E92 M3 or 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo?

[330ionMaui]

I'm torn between waiting until Spring for an E92 M3 or purchasing a 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo through a private sale. The Porsche is in exceptional condition with only 10K miles and KBB puts it at about $65K...about what I was willing to shell out for the M3. Any opinions?

[ren]

I wouldn't think twice. Get the turbo!

[CSL-Fanatik]

M3 for me.

In fact, I was debating the same thing and test drove a 911 Turbo. Surely, it is faster, and looks stunning. However, there are other factors to consider. I dislike the 996 interior, and prefer the BMWs. The M3 also has the backseats, and the trunk (in case you need it). In addition, the 911 is more expensive in tyres, insurance, taxes, etc.

If you want to go for looks & performance: Turbo!
If price, practicality, and interior matter: M3!

Best regards,

CSL

[devo]

Originally Posted by 330ionMaui

I'm torn between waiting until Spring for an E92 M3 or purchasing a 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo through a private sale. The Porsche is in exceptional condition with only 10K miles and KBB puts it at about $65K...about what I was willing to shell out for the M3. Any opinions?

Believe it or not, but that's too much for a 2001 turbo, imo. I, as most know here, am a Porsche fan, especially the turbo, but I wouldn't buy the first year of the 996 turbo (2001). I have heard of some second gear issues with some of the early cars, so be careful. Plus, Porsche secretly added hp in some of the subsequent years as to keep up/stay ahead of the competition. There were also subtle, yet worthy cosmetic changes over the years.

I was shopping a few months ago and had a chance to buy a 2003 996 turbo with x51 for $78,000; it had a MSRP of $144,000. It had 1,600 miles. I've seen many others with similar prices. If you really want a turbo go for a 2003 or later.

Yes, the interiors of the 996 are not up to the 997's standards, but I don't feel that they are much behind BMW's, from what I've seen in the current 3 series.

For me x51 (450hp) 2003, or newer, or the M3.

[2002 Tii]

330iMaui, funny you started this thread as I'm contemplating the same idea myself. As Devo mentioned; pop out second gear is a huge problem with 2001 to 2003 models, but the majority of cars have already had this problem corrected, but pay big attention when searching.
I don't think $65K is too much money if the car is in top shape and only 10K miles. You can find very nicely modded cars out there for the same price range, 500WHP is not uncommon. The positive point about the car is it will not depreciate anymore than $50K, the engine alone will always sell for about $40K! the down side is maintnance and repairs.
M3 will not have the latter issues but will obviously depreciate fast, just as any new car will for the first five years. Its a personal choice but if you do your home work I don't see how you can go wrong with either car. GL.

[1198r]

IF you buy any 911 it has to be the GT3 or GTR RS - no other one will do!

Therefore if you can't get either of the above, then wait for the M3 - it's stonkingly good and that's before it's eveb run in!!!!!!!!

[1198r]

meant GT3RS!

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by 1198r

meant GT3RS!

Use the "Edit" button.

[UltimateBMW]

An '03 turbo with only 1,600 miles? That car is barely even fully broken in and its just been sitting for near 5 years? I don't know what to even think about that.

As for the '01 turbo I have a similar disposition. Its getting a bit older and while it's mileage and use may be old that means it been just sitting around collecting dust.

[Pancho]

The decision depends on the expected use of the car. If you want a daily driver that can give you a high level of adrenalin when you want it but also comfort and practicality when needed then certainly I will go fo the M3. If you want the car only for weekend use to exploit all its abilities then go for the Turbo. I personally had a 911 Carrera 997 and decided to change for an M3 E92. I made an excellent decision. I really got tired of the Carrera as my daily car. It is not practical, getting in and out is troublesome, the ride is stiff, clutch is hard, if roads are not good then it becomes worse. Also the M3 will retain its value.

[devo]

Originally Posted by UltimateBMW

An '03 turbo with only 1,600 miles? That car is barely even fully broken in and its just been sitting for near 5 years? I don't know what to even think about that.

As for the '01 turbo I have a similar disposition. Its getting a bit older and while it's mileage and use may be old that means it been just sitting around collecting dust.

Like any car, it depends how it was cared for. I certainly wouldn't go for higher miles just because a stored, lower mileage one, could collect more dust.

[M3Bruno]

Porsche Turbo!!!!!! There will be 100 teenagers driving the e92 M3 around here in Orange County in less than a year. Everywhere! Zip-in around, wanting to race everyone etc. etc. You won't see that in a 996 Turbo. It is the next level, and when that 16 year old pules up next to you and starts reving his engine you can simply keep all 4 wheels to the ground and smoke him really really bad. Two completely different cars. Both very nice. I think the M3 will be way over priced for what you get. If you are still in Hawaii I would wan't neither of those cars unless of course you all ready have the baller 4 wheel drive. I had a 02' TT and loved it!

[footie]

Does anyone of you know how much a 996Turbo costs to service.

Trust me is you can't afford to buy a new one you can't afford to buy one second-hand. It might not be as bad as a Ferrari but it's a million miles from the service bills you are use to with an M3.

[M3Bruno]

That is a good point!

[footie]

A 911Turbo will drain money from your pocket quicker than a wife with a crack problem.

Great car for rich people, not so much for the rest of us.

[Pancho]

Originally Posted by footie

Does anyone of you know how much a 996Turbo costs to service.

Trust me is you can't afford to buy a new one you can't afford to buy one second-hand. It might not be as bad as a Ferrari but it's a million miles from the service bills you are use to with an M3.

I totally agree with Footie. If you don't have extended guarantee then it will be a cash drain.

[nusevad]

my professor recently bought a 1999 turbo and he said it cost him a little over 10 grand last year for service and whatnot.

[footie]

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

my professor recently bought a 1999 turbo and he said it cost him a little over 10 grand last year for service and whatnot.

So what you are saying is that he's only changed the oil and the spark plugs.

[UltimateBMW]

[JEllis]

There was a time where I came close to buying a used 996TT. They have some issues to be aware of. One of the big ones is a tranny issue where the car will actually fall out of gear. I believe this problem was fixed with the 02 and later models. However, the problem I guess required the transmission to be removed from the car to be fixed. Not cheap. This is only one of many costly problems you may experience with a 996TT.

The being said, its a great car and fairly reliable if babied properly. I think the M3 is the more reliable car though. And in terms of stock performance the M3 is no slouch comparitively.

Jason

[SpencerM3]

Turbo

[330ionMaui]

Originally Posted by Pancho

It is not practical, getting in and out is troublesome, the ride is stiff, clutch is hard, if roads are not good then it becomes worse. Also the M3 will retain its value.

I'm going to be getting rid of my Lotus Elise...now the Elise is a car to complain about the lack of creature comforts and brain jarring ride.