[bmw1010]

Greetings everyone:

Hope all is well and you’re all safe. My lease is up on my m240i and I’m strongly considering buying the car out. I absolutely love the car!

However, the opportunity has presented itself to get a used 911 Carrera S.

I know, I know - the 911 is obviously in a league of its own, there’s really no comparison at all.

BUT I’m really torn about what to do. I love the m240i, and in terms of a bang for your buck car, it’s so practical and a great value!


The 911 of course is a dream car, but with a huge hefty price point, that on some level I just cannot justify paying. I can make the payments - but it would kinda be tough. But the heart wants what it wants?

I don’t even know what I want lol.

Kinda venting here, but also open to hear your thoughts as well. Not sure if anyone has been presented with an opportunity to keep their m240i with the prospect of potentially “trading-up” to another car.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks fellas!

[chois2]

Originally Posted by bmw1010

Greetings everyone:

Hope all is well and you’re all safe. My lease is up on my m240i and I’m strongly considering buying the car out. I absolutely love the car!

However, the opportunity has presented itself to get a used 911 Carrera S.

I know, I know - the 911 is obviously in a league of its own, there’s really no comparison at all.

BUT I’m really torn about what to do. I love the m240i, and in terms of a bang for your buck car, it’s so practical and a great value!


The 911 of course is a dream car, but with a huge hefty price point, that on some level I just cannot justify paying. I can make the payments - but it would kinda be tough. But the heart wants what it wants?

I don’t even know what I want lol.

Kinda venting here, but also open to hear your thoughts as well. Not sure if anyone has been presented with an opportunity to keep their m240i with the prospect of potentially “trading-up” to another car.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks fellas!

I was leasing an M240 convertible (6mt) until just this past month. Absolutely Loved it. My favorite bmw. I was originally intending to buy out the lease at the end, until i got rear ended last year. After that i knew it wouldn't be very smart to keep it since it would have a blemished carfax.

Was looking into leasing an m4 vert, but
Very few 6mt left. Then i started looking into used cpo 911's. I was fortunate enough where it wouldn't cause financial stress. Found one and never looked back.

Its silly to compare so i wont. Yes you will love it. But not if you have to worry about making the payments every month. Regardless of what car it is, my advice to you would be to get something that is within your financial means. Maybe that means looking for something older? Or buying out and keeping the current m240 for a few more years?

[msej449]

I had a Porsche Carrera 4S for a couple of months (posted this elsewhere, so apologies if it's repetitious) as part of my employer's incentive scheme.

Plus points were yes, of course, terrific handling and lots of positive interest from other people (I got less hassle than in my BMW). Minus points were that it was heavier handling than I expected, and somewhat noisy. Fun to have for a couple of months over the summer, especially the weekly 50 mile cross-country drive to our HQ. But I was happy to hand it back at the end. As a DD and holiday trip car, not so great, but as a 2nd. car, possibly. A couple of years later, the experience helped me to choose a different 'fun' car, a Lotus Elise 111s, which I felt was more suited to public road outings. And of course, a lot cheaper to buy and run.

Obviously, a personal view. Perhaps it's more a case of underlining the merits of driving any candidate car for a bit more than the usual couple of hours (if that) test drive, if you possibly can. The only other thing I'd say is that after 45 years of motoring, I don't think any one car can satisfy all your expectations. That's why those who can afford it have multiple cars in their garage. So be realistic about the +/- of anything you set your heart on.

[PDM5]

There is a reason why so many of us yearn to make the move to a P-car. There is something to be said about vehicles that are built from the ground up with a main purpose in mind - to be a sports car first and foremost. If you are able to, make the dream move. CPO Porsches are a fantastic (in relative terms!) proposition.

But, and this is a huge but, do NOT make the move if it will cause financial stress. I'm not one of those people who will tell you that if you can't pay for the car in cash, you shouldn't get it. A lot of people would die having lived a miserable life with zero joy if they followed this rule for everything. Life is never guaranteed and you could have the best laid plans, but die tomorrow without seeing those plans fulfilled. This is not the same as being reckless with your money, but there needs to be a balance. There are additional things to think of, to include you would now be paying to maintain a 100k+ car and not a 50k car (regardless of the price you actually pay for the 911). Can you also afford having an unexpected drop in income or serious medical bill, should the situation arise?

I'm not going to say that you need X amount of dollars put aside or the car should be no more than X percentage of your income. Every person's situation is different and there is no one size fits all solution. The cost of living can vary wildly, so nothing is ever an apples to apples comparison. Two grand a month could buy you a McMansion somewhere, but a 400 sq ft apartment somewhere else. Bottom line - are you comfortable with the payments, with all the above in mind, and could you pay the car off early if need be? If so, make the move. If not, wait until you are in that position. Thankfully, Porsche doesn't seem like it will stop making fantastic cars, so there will be vehicles available for you in the future. Best of luck in your decision.

[chattanooga240]

What year is it? Because that is key here.

[4Hockey4]

If you can afford it, do it. Get such a great deal, if you ever had to get out of (emergency) its not too hard.

Retirement in good shape ?

YOLO

[bmw1010]

Well...the car just sold lol ;(
It was a 2017, 12k miles...bummer.
I guess there’s my answer.

[BimBimM2]

Originally Posted by bmw1010

Well...the car just sold lol ;(
It was a 2017, 12k miles...bummer.
I guess there’s my answer.

Sooo... I am looking into the the new 911 turbo S. Yes, it is a huge jump. Yes, it will be a good year till something materializes (allocations, no examples on road till November etc.). In all honesty if you are going to get a P-car, then might as well get the icon itself, right?

Look, consider this car being sold a blessing in disguise (for now!). The stress of a payment that would stretch you would have robbed you of the fun. Besides, if there is one thing COVID has taught us, it is that our incomes are at the whims of this global economy haha.

There is something effortless about the M240i; something visceral and go-kart like; something light and joyful. I don't mean to sound poetic but man, the M240i cabriolet is one sweet spiritual experience on the road haha. It is the effortlessness. It zooms and zips and then you can walk away from it knowing that if lightning strikes it, you can always buy another because they are a plenty.

You have an excellent car my friend. Lease another one and enjoy it for another three years. Then get a 911 Turbo

However, even if a few years from now a 911 is unattainable, fuck it, you still have a beautiful, wonderful car.

I would say though, get a cabriolet put in a few mods, and god you will have so much fun that you won't even be thinking of the P-car!

[p912guy]

I peruse the Porsche locator web site frequently, and if Porsche is an itch you need to scratch, I'm sure you could find an equally enticing 911 as the one you were originally interested in which sold. That said, as others have mentioned, you don't want to stretch your budget too far to scratch that itch. While the monthly payments may be doable, don't forget the "Porsche tax" which of course is the extra costs for maintenance and repair, which is likely double the cost of BMW maintenance, even with a good independent service center.

When I purchased my M235 nearly 4 years ago I was also considering a Boxster, and the potential maintenance and repair costs tipped the scale to the BMW. I still have the Porsche itch, and now that our financial situation is more secure I am hoping to be able to get that P car DD next go round. Good luck with your decisions.

[morphomeman]

Just curious, what was the asking price on a 2017 Carrera S with 12K miles?

[Sail Boat]

Although I've never owned a 911, I have driven a 996 4S, 991.2 Base, and briefly owned a 987 Cayman S before buying an e30.

Dynamically, there's not much of a comparison to be had. The 911 is far superior and is a much more enjoyable, special car to drive. Regarding efficiency, the 911 and especially the 987 are actually pretty close to the F22; I was able to get 30mpg on the highway. Even with reliability the 987 and, from what I've read about the 911, isn't all that bad.

Where the needle starts to shift in the comparison is practicality. both the 911 and the 987 have some frunk storage, but the inability to have a real trunk with folding seats is a massive disadvantage if it's a daily driver. I personally think Porsche's look cool with roof boxes, but that's a pretty significant compromise.

Depends on what you want, really. If you're looking for the best driving experience for the money, go for it. However, if it is a daily driver and practicality is a required feature, the 911 can't hold a candle to the M235i. Have you considered a CPO M2 or M3/M4?

[bmw1010]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the support. Yes, I do think it’s a blessing in disguise. I do love my m240i and who needs payments close to 2k per month anyways lol.
The car sold for 97k. I have looked into the m4 a little but people were complaining about the engine sound lol.
I really think our m240’s are where it’s at! Love that b58!
Here’s a pic of my baby when I first got her 3 years ago.

I feel like I can maybe get an LSD installed and basically have a new car all over again - since I’ve read that it changes the experience so much for the better.
I would be curious though - with an LSD install - would the aftermarket sale/value take a hit if I wanted to sell it to carmax or a bmw dealership years later? Just curious...

[bmw1010]

View post on imgur.com

[p912guy]

Originally Posted by bmw1010

I would be curious though - with an LSD install - would the aftermarket sale/value take a hit if I wanted to sell it to carmax or a bmw dealership years later? Just curious...

I doubt you'd take hit on value for having an LSD, but don't count on recouping some or any of your investment at resale. Several folks find keeping the original diff and re-installing it at resale and then selling the LSD as a stand alone part is the best way to recoup some of the investment.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by bmw1010

I would be curious though - with an LSD install - would the aftermarket sale/value take a hit if I wanted to sell it to carmax or a bmw dealership years later? Just curious...

If you didn't mention it, it's unlikely they'd spend the five minutes it would take them to discover that you'd installed one.

[BimBimM2]

Originally Posted by bmw1010

View post on imgur.com

Now if that's your car man... I LOVE THAT COLOR COMBO!

[bmw1010]

Originally Posted by BimBimM2

Now if that's your car man... I LOVE THAT COLOR COMBO!

Yes, thanks I appreciate it

[Oldbay]

Originally Posted by bmw1010

Greetings everyone:

Hope all is well and you’re all safe. My lease is up on my m240i and I’m strongly considering buying the car out. I absolutely love the car!

However, the opportunity has presented itself to get a used 911 Carrera S.

I know, I know - the 911 is obviously in a league of its own, there’s really no comparison at all.

BUT I’m really torn about what to do. I love the m240i, and in terms of a bang for your buck car, it’s so practical and a great value!


The 911 of course is a dream car, but with a huge hefty price point, that on some level I just cannot justify paying. I can make the payments - but it would kinda be tough. But the heart wants what it wants?

I don’t even know what I want lol.

Kinda venting here, but also open to hear your thoughts as well. Not sure if anyone has been presented with an opportunity to keep their m240i with the prospect of potentially “trading-up” to another car.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks fellas!

If it's a big financial lift then I wouldn't do it. Don't become "car poor" over a 911. It's not THAT special or going to change your life. I had two of them. They are nice cars, but I now have an M240 Vert 6-speed if that tells you anything. I know you don't know me from Adam or probably care, but don't get sucked too much into the 911 Cult.

Some 911s are worth it...others not so much. There have been lots of crappy 911s over the years. A base 911 or lower end model is not worth it.

Just my useless .02

[Oldbay]

Originally Posted by Sail Boat

Depends on what you want, really. If you're looking for the best driving experience for the money, go for it. However, if it is a daily driver and practicality is a required feature, the 911 can't hold a candle to the M235i. Have you considered a CPO M2 or M3/M4?

I would agree about the M2. It would be a better car versus a low-end 911. The M2 would be a more fulfilling driving experience.

I'd skip the bloated M3/M4. Those are too heavy and baller. The M2 is a far better choice all around.

[shovell242]

I'll offer some perspective as I just dealt with the same scenario.

I, like you, was looking for a step up in a visceral, more exotic vehicle that felt more special but absolutely loved my M240i.

After mulling over all types of 911's, and seemingly every car in the 70-100k range, I ended up getting a Shelby GT350R....which IMO offers a better driving experience than base 911's, only to rival the GT3 which is even then debatable...

The lower price tag of the Shelby allowed me to buy-out my M240i and keep it as a DD.

Now, factor in how amazing the B58 is....I started down the path of exhaust, BM3 stage 1 etc. and I can honestly say this car is now COMPLETELY different, it is an absolute monster.

So now I'm able to have both, a 400WHP turbo monster DD AND an N/A 500+ HP flat-plane crank V8 that puts down GT3RS lap times. Just some food for thought.

[bmw1010]

Thanks for the insight, guys! I decided to keep my M240i. In fact, just purchase it today! Thinking of adding LSD and turning it into a whole new car!

Thanks again for all the input!

[BimBimM2]

Originally Posted by bmw1010

Thanks for the insight, guys! I decided to keep my M240i. In fact, just purchase it today! Thinking of adding LSD and turning it into a whole new car!

Thanks again for all the input!

Right? Totally worth keeping! Enjoy this little convertible for many many years my friend.