Living with an M3 - better option than Porsche?

Living with an M3 - better option than Porsche?

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Discussion

PompeyPaul

Original Poster:

519 posts

183 months

Wednesday 18th February 2015
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Good morning everyone.

I am in the process of deciding on my next car, which I will be lookling to buy in the next 4-6 weeks.

I have pretty much narrowed it down to a C63, an M3 (E90/92) or Porsche 911. I intend to test drive all over the coming weeks. I expect all to be superb on the drive. Only me and the other half, and no need to carry lots of luggage. Will be a daioly driver, for work and wil be doing around 12 miles a year, with 50/50 motorway / town driving. Fun driving will be weekend country roads. Unlikely to track it.

I guess my question is at those of you that have owned both an M3 and 911 as daily. Would I feel that the M3 is less of a "drivers car" and would I regret not going Porsche, or will it bloe me away euqally as a daily and make each day feel a bit special?

PompeyPaul

Original Poster:

519 posts

183 months

Wednesday 18th February 2015
quotequote all
Shaoxter said:
Which 911 are you considering?


But the only way to find out what's best for you would be to test all of them! driving
996 or 997. Of course concerned about Bore score also...

Test driving should be fab!

PompeyPaul

Original Poster:

519 posts

183 months

Tuesday 24th February 2015
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It is a really tricky one. Looking forward to test driving both. I think the M3 (or a C63) would be a safer bet than the Porsche just as my budget limites me to gen 1 with the know engine issues...

PompeyPaul

Original Poster:

519 posts

183 months

Tuesday 24th February 2015
quotequote all
jayemm89 said:
If you have to carry anything more than young children very occasionally - the 911 won't cut it - the back seats are VERY small.

Would you consider either a Jaguar XKR or perhaps even a DB9? If you're on 996 money then there should be a selection of Jags that fit and they do go well.
Only two of us need to fit in - no kids.

OH has a Jag XF diesel if we need more space or mass distances etc.

Have considered XKR 5.0 and also keen to test one. Think they look amazing and sound fab too. Just need to see how they drive.

PompeyPaul

Original Poster:

519 posts

183 months

Tuesday 24th February 2015
quotequote all
andyeds1234 said:
The back seats in an XKR are worse than a 911, if that's an issue....
Nope, it's not.

PompeyPaul

Original Poster:

519 posts

183 months

Tuesday 24th February 2015
quotequote all
moffat said:
C63 for me every time... but I am a previous owner.

I've driven the M3 and love it too, but the power delivery is quite peaky for everyday use and the C63's noise is just epic. It's not a one trick pony either and the C63 Coupe that I owned had fantastic steering and feedback. It's not clinical sharp like the M3, but unless you track often that shouldn't be an issue. Also you would have to have VERY deep pockets to track a C63 as it will destroy its consumables!
Thanks for that. I assume day to day C63 costs not hurrendously more than M3 / XKR or any equivialnt performance vehicle? What was your average MPG out of interest?

PompeyPaul

Original Poster:

519 posts

183 months

Thursday 26th February 2015
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SidewaysSi said:
The 996 Turbo is just so dull though. Fast but boring.

If you want the best driving car in your budget (way better than any 911 or M3), that looks fabulous, is reliable, cheap to run and holds its money like no other, you need a.....


Lotus Elise
Don't think my back could take it as a daily driver TBH, plus need a clear handsfree option etc. Elise probabbly not the easiest to live with. I agree about everything you say about it though.

PompeyPaul

Original Poster:

519 posts

183 months

Friday 27th February 2015
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SidewaysSi said:
In that case, what about an Evora? Should meet your requirements and are a fabulous daily.
Would be top end for the cheapest ones. Did I also read somewhere that pre-facelift ones have a number of issues?