Dilemma: Keep M3 or 911 (sad story)

[Bimma360]

What's wrong with a fast, practical, cheap to run daily with no emotional attachment?

The 4th characteristic you left out: Boring. :P

[BTB]

You daily a Tesla?

That actually tells me everything I need to know.

I now vote that you sell both cars and keep the Tesla.

What's wrong with a fast, practical, cheap to run daily with no emotional attachment?

[9kracing]

You daily a Tesla?

That actually tells me everything I need to know.

I now vote that you sell both cars and keep the Tesla.

[Chubacca]

Appreciate the insights, just reached out to our architect to see about drawing up plans to reframe the garage for the lift.

If I’m being honest with myself (in stock form) I like the way the 911 drives better and the way the M3 looks (and community) better. That said, I want to figure out how to keep both.

Regarding driving more, most of my driving time is spent commuting through some traffic and rough roads. Hence why I daily a model 3. I do take the M3 out on errands but rarely get a chance to just go out for a drive. Was planning on it last night, but 1 of my kids was throwing a tantrum about going to bed and I couldn’t just leave my wife to deal with both of them. By the time he fell asleep, I was exhausted and needed to help with some stuff around the house.

The reality is I would have had more time to enjoy the car 10-20 years ago. Before kids and a much more demanding job (which I enjoy).

Keep both and hedge your bets on time. Your kid(s) will get older and become more self-reliant that gives you more time back for the things you want to do. Like driving both cars and making core memories with them. That's my plan as a father of a 2 year old that dailies my m3 (groceries/work/daycare/traffic) with my intention of hopefully passing my car down to her when she gets older.

If you had to make a logical decision immediately, I would keep the 911 and sell the m3

If you had to make a logical and rational decision immediately, I'd sell both and use that money for investments/401k/529/ Roth IRA for a minor since you already have a model 3 daily.

[bigjae46]

I can afford to keep both, I’m just not sure how many miles I’ll actually get to put on each.

longer term I want to get a lift in my garage, but that will require some reframing of the roof in my garage, so not a quick or cheap solution.

Eh, as long as you can drive them when you want to I don't think how many miles you drive those cars really matters. I think it is critical to store in climate control with pest control.

If you can, keep summer gas in it (May 1 to Sep 30). Winter gas uses butane and propane for octane which are VOCs. Summer gas has a lower RVP which means it is more stable. Summer gas has more alkylate blended into the base fuel which doesn't flash off like the butane and propane used to increase octane.

[tnord]

keep them both.

Use your dads place as extra storage, and go visit him every sunday for dinner and switch cars. Even if you’re only driving them to/from his house once a week, that’s enough.

[BCEXP]

Oh man, so sorry to hear about what you and your Dad are going through. I have my fingers crossed for the best.

I would keep both the M3 and the 911. See if you can find a dry, clean storage facility for it nearby. The M3 is more practical, but the 911 is a blast to drive.

I know it sounds easier than done, but expand your garage space or something. I literally just bought a house because of the garage space. Now I am kinda broke and may start selling some beloved parts LMAO!

[TexaZ3]

I can barely keep up with maintenance for three cars…how do you do it with nine??

Umm, well - when you have so many, you don't use them up as fast ))
But yeah, it takes effort. I do a very thorough overhaul of everything and bunch of preventative stuff after I buy the car. Then its just keeping up with basic stuff for a while.

[SQ13]

I have 9 cars - do you think I drive them all every day, or have regret about them sitting for weeks at a time? Nope.

I can barely keep up with maintenance for three cars…how do you do it with nine??

[R60BBA]

I own a 997.1 C2S as well as an e46 and I'll say that if I truly had to pick one id pick the 911. Sure, it's going to need an engine someday but whatever its part of owning these things and driving them. Porsche is 10x better than BMW at keeping parts available. I can call up the local Porsche dealer and buy literally any little trim piece, button or whatever for my 911. I absolutely cannot do that with my e46. Also, the 997's are climbing in value so dramatically right now to the point where if you sell it you'll likely never be able to justify paying what they are going for to get another one. In my opinion the values on them are out of hand at the moment and only going one direction. Im lucky enough to have the space to keep both and I do often have more fun in the e46 but theres something special about getting in the 911 and going for a cruise that I don't get out of the e46. The 997 in my opinion is the best of the water cooled cars.

I also own both cars, but would keep my E46 M3 if I could only have one.

The 997 is most certainly a better car out of the box though. And I hear you on the specialness of driving a 911, as well as your point on parts availability/dealer support.

But on the flip side the M3 community trumps the 911 club.

It’s not really a straightforward decision, hence why the solution is to have both

[Dave092]

I own a 997.1 C2S as well as an e46 and I'll say that if I truly had to pick one id pick the 911. Sure, it's going to need an engine someday but whatever its part of owning these things and driving them. Porsche is 10x better than BMW at keeping parts available. I can call up the local Porsche dealer and buy literally any little trim piece, button or whatever for my 911. I absolutely cannot do that with my e46. Also, the 997's are climbing in value so dramatically right now to the point where if you sell it you'll likely never be able to justify paying what they are going for to get another one. In my opinion the values on them are out of hand at the moment and only going one direction. Im lucky enough to have the space to keep both and I do often have more fun in the e46 but theres something special about getting in the 911 and going for a cruise that I don't get out of the e46. The 997 in my opinion is the best of the water cooled cars.

[Hammerfang]

This. With such a thing, I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to know the right answer but you. But I think rushing into a decision before it is clear to you is the wrong one.

I think you’re right, appreciate the post. The car can stay at my parents for a bit, it just won’t get driven unless I take it out. I suppose that’s not terrible for a few months.

[9kracing]

Depends what kind of guy you are.

If you're a hard-core modder, then keep the E46. Dialed in on the right suspension with the right power-adders, and the E46 can do everything the Porsche can do and more.

If you're going to leave them mostly stock, then the E46 doesn't do much but look good.



You also have to figure in whether selling your dad's pride and joy is going to eat at you later.

[R60BBA]

Hammerfang leave the 997 at your dad’s house until you can find an appropriate storage solution.

[sasha]

You gotta keep them both for a while, the long term answer will make itself clear. Do not let your dad’s car go, right now.

This. With such a thing, I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to know the right answer but you. But I think rushing into a decision before it is clear to you is the wrong one.