What about an SC? $10K on an older 911 will buy you everything you are looking for. Not to mention the envy of most of us here!

 

I'm not too familiar with the SC actually. But I was shopping for something much newer. I had an '84 944, and now the '86 951 and I think I'm just ready for something near 2000.

 

Do you subscribe to Excellence? If you do (or know somebody who does) they have great "market surveys" at the end of every issue that describe a specific model, the years it was produced, which ones are better in the line, fair market price, etc.

 

Sadly no, I am not a subscriber, nor do I know anyone who is. I will definitily look into it though. Thanks.

 

Where are you located? I am sure there are plenty of Rennlisters that would have some back issues for you to look through.

 

Just North of Boston in a town called Marblehead.

 

There are a few guys in that area.......Don W is from that area. Maybe he can help out. Are you active in your local PCA chapter? That is always another good resource.

 

Use 30k to buy an investment property - a year from now, refinance it and pull money out for the Porsche - you can refinance the property and maybe you'll only be $200 underwater each month on the property, but...it's less than a car payment, you're building wealth, and you have the car - Porsche vs BMW is not a competition - I own both and while BMWs are great, you already understand the feeling of a Porsche. A good mentor of mine once said "let your investments fund your toys." Plus, if you're stretching to buy a 30k car, what if something goes wrong? Neither car is cheap to service and you will have it sitting in your garage while you save up for a repair.

 

Assuming the two cars are in identical condition, I'd take a 996 over M3 unless you want more practicality such as rear seat room. Most likely though, the 99' 996 will be in poorer condition since it is older.

I am not sure about Boston area but here in CA, $30k won't get either car. You'll pony up $35k for ones that have at least 30k mi. 996 has RMS issue while M3's engine is covered under recall for 10yr. 996 sounds better. M3 lacks torque.

 

I agree. With the 996 my friend who owns a corvette gave me some sound advice....repairs and maintenence he said can be so costly for major problems that he advised me to open my own separate credit card and to dedicate it just to the Porsche for things that may come up...like he did with his corvette. For instance if you live in Boston area you will get winter weather I assume...that means tires dedicated for winter unless you plan to store it (that's another cost there albeit a small one). Tires alone on my 99 996 cost me $850 for a set of Pirelli's mounting included. I had to replace a coolant tank that was another $500 and a clutch would cost you $2500 easy and those are independant Porsche mechanics prices. So I agree if you're stretching to get a $30k car then you might want to re-think it. Otherwise make sure you get a car that has a PPI and warranty to cover you in case anything goes wrong. You can probably find one for mid $30k but you'll likely have to give up a few things in the process such as low miles and options. But yes there are cars to find.

As for the M3 I got mine with 105% options for $38k and that was in March 05. You have to bargin a lil but if the dealer knows you're willing to walk out...then they'll meet you somewhere in the middle for a sale...otherwise drive off in what you came into the dealer with.

Let us know what happens...hope this helped.

 

I'm not THAT worried about the possible repairs and maitnence. I have pretty much become used to the fact it will cost me at least $2k a year to keep my "fun car" working in good order, and another $1k for my Suburban. These expenses are budgeted into my life. I have no need to worry about winter storage as I have a garage nor will I ever use what I buy in bad weather, so no need for tire expense.

PS. I know about clutch expense, I just put one in my 951 this past spring for $2700.

 

Wanted to chime in... The M3 is a fanstastic car. Period. However, (appearance wise) it is just like every other bmw 3 series you see on the road.

If you are looking for shock and awe...The 911 is the way to go.

 

Ohh and one more thing....make sure your girlfriends/ wifes father is a Porsche Mechanic...

 

Get the M3!

edit: oops, over the 996

 

$2500 for a clutch! You need to find another indy. I paid under $600 for my RMS seal repair. While they had the tranny out I had a new clutch and light weight fly wheel installed. Clutch kit and RMS seal parts were under $500.