Porsched

I hope I'm asking this in the right place.

I know the 992 and M3 are very different cars. Nevertheless, I'm trying to decide which one of these to go with. I could definitely use the 4 doors and real backseat for the family, but I can manage with the 992. Price is a big deal for me and I'm looking at a significant difference in purchase price: $80K for the M3 and about $120K for the 992. I know 911's don't depreciate as much as M3's, but is the depreciation difference so significant? Anything else I should consider in terms of overall total cost of ownership?

Appreciate any thoughts. I figure many here have had experience with both cars in the past and can provide insight. (And I realize I'm asking this in a 992 forum.

Penn4S

If this is your 1st Porsche I would say make the best decision for your current lifestyle situation. Porsche will stay in business a long time and getting the one you want that works with your emotional and family needs is best. M3 is a great car that is a great launch pin to the 911. Nothing worse than owning a car that doesn't work for all your needs. Good luck with your choice.

inthesticks

Honest question - If you're seriously considering the 911, would you really be content with an M3? Personally if I could afford the 911 it would be an easy decision. If I couldn't afford the 911 it would also be an easy decision, and I wouldnt even be considering it.

dhirm5

the m3 is horrifically ugly, so there's that.

Tedster

Maybe with a family a new GTS Macan would be the best choice. Lots of performance and your family will appreciate not being stuffed into the 911's ridiculous fake backseats. And it definitely does not drive like an SUV. Super good resale value too, better even than a 911.Then look for a used 911 for weekend drive fun with the leftover cash.

drcollie

The current M3 is fantastic, I like it a lot (my review here caused quite a stir). Bang for the buck, especially with a family, go M3. Get the Porsche when the kids are teenagers and don't want to ride with Dad anymore

A well-driven M3 has no issues spanking a Porsche 992 - as for appearances, that's another thing altogether if you want the classic look of a 911.

https://rennlist.com/forums/992/1244...the-price.html

slc4s

Even though the cars are so different its amazing how often somebody is shopping these two against each other. So, as somebody who has owned both M3s and 911s:

- If money is stressful even remotely, buy the M3. Thats a significant price difference and yes, your 5 year ownership cost differential won't be humongous all else equal, but that doesn't give you more in your account each month to live your life where buying the cheaper car does.
- In the grand scheme of things you are blessed to be in a position to have either car. Both are awesome and fulfilling to own.
- M3s are loads of fun and incredibly practical. All the time I'll throw 3 kids in the M with full tennis or golf gear and the kids love it and are comfortable. Added bonus is that the drone of an M3 motor coupled with the bumpy ride is excellent at putting kids to sleep.
- your time will come where you can comfortably buy a 911. It never changes much. It'll always be beautiful fast and fun and look relatively similar. Stretching financially to buy a new porsche is just bad personal finance. If you have to have a 911 find a nice used 991 or even something like a 996 C4S with a manual (had that car, adored it)

RRich

The M3 was designed with your use case in mind. Utility, Performance, Value.

dhirm5

with a bonus ugly schnoz. the non M 3 series front end is quite nice. idk why they don't offer that as an option. loved the f80. love bmw. love //m. but jesus christ.

slc4s

actually saw one in person that was all black with blacked out grills and it looked sharp. All others I've seen I agree with what you are saying.

ipse dixit

Get the M3

Porsched

Would I be content with the M3? Well that's a really good question. Whichever car I get I will keep for 10+ years. I'm not sure my wife will put up with me buying another expensive car before then. And in a few years the practicality advantage of the M3 won't matter that much anymore as the kiddo gets bigger and gets his own car. So there is a chance I will be wishing I had a 911 in a few years. Then again, there will always be temptations later no matter what car I choose now.

Rich_Jenkins

I was at a recent Cars and Coffee sponsored by BMW CC of Sarasota at the local dealership and wandered into the showroom. There was a chalk M4 on the floor. I stared at it for a while and decided it wasn't nearly as bad in person as I had imagined it from the pictures.


On topic: I would definitely get the M3, over a 992. Bearing in mind my last M3 was an E92, prices at the moment for 911s are through the roof. The M3 would be a practical, fast, fun, four door that can take you and/or kids whereever. The 911 is "sort of" a 2+2, but only if you have hobbits for off-spring.

ipse dixit

Get the M3

You are price sensitive. If you got the Porsche you’d be more concerned about the money you spent than actually enjoying the car.

Get the M3.

There will come a time when a 911 is the right choice.

Porsched

Thanks. Yes, I agree. I was keeping an eye out for the new M3 model to come out. I haven't been able to test drive it, but by all accounts it sounds fantastic. I wish it was a bit smaller and lighter, but otherwise it seems great. The looks on the other hand have thrown a wrench in my plans and caused me to look at other options. I personally think the grill looks OK. But it's not like previous M3 models that I thought looked fantastic when they came out. The 992 on the other hand is gorgeous in my opinion. I took one out through Porsche Drive and looking back at it after I parked it was something else. That doesn't make it anymore suitable for my use case though.