Newbie needs advice.

[ACM1899]

Hi everyone im new to this wonderful forum and i am interested in buying a used Porsche or a e36m3. My budget is 20k 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 way too much) I drove a 930 and i ddidnt go over 85mph because i was to scared of its raw power.


Thank you all

[VaSteve]

Have you ever driven a 911? It's very different than an M3 in terms of handling. Find one and drive it...they are a lot of fun but not for everyone. I have seen a number of guys here who buy them and immediately turn around and sell them due a variety reasons...impractical, quirky, bad creature comforts, etc.


They ARE expensive to fix by a shop. That's why most of us have learned to DIY. They breathe air and burn gas, just like normal cars.

Good luck in your decision.

[VroomGrrl]

+1 - definitely drive them both if you have not already.

I had my heart set on a 87-89 911, but had not driven anything like one in 20 years. Once I got behind the wheel on my first few test drives, I had several moments of, "Hmm. Is this what I really want?" VERY different feel from anything I'd driven in ages - and very different in terms of "creature comforts" as noted above - stock AC basically sucks, no cup holders! . But the biggest difference was in the feel - VERY connected to the road, very low, very tight, and I found the intensity of driver-input worlds above what is required in newer cars.

All that said, I fell in love all over again once I got accustomed to the differences. Now my 911 is my go-to ride, and I have to be careful not to run it into the ground.

FYI my budget was like yours, and I ended up finding a car for about 2/3 of that budget, solid, great history, very well maintained. I bought my car long distance, had a very thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI) including leakdown and compression check. The car needed nothing at all to drive home safely, so I flew out, and drove it 800+ miles back home with no problems.

I do not do my own work, and basic maintenance can be expensive, not to mention bigger problems that can come up. Just had my car in the shop today for its first engine oil change, gear oil change & brake system flush - and completion of my tech inspection for my upcoming first DE. Ran me about $250, not that much more than the same would have cost me on my Honda.

I know all you DIYers want to thump me, but trust me, I am not ready to do all this work myself. I was doing well to get those power window switches replaced myself! I hope to be able to get in there and do some basics someday, but I'm not there yet.

Anyway, definitely test drive - and if what you really want is a Porsche, get yourself a Porsche! Take your time, keep looking until you find what you want in your price range. There are great deals out there - and I hope you find one! Good luck!

[old man neri]

Peter Zimmerman has a book called 'the used 911 story'. It's cheap and a very good read if you are considering a 911 purchase.

Good luck and happy hunting,
-matt

[yo911]

Interesting. I'm in the market for the same exact model years, same budget. For some reason, I'm finding that most of the cars that interest me are on the east coast. Dang, since I'm on the west. You'd think there'd be tons more here.

I'm a DIY but only moderate weekend mechanic repair. Part of P ownership is the joy of tinkering with our cars to make them perform and look they way we want. Of course you can save a ton of money DIY. P mechanics charge a premium and well they should for their expertise. But why use such expertise on things like oil changes, tire rotations, or even spark plugs?

This might be motivation to learn at least those simple tasks. The money saved can be used for other toys for the car or whatever. Unless you have money no problem. Remember these are 20+ y/o cars and they're repair will be a premium.

A BMW and Porsche are in two different leagues and different styles. The P requires more attention to your driving whereas the Bimmer you can sit back a bit more and cruise. I don't know for sure, but I'd guess the Bimmer might be less on maintenance. Don't know.

Just watch out for buyer's remorse. I know I want the 911 Targa and nothing less. If you're going to spend $20k on a 20+ y/o used car, might as well get exactly what you want.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by old man neri

Peter Zimmerman has a book called 'the used 911 story'. It's cheap and a very good read if you are considering a 911 purchase.

Good luck and happy hunting,
-matt

+1, you won't regret it

[mike_dunn]

yo911 is right, DIY can save a lot of money, and the basics are not that hard (with the proper books and tools, see the host's "101 Projects")

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.

I say an E36 M3 is your choice if the above is your goal. They are cheap to buy too.

An 80's 911 requires more skill to drive and is less comfortable, but I believe it is more rewarding and fun. The M3 will have some nicer comforts like good A/C and driver's aids (traction control & anti-lock brakes). Both are fast and handle well, but I think the 911 looks a helluva lot better.

In the end, both are great cars and will have things to fix in its future...if you can DIY then buy your dream car.

[tharbert]

The last time I said "Ahh, will you look at that!" when I saw an M3 was 1996. The last time I said "Ahh, will you..." about a Porsche was last night when an SC passed me. I detect a little "Ahh" factor in your first post. Good luck with the search.

[deathpunk dan]

The E36 M3 is like the swiss army knife of sports/GT cars. They are rock solid reliable (generally), and can be used for daily driving, touring, a/x, track days etc. In my opinion, if you have money/time/room for only 1 car and need it to do it all, the E36 M3 is one of only a few to consider.

Your budget will certainly allow you to pick from the nicest ones on the market. E36 M3 prices have fallen quite a bit in the last few years. Keep in mind that the usual E36 BMW issues pertain to the M as well:

-cooling system
-suspension bushings
-interior falls apart
-vanos failure
-many have been beaten to death by kids

This generation of M3 shares 90%+ of its DNA with the 325i. Parts are widely available, it is easy to work on, and as you are aware it has a large following with many on and offline resources, organizations etc.

Now, if this theoretical purchase is for fun car status only, I think a pre-964 911 is the only way to go. It's more engaging & involving at legal speeds. Have you driven one? If not, you might love it, you might hate it. There's really nothing like it.

Buy a 911SC or Carrera with documentation/service records and you might only have to deal with routine maint. Can you budget a couple of grand per year? If you buy one that's had the known possible issues adressed (head studs, valve guides, tranny rebuild or whatever), you will probably not spend more than you would to maintain the M3.

[ACM1899]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

+1, you won't regret it

Ok i will buy this book and try to read more about the diy on this site.. Thank You all

[ACM1899]

Originally Posted by tharbert

The last time I said "Ahh, will you look at that!" when I saw an M3 was 1996. The last time I said "Ahh, will you..." about a Porsche was last night when an SC passed me. I detect a little "Ahh" factor in your first post. Good luck with the search.

Yes u r correct the looks and the classic raw elements of the Porsche do it for me. But the e36 M3 is still one of my fav cars as well. Ill keep up my search.

Thank You