The Gtr V-spec and plan gtr aren't much different in price. The difference is the r33 to the r34 (or really cheap r32). Also their is the gts which is somewhat cheaper than the gtr, in their series. If that helps at all. I would go for the gtr r33. I suppose you could save a couple g's and go with out the atessa-pro :cry:

 

I was getting an R33 GT-R anyway (I think I may have said so earlier, I forget). Anyway, the R33 (to me), has a more aggressive look than the R34. GT-S is out of the question. It's RWD, non-turbo. The point to me buying a Skyline over the M3 is that it's twin turbo, and AWD. If I want to stay all motor, I'll go M3 because 1. it's faster than the Skyline (stock trim), 2. if i bought it, it'd be brand new.

 

The gts is actually singal turbo but yah it is definatly no comparrison to the gtr. it is a good choice and I prefer the r33 over all of them too!

 

This is fun, but tough without more specifics. How about a nice used M5? - bigger, better ride than M3 (can you get a new M3 for under $50k?), and ferocious just the same. So many nice cars for under $50k....convertible? Vette, Z4, Boxster (used 'S'); auto trans vs manual? New RX8 looks nice; Z; S4; new Golf R32 if it comes here.....can get a NICE used NSX for $50k. Have fun looking; it's fun giving suggestions let alone actually doing the buying!

 

thanks Joe S., I considedered the NSX too (used of course!). I never thought about the domestic market though. I'm pretty set in my decision between the M3 and the R33. I thought about an M5, but I like the idea of a brand spankin' new M3. I still like that more than the R33 sometimes. that's why it's such a hard decision! R33 will get more attention though...and that's kind of something I don't want anymore (if you read my post about "Last Night").

 

Just read your previous post; must be really frustrating, let alone infuriating. I'm lucky to have a full-time garage. Hopefully you won't have the same experience with your new car if it's going to be outside, since your short list is pretty desirable also. Good luck.
As an aside, my nephew just bought a new Jetta 1.8 turbo; seems like a nice car but he's had several niggling quality-control problems already ie interior squeaks/rattles, door-speaker loose & noisy, paint/clear-coat problem on one quarter panel, noisy starter.......maybe a lemon, but maybe VW still hasn't gotten it together yet. Too bad, since their quality of materials, esp the interior, seems really high. Also, I've never driven a VW/Audi product that shifts as well as a Honda product, or BMW, Porsche, Toyota, Mazda, GM or Ford for that matter.

 

my mom had a Jetta for a while ('94 I think). It was a "fun" car to drive. she didn't really have any complaints about it. I think if I do get the Skyline, my main problem will be shifting left handed... :roll:

 

S2000 fooooo. 8)

Otherwise, I'd go M3. Nice mix of luxury and performance.

 

S2000 crossed my mind too...but then I realized...2 seater... :?

 

Well, what is it that you want? Something newer? Something fast? Something unique? Obviously, the Skyline is going to be unique and with that comes positives and negatives. Positives include the exclusivity of owning one and the fact that everyone will know you because of the car. This could be good in some ways and bad in others. Negatives include cost of maintenance and repairs as well as insurance and the fact that it may become more of a target for theft. BMW M3 is a sweet car. I like the new ones. They are fast, look great, and of course you get BMW quality, looks and ownership, not to mention that it's brand new.

If I were you, I'd look at what is most important to you. If money is no consideration, then you could go either way. But if the cost of insurance and maintenance/repairs will ultimately affect your choice, I'd go with whichever is the best overall value. Both cars are sweet. But for the money, I'd rather not buy something older and used. For a car under $20K, I'll buy used...but anymore than $20K then go with something new and under warranty.