E46 M3 vs. 911 (996)
05-14-2007, 04:11 PM
#11
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Well, it depends if you own a house or rent on top of the payment. And saving! The way I look at it, go to some of the M3 forums like m3forum.com, bimmerforums.com, and M3post.com. Ask your questions, they will give you great insight and will help you on your decision. There is plenty to search on these sites as well. I am a member at M3forum.com and there is tons of info for what you want on there. As for the porsche, not sure as to which forums. Just do your research! I would hate to hear that you get one or the other without reading on them.
As for the M3, this is what I did. You need to see what service has been done to the car and when. i.e inspection I, inspection II, brakes, bearing recall (01-03.5) etc... None of these are cheap, unless the car is under warranty, which will be free
. I can only imagine that porsche would be worse.
Here is something to think about. This has been debated as well. You can always get the e90 new or slightly used and have the full warranty. Yes, I know that it is not an M3, but you will be safe on maintance and they still look good. Infact, the 330 is just as fast as the M and the turbo can be tweaked to beat the M. But, I can understand if you are like me, it's just, not an M. Good Luck!
Jon
As for the M3, this is what I did. You need to see what service has been done to the car and when. i.e inspection I, inspection II, brakes, bearing recall (01-03.5) etc... None of these are cheap, unless the car is under warranty, which will be free
. I can only imagine that porsche would be worse. Here is something to think about. This has been debated as well. You can always get the e90 new or slightly used and have the full warranty. Yes, I know that it is not an M3, but you will be safe on maintance and they still look good. Infact, the 330 is just as fast as the M and the turbo can be tweaked to beat the M. But, I can understand if you are like me, it's just, not an M. Good Luck!
Jon
05-14-2007, 04:33 PM
#12
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Now that I have one, I realize the cliche advertisement is true...
Porsche, there is no substitute.
====
Get the 996 and then you won't wish you should have got the other car.
Porsche, there is no substitute.
====
Get the 996 and then you won't wish you should have got the other car.
05-14-2007, 05:58 PM
#14
Originally Posted by MrClean,May 14 2007, 06:33 PM
Now that I have one, I realize the cliche advertisement is true...
Porsche, there is no substitute.
====
Get the 996 and then you won't wish you should have got the other car.
Porsche, there is no substitute.
====
Get the 996 and then you won't wish you should have got the other car.
I've always loved Porsches, but used to think they were overpriced. Now I get it - another car could have the same specs for a lot less, but it wouldn't likely feel or sound near as good.
05-14-2007, 11:32 PM
#15
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Ever think of a couple year old Boxster? 986s have depreciated A LOT, and you could probably find a VERY clean car in that price range. Some say it's more fun than a 911!
05-15-2007, 06:18 AM
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I owned a 993 prior to owning my M cars and later owned a 996TT and I will say the 993 was a big let down. I was expecting more from a Porsche...I woud not pay the P-car premium for a non turbo 911 again.
05-15-2007, 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by SRTfourbanger,May 14 2007, 06:47 PM
Well as a hygenist I would be making a solid $45,000-$50,000 a year and by then I would either be able to buy a 911 a few years newer or an E46 M3 a few years newer considering it is 3-4 years down the road. That RMS issue with the Porsche is when the oil or something something leaks and mixes with the coolant = new motor = $20,000 from the dealer right? Besides that year and that issue are there really that many quirks to kill my wallet? I'd be spending $25-30,000 with the salary I just put out there. And the rule of thumb said is that the total cost of the actual car should be HALF or your annual income. It is just that.
I guess it's fun to fantasize, but if this is really your thought process, it's time for a little reality check.
05-15-2007, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Dr. WOT,May 15 2007, 12:06 PM
Your rule of thumb is broken, anyone who says it's a good idea to spend 50% of your annual on a car is a fool. You may also want to double check those numbers because your 50% is the best case scenario, more likely you won't make the top starting salary in your field and you should never buy the cheapest example of any car you find, esp 911 & ///M.
I guess it's fun to fantasize, but if this is really your thought process, it's time for a little reality check.
I guess it's fun to fantasize, but if this is really your thought process, it's time for a little reality check.
unless your paying cash for the car of course...
05-15-2007, 10:24 AM
#20
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so $50,000 salary leaves you with ~$35,000 after taxes and all that good stuff. Do you want to spend $600/month on a car payment considering you still have to pay for housing, maintenance (no way around this with those two cars), insurance, food, gas, student loans?, retirement?, beer? And I don't know where you got that 50% rule of thumb from.. but the rule is more like 20% max.
That $600 figure is for a loan of $30,000 over 60 months @ 7.2% which is a little below the national average for a 60 month used car loan.
That $600 figure is for a loan of $30,000 over 60 months @ 7.2% which is a little below the national average for a 60 month used car loan.