[acassis]

in the market for an upgrade from my current mode of transport (06 chevy trailblazer), which has been rock solid to this point at 100k miles on it. ive never had a sports car and its about time. ive narrowed my search to a 328xi and a 996 carrera 4/4s. i was hoping some forum members may have owned or had experience with both in reference to their use as a daily driver, specifically in regards to maintenance costs and reliability between the two. i have read a lot on this forum about average reliability with bmw's, but that doesnt make too much sense why any car manufacturer could stay in business with average reliability for a higher end auto.

i have driven neither car and is obviously an important step in the process, but being a pragmatic individual, exploring all angles is important.
thanks for your help

[Tom Droze]

Just out of curiosity, did you consider the 335i? I have a 328i and I have driven the 911 and from my perspective, Porsche maintenance issues aside, it is not a real comfortable daily driver. I think once you test drive both cars the decision will be made for you.

[SMH]

911 hands down. You get 100 more hp then the 328 and its a true sports car. They will both be reliable but since the 911 will be older, since its a 996, the maintenance may be higher. If you are looking for 4 wheel drive, id still pick the 911 or the 4s 911. However, you loose a back seat with the 911 over a 328 coupe.

[kdbryce]

Wat

[Meeni]

The 911 will cost more in maintenance. 996 models have suffered from rare (but statistically threatening) catastrophic engine failures, which partly explain that they are a bargain on the used market. It is also a lot more sportier, fun and every other superlative. Many people do use them as a daily driver, as long as you do not need the backseats which are somewhat useless.

The 328 is a solid car, it has some maintenance budget, don't be fooled, but it should run less expense than the 911 by some sizable margin. It is still a fun car, a lot more practical with actual useable rear seats. For all the fun it gives, it is still a long way from a 911 in term of driving pleasure.

[d6lc]

As 2 cars come these options are remarkably different, are you sure this is your last 2??
I have a 2011 328xi and a 2004 911 C2, the driving experience of the 2 is totally different.
The 328 is reliable, comfortable, can carry 5 with ease, quiet and pretty sedate to drive. And has plenty of luggage space.
The 911 is raw, you feel every ripple on the road, it's taught and fast. It has 4 seats but the back seat are for kids only and not so comfortable, and hr or so almost before they complain. And forget about luggage space, it's comically small in a 911.

So far my 328 has cost nothing to run other than consumables.

The 911 is extremely reliable but consumables are expensive, tires, brakes, parts are all expensive in comparison. It is also a 10 yr old car, so to keep running like new costs money.

I love my 911 but couldn't have it as my only car!.

As mentioned maybe a 335, all the benefits of the BMW but with some decent performance.

[MORTON]

Good luck getting groceries in the 911 lol

[MORTON]

I get it man at some point it's about what you want but at the same time if you have a family or planning on it in the next 3 years it's just not practical at all.. My buddy has one and his gf almost killed him when he brought it home.. He loved it for the first year but now they both hate it.. You can't fit anything in it and the front passenger seat is the only place you can truly put semi-big things.. The 911 is a single mans car OR someone who has money to have 3 cars..

[kunal_d]

This is a first, lol. If practicality is not required, the choice is a no-brainer. 911.

[135Pats]

Those are remarkably different cars...But if you are serious?

Porsche. There is no substitute.

['02onthebrain]

Originally Posted by d6lc

As 2 cars come these options are remarkably different, are you sure this is your last 2??
I have a 2011 328xi and a 2004 911 C2, the driving experience of the 2 is totally different.
The 328 is reliable, comfortable, can carry 5 with ease, quiet and pretty sedate to drive. And has plenty of luggage space.
The 911 is raw, you feel every ripple on the road, it's taught and fast. It has 4 seats but the back seat are for kids only and not so comfortable, and hr or so almost before they complain. And forget about luggage space, it's comically small in a 911.

So far my 328 has cost nothing to run other than consumables.

The 911 is extremely reliable but consumables are expensive, tires, brakes, parts are all expensive in comparison. It is also a 10 yr old car, so to keep running like new costs money.

I love my 911 but couldn't have it as my only car!.

As mentioned maybe a 335, all the benefits of the BMW but with some decent performance.

A very good summation, and I completely agree. I have the 911 for Fridays and fun rides with my son. The 335xi is the DD and winter snowmobile. The 335 slightly tuned is faster than my 911 but the driving experience with the 911 is completely different. Maintenance is about the same except I did the IMS upgrade for peace of mind on the 911 so that can't be overlooked. I love both cars, in totally different ways.

[cotmfk]

I don't know how you get these two as the last two on your list. Makes no sense to me...

If you're worried about costs at all go with the 328.

[Kolyan2k]

I though 996 is the worst 911 you can buy.....thats why they are cheap

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...e-911-996-3-4/

i think its no brainer that with limited funds its best to get newer and lower miles 328, especially since you need that AWD for snow and dailly driving I assume

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

I don't know how you get these two as the last two on your list. Makes no sense to me...

If you're worried about costs at all go with the 328.

probably because those 2 fit the budget, both are AWD for dailly snow driving, and 335xi is either out of budget or someone told him its not reliable.

[Dozhdbog]

If it's your only car and you have a family, the Porsche is not for you, no matter what.

If you don't have kids and don't need to put much in your car ever, and are willing to pay more for maintenance and repairs on an older vehicle, get the Porsche.

If you want some sportiness, some roominess, and AWD reliability, with less maintenance costs than the porsche but with greater chance of needed repairs than the 328xi, get a 335xi.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

I don't know how you get these two as the last two on your list. Makes no sense to me...

If you're worried about costs at all go with the 328.

This. Talk about comparing apples to oranges!

[MORTON]

It should be 335i vs 335i, in which case, it's a no brainier!! 335i it is !! Lol

P.s.

Get the 6spd

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by MORTON

It should be 335i vs 335i, in which case, it's a no brainier!! 335i it is !! Lol

P.s.

Get the 6spd

Haha...yessir!

[335e92tx]

If performance is even the slightest issue, a 328x is not on the table, and certainly not compared to any P car

Not to mention the $

[MORTON]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Haha...yessir!

[Efini]

Can't compare a 328 to a Porsche, they are completely different. For sure look into a 335 though. You might even end up buying a 335 if you test drive one. A 328 will be the cheapest maintenance wise, bottom line.

I would personally hold onto the trailblazer and get the Porsche.

[kred]

As others have said, definitely go 335 if looking at the e9x body. IF you do want an NA car and are still considering a 328, I highly recommend the sport package. I'm partial to the manual transmission (which is quicker to 60 if that matters for you)