Bay Area: Owning an M3 in East San Jose, bad idea?

[MWFR12]

Hi, I've been holding back on getting an M3 because of neighborhood safety concerns. Those of you who are familiar with East San Jose, would you advise against owning an M3 there? Do you think I'm being paranoid?

And those who own/drive an M3 in other bad or questionable areas, can you share any tips? I live close to the 680 freeway and plan to limit my neighborhood driving to the short route to/from the freeway, and won't be using nearby gas stations. The car will be garaged. Anything else?

Appreciate any and all comments.

[mot]

I have family in ESSJ. I'm there quite often. Not too bad...

[Sean@PYSpeed.com]

This is why we have insurance, isn't it?
I don't think ESSJ is that bad.

[Racer5M3]

Originally Posted by Altabay

Hi, I've been holding back on getting an M3 because of neighborhood safety concerns. Those of you who are familiar with East San Jose, would you advise against owning an M3 there? Do you think I'm being paranoid?

And those who own/drive an M3 in other bad or questionable areas, can you share any tips? I live close to the 680 freeway and plan to limit my neighborhood driving to the short route to/from the freeway, and won't be using nearby gas stations. The car will be garaged. Anything else?

Appreciate any and all comments.

You're paranoid. Relax. Take the plunge.

[duk]

Where in ESSJ?

[MWFR12]

Originally Posted by duk

Where in ESSJ?

Around Jackson and San Antonio.

[mot]

Berryessa

[MWFR12]

Originally Posted by mot

Berryessa

I think there's a significant difference between Berryessa and my neighborhood. I wouldn't have much safety concern if I were in Berryessa. In fact, Berryessa is the area I had in mind for getting gas for the M3!

I live near Jackson and San Antonio, and while this is not the worst neighborhood out there, it is part of the area where most of San Jose's violent crimes occur. My neighborhood is not as bad as the other side of 680, I think, and as I mentioned already I don't have to drive too far to hop on the freeway, so that helps.

On one hand I know I'm worrying too much, but on the other hand violent crimes are way up, there are fewer cops on the street, and one can never be too careful. I should really move out of the area, but that's another issue altogether.

[xsb00st]

If you're going to garage it, buy the car, install an alarm and opt for lo-jack. It's only going to take you a few minutes to drive out of the area to buy gas if that's your concern.

If you're worried about getting car jacked, it's tough shooting at a driver when the car goes 0-60 in 4.2 seconds I'm being sarcastic here... sorta.

[M3E90SUN]

I think you are OK. don't worry, you have to garage it.
I took a wrong turn off 880 and 980 Oakland, end up in the hood. It is not that bad... scary though.

[Joonsup]

East San Jose going towards Eastridge seems a little sketchy sometimes at night. I think East anywhere has that sketchiness though...East Oakland, East LA, East Palo Alto, etc... As long as you have insurance and bulletproof glass you should be ok. jk about the glass.

[8_is_enough]

keep it garaged at night and you should be okay.

FWIW, i grew up in the east foothills area (product of mount pleasant high)

[MWFR12]

Thank you for the replies, everyone. I feel much better after the reassurances and have decided to take the plunge. Wish me luck with the ordering and waiting process.

Coincidentally, it's in Cupertino I should be on the lookout for random shootings. Just goes to show stuff can happen anywhere.

[mexicanmike]

Here is an idea, I know it won't be popular.

Why don't you take that 70k and put it into getting yourself out of a neighborhood that has the highest rate of violent crimes in the area?

I understand the car is cool and all, but what good is it if you get the shit beat out of yourself for it. I am not saying this will happen, but I would try to move to a safer place, then get the car.

Unless you are "Fucking King Shit" and people know not to fuck with your shit.

[Joonsup]

Originally Posted by mexicanmike

Here is an idea, I know it won't be popular.

Why don't you take that 70k and put it into getting yourself out of a neighborhood that has the highest rate of violent crimes in the area?

I understand the car is cool and all, but what good is it if you get the shit beat out of yourself for it. I am not saying this will happen, but I would try to move to a safer place, then get the car.

Unless you are "Fucking King Shit" and people know not to fuck with your shit.

i wish i was fucking king shit in milpitas so i could leave my cars unlocked

[MWFR12]

Originally Posted by mexicanmike

Here is an idea, I know it won't be popular.

Why don't you take that 70k and put it into getting yourself out of a neighborhood that has the highest rate of violent crimes in the area?

I understand the car is cool and all, but what good is it if you get the shit beat out of yourself for it. I am not saying this will happen, but I would try to move to a safer place, then get the car.

Unless you are "Fucking King Shit" and people know not to fuck with your shit.

LOL. You have a valid point. Believe me I think about moving out of the neighborhood every day, but my housing situation is a long story which I won't go into.

And no, I am not the "Fucking King Shit" of East San Jose.

[duk]

come out to SR for the cars n coffee meets ok

congrats

[mot]

I would suggest you moving also.

[k2e15]

Originally Posted by duk

come out to SR for the cars n coffee meets ok

congrats

1.... Get the whip you will be fine!!!!'

[mexicanmike]

Originally Posted by Altabay

LOL. You have a valid point. Believe me I think about moving out of the neighborhood every day, but my housing situation is a long story which I won't go into.

And no, I am not the "Fucking King Shit" of East San Jose.

Fair enough. I would just say that if it is your daily, and you will be driving into a questionable neighborhood, all you are going to do is draw the attention of persons with questionable character. This will make you, and anyone who lives within your residence a target.

If you have the money to buy a M3, what other goodies do you have hidden behind the garage door, and inside the house. B and E's often turn violent. The best way to stay safe in bad neighborhoods is to not get noticed.

[8_is_enough]

Originally Posted by mexicanmike

Fair enough. I would just say that if it is your daily, and you will be driving into a questionable neighborhood, all you are going to do is draw the attention of persons with questionable character. This will make you, and anyone who lives within your residence a target.

If you have the money to buy a M3, what other goodies do you have hidden behind the garage door, and inside the house. B and E's often turn violent. The best way to stay safe in bad neighborhoods is to not get noticed.

To play devil's advocate, it's "just" an M3 and not something flamboyant or outrageous. Common folk just see a BMW, for better or worse.

That said - after growing up in the east side, I have never regretted moving away.

[PhillyNate]

Dude, if I can have one in Philly you should be OK in east San Jose. I do have a garage though.