I'd vote for the Maxima. It does alot of things well. The other two focus more on performance or luxury and do better in those arenas. The Max is a good all around vehicle and the value & reliability leader of the three.

Jim

 

You're right about max reliability. Those two can't touch us in that department!

 

I think it was C&D that did a review on the 330xi, WRX and S4. The finish was in that order, last to first. I haven't driver either the M3 or S4 so I don't know. I don't care for turbos and stuff and they don't call the BMW the UDM for nothing. AWD might be useful in your area, and makes the S4 feasible for year round use. The M3 might not be so cool unless you get 4 snow tires.

Personally I will take the M3 over S4, 240 hp is fine but 333 would be awesome.

 

My friends dad has an S4, has a chip, exhaust, and new valves, 330+ hp....it hauls bigtime...if you are looking to mod, go for the S4

 

If I were to make these assumptions:

1--You care about steering feel and handling
2--Your car doesn't need to fit 4 people regularly
3--You're willing to pay a little more for something in return
4--you aren't one of those who always has to have something because it's new (first on the block)
5--not getting burned in the depreciation game is a factor

Then there is no way you'd be unhappy with an E36 M3. Trust me, I've driven 2 of them that belong to relatives. The only con about that car is you don't have the latest body-style (big whoop). Just beware of those M3 private sales where they're asking below wholesale--instant red flag. Plan on spending 30 and you'll be in good shape.

 

THe paint is better on the BMW and Audi

 

You're not kidding, the blue S4. Everytime I see one

 

All these cars are awesome nice cars no doubt about that. Now how much money do you have? how many miles do these cars have? If I had 29,000 plus or close to $24,000, I personally would go with a new car? You be the first one to break the car in, and you'll know the history of the car and how well this car has been maintained, and to add on to that new cars have warranty which is usually 36,000 miles or 3years which ever comes first.
So assuming that you have $24,000 plus I d go with a brand new 2002

6speed max and that is my Honest opinion.