996 & M3 vs 997

Hi there...got a question of sorts...interested in the anwser although I am sure it will be slightly biased. Have a 99 C2 Carerra and a 02 BMW M3 currently in addition to a recent addition of an SUV in addition to my wife's 05 CLK500 coupe. Now the Mrs says I have too many cars for anyones needs oh yeah and our current garage. She's "suggested" that I either sell or trade one or two (i.e. consolidate) and frankly I can see her and my friends points whom I have asked. They say there's no waay I can work 16hr days 5 days a week, be on call for duty (military) and drive each car enough. So I have found a means to consolidate my M3 and 996 and have found a nice CPO 05 997 from a Porsche dealer in my area. It's a 05 997 w/nav, bose, leather, PASM and I can get it probably for equal to a little over what I'll get from the sale/trade of my other two vehicles. I love my 996 and also my M3 but if I have to choose which new model to replace them both then its a 997 over a 05 BMW 645i. Anyway I just wanted to know am I crazy to give up 2 such fine autos for another SINGLE albeit from what I hear and have read VERY much improved 997? Or is the wife swindling me again! LOL Thoughts anyone?

This would be a great time to pony up and look for a 997 S .

you and i are sortof in the same boat i will be giving up my 03 cab in 1-1.5 years and i pre-ordered an my08 m3...this after testdriving a 645i...which was...nice...but i am still considering getting a 997. i am thinking the m3 will be the ticket for a few reasons: 1)if its light enough it should be a screamer with a 400 bhp v8! 2)the smg will make it amazing on the track and for autocross 3)i kinda want something different to my p-car 4)it is going to likely be a value leader at ~70k fully optioned

Get rid of the SUV! Drive it first. I had a few minutes of seat time in once. It's interesting. My friend, the owner, commented on how impressively confident it is - the rear tires are so huge that you can almost forget the engine is back there (almost). It's different than a 996... good or bad is up to you? (As for me, I honestly didn't have enough seat time to decide - and the engine was, unfortunately, not broken in). I've read reviews that say the cabin seems larger... Personally, I felt the opposite.

I was thinking the EXACT same thing ---^---as I read the 1st post!

The 645i is too slow compared to the 996 and M3 so go for the 997.

I just went through this decision...well sort of. I've had an '02 M3 for nearly 2 years now and when I added my 996 to the garage I had thoughts of getting a 996 GT3 in place of the 996 and M3...BUT two things kept me from doing that. 1) Need for two track capable cars (wife and I both enjoy DE's on a regular basis) 2) M3 holds a special place in my heart and I needed to retain something with some sort of utility as our 3rd car is an A4 that I run my detailing business out of and might as well be a 2 seater with all of the crap in it. If I were in your shoes...I'd be driving a 996 GT3 or slightly used 997S...but for my situation the two cars will remain and are both enjoyed quite a bit. Andy

Just get rid of the C2 and the M3. Go pick up a 996 GT3 and keep the SUV for soggy days.

I would just keep the 996 for a little while i was very indifferent to the 997 's' I test drove, and I anticipated getting a great drive. it did not add that much in terms of driving experience for me, the only real thing I liked was the nicer interior I would especially not buy a 997 right now with a facelift model coming out shortly

I would go for a 996TT or a 996 GT3. They should all be in that same ball park dollar wise. That will be an upgrade you will ceratainly notice!

Really??? I didn't know the 997 was already getting a refresh? I'm with the others who suggested a 996 TT or 996 GT3.

996TT > 997 S GT3 is just a way different car. Not your most comfortable street driver. I do love the GT3. Get rid of the 996 and M3.

Yes, get rid of the 996 and M3. The 997 S is a great car and you won't miss the previous two.

Personally, I would advise against going to a 997 Carrera. Used 2005 997S are in the mid $70K's. It is a much better bang for the buck.

Since you own a '99 996 and an '02 M3 which do you prefer between them? Or are they just different cars.

If the choices are between 650 and 997 then I think you have to ask your purposes for the car. They are very different. I had the same dilemma when I got my car. The 650 is a nice GT car, but is awfully heavy and comparatively slow. It is however I very nice car, and pleasant drive. 997 of course is what it is and you know what you are getting. At this point in my life the 997 would be it for me. I want a raw sports car. IN a few years thins may change and the 650 would probably be my choice for a more refined GT car. I am a BMW homer.

mdrobc1213's Avatar Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington DC Posts: 110 Default Okay have found two worthy candidate locally. Both CPO'd. Both very nice. Candidate #1 is a 05 997 Carrera coupe 10k miles with PASM, Navigation, Premium Bose sound, Xenon, heated seats, power package, black mats. Dealer is willing to let it go for $69k and throw in 19" Porsche wheels and tires of my choice. Candidate #2 is an 06 997 Carrera S coupe 1800 miles (I believe). Its a demo vehicle and the sales manager neglected to give me a full detailed price and options but I am sure I can get it. What are your thoughts? If I traded the M3 AND the 996 I'd get roughly $55k on trade and close to $60k via private sale. I drove the 997 and it does drive alot better than my 996. Seemed to have more room and be more refined especially the interior. Anyway additional thoughts and comparisons as well as alternatives are welcome as always. As for M3 vs 911'; they are alike in spirit and what they are designed to do however they ARE very different in the way they feel and how they drive. M3 more brutal and rough while the 911 is more refined it seems...smooth like a good conac; M3 more like a shot of tequilla! LOL

Can I buy your M3

UserA....where do you live? I am East Coast based. May consider a private sale however I am on a tight leash here timeframe wise. IM/Message me more info.

I can buy this weekend, I am in the great City of Philly just 100 Miles away.

I JUST bought an 02 cab but only after looking for an 06 997. The dealers are giving away the 06's because the 07's are at port. I was offered 8-9k off sticker for the 06's which could make one the same price as an 05 or low mile 06. The 06's are much nicer. I was at the dealer to pick up a new 06 cab for $76k when I saw a great 02 w 20k miles for 50k. I was paying cash so it was a no brainer for me. Besides, Iw ant to order a new one in a few years and pick it up in Germany. Good luck!