responding to a couple of posts within this thread: all of the 40th anniversary cars are the same color: GT Silver over natural gray. The paint is exclusive to this model, plus of course the $450k GT. It is a definite shade or two darker than the other factory silvers. Also, earlyapex, were you able to negotiate much of a discount off your 40th? Mine had a MSRP of $97k and I was able to buy it for $7k off list.

 

Follow your dream and get the 996! I would not settle for anything less!

 

Make sure that you understand the options that are on the car and that it has what you are looking for. I made the mistake of getting my first porsche, a Boxster S, without certain "must have" options. I solved the problem by selling it to buy a C4 Cab (still hearing about it from the wife!), but I made sure that it had the options that I considered to be the most important, like PSM, litronics, etc....

Other than that, go for it.....

 

Well...........It's your turn now....Which way are you leaning? Hint....... PORSCHE !

 

I had the same issue when I was looking for a new car. I had to decide between the M3 or a Porsche. If pure performance and no BS is what you are looking for, then get the porsche. But if you want comfort, all the extra toys, and similar performance then get the M3. When it comes to bragging rights...I'm sure you know the answer

 

I find my Porsche to be surprisingly comfortable to drive. I drive 50 miles a day and like it better than my 540iS. I was in the market for either an M5 or a 996 and went Porsche. It was a dream of mine too... when I was young my dad and I restored a few older 911's and I got the bug.

The M3 is sweet... but Porsche, there is still no substitute.

 

Ok - thanks to everyone on the board for their input. Regrettably, I ended up going for the M3.

There was never a question that the 996 was the better car... I dont know many M3 owners that would debate that...at least not the smart ones. Unfortunately this was a $$ issue for me. The M3 was $55k out the door, where as the stripped down 996 would have been about $70k out the door (original $75k msrp, minust $10k=$65k selling price + TTL).

I was trying to stretch myself to get this car, but I am probably just about 3-4yrs off from getting the 996 (or I guess 997) exactly as I want it. I just turned 31, so I figure there is still time to buy and enjoy a Porsche. The model that this dealer had worried me because of the 150 miles on it.... I dont REALLY know the story behind those miles. The car was also missing some key options that I would ideally want to have - like PSM.

I bought the M3 on a 36month balloon note with very little out of pocket. What I would have put down for an outright purchase went into a new "save for a 997" fund :-)

The M3 will be no slouch to drive for the next 3yrs...I am sure I will enjoy it quite a bit (no SMG crap for me...its a stick).

I look forward to pinging this board again in about 2007-2008 when I take delivery of my 997 in exactly the specs I want it.

Thanks again! Happy motoring and modding :-)

 

In a very short time you will get at least $10 off a 2004. Wait a little and save a lot on a new one!