Which to buy used (M3 / 911 / c63)?

[Porterror]

Need some help deciding. Currently looking to spend $40-$50k on a used car in the area. CPO or non-CPO, still deciding. I've come up with a list of 3 cars that I think fit my needs.

My situation
- Children: One girl (2 years) / One boy (on the way in Jan), wife has a new SUV that we use 100% of the time for going out with the kids
- car purchasing ~Spring 2013
- invited to at least 3-5 member only track days a year. Currently have to borrow my manager's Cayman S, but would like to get a track worthy car for sessions.
- only drive about 10 miles a day to work, but would primarly use this car on weekends for fun

Needs
- to be track worthy
- between $40-$50k
- obviously looking for lowest mileage / best maintained
- some sort of backseat room for car sets (if I had to transport my kids in emergency)
- not sure if CPO would help if I'm keeping this new car low mileage and if tracking the car would void CPO?

My opinions on the 3 choices I've come to...

Porsche 911 (996/997)
Pros:
- Most Balanced of the bunch
- Probably quickest on the track
- Actually a good amount available in the area
- Already fimiliar with driving Cayman/911 around the track
- Best styling

Cons:
- uber small backseat
- most expensive to purchase / maintain
- will probably have to buy higher mileage to get within $40-$50k range
- not sure it will pass the wife test

BMW M3 (e92) - Coupe/Sedan
Pros:
- Amazing engine sound
- Backseat Room in both Coupe/Sedan
- Great track times
- Probably best daily driver

Cons:
- lots of M3s around here
- becoming hard to find
- $ marked up / popular

Mercedes-Benz c63 AMG
Pros:
- More amazing engine sound
- Most backseat room
- Most HP/Torque, Raw power
- Fastest strait line performance

Cons:
- Auto only
- gas mileage (but, not too concerned)
- very heavy car and probably least track worthy


I've test drove all of them and love each one. But, which one fits my situation the best? Sorry for long post...

[Darth One]

you borrow your boss's car to take to the track? brave man...

sounds like the M3 is the car for you. I prefer the 911 for most of the uses you mention, but those backseats will be just hateful (I own both cars btw)

[NoM3ForMe]

Originally Posted by Darth One

sounds like the M3 is the car for you.

I agree this completely.

[positiveions]

Actually E90 M3 has more backseat room. I test drove a C63. I adjusted the driver seat based on my driving position. I went to sit in the back, had a hard time getting in the back seat.

[smmmurf]

This is one of those "duh" moments. E90 M3 ... way more at home on the track than the C63, and still comfortable when you are inevitably forced into daddy duty now that you will have TWO kids not just one

If no kids --> Carrera (also duh but trying to figure out why I don't have the Carrera... lol)

[jmgM3]

E90 is your car. I went with it because of my 4 yr old son. He always wants to ride in the recaro booster seat I picked to match the M's interior.

[klammer]

Originally Posted by jmgM3

E90 is your car. I went with it because of my 4 yr old son. He always wants to ride in the recaro booster seat I picked to match the M's interior.

Totally. 2 kids and just got back from a 2k mile round trip with a track weekend included. The perfect sports car for daddy

[Porterror]

I test drove both sedan/coupe m3 and did prefer the styling of the coupe. Didn't get a chance to try out the back seat much...how bad is coupe vs sedan? Also e90 much rarer here vs e92.

[askjeeves]

Originally Posted by Porterror

I test drove both sedan/coupe m3 and did prefer the styling of the coupe. Didn't get a chance to try out the back seat much...how bad is coupe vs sedan? Also e90 much rarer here vs e92.

The coupe back seat is actually pretty spacious. But I bet it's a lot easier to get the kids strapped into a car seat in the back of the e90.

[nerwyll@trinityautosport]

Originally Posted by positiveions

Actually E90 M3 has more backseat room. I test drove a C63. I adjusted the driver seat based on my driving position. I went to sit in the back, had a hard time getting in the back seat.

+1 for the M3 being a DD/track car with backseat room

[MKE_M3]

Three kids, had same dilemma (also considered a CTS-V Sedan/CTS-V Wagon). Love my e90 M3. More room and more convenient than my previous e92 335i. About to do my first track day in this car, but I have high hopes as my 335i was fantastic (chassis and power mods)

[Chowster]

Easy choice. E90 with Recaro seats for the kids. I'm sure most dads on here will agree.

AND...... bringing home an E90 will earn you lots of points with the wife, compared to bringing home an E92. Back seat access, especially when you need to help young kids with their harnesses (I mean...... seatbelt), is so much easier in an E90.

[TTG]

E90 M3

[LarThaL]

None of the above. Get a NEW Boss 302 Mustang. No kidding. Go drive it.

[2009 interlago cabriolet]

I wonder what response he'd get on a 911 or C63 forum?

[6spdg37s]

bro what about a z06 and no not cause Im selling mine on here lol ... cause for 40-50k you are getting a beast !!!! dry sump oil setup and everything!

edit: i just re-read your post and you need a back seat.

definitely M3 or C63 AMG... Idk if id b comfortable putting my small kids in the back seat of a 911.

[PhillyNate]

Originally Posted by askjeeves

The coupe back seat is actually pretty spacious. But I bet it's a lot easier to get the kids strapped into a car seat in the back of the e90.

I agree. My oldest son is 6 feet tall and loves sitting back there in my coupe. He's always amazed how much room he has.

[HotIce]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

None of the above. Get a NEW Boss 302 Mustang. No kidding. Go drive it.

Great car, but it doesn't offer the refinement of the other cars that are mentioned.

[Porterror]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

None of the above. Get a NEW Boss 302 Mustang. No kidding. Go drive it.

Ha. I tried! There were two local and both dealers treated them like gold and wouldn't let me test drive without a down payment?...

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by HotIce

Great car, but it doesn't offer the refinement of the other cars that are mentioned.

Yes, but you are also getting a brand new car, that meets the criteria of being:

1. fun to drive
2. very track capable
3. having a very useable back seat
4. $40-50k

Something has to give somewhere when you are on a budget

[lucas328]

I was choosing between the a 911 and m3, I chose a e90 m3 and absolutley love it....go m3 you won't be sorry

[Bbenavitz]

I would get the 911S because it would be the better track car. You don't need the rear seats because you said you don't.