Sold my car!! :(

Well, I usually only keep my cars for a year at the most. It's been just over a year with the Turbo and I decided with the economy what it is vis-a-vis gas prices, and my car going on 8 years old, I'm gonna get out while I can minimize my loss, as it still has a year left on the CPO. Anyhow.... I bought the car AT the Porsche dealer a year ago WITH CPO for $65k. The car needs new rubber all the way around and $1000 worth of body work (bumper painted and 3 dings in the hood). The guy accepted my asking price of $57k and is going to replace the front tires AND pay for the body work. All I have to do is replace the rears. He's flying out from detroit to pick it up, next week. I need help deciding on a new car now. Ok, don't freak out, I'm thinking '07 335i or 2002-2004 M3.

Out of the two choices you gave I'd get the e46 M3 as it will have already taken the bulk of it's depreciation hit.

M3. I've driven both and I was underwhelmed by the TT 335. Either way still leaves you with a big chunka change left..

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That's what def one of the factors I thought about. My plan is to own a car like this, spend less than $40k, better yet if I could find something for less than $30k, and in a couple years, look at going 997S or even Turbo. Other cars I was thinking about were, 135i (but don't want something brand new), 2007 Acura TL Type-S.

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With that, get the f*ck out and don't let the door hit you. That's gonna be quite a change from a TT to the Bimmer. Priorities changing, I assume?

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I just feel like it's such an expensive car to own, especially out of warranty. And I know I can sell it a lot easier with a good year left on the CPO. I'm only getting about 13MPG and who knows where gas prices are going and how hard it's gonna be to sell in a year, OUT of CPO with a possibly worse economy. I've owned the Turbo for a year and I just think it's a good time to let her go. This is not easy...

Say it 'ain't so'. Last time I read a thread about you getting rid of your turbo was April fools day.

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It IS so... This is hard, but I think it's the right move. Just SO much money in a car that's goin' on 8 years old and depreciating, as the economy worsens and gas prices are gonna go to $5 or higher. Don't mean to fear-monger tho!!

8K loss over a year, not to mention things like tax, repaire cost. i guess i will wait for my TT until it reaches 40K

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Ya.. I actually don't think $8k is a lot when you're talking about a car that was purchased for $65k, especially when looked at it this way: It's a year older, 8k more miles, a year LESS of warranty and sold private as opposed to at a Porsche dealer. If you do the math, I think I'm doin' ok, especially considering I would have to buy new front tires, as well as spend another $1000 to fix the bumper and hood. These are, after all, depreciating assets. The more you pay, the more it depreciates.

WTF?? Getting rid of the beast for economical purposes?? I hope this isn't contagious. Have you considered an E39 M5?

Dude congrat's on the sale and good luck with your next car.

If your choice is an M3, or 335 why not go for an 04 C2 911? About the same price and still a P-car. P-car and M3 are going to get about the same mileage.

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If you add this choice in I think I'd take the 135i over the E46 M3 or the 335i.

Gas prices are definitely creating issues. Funny thing is I'll get better mileage when I replace the E55 with the 2002 C4 cab I'm having inspected. Good luck with the next move.

If E36 M3 prices are any indicator, E46 M3s may have a lot further to fall than we think, but I think you can still make this work. If you need / want / wouldn't be happy without an LSD, you have to go M3 if you go BMW. Z4M coupe is the one I like though.

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you will, ask me how I know!

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Time to change it up. that would be the 5th P-car in a row with basically the same interior. I'm looking to go a little more plush this time. Next Porsche will be a 997

Have you considered a Z06?

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The good news about keeping the Porsche would be that you've already incurred a substantial depreciation hit; remaining depreciation will be much more gentle.

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I've always said that if I could have only one car, I'd consider an M3. It provides exciting performance and is practical to boot with a usable back seat and a fair-sized trunk. I've driven the E46 M3 and it screams! As a car nut yourself, I think you'd like it.

Gant, Sorry to hear of the sale but totally understand and sounds like a pretty good sales price given the state of things right now. If it is not a $ issue, personally I think the latest batch of cars from BMW are some of their best looking ever, except for maybe the 507, 3.0 csi, and z8 (a few of my favs).

M3 hands down. Having owned the E36 M3, I loved that car. Mind you, I still favor blk on blk's recommendation of getting a C2 911. The mileage is about exactly the same, and frankly, the Beemer's interior was never that plush. You going to have to move up to a Benz or a Lexus for plush. The one thing the M3 does have is a very useable rear seat and a big trunk. I think you'll be more than fine.

I would steer clear of the 1 series BMW. They are cool in a retro way, but bottom of the line, and will dereciate faster I think. The new 335i is a sweet ride in coupe form! A used M3 is also nice, especially if you have money left over! Good luck!

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Gas prices shouldn't create THAT big of an issue to those who own luxury brands. Regardless, owning a luxury car is just like grades in school... it's easy to get an A in a test but it's not that easy maintaining that A. Much like for luxury cars, it's easy to simply buy one but maintenance is a completely different animal.

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I wouldn't go with the Acura. They're good cars that might be great cars if they weren't Wrong Wheel Drive. Of the other cars you mentioned, I'd go with a lightly used 335i. The 135 is priced too closely to the 335 to be worth it, and the old M3 is starting to look, well, OLD. That said, none of them will perform like your old TT, so I'd go with the best "all-rounder", ie the 335. Good luck!

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+1

I definately needed to get into this one. I just came out of a 2007 335i for my 1999 C2 cab. I love BMW's too, but you are going to really miss your 996, especially because it was a turbo. How about a nice 02-04 996? As for the choice, the 335i is a rocket, and is much quicker than a e46 M3, I know from experience. BMW unrates the 300HP, and you can easily add in a chip for much larger HP. The e46 M3 is a bit dated, and new one really makes it look old and ordinary.

For me it's all or nothing. I'd go with a Civic, save up cash for a 997s and move in when I feel the time is right. Money spent on a 135, 335 etc is a waste IMHO.

We replaced our gas guzzling X5 4.4 with a 335i (manual transmission of course ;-) last August. I only have positive things to say about this car. It is a really good blend of daily driver, luxury car, and sports car. I have never driven the E46 M3, but I have had two different E46 330i's. While I really liked the E46, the 335i bests it in most areas IMO. Performance is obvious, but there is also the quieter interior, additional space, and a few updated creature comforts. One other key point on the 335i is that all scheduled maintenance is included for 4/50K. So you will save the cost of at least two services, and likely one brake job. Your concerns with out of warranty maintenance on the 996TT, also apply against the M3. Another random thought... the 335i, being a turbo as well, will also better match the driving characteristics of the 996TT if that is what you prefer. So I obviously tend to want to push you toward the 335i, BUT I still have my 996 in the garage. I like to think that I would still pick the 335i over the M3, even if didn't have another sports car, but I may have choosen differently if I was in your shoes. It is a tough choice.

Gant, say it isn't so! Boy, you change your cars more often than you change your socks! Good luck in the car hunting!

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I hope more 996TT owners start thinking like you. I'm looking forward to an '04 or '05 cab. when everyone else tries to sell their cars!

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It is amazing that the 335i has more HP than my old e36 M3!

Well fellas, I went to meet the buyer at the airport. He loved the car (looks/condition) and when he drove it he was blown outta the water. He had driven non-turbo 996's and a 997S however, He had never even driven a Turbo. He couldn't believe how fast it was and he said he was hoping for a noticeable difference between a non-turbo and that this was better than he imagined. At this point I said, "are you SURE you wanna buy it?" I was really surprised, he had never driven one and he bought a plain ticket and committed to buy it without even a PPI. Anyway, it sucks and im kinda depressed but Im goin to pick up my new Jeep Commander tomorrow and I hope that will get me buy for a while 'till im ready to buy another performance car.

Sorry for the loss, it's going to be hard to replace, and you will never forget watching her dirve away... Hope you got a good deal on the Commander (I work for Chrysler, wish I had known - maybe could have helped), they are very nice, but not nearly as fun

Gant- I don't know what to say. Sorry about the sale but hopefully you will soon be onto bigger and better things......997s??? Or did you get a real submarine this time?

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Book is $26k It does have an accident, but no frame damage and the title is clean. Ford dealer says it's perfect and you'd NEVER know by the way it looks and drives that it was ever in an accident. I'm driving about 2.5 hours tomorrow, if it's not perfect I won't buy it. Here's the listing and the optional equipment below according to the Jeep dealer who ran the VIN for me. Tell me what you think!! http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ax_price=17000 Optional equipment: RAQP CD 6-disk/mp3 CL Leather Trimmed 1st 2nd Row Seats LSAP Security Alarm RDZP Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls XBMP Remote Start System GWFP Sunroof w/command view RC6P 8 Boston Acoustics Speakers GNKP Rear View Auto Dim Mirror JPMP Heated Seats JTBP Power 8-way Drvr 4-way pass XGDP Universal garage door opener LMGP Automatic Headlights XAPP Power Adjustable Pedals LETP Traveler/Mini Trip Computer LAZP Vehicle Info Center 8CLP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel HBB Rear AC with heater LNJP Fog Lamps RD7P 275 Watt amp WGL Gray Aluminum Wheels Yg1A 7.6 extra gallons of gas 2TUA Customer Prefered package AJVP Popular equipment group DHXP Quadra Trac II GNCP Sun Visors illum vanity MT2P Trail Rated Badge NMSP Standard Duty Engine Cooling DGQ 5-speed Auto Tranny CLZP Luxury Floor mats w/ logo MWFP Adjustible Roof Rail Crossbars PDA Light Grawstone Pearl Coat

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Zoo, I don't think a 997s will do it.....

Commander?

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Replacing the '98 Cherokee with a newer "utility" vehicle.

Going from a P turbo to a 02 M3? Might as well get a Ford Focus. You can save a LOT of money with that.

why are you complaining about gas prices???? Does a BMW drive on water??? last time I checked (my late X5) drove about 14MPG...not that great... I understand the maintenance part and CPO....a turbo must be more expensive in maintenance than a regular 996.....my 996 has been catching dust for about 11 months now....can't wait till my baby girl turn 1 yr...so I can finally take her in the Cab...she is going to love it. And since my P is going to be 10 yrs old next year...it isn't worth **** (oeps) anyways....so I might as well keep it. Goodluck with the next car....I have seen the 135i and it looks amazingly good...how about the X6...4yr or 50K without paying a penny for maintenance!!

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I am not up on the pre-owned prices, but knowing what they go for new, that seems like a great price and nice mileage - hope it checks out OK. The Commanders are very nice, just a bad time for them with the gas prices the way they are...

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The Jeep Commander is going to get a lot worse mileage than your turbo. You won't see 13mpg in the Jeep. Congrats on your sale. I used to own a e46 m3. Great car, however it's no p-car, so it is a step down over your previous C4S and Turbo. I avg about 18pmg with my E46 M3. I still have my C4S, but as a daily driver, i just bought the new E90 M3 sedan, Awesome car, I went easy with the options (just got the performance ones) and the sticker was only $59k, plus you get a 4 yr 50k warranty and free maintenance. You just pay for gas. I only have about 600 miles on the M3 so I'm still breaking it in, don't know what gas mileage it will get just yet. Good luck with the M3.