M3 E92 or a 911 4S Cab

[Smatty]

I have narrowed my choice down to one of these 2 cars. Its my mid life crisis choice, with a budget up to £40k. I've found one of each at a main dealers here in Newcastle.

I'm not a car expert, this purchase is to deal with an itch that needs scratching. The Porsche is on a 55 plate, whereas the M3 is on a 60 plate - Silver/blue hood for the porsche and white/black hood for the M3.

I'm trying to tick kerb appeal, badge snobbery and a bit of oomph - I'm not a track day kind of bloke, this will be day to day driving so ease of use, low maintenance, driveability etc important.

Oh, and it must have 2+2 seats (for the kids)

Any tips chaps

[Smatty]

As a side note, I am strongly drawn to the GT86, but will its lack of mid range (and badge) disappoint

[Disco You]

Buy anything other than a white car.

[Steve996]

Hope the 55 plate 4S cabby is not up for 40K that would be very strong money. I dealt in a minted white 07 plated one with loads of spec a year ago for 37K (and regretted it BTW!)

My only firm recommendation with the porker is try to get one with the PSE (sports exhaust) option.

[Smatty]

Steve996 said:

Hope the 55 plate 4S cabby is not up for 40K that would be very strong money. I dealt in a minted white 07 plated one with loads of spec a year ago for 37K (and regretted it BTW!)

My only firm recommendation with the porker is try to get one with the PSE (sports exhaust) option.

Steve, are you saying its overpriced at £40k?

[Disco You]

Smatty said:

Steve, are you saying its overpriced at £40k?

Have you done any research? One look at the PH classifieds tells me that it is...

For example, on the first page of results:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4064152.htm

Low miles and 2008 plate for sub 40k... Yes it's not an S but it'll impress the Joneses anyway.

[Smatty]

Disco You said:

Have you done any research? One look at the PH classifieds tells me that it is...

For example, on the first page of results:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4064152.htm

Low miles and 2008 plate for sub 40k... Yes it's not an S but it'll impress the Joneses anyway.

Due to my inexperience, I feel safer buying from a main dealer (all my cars up to now have been new) - so I'm guessing i'm paying a touch for their warranty and margin

That's why the GT86 appeals - bulletproof engine, sts and giggles to drive - but I'm sure it wont scratch the vanity itch

[gaz1234]

i think the 911 will hold its money better

[Steve996]

Smatty said:

Steve, are you saying its overpriced at £40k?

Yup, I'd be looking for at least a 2007 at that money.

Here's a selection that are all newer for less.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3175053.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4113658.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4146105.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4023856.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4071405.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4096401.htm

[greggy50]

Smatty said:

Due to my inexperience, I feel safer buying from a main dealer (all my cars up to now have been new) - so I'm guessing i'm paying a touch for their warranty and margin

That's why the GT86 appeals - bulletproof engine, sts and giggles to drive - but I'm sure it wont scratch the vanity itch

You could just buy an aftermarket warranty if that worries you or one from Porsche themselves at circa 2k a year (I think) 40k for a 55 is very pricey would want to me in a 07/57/08 for that money myself.

[Mastodon2]

I'd get neither and go for a hardtop 911 instead.

[Smatty]

greggy50 said:

You could just buy an aftermarket warranty if that worries you or one from Porsche themselves at circa 2k a year (I think) 40k for a 55 is very pricey would want to me in a 07/57/08 for that money myself.

I'll check out these Porsche after market warranties. No love for the M3 I see

[clockworks]

Go a little older, and get both! Air-cooled Porsches won't lose any money, and the 964/993 models are modern enough to be daily drivers if necessary.

My mid-life crisis car is a '92 911 (964), and my almost-sensible car is an '07 525d tourer (E61 LCI). £40k is enough to buy both, and run them for a couple of years.

[SWoll]

Have you checked out the rear room in a 997 cab with your kids yet. Not the best seating position and dependent o their age/size could be an issue.

If you want a 2+2 with real kerb appeal and plenty of space (and are prepared to give up on a drop top) then what about this.



So much cooler/prettier/interesting than either the 997 or M3 (which are both good cars BTW).

Just a thought.

[Smatty]

SWoll said:

Have you checked out the rear room in a 997 cab with your kids yet. Not the best seating position and dependent o their age/size could be an issue.

If you want a 2+2 with real kerb appeal and plenty of space (and are prepared to give up on a drop top) then what about this.



So much cooler/prettier/interesting than either the 997 or M3 (which are both good cars BTW).

Just a thought.

Strangely, we have just had a maserati dealership open in Newcastle, which I popped in to today - they have a 59 plate GT but its on for £51k, so above budget - the guy said he would scout about and see if there is anything nationwide

[Steve996]

SWoll said:

Have you checked out the rear room in a 997 cab with your kids yet. Not the best seating position and dependent o their age/size could be an issue.

If you want a 2+2 with real kerb appeal and plenty of space (and are prepared to give up on a drop top) then what about this.



So much cooler/prettier/interesting than either the 997 or M3 (which are both good cars BTW).

Just a thought.

I love the look of them but have heard some horror stories in terms of ownership costs etc (some first hand).......I was seriously tempted at one point but decided not to.

[Tuvra]

Why has a 60 plate M3 got a hood?