I need a new daily driver. I just had an E46 M3 that I turned back on lease. Loved it. Looking for another daily driver, and I'm looking into either the new M3, or a 996TT. I like the turbo because of the AWD (and the cold NJ weather), and the modability. I like the new M3 because of the warranty.

Any thoughts? Anyone own both or have owned both?

Thanks!

 

Oh, and I drive about 25k miles per year. So if I got an 03 turbo with 15k miles, in a few years it would be a high mileage car, and I'm not sure what resale would be like (since I don't want to take a 50k hit). However, BMW will LEASE me an M3 with 25k miles a year. Something to keep in mind.

 

996TT all the way! its more fun to drive, its faster, has more potential and is a more aggressive looking car.

btw-jon i see you lurking about! (in this thread)

 

I beg to differ...Faster with more potential...no doubt. Fun to drive....a matter of taste!

I just sold an 02 TT and now drive an 08 e92 M3. I NEVER enjoyed the TT the way I do the M3. I also happen to enjoy the luxury features of the M3....of which the TT had none. I haven't regretted my decision in the slightest.

AWD of the TT...definitely a bonus over the M3.

Full warranty on an 08 or 09 M3....over a 2003 TT.... I prefer that security too.

 

Thats a consideration as I drive a LOT, and luxury means a lot to me too. I found myself at the Audi and Mercedes store a few weeks ago. Trying to find something FAST, fun to drive, and good for daily commuting. If it rains I obviously go to work, if it snows, i don't.

 

new M3 is hot.... But as a daily driver the 996tt is awesome. I drive mine every day and love it. I think its way more of an all around impressive car then the M3.

 

How much do you think mileage will effect depreciation in a few years? I can get an 03 with 12k miles right now for $56k. 3 Years down the road with 85k miles...I think its going to kill resale...no?

 

996tt.

 

how much is the M3 going to cost you? are you getting a nice deal? assuming you're leasing here?

 

I havent called on it, but I'm hearing guys are paying in the $900/Month range which is pretty low for the car IMO. But then it will be more since I ned 25k miles a year. But, at the end of 3 years I turn it back and end up with nothing, where as the TT I would own and can sell. BUT, what will it be worth 3 years later with the high mileage.

 

Wow, really tough choice. Both cars are great DD's and have awesome handling characteristics. M3 will be nicer inside for sure (more up to date, etc) but the tuning potential of the 996tt is something that would probably make me go for the P-car.

The best way to choose is to obviously drive both, for an extended test drive, and see what you think. I don't know if this is possible or not, that's just the way I would do it

Let us know which one wins!

Cheers,
Brendan

 

I think the M3 would be best for you. It doesn't have as much potential os the P-car, but it is just as fun in a few different aspects, and the service plan is hard to beat.

 

I test drove both cars already. Not extended though. Only like 15 minutes or so each. The M3 is nice and feels real tight and "new". The Turbo I LOVED because of the turbo pull, and the more "exoticy" feel to it. A concern is that since I'm driving so much, how is maintenance and reliability on the TT? I know with the M3 since there is a warranty I can just take it to the dealer and never pay for anything. TT is a different story.

 

996. I would hope you wouldn't need to utilize the warranty on a new M3

 

If your going to be going high mileage, the M3 is the car for sure. Warranties are a huge sense of security and with a brand new car, reliability won't be something you have to worry about.