Used BMW M3 Coupe (01 - 07) review

You're getting a day-to-day car that can challenge Porsches and the like, so be prepared to pay for the privilege, especially if you plan to take it on tyre-shredding track days. That 338bhp engine translates into expensive insurance, and claimed fuel economy is 21mpg at best.

Maintenance isn't cheap, either. Figures from Warranty Direct indicate that BMW main-dealer labour rates are over 35% more expensive than average. However, find a decent independent specialist, and you should pay around half of what you would at a franchised garage.

Warranty Direct's research also indicates that the M3's reliability is a little below par, and average repair bills are not small. While servicing costs can be upwards of 30% higher than for any other 3 Series, the M3 can still be less expensive to maintain than its sports car rivals.