sschmidt

I would pay $3300 more total for the 3 yr. lease vs. a 4 year but am wondering if I could have any problems after 50k which would cost $3k. What type of maintenance costs or repairs would I be looking at after 50k miles? It would seem 3 yrs is safer but at the same time it is hard to believe I will be ready to give it up after only 3 years. The reason the 3k matters is because I've been looking at leasing an M3. If I do the 4 yr., its only $250 more a month and the Porsche is then is easier to justify. Thanks for any comments or help.
Stu

blake

Tough question as it is highly personal....

I'd go with the M3 verus Porsche "justification" angle. I just went through something similar with my buddy who is looking to upgrade from his 335i to an M3. After countless test drives, he was unable to justify the "x dollars per month upgrade cost" and is now very happy with the 335i. In my book, $250/mo sounds worth it!

And btw - What down payment/monthly payments are you looking at for each lease duration?

Good luck.
-Blake

docjackson1

what are you paying per month for a 3 year lease vs a 4 year lease? this assumes no money down, correct. is tax included in your monthley payment. and how many miles per year is your lease? i need these numbers to give you an intelligent answer.

sschmidt

Thanks for your responses. I'm leasing through my work to get the tax advantage and so I'll put no money down. The M3 3 yr. lease is $1040 a month (I'm set on 3 yrs. with the bmw) and the Porsche is $1586 for 3 yrs. and $1413 for 4 yrs. all with 15 k miles. I've got the after tax figure calculated as well which essentially comes down to the Porsche costing ONLY $300 more a month.

I was able to get the M3 for a few days and was sold. I've only driven the C2 at the Porsche Sport Driving School but I want the C2S. I want to try to get this car for a day to try it out as well on city streets. I also have two kids (3 & 4) that I would like to test in the backseat. Any chance of getting a dealer to give me a loaner for 24 hrs.?

jlinde

I was in nearly the same situation as you - my kids are 5 and 3, looked at the M3, wanted to lease with no money down - and decided to go with the Carrera S. I've had 3 M cars and am non-plussed by the M3 interior, tired of BMW's nonchalant customer service, and, finally, desire a car that's not an upgraded version of a nice but otherwise very common automobile. Accordingly, I am awaiting delivery next week of a 2008 Cobalt Blue 911 Carrera S w/ black SportDesign wheels, Sport Exhaust, Nav, and (most importantly) child seat fastener system. Zero down, 39 months, 12K per year, 1,600 per month with MA taxes. I'm dying with anticipation!

cole328

It's $300 more per month, but you're obviously now locked in for an additional 12-month period Go with the 3-year porsche lease

evilfij

If you are leasing through porsche, 39 makes the most sense from the math I ran.

Although, given the price of used ones, buying and reselling would seem to me to make more financial sense. 60 month loan should be close to your lease payment at 36months and you will have some equity when you part ways with it.

docjackson1

i agree with cole-if you are going to lease, the 3 year lease makes the most sense. if you want to buy it at the end, and it makes financial sense, you can-but you also have the option to walk away clean at the end of 3 years, which, in my opinion, makes the 3 year lease better than 4. with leases, the shorter, the better, as long as you are not paying a ton for the shorter lease. i remember, when the new m5 came out a few yrs ago, they were offering a 24 month lease, 0 down, for about $1500/month. the 36 month lease was about $1575/month-who would take the longer lease?

sschmidt

Thanks for your responses. The lease only makes sense because of the tax write off and I will not buy it at the end. If I do BMW at 3 yrs. vs. Porsche at 39 months, the Porsche is only $280 more a month. My only thought in going BMW is then I can move up later. If I do the Porsche now its hard to see how it will ever get better, other than the next Porsche. I know this sounds weird.

docjackson1

schmidt-it is weird, but it is your dollar. the m3 is a different car than the 911. both are very good cars, but feel different and have different purposes. i started buying porsches in 1986 with a new 944 turbo, and have bought at least 10 since. how to move up?-get diferent models (turbos, cayennes) and get different brands at same time (like having a mercerdes e63 with your porsche) hey, anyways, you enjoy it.

sethn

I just went through the same decision. m3 vs 911. Reality is the 911 is a lot more car. Its a different level. In my area, every kid with a few bucks has an M3.

I got a Targa4S, 36 months, 10k miles. Delivered today from a dealer in GA! Spent the evening cruising around. Its amazing!

Go for the porsche, 36 months, and do it all again then.

docjackson1

seth-i certainly can't disagree with you.

rodsky

7 years ago, I was deciding between an M3 and a 911. Went with the M3 and was happy. Then I added a 911. Its much better. Unless you need 4 seats for adults - the 911 is just better. Its not a compromise - a pure sports car vs. the M3 which feels like a fast sports sedan. Different feel. For $300 difference, I'd get the Porsche.