My wife gave me the go ahead, so I am trying to decide whether to buy a 08 997 coup (warranty until 2014) or a 2011 550i, as my budget is about 50K. I dreamed of a 911 since I was a kid, now 40, but I typically hold my cars about 8+ years. I can stuff my kids in the 911's backseat, but I really don't care if they are comfortable. I am more concerned about driving the 911 everyday for a few years. Also, if bad snow, I will still have my 04 4Runner.

Does anyone have experience driving a coup (stick) as a daily driver for 6 to 8 years (15K a year)?

I appreciate your thoughts.

 

I too was in your same situation. My dream was to get a 911 before I turned 40. I have 2 kids and a SuV. Get the 911 ,you won't regret it.

 

You'll be fine with it as a DD. Do it!

 

I had both of those (2008 550i, 2006 997 C2, 2009 C4S and now my 2010 C2S). They are completely different cars. In my opinion, for this price range, nothing beats the 997 in terms of driveability, sportiness and convenience (a distant third though). The 997 is a little rougher on DD commutes, but not that bad at all.

I had the sportiest 550i they made from 08 and it wasn't in the same league as a 997. Sure the 550i was fast, but it was heavier and felt a lot less nimble than the 997. I ended getting rid of the 550i and got a 997.2 C2S.

The problem with the 911's are that once you get one, you'll find yourself looking for what's next.

Enjoy the ride!

 

If you have and SUV, you don't need a 5 series. Get the 911. JK but what do you think you will hear on this site.

 

Also, if you can, get a 09 or later 997 (997.2). Although they are more expensive, for a DD, they have much nicer electronics that you will use (Nav, ipod and Bluetooth). Otherwise, you will have to go aftermarket (i.e. Denison for the ipod/bt).

 

I drive mine as a DD, it has 87,000 miles on it, you'll be fine, if I can do it on the crappy roads of southern Cali, just don't put high performance coil overs like I did.

 

I too say get the 911. BTW, have you driven them yet? i bet once you drive the 911, you will not think twice...especially if you get an S.

 

http://globalautosports.com/car/2008...upe-40317.html

http://globalautosports.com/car/2011...dan-42670.html

 

997 is a great blend of performance and practicality. Key is to choose the right seats. For some it's the sport seats, others it's adaptive and for quite a few it is the sport buckets. If you choose the wrong one you may regret it.

 

I have a 2011 535i and a 2007 Carrera S. There is really nothing like a 911. However with my short congested commute the 997 is a miserable daily driver. Have you considered an older 911 as a weekend car? This compromise has really worked well for me.

 

Yea it really depends how far you drive every day and if you sit in traffic. I can't imagine doing that in a manual, ANY manual. I would def get the BMW if I had a long stop and go traffic situation to deal with every day. Otherwise, 911 all the way.

 

Very different cars for different purposes. If you want a real sports car and can deal with a minimal back seat, get the 911. If you want a comfortable but boring sedan, get the 550i - I test drove one and was surprised by how far BMW has gotten away from building "ultimate driver's machines".

 

Definitely get the 911. I'm a strange bird. Auto perfectionist... I drive a 1998 Acura TL as my daily with the 911 C2 in the garage for the best days where I know the parking will be optimal . I purchased the TL in 99' with 11k miles on it. I've personally performed all maintenance (aside from the timing belt changes). Anyway she just hit 200k and doesn't burn a drop of oil. What a great machine! I baby her but don't need to obsess if she gets a ding or if I need to drive my colleagues to a meeting. It's great to have two cars that are on opposite ends of the spectrum IMHO.

 

I have used a 6MT 911 as a daily driver since 2008. I love it, driving anything else always feels like a compromise.