my Smart, it handles excellent, accelerates like a rocket, its a smoother ride and the seats are just as comfortable. The climate controls are better, and interior noise, even as a 'vert are lower than the Smart. To be honest what is wrong, if I can try to define it, is that is an excellent enthusiast car. But on a 70 mile all highway slog, an enthusiast car, much like a motorcycle, is just more work. Its a car that needs to be driven and as much as I hate to admit it on my commute I'd rather be on autopilot.

Woody wrote: I'm done trying to preserve low mileage cars. I owned a beautiful Miata that eventually came to own me. I finally asked myself, "Who am I saving this for?".

I agree wholeheartedly. It is like having a hot wife, and not having sex with her so you can save her for her next husband.

It's a car. Drive it. For the car to be actualized, it needs to be driven.

Sonic wrote:

Woody wrote: I'm done trying to preserve low mileage cars. I owned a beautiful Miata that eventually came to own me. I finally asked myself, "Who am I saving this for?".

I agree wholeheartedly. It is like having a hot wife, and not having sex with her so you can save her for her next husband. It's a car. Drive it. For the car to be actualized, it needs to be driven.

I agree too, and preservation is only a small part of my overall issues. I dunno, it's akin to when I commuted in a miata. All that happy goodness just puttering down the highway in a straight line, what a waste.

Sounds like you need to find an alternative route to work.

Woody wrote: Sounds like you need to find an alternative route to work.

Welcome to NJ...what exit?

Its 70 miles taking the direct route...even if there were backroads (and seriously NJ doesnt seem to know the meaning) I dont think I want to extend my commute any further.

And, correct me if I'm wrong, but can't you only turn right in that state?

JThw8 wrote:

Sonic wrote:

Woody wrote: I'm done trying to preserve low mileage cars. I owned a beautiful Miata that eventually came to own me. I finally asked myself, "Who am I saving this for?".

I agree wholeheartedly. It is like having a hot wife, and not having sex with her so you can save her for her next husband. It's a car. Drive it. For the car to be actualized, it needs to be driven.

I agree too, and preservation is only a small part of my overall issues. I dunno, it's akin to when I commuted in a miata. All that happy goodness just puttering down the highway in a straight line, what a waste.

I was in a very similar spot a year ago. Miata doing a very similar commute, just 18mi of highway and 1mi of local each end. It really was frustrating to just... Buzz the highway miles away. I totally get that.

Imho, the grm ethos is very much about always trying to use the best tool or vehicle, regatdless of image, for the task at hand. To that end, its totally cool to not like DD'ing an m3 if it doesn't do it better than the smart.

Why aren't you shopping for another smart? Maybe a mazda2 or fiat?