Need your Help.

[ACM1899]

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Hi everyone im new to this wonderful forum and i am interested in buying a used Porsche or a e46m3 (love the e36 too, but body of the 46 is better). My budget is 25k and if i spend the max amount i would like the car to be in tip top shape so the next 50k miles of ownership willl be basic maint.

I love the look of the 80's 911 my only fear is that its going to cost me an arm and a leg to fix things on it, and the m3 is a great car but doesnt have the class of the porsche. I would be happy with both but my dream has always been to have a porsche and i dont mind starting with the classic models and moving myself up.

My question is i've searched this website before and i noticed a lot of owners of both cars, can you guys help me see what car is the right car for me in my position and my tought process?

Any input would be appreciated and if you need to ask me any questions to help you guys help me go ahead.

Ps. These cars are not for tracking or street racing they will be used more for nights and weekends. I will probably put 5-6k a year on them and i dont DIY at all. The only power i car about is when im on the fwy and i need to pass someone at higher speeds. (so 300+hp is more than enough) I drove a 930 and i didnt go over 85mph because i was to scared of its raw power.


Thank you all

[Manolito]

If you don't do your own work and cost is a factor at all, I would not suggest either of the cars you are considering. My boss drives an '81 Carrera and I don't even like to think about what he spends keeping it on the road.

For 25K you can get into a pristine 330 with nice rims and a few goodies. You will have a good, reliable, comfortable, low maintenance car with plenty of power for a daily driver. Find one with sport suspension and M-style wheels. There is a performance package 330 with a few more horses, but i have never seen one for sale anywhere.

[Jeron]

I don't disagree with Manolito.

As for your original question of E46 M3 vs 80's 911, the 80's 911 is less than 20k and the E46 M3 is about 20k. The M3 is a much more comfortable car for your driving needs and the maintenance should be less. The 80's Porsche will eat you up with little things, the M3 might have a couple of big issue crop up but both are expensive to have a mechanic work on.

If you plan to spend 20k, get an E90 325 for about $22k w/ 25k mi and it comes with a warranty.

[ACM1899]

Thank you both.

[Rot 911]

How about an opinion from a guy that owns both? For less than $25K you can get an 84-86 Carrera that will be in damn near showroom condition. That series is quite easy to work on and needs little maintenance if it is already been maintained. The cars are very easy to work on and need no special tools. The only known defect has been valve guides on some cars at around the 60K mile mark.

Also for the same money you can get into a very nice E46, including the early E46 M3. Keep in mind there are lots more different ($$$) parts on the M3 than the standard E46. For that reason you might want to consider a 330i or ci. It will have plenty of power, but be easier and cheaper to work on.

Power wise the M3 will blow the 911 into the weeds. But the rides are completely different. I have a 325i with the sport package and damn it is fun to throw around. But the 911 is just pure sex.

As for creature comforts the 911's air conditioning sucks. So much so that I took mine out just to save the weight. Heat does work great. Of course the BMW has great climate control. Also has a usable back seat.

Final thought. 5 years from now your 911 will probably be worth what you paid for it. The BMW will be worth 50% of what you paid for it.