stom_m3

Let me first start off by saying that this thread is not meant to be a 991S vs M3 thread. I have a dilemma.

I used to have a '06 997S that I loved. I sold it back in May 2011 when I heard the new 991 would be coming out. The hope was that I would upgrade to the 991 within a year of the launch.

Now that the 991S is out, I've driven it and want one like no tomorrow. The only problem is that configured how I would like it puts a price tag @ $138k before tax, license and doc. For some reason, $150k otd is hard for me to take. It's not that I can't do it and be financially ok, but it just seems like a whole lot of dough.

Here's the dilemma. I would love to get the 991S. It's a whole lot of cash. I miss not having a sports car (I drive a big fat Toyota Sequoia and the misses drives a Volvo XC90 V8). The 991S would be a 3rd car just like my 997S was. Options;

1. Should I splurge on the 991S with the hard to swallow price and sticker shock
2. Spend half that on a new M3 ($75k ish) to satisfy the urge to have a sports car. I should also note that I had a '96 M3 before the 997S so I'm familiar with the BMW brand first hand.
3. Do nothing and languish in sports car envy for the rest of my life
4. Look at alternative sports cars than the 991S or M3 though none others really come to mind.

I also should note that I like to buy new and need 4 seats.

Galion

IMO the most sensible choice would be to get a stripped base with manual transmission for a lot less of that money, and enjoy.

destaccado

Agreed. Why does your 911 configuration need to come to $138,000? Surely you're equipping it far above and beyond the 75k M3.

You should be able to equip a great 911 S for 120k or less...

spourreza

+1 base with PDF sport chrono plus. That will satisfy your urge.

Alstoy

I agree with the others-take a look at your spec. I love the stripped down base or S with nothing but performance adds. I saw one spec here for an S that was very reasonable. You might also want to consider waiting till the next model where discounts might be more. Cheers.

WCE

The M3 is a great ride and you certainly wouldn't have any regrets - except for not waiting until the new one comes out next year...
Not sure how power crazy you are, but I'm not, so my perfectly adequate 344HP 991 is being built this week to be delivered for less than $100k otd (still plenty of money if you ask me)!

C DeVito

Driving either is very different experience. I had the same decision a week ago and drove both. For me the 991 felt more comfortable, so it was a no brainer. You can spec to suit your financial comfort on the 991. It is a great car in basic form, but if you get the same satisfaction from the M3, save the money. I didn't, so the 991 was the answer. It is your decision. Good Luck!

carcommander

My 991S is pretty loaded and it was 117.

sapman

Which M3 are you talking about? I certainly wouldn't be looking at the e92 with the new model just around the corner.

Hyper911

If it is only a third car, why buy new. For that money or quite a bit less you could get a very nice GT3 or 997 Turbo. Both way way more cars than an M3. I am sure there are plenty of low mile, prestine cars out there.
If you want new, well I dont think the two really compare but $150k for a 911S is alot more than I would spend (from the point of view of value for performance and money).
The good news is it is not a bad decision to have to make!

DrJay

Holy Cow, did you spec every conceivable option? Mine is right at 120K, an S with performance options and one fluff option.

Mbiondo

S (must) with Sport Chrono+ (must), and you're all set. The rest are nice, but not necessarily needed at this price tag. Don't sacrifice a good choice simply because of fluff. Also, IMO, wait a bit and get a discount off MSRP. You'll find one in the lot, sitting, with those options, soon enough. Trust me...

stom_m3

Thanks for all the suggestions. Here's what I spec'd out. Now I need to decide between need and want. Of course, opinions may differ but let's just keep it as show stopper/not show stopper.

911 Carrera S - $96,400 (Need - I want the S over base because of the adds and power)

Burmester $5,010 (Want - I could probably ditch this but it also comes with the CD changer and the Sirius Sat player)

Premium PP with Adaptive Sport Seats $6,155 (Want - I only want 3 features from this package, Dynamic Lighting, Entry and Drive and Lighting package. I can only get the Lighting Package separately.)

Carrara White $0

Black leather interior $3,330 (Need - Love the stiched dash)

Sunroof $1,490 (Want - Never really used it in the 997S because the buffeting. I hear that the new one is better)

Sport Exhaust $2,950 (Want - I had this on my 997S and loved it)

Sport Chrono $2,370 (Want - On my 997S, I never used it much but I liked the added benefit of being able to program other features such as, lighting)

PDCC w/ PASM $4,050 (Want - I like the idea of a manufactured lowered vehicle. Saves me from having to do it)

PCCB $8,520 (Want - I had these on my 997S and loved the lack of brake dust and feel)

PDK $4,080 (Need - The agreement for me being able to get one is that the misses has to be able to drive it)

Carrera Classic wheel $1,170 (Want - Like the looks sligthtly better than the stocker)

Seat belts in Racing Yellow $540 (Want - Cheap add on that matches the brake calipers. My 997S was done this way and it was a nice accent)

Adaptive Sport Seats Plus (18-way) $0 (Need - I have to have the sports seats. I like the extra support for my frame; 5'8" @ 160lbs. The non-adaptives seem a bit wider)

Leather Center tunnel rear in leather $1,190 (Want - I could probably ditch this too. But I love the look)

Crest on headrests $285 (Want - Cheap add on that I think looks nice)

SportDesign steering wheel $490 (Need - Gotta have the paddles.)

Destination Charge: $950

Total Price* $138,980

So no doubt I could get the price down. I need to weigh the choices. I really wanted this build to be my ultiimate build but that might have to wait. The "needs" add to about $108k w/ an additional $25k of HUGE "want" and $5k of nice to haves. Possibly I'm putting too much emotion in this. I really wanted to have a Burger King, "have it the way I want it" kind of order. Damn I hate reality.

sapman

Personally, I would jettison the following immediately -


That's nearly $20k right there.

But, hey, if you want this to be a car you are perfectly happy with, you should build it how you like.

docfink

Gotta agree about the stereo and PCCBs. I'm sure the Burmester is amazing, but the Bose is improved too. $5K for a stereo when you've got THAT exhaust? I'm all for good tunes, but that price is pushing it...Crest on headrests is cheesy, IMHO. We know who makes the car...Standard brakes kick ***. Are you tracking it frequently? Replacing the ceramic brakes is CRAZY expensive.

Or just get what you want and don't worry about it. It's probably the way to go without any regrets.