996 vs M3

[flexya]

I am thinking of trading my M3 (e36) conv in for a 996 conv or M3(E46) conv but cant decide. My head says 996 but heart says M3. With only £40k to spend, I am looking at the early 996, which means the previous owner(s) would have seen off the bulk of the depreciation but then, rumours have it than Porsche is planning a facelift in 2004....so more loses. I have shopped around and found a few of both cars in my budget range and being conv, I will guess now is the best time to buy.

On the other hand, the oldest M3s are only a year old, which means price will tumble under my ownership....not good. On the other hand, I will guess than the maintenance cost on the M3 will be slightly less than the porsche. The maintenance/running cost is a huge factor for me. Also, the M3 seems to have more 'presence' than the 996 (personal view, off course)

Reliability is not in question with either model.

Either model will only be in my possession for 2 years at the most, so I need something that financially makes sense.....but also does/look the biz
I need some views please, particularly from those who have owned both

[flexya]

Pete, when you say pretty, do you mean to look at or to drive? I am not overtly keen on the cab myself as I hate anything that squeeks and creeks but I think it looks good with the roof down or winter hard top on. That aside, the only way I can get a 996 with the missus's blessing is, if it came with a "roofless option"

[flexya]

Thanks everyone. I think the final post sums it all up.

Hey 456, I knew there would be a biased response posting this issue on a Porsche Forum, so I did the same on the BM Forum (BM3W.co.uk) as you had presumed. The response are as biased as I expected but the comments of many (particularly those who have owned/own both cars) are interesting. Not many have moved fron the 996 to the M3, so most comments were based on their experience of the 993/964. I would expect these cars are not as "easy to drive" as the 996. I bragg not about my driving (or lack of driving) skills

Funny think is, members of the BM Forum make no reference to the engine problem which has plague some (tiny minority in the Uk) E46 M3.

Anyway, still going to view a M3 Cab this weekend before I discard the option completely.

[flexya]

Thanks for all those who commented and those who had the patience to endure my questions on the phone.

Picked her up last night. (private purchase but specialist inspection)

Spec:
99/T Carrera 2 convertible (LHD)in silver with silver leather. Manual,Traction/C, h/seats, Sat Nav/music upgrade/phone(i.e PCM), 18" turbo alloys, h/top and the silver bits around the gear stick/dash. Absolutely spotless...but then, everyone says that.

One question, does the wind deflector come as standard on convertible? If so, mine is missing!