Dudes engaging in **** measuring contest
Most of the arguments made against the iS (i.e too expensive, not practical or rational) can be made regarding any bmw model, new or used. If you are looking for affordabililty and value, then you need to look at Japanese cars-- they offer more options, cheaper prices and some of them are not shabby in the performance dept. Some of the rivalries (CPO v new, 335d v 335i, 335i v M3 etc) on these boards are just plain silly, especially comparison between a stock iS with a tuned N55.
Also, to those worrying about hp in a race or on the track, sometimes it's the
driver that matters and not the hp.