Yes - still looking at cars - never did go drive the SC430 - just couldn't get myself to look at it. Anyway...I am debating w/myself over 2 auto - looking for comments, opinions, etc. This weekend may be 'the' weekend to get one of these - all other weekends until mid-July are spoken for...

'04 330cica - triple black. 13k miles. auto. prem/cold/sport/no nav. $39k.

pros: well, it is still under maintenance agreement, cheaper to buy/insure/maintain than the M3

cons: not an M3!

'02 M3 SMG conv - silver on grey/black top. 28k miles. prem/cold/no nav. $44k.

pros: OMG the freaking car is unbelievable!

cons: out of maint agreement - could get pricey to maintain (??) - but it is certified; more expensive to buy/insure/maintain than 330. Unsure (in my mind) of long term reliability. 330/auto should be bullet-proof for a long time.

I put about 15k miles/year. Drive from S Jersey to NY at least once a month - recently about 4-5 times a month.

I am concerned - in 3 years I'd have 73k miles on a M3 - and how much would a clutch cost? Brakes? What else is NOT covered in CPO.

PS - I don't believe either would do very well in bad NJ winter weather, but the 330 may do just a smidge better if I unexpectedly get caught in a snow-shower type of event.

Thoughts? Opinions?