Thinking of buying a 2009 IS-F

Well, I just got my 2013 ISF after 6 years of waiting. My choice is based on Lexus reliability, and my preference of Japanease performance cars.

A friend of a friend of mine had an Audi RS4 and it was in the repair shop more than it was on the road, he got rid of it after 1 year of ownership.

The S4 is a nice car, but it's not in the 400 hp club.

The M3 is a great car, but if you do buy it, I would get FACTORY BMW extended warranty, and that's not cheap on that car. Do NOT buy a non-factory warranties, they seem great on paper, but will do just about anything to deny your claim once you need it. My best friend has a 2011 M3 with the 6 speed manual, it's a very nice car, sounds great and has a great interior.

M3 vs. ISF engine wise, they are very different animals. The ISF has a lot more torque, and does not rev as high, the M3 redlines at 8400 and has a flat torque curve.

I would first start by test driving each potential car you want to buy to see what you like most. Once you know that, then finding the right car is the next step.

I would also recommand that you spend some time on the M3 forums and research the M3, those guys are your best source of information.

2009 ISF is the second year made, they do not have the Torsen LSD, updated suspension or updated interior, but still a great car.

2010 got the Torsen LSD, 2011 got the new suspension. You can find a great deal on a 2011, or you can do what I did, and just wait and get a newer one.

Yep, no question you will pay less for maintainence with the ISF.

I agree about going for a 2011. I would either go cheap with a 2008, or go 2011+. The 09/10 will really just have lower miles than an 08 (which you will be paying for) with not much benefit besides that. Save money and get an 08, or save up more money then go newer. The 11+ has lots of great updates like LED headlights, newer gauges, better suspension, different rims, but especially the Torsen LSD. All of that is totally worth the extra money.

I've had a few BMW's in my life (I had an ex who loved them and went through a few) and every 6 months without fail, the car was in the shop for $1,500-$2k. Random stuff I had previously never even heard about where the parts are crazy expensive and so is the labor to swap it out. All of the cars had < 30k miles on them too which to me is nearly new.

After that period in my life I will never again own a BMW.

I love Audi but can't personally see myself driving one (not sure why to be honest) so I admire them on the road but that's it. I think for their prices they aren't too competitive.