Dilemma: Keep M3 or 911 (sad story)

[Hammerfang]

After 20+ years of wanting an e46 M3, I finally pulled the trigger on an LSB coupe 2 years ago. It’s been a dream come true, but honestly I don’t use the car as much as I’d like (kids, work, life, etc.)

Now comes the sad part, my dad recently became wheelchair bound and while there is slim hope he’ll regain some mobility, he’s almost certainly never driving his 997.2 C4S 6-speed again.

He’s asked me if I’d like to have it (mint 09 coupe w/ 24k miles bought from the pcar marketplace guys). Which I definitely do but from a practical standpoint of storage and actual usage, I can’t really keep both the m3 and 911.

I’m torn about what to do. On the one hand I don’t want to get rid of the M3, I’ve always wanted one and feel like I haven’t had enough time to experience and enjoy it yet.

On the other hand, I don’t want to let my dad down (without getting into family history, this car is rightfully something he’s very proud of) and if I’m being honest the 911 is a “better” car IMO, both at a model level and individual level (8 years newer, 110k fewer miles).

I don’t need to make a decision immediately, but probably with in the next month or two.

[specializedbndt]

Eh..it's a C4, I wouldn't call it better--other than mileage. The e46 M3, it does everything well, especially from a practicality standpoint. I was in the same boat when 964s were cheap and my boys were in car seats. I drove a couple and hardly thought they were worth 35k(hindsights a mfr)..That being said, I don't regret my path. I've owned my m3 for a very long time. It's seen many track days, driven across the states 3 times, it's seen car seats, date nights and groceries. Man, these cars are just so damn good.

It sounds like you have some more thinking to do. Maybe get his blessing, sell both and find something you'll be smitten with. If the old man is capable, make some memories with whatever car that might be.

[Hammerfang]

Agreed the M3 is more practical, but the 911 is a bit quicker, tighter and just more solid feeling then the m3.

[BTB]

First of all, really sorry to hear about the health changes - this can't be an easy thing at all to face.

Here's my (admittedly logical) take. The 997.2 doesn't have nearly the bore score risk of the 997.1 cars, and even if your E46 is in great shape, it will never be a low mileage example like your dad's car. I just mention this because, frankly (and IMHO), the earlier 997.1 non-turbo/non-GT cars are not worth the hassle. Like you say, the P-car is a better sports car in pretty much every way except maintenance cost, interior space/practicality, and much of this forum would probably argue that the engine doesn't quite match the S54 in terms of 'specialness'/pedigree (I love the S54 but I'm not delusional - Porsche flat six is still a thing to behold). Otherwise, it's so much more of a proper sports car vs E46. Not sure how the practicality thing impacts you but I would say from an enthusiast/car guy perspective, go for the 911. Though, I would suspect this isn't anything you don't know - and I imagine that the emotional side could make things tricky if you've long lusted after the E46.

Interestingly enough, I had a similar opportunity to take my dad's E92 M3 competition recently (thankfully, not due to health reasons, but he loved the car, just didn't have a place for it any longer). It was a very nice spec, 6mt, late model comp package with half the miles of my E46 (100k on E92 - so certainly not a cream puff, but in very good shape for the miles, and 'better' in 'every way' compared to the E46). Ultimately I decided to get rid of E92 and keep my old E46 - since E92 has been gone I've realized just how much I prefer driving the E46. One of those times when what is logical on paper (maximizing the 'garage spec') doesn't necessarily make you happier.

I might be digressing here, but it is an interesting predicament as an enthusiast. On the one hand, you want to honor your father, keep his car as a sign of his hard work and love for his family, etc but as an enthusiast you might be inclined not to drive it, not modify it, or not track it (if you're into that kind of thing), which takes away from the whole point of sports car ownership (IMO). I think of my dad who has a couple sports cars, approaching 70 years old, and luckily is able to drive them still. I guess my overall take is, if the car is just going to sit there and take up space, better to get rid of it. Sports cars are meant to be driven - if you or your family can't fit it into your lives, better to rip the bandaid off? This might sound a bit harsh, but at the end of the day a car is a hunk of metal, plastic and rubber - it might be a symbol of your father's dedication, etc. but that's all it is, and I'm sure he did a lot more in his life than purchase a nice sports car. Maybe my take will change as I get older 🤷♂️

[02_lsb]

Put your LSB in storage for a year. You’ll regret selling it and will overpay for a lesser car when you decide to buy another one. If color is not a priority, sell the LSB, you will find another reasonably priced e46 m3 in the future.

[Hammerfang]

First of all, really sorry to hear about the health changes - this can't be an easy thing at all to face.

Here's my (admittedly logical) take. The 997.2 doesn't have nearly the bore score risk of the 997.1 cars, and even if your E46 is in great shape, it will never be a low mileage example like your dad's car. I just mention this because, frankly (and IMHO), the earlier 997.1 non-turbo/non-GT cars are not worth the hassle. Like you say, the P-car is a better sports car in pretty much every way except maintenance cost, interior space/practicality, and much of this forum would probably argue that the engine doesn't quite match the S54 in terms of 'specialness'/pedigree (I love the S54 but I'm not delusional - Porsche flat six is still a thing to behold). Otherwise, it's so much more of a proper sports car vs E46. Not sure how the practicality thing impacts you but I would say from an enthusiast/car guy perspective, go for the 911. Though, I would suspect this isn't anything you don't know - and I imagine that the emotional side could make things tricky if you've long lusted after the E46.

Interestingly enough, I had a similar opportunity to take my dad's E92 M3 competition recently (thankfully, not due to health reasons, but he loved the car, just didn't have a place for it any longer). It was a very nice spec, 6mt, late model comp package with half the miles of my E46 (100k on E92 - so certainly not a cream puff, but in very good shape for the miles, and 'better' in 'every way' compared to the E46). Ultimately I decided to get rid of E92 and keep my old E46 - since E92 has been gone I've realized just how much I prefer driving the E46. One of those times when what is logical on paper (maximizing the 'garage spec') doesn't necessarily make you happier.

I might be digressing here, but it is an interesting predicament as an enthusiast. On the one hand, you want to honor your father, keep his car as a sign of his hard work and love for his family, etc but as an enthusiast you might be inclined not to drive it, not modify it, or not track it (if you're into that kind of thing), which takes away from the whole point of sports car ownership (IMO). I think of my dad who has a couple sports cars, approaching 70 years old, and luckily is able to drive them still. I guess my overall take is, if the car is just going to sit there and take up space, better to get rid of it. Sports cars are meant to be driven - if you or your family can't fit it into your lives, better to rip the bandaid off? This might sound a bit harsh, but at the end of the day a car is a hunk of metal, plastic and rubber - it might be a symbol of your father's dedication, etc. but that's all it is, and I'm sure he did a lot more in his life than purchase a nice sports car. Maybe my take will change as I get older 🤷♂️

appreciate the kind words. Oddly I think I’d drive the 911 more, the lower miles and age just makes it feel easier to drive. I love my e46, but it’s a 25 year old car with 134k miles and maybe it’s irrational, but in the back of my mind I’m always afraid something will break.

Trying to figure out a way to store both cars at
home. Just cleaned out some things from the garage and it might work if my kids are careful…

[Sharocks]

It's your dad's 911.

You'll figure out a storage solution in time.

You don't let that thing go.

And you keep the M3 because it's way more practical.

Also 997s are rad.

[bigjae46]

If you are trying to be rational...none of this is. The rational thing to do would be sell both cars.

I just look at the financial burden. If you can afford to store and maintain both cars then do it. If not, sell one. Probably the M3. There is something to be said about a car that has a story. My E90 M3, bought it new, euro delivery through the italian alps to the nurburgring. Then performance center delivery among other adventures.

I still own it 15 years later.

[Hammerfang]

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.

[Bimma360]

Man, I am sorry to be blunt, but drive your damn car. It's antithetical to me, that (1) you bought your dream car but (2) you don't drive it. What ever your reasoning is, I bet it boils down to you trying to keep it nice for the next owner. Or you're really not into cars like you used to be or thought you were. Drive it to the office. Sit in it in traffic. Go pick up groceries in it. Get a door ding, fix the door ding. Get a scratch, fix the scratch. You only have one life to live. If you love cars, and love driving said cars, then drive them.

Regarding the 997, are you crazy? Take the car, keep the car, and if space or whatever is the constraint, figure it the heck out. Drive both of them. Enjoy them, especially since your dad can't enjoy his dream car anymore. And perhaps later down the line, if life changes you make a decision. Or maybe one day you pass these cars or one of them to your kid(s).

Bigjae is right. The financial burden is the only thing that matters. If owning both cars puts strain on your family, then yes you need to make a decision.

[SQ13]

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

Eh, nothing wrong with having options

[Obioban]

The real problem is you have to prioritize your dream car vs his. Nothing about the specific cars really matters beyond that.

You either have to figure out a way to keep both, or choose who to make sad.

... and, if it's the e46, start actually driving it.

[jvit27]

I prefer M3's, but vote 911 in this case. If you already aren't using the car for practical purposes, then the 911 will be better at that job. If you can keep both financially, then you can afford to do nothing and hedge regret.

If not, LSB is arguably what makes the car 'special', otherwise there are way more M3's out there to be had down the road. And with less mileage. A 997.2 is more rare, and will only be harder to find. Given that it is your father's - that is truly 1/1 and someday (hopefully not soon) when he is gone, you will wish you had it. But in the meantime it's something you guys can share together and that is far more important than just experiencing the M3. Truth is if it was that important you would have used it more in two years... often the fantasy of the plan overshadows the simple reality right under your nose.

Will you pay more for an M3 down the road? Sure... but I bet when the accounting is done, paying for storage/insurance will offset that to nothing or even in favor of letting it go. An E46 needs more mods and maintenance to out perform a 911. It can be done but factoring in your time constraints it is less likely to get there. I know I would enjoy a stock C4S much more than a stock M3.

EDIT; further those are peak drivers' cars. You can spend more on newer/faster cars as life goes on but it's gonna be tough to do better than a timeless combo like that. HODLGANG.

[Hammerfang]

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).

[Obioban]

Not really related, but IMO 997 is the best gen of 911, and .2 makes it reliable. At least there's no bad options :P