Weekend Car - Porker or M3?
Discussion
I'm after something to liven up the weekends and travel to places with a bit of vivacity.
I'm looking to spend between 10-12k, although for something special I'd go to 15k.
I've always wanted an E46 M3 after having and older E36, and by the look of things this should get me a nice one. I'm confused why the 'verts seem to go cheaper than the coupes though? I know about the sub-frame issues and would want a post-facelift version, but the above is puzzling.
The other car I quite fancy is a 996 Porker. I don't think my budget will quite stretch to turbo territory, but there seem to be plenty around for this sort of money. Are these a money-pit? I've started doing my research on them but would appreciate a heads up from anyone who's owned one or has some insider knowledge having been through this process before.
I did briefly consider a Maser 3200 but decided that I'd only fancy the Assetto-Corse model, but the subsequent horror stories I read about the engines and electrics expiring made me wince.
Merc SL's leave me feeling a bit cold, and the interior just doesn't inspire me at all.
Is there anything else anyone would like to throw into the mix? As snooty as it sounds, I don't want a small "drivers" car akin to an MX5 - they just don't interest me. I want something with a decent amount of grunt and which will put a smile on my face.
I'm looking to spend between 10-12k, although for something special I'd go to 15k.
I've always wanted an E46 M3 after having and older E36, and by the look of things this should get me a nice one. I'm confused why the 'verts seem to go cheaper than the coupes though? I know about the sub-frame issues and would want a post-facelift version, but the above is puzzling.
The other car I quite fancy is a 996 Porker. I don't think my budget will quite stretch to turbo territory, but there seem to be plenty around for this sort of money. Are these a money-pit? I've started doing my research on them but would appreciate a heads up from anyone who's owned one or has some insider knowledge having been through this process before.
I did briefly consider a Maser 3200 but decided that I'd only fancy the Assetto-Corse model, but the subsequent horror stories I read about the engines and electrics expiring made me wince.
Merc SL's leave me feeling a bit cold, and the interior just doesn't inspire me at all.
Is there anything else anyone would like to throw into the mix? As snooty as it sounds, I don't want a small "drivers" car akin to an MX5 - they just don't interest me. I want something with a decent amount of grunt and which will put a smile on my face.
Seriously gents, the advice and input is very much appreciated but lets keep it friendly
(unless of course you all know each other outside of here in which case - banter away!)I should have added a few additional criteria at the beginning, namely:
- Ideally I want something in which I can take off with the g/f of a Friday, drive to the South Coast or Europe for a long weekend. That doesn't necessarily rule out a 2-seater but certainly narrows it for me. Are TVR's really that bad reliability-wise or is that a bit urban legend-y? Additionally, I went to Le Mans this year and intend to make it a bit of a pilgrimage in future years so it has to be capable of managing 1000 mile trips with ease - hence my original nudge toward German reliability.
- The truck is a good shout I think (I deliberately cast the net wide), but I have a Hilux for general lugging and towing and I'm limited with only 7ft clearance down the side of the house to the garage and the Yank tank looks like a bit of a brute to be getting through narrow places.
- E30 M3's I love, but they've rocketed in value in recent years and are a bit out of budget now. How I wish I'd bought that slightly ropey one for 3k about 5 years back!!
Keep 'em coming!
Edited to add - I used to love the Jap stuff but it all feels a bit "Fast 'N Furious" these days so would prefer something with a slight degree of prestige about it. Genuinely no offence intended, they're just not my thing anymore. (bloody hell I'm coming across a right snob!)
Edited by Notshortnottall on Thursday 22 August 18:40
Edited by Notshortnottall on Thursday 22 August 18:41
Just thought I'd provide a little update on this. For some reason I couldn't escape the urge to get one of these and when one came up for sale locally, I couldn't resist!
E46 M3 Coupe. Manual. Sunroof. FBMWSH low mileage and had been looked after. Love it and it's definitely scratching the itch!! Thanks for all the input guys and girls it was very much appreciated. Just logged on to sort my ferry crossing for Le Mans so hopefully see some of you there.........
E46 M3 Coupe. Manual. Sunroof. FBMWSH low mileage and had been looked after. Love it and it's definitely scratching the itch!! Thanks for all the input guys and girls it was very much appreciated. Just logged on to sort my ferry crossing for Le Mans so hopefully see some of you there.........
Hideaway said:
+1. Is it what u expected OP?
Yep. Love it. Handles well, goes like stink and I was always really sceptical of "sport" buttons in cars but this really does make a difference. Doesn't munch the fuel as much as expected and is pleasant on a run. Took it through Wales last weekend and had an absolute ball round the twisty's too.
I won't keep it forever - but I'm glad I got it.
Hideaway said:
Great. I just need to decide SMG or manual.
Robert, CDV delete? Explain?
I went manual primarily due to problems with the SMG pumps failing and being expensive to replace, but also because ive had other semi-auto cars and really missed just having a gearstick and clutch to play with. Robert, CDV delete? Explain?
It's a personal thing but I know a lot of people seem to prefer the good old fashioned manual boxes.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff