Best deal on a 02?

hey guys, Im currently shopping for a car, and have narrowed it down to a used e46 M3 and a used 996 carrera. Of course I am aware that the 911 is a "better" overall car, but Im sure true car enthusiasts can respect both cars and can see that both are very similar in performance....anyway, i am currently leaning towards the m3 cause of the good warranty and the "excellent" condition i can find a M3 in for 45k...as for the 911, i really love the 02+ models with the 320 hp and the new headlights, and if i could find one for the same price in good condition, i would jump on it over the m3...So my question is this...what is the best deal ou guys have seen on an 02+ 911 coupe with 6sp, aero kit, and relatively low miles? Is it possible to get one for around 45k, or is it out of my reach?I have checked ebay and autotrader and stuff,but have never actually tried to negotiate deals, so i dont know for sure...anyway, let me know what you guys have seen or paid for one,and that would be greatly appreciated..thanj ks

I believe the 996 as you want it is out of reach for you unless it has very high miles. I have seen beautiful M3's 02-03 in the low to mid 40's. You might find a 2001 though.

I agree with Mundman. However, if you move to '01 - '02 you might get close to the $45K price. Below is a search on USEDCARS.com I entered Porsche - 911 - Any distance (from my ZIP) - Coupe - Manual - Price up to $50,000. This will give you an idea of what you can expect to find. IMO, investigate all of your 996 options before you "settle" for M3. SELECT VEHICLE YEAR COLOR PRICE MILEAGE LOCATION Porsche 911 CARRERA 2001 Gray 43995 43762 New Orleans, LA Porsche 911 Coupe 2001 LAPIS BLUE 46500 22704 Burbank, CA Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe 2001 Ocean Blue Metallic 46900 34780 Port Chester, NY Porsche 911 Carrera 2001 Black/leather 46950 29962 Cockeysville, MD Porsche 911 Carrera 2001 Silver 47500 37277 Anaheim Hills, CA Porsche 911 Carrera 2001 Guards Red 47888 30471 Englewood, NJ Porsche 911 Carrera 2001 Black 47900 43119 Williamsville,, NY Porsche 911 2001 Silver 48977 23894 Fife, WA Porsche 911 Carrera 2002 Speed Yellow 48995 53925 Nashville, TN Porsche 911 Coupe 2001 Red 49900 45711 San Antonio, TX Porsche 911 CARRERA 2001 Seal Grey 49995 27154 Columbus, OH Porsche 911 Carrera 2001 Seal Gray 49995 19250 Wallingford, CT You can also do a Power Search on Edmunds (AutoTrader) to get similar results. Hope this helps!

If you are looking for value, stick with the M3. If you want more of everything go for 996. You won't find a 02 996 that's low mi in excellent condition for less than $50k. Even if you get to $45k, you'll get an 02 with 50k mi. Expect to pay low $50k for a nice 02 996. 02 M3 lo mi can be had for $37k. My friend just got one in SF (20k mi, strip version) for $37k. I don't think M3 is worth $45k unless it's an 04 or 05 competition model. They are $50k new with options. There are many M3 vs 996 comparison. Both are capable cars. M3 doesn't feel as stable and confident when pushed hard though. Look into certified 01 or 00 996 w/ 2 yrs of ext warranty which will lower your price to $45k.

I agree with everyone above regarding the 02 prices. I got my 02 four months ago for $57.5K including tax and licensing. It had 12565 miles then and has lots of option(listed in the album link under my signature). Condition is excellent. That was the best price I found after 2 months of searching from porsche certified vehicles, used car dealers and auction middleman. Don't give up on your search though for 02 and newer. If you flex up a little more on the price you want to pay you'll find one.

I bought an 03 996 C2 with 3500 miles for $57K a few months ago from a Porsche dealer in AZ. Cheapest 02 996 was about $52K. M3 is a fun car. albeit a bit heavy. 996 is a great car, even pre-2002 model. Keep looking and you will find the right one.