shuang

Hi all,

I've been thinking of selling my 993 for the last couple of months. Up until now, I've had an Altima to use as a rain/snow/errands/cargo car but I recently renewed my insurance and it's gone up 20%! Unfortunately, that on top of all the other expenses and the fact that we need to buy a bigger house means that I have to go down to one car sooner or later and that means the 993 has to go - at least for now.

The dealer I bought my car from a year ago has someone who might be interested in it. I'll also be selling the Altima (actually, giving it away) but my question is what car to get after that? I'm looking at: E46 M3, new S4, or M5. Is there anything else that you guys would recommend? I prefer but do not require four doors, but definitely need four good seats and trunk space for golf clubs, etc... I was thinking A6 or 540i but they'll probably be too soft for my taste.

I'm not in a terrible rush to make the switch... everytime I get close I back away after a drive in the 993.

Anyway, if you could only choose one car and it can't be a Porsche and you need four good size seats and some trunk space, what would you drive?

realbeenthere-donethat

I think the 5 series BMW would be a good start. The BMW's all have the kind of "precision scalpel" steering - that is very close to a 911- but no exactly the same. Funny, the pre-power steering 911's (ending in '89) were the best cars I've ever driven. The powersteering (964, 993) cars are still not up to the standards of the non-assist cars.

Any of the "M" series BMWs should get you very close to the 911 feel. If I could afford an M5 and also put up with the myriad electrical glitches and other problems well reported on these cars - I would own one.

You might also look at the M3 - although they discontinued the 4 door version.

There are no other sedans I've ever driven - that come close to the 911. Mercedes AMG models (especially the C class amg (about $55k) is also close - but that is automatic only.

Fred R. C4S

The 5 Series gets the "Bangle Redsign" for 2004. If you want a 5er, move quickly and get a 2003 from dealer stock. No definitive date as to when the next M5 will be introduced. I expect not until fall 2004 as a 2005 model.

Happy 540i-6 speed owner....

Steve 96C4S

Hands down: 2001 Imola Red BMW 740i Sport
<a href="http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=80&page_number=3" target="_blank">http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=80&page_number=3</a>

Sweeeet!
It's #1 on my list of "next things to buy".

Steve

shuang

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Fred R. C4S:
<strong>The 5 Series gets the "Bangle Redsign" for 2004. If you want a 5er, move quickly and get a 2003 from dealer stock. ... </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Yeah, the new 5 series design is looking REAL ugly... I can't believe they did that after the beating they took on the 7 series. I drove a 540 with the "M" suspension once... it was actually quite nice, even if it was automatic. Maybe I should try a six speed...

Steve

Pete K

Being in Vancouver I would go for the last Generation Audi S4 as it has All wheel drive and put some mods in it. K04's and a Stasis suspension. A lot less money then the new V8 S4 and you can do so much more with the Twin Turbos!

Later,
Pete

fluid15

I'd go with an M3. It doesn't sound like you absolutely have to have a 4-door. Unless you constantly put people in/out of the car you'll be happier have a car you can still fling around but is nice to live with everyday. I bought a '95 M3 following my '87 Carrera and it wasn't a 911 but it was a great everyday car. Still filled my performance craving but allowed me to carry around golf clubs, etc. I had a pickup as my second car when I had the 911 and ended up selling it after buying the M3 because the M3 was such a great daily driver and the pickup just collected dust unless I really needed it to haul something. I love the M5 but won't consider it unless a growing family forces me into that situation. But I have a nice arrangement with the wife that she drives an SUV (good size for hauling kids), so I plan to continue with a Porsche ...

Rezal

How about the Audi RS6 (money no object), S8 (still mucho money), or a chipped and modded A6 2.7t?

Having an A4, I wouldn't get the S4 if you want rear passenger space.

Also, of all the new luxo sedans coming out, I think the A8 has the cleaniest and nicest design. Of course, I'm a tad biased...

mooty

sounds like you are selling 993 to get some money out? E46 M3, new S4, or M5. you mentioned are not much cheaper than 993, maybe even cost more? so think carefully. i know plenty who sold their beloved 993's and regretted ever since.

GTR 993

QUOTE:. i know plenty who sold their beloved 993's and regretted ever since.

Yeah Me.

David in LA

M5, used S6 or a 964 turbo

shuang

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by mooty:
<strong>sounds like you are selling 993 to get some money out? E46 M3, new S4, or M5. you mentioned are not much cheaper than 993, maybe even cost more? so think carefully. i know plenty who sold their beloved 993's and regretted ever since.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I'm selling mostly to get down to one car instead of two (actually, my wife drives an Odyssey, so it's really three cars down to two). That'll save me at least $2k a year in insurance on top of saving depreciation on the extra car. There's also the savings on financing, since I'll be able to have a smaller mortgage by not tying up my capital in an extra car. Plus, by getting a "sporty yet practical" car, I can have a fun car to drive everyday, instead of only when it's sunny and I don't need to carry anyone or anything.

I'll be able to take out a little if I get a used M3, otherwise it'll be close to an even trade (All figures in CAD, by the way).

I already hate the decision, but the practical side of me is screaming to get down to one car, and I don't see a way to do it and keep the 993.
Sniff

Steve

mooty

shuang, one car makes sense to save money. but i feel 993 is pretty practical. i had 97E36M3 and i race, well used to race, mt. bikes. i carry it on the roof. with my current 996, i still can carry my bike, i stuff it inside with blanket wrapped all around. it take a bit more time, but i get to drive a porsche. if you have kids, then diff story, but otherwise i have SUCCESSFULLY convinced my wife taht my 996 C4S is a practical family car. furthermore, your wife has odyssey, that can haul just about anything. if you must sell 993, i think E36M3 four door is your best bet. S4 and S6 are larger more practical but very heavy.

saphriel

Steve,
You will more than likely regret selling the 993. But IF you do decide to sell it, I might consider buying it off you and I promise to keep giving it the love and care it deserves. I am also in Vancouver and you can e-mail me at saphriel@shaw.ca if and when you make the decision.

Good luck my friend!
-Joe

'95 993

If you can afford it i would go E46 M3, I did on 1st march and a fantastic car, great handling, very very very fast, took to a PCGB track day and it was faster than everything except the 996 tt - Only one problem, I couldn't bring myself to sell the 993 because i love it too much - It puts the biggest grin on my face - the driving feel cannot be bettered by anything - IMHO - so now I have the E46 as a daily driver and the 993 as a trackday car and a really big mortgage, but what the hell I am in Automotive heaven.

Check out the attached review video and then decide

<a href="http://www.daftproductions.com/Top_Gear-E46_M3_Review.mpg" target="_blank">M3 review video</a>

John S