Advice on my next car

[a_dreamer]

I currently have a M3 which I've had for three and a half years and part of me fancies a change. I never normally keep a car that long, always buy new, and used to do lease or PCP but on this one I bought outright.

I have a fairly easy commute of 20 miles and can do it either a roads and motorway or b roads and bends

I'm currently stuck between 3 decisions.
1) keep mine as it's superb
2) get a 911
3) get a X5

X5 would lead to a lifestyle change as we'd go away more often at weekend I imagine with the dog and the kids, while 911 would be more commute and some road trips like I use the M3 for.

Went looking again at cars and the M3 estate seemed the perfect compromise but I can't deal with the idea of buying another new one when a lot of the time I will be in it alone so it's no real difference to what I have now.

The other compromise would be getting a slightly used X5 or a q8 (discounts on them are insane) as a second car but I rarely do enough miles to justify one, never mind two cars.

All that being said, I don't use the performance of the car now, you can't, I just like knowing it's there and when you get those rare moments to boot it a bit, it's an absolute joy to do so.

The answer may be that I need therapy, I'm never the best at making decisions and while in the past there is always one I'm forced to make, end of a lease or a balloon payment due, I don't have that ticking timer and so am really struggling.

I've also looked at ev and er could get a charger etc but I am just not enthused by any of them. Lack of theatre and while it would make sense in a big cruiser, if I do get he X5 I'm gonna want to do a 7 hour journey to Aviemore or Inverness and the likes and so the range of the diesels provide more options for those occasions. I realise my commute is perfect for an EV

Any help appreciated. Anyone whose done a similar move and sold the sporty car for a SUV and either regretted or not. Etc. Thanks all

[Billy_Whizzzz]

I went M2 Comp to a 2 car 997.2 plus X3M comp. Then sold 997 for a 981 Spyder. The 911 was a revelation after the M2, as was the 981 after the 997. I then sold the X3 for an X540d which didn't last long before i traded it for a G31 530s x drive touring - which is fine, but frankly dull as ditchwater and thank god for the 981 as well. If i only had one car i’d have kept the X3M. In your shoes i’d go X3M or X5M - or of course 911 which is the simple answer to most things

[M.F.D]

I kind of had this dilemma (albeit on a much more modest scale).

I've always had performance cars and latest daily was a Megane 265 Cup. I loved it, but with 2 kids, dogs and the fact we love going out on days off meant we took the wife's Qashqai which is obviously a bit meh.

I didn't want finance, so I changed the Megane for a F11 530i Touring (JDM spec so 6cyl) and it does everything I need it to easily and it's a rare occasion we all go out in the Nissan now, really feel it levelled up the family duties. However, I really do miss the excitement of a more driver orientated car.

In your shoes, I would seriously be tempted to sell the M3 and replace with a used X5, and use the spare cash for a weekend toy that you can also commute in now and again when the mood takes you.

[a_dreamer]

In terms of an update, I'm now toying with a range rover sport, a X5, a 550e and the 911 still sticks in the head.

I'd say the X5 feels the best move given it's so different to what I have but some good deals on a 550e. Would need to sort a home charger....

[bad company]

I really fancy the RR Sport. Probably my next car but sadly I’m about 2 years from changing time.

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/land-rover/range-rov...

[MitchT]

Depends what sort of 911 we're talking about. Assuming it's a 991.1 or later then out of the available options I'd get the 911, but it's an easier decision for me as I don't have kids or dogs to think about and I can't stand SUVs. Otherwise I'd keep the M3, though it would be an M4 in my case.

[trevalvole]

a_dreamer said:

I'd say the X5 feels the best move given it's so different to what I have but some good deals on a 550e. Would need to sort a home charger....

You might be ok with a three-pin plug to start off with. Say it does three miles per kWh and you charge at 2kW, then that's about three and half hours charging per 20 mile commute.

[NDA]

If you have kids and like all going out together, then the 911 doesn't really work... I have one, so am familiar with how big/small they are.

I had a Range Rover when the kids were at home, a decent SUV is a better choice I reckon.

Alternatively, have two cars.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Your OP reads like you aren't ready to change, its still under your skin and you'd regret selling IMO.

Why not get something the opposite to run as a commuter/beater alongside it?

[a_dreamer]

Hugo Stiglitz said:

Your OP reads like you aren't ready to change, its still under your skin and you'd regret selling IMO.

Why not get something the opposite to run as a commuter/beater alongside it?

I considered this but I don't really do enough miles to justify both, plus I'm so in my own head I'd bet the days I'm in the big SUV I'd want to be in the two seater and vice versa.

I do love mine, just fancy the change I guess and not used to keeping cars a long time

I'm edging towards a X5 then get a 911 when the kids are more interested in their mates than me and the wife

[ZX10R NIN]

Keep your car, maybe make it your own with some choice upgrades.

[T1547]

Alfa Giulia or Stelvio as a practical drivers option?

Most cars are going to be a compromise if doing the fun toy and family cruiser in one. You probably have the best choice already for this remit in the M3!

I’d be looking at a 2 car solution personally (and do have) if it’s feasible. X5 or RR plus an Elise/911/Cayman etc would be a great combo.

[a_dreamer]

T1547 said:

Alfa Giulia or Stelvio as a practical drivers option?

Most cars are going to be a compromise if doing the fun toy and family cruiser in one. You probably have the best choice already for this remit in the M3!

I d be looking at a 2 car solution personally (and do have) if it s feasible. X5 or RR plus an Elise/911/Cayman etc would be a great combo.

I currently don't do enough miles to justify two. Wife has a small SUV which we can all get in, but I'd not fancy it if going away from a while.

I'm still stuck. New X5 this year puts me off the current one, bit of a snob like that.

One thing I've noticed is how mad prices now are. I looked at a e class and to get into one that has bit of poke and you are talking about £80k which then doesn't feel the "go for something simpler" type decision

I do think there is a general lack of performance saloon outside of what I'm already in. M5 feels too big and too heavy. Superb straight line though.

Wish Jag did a modern xjs

[M.F.D]

a_dreamer said:

I currently don't do enough miles to justify two. Wife has a small SUV which we can all get in, but I'd not fancy it if going away from a while.

I'm still stuck. New X5 this year puts me off the current one, bit of a snob like that.

One thing I've noticed is how mad prices now are. I looked at a e class and to get into one that has bit of poke and you are talking about £80k which then doesn't feel the "go for something simpler" type decision

I do think there is a general lack of performance saloon outside of what I'm already in. M5 feels too big and too heavy. Superb straight line though.

Wish Jag did a modern xjs

Chris Harris defends the M5's weight and urges anyone to drive it. I think it would be worth a drive if in budget.

I would discount a RR from your list, even a new one with warranty would be a headache when there are better options like the X5.

[NDA]

a_dreamer said:

I currently don't do enough miles to justify two. Wife has a small SUV

Don't you already have two then?

I'd be going sports car for you, larger SUV for your wife and family trips.

[a_dreamer]

NDA said:

a_dreamer said:

I currently don't do enough miles to justify two. Wife has a small SUV

Don't you already have two then?

I'd be going sports car for you, larger SUV for your wife and family trips.

The frustration is she just organised hers so only had it six months. She did it through work. So we are stuck with hers.

[NDA]

A friend bought a Panamera recently - he's enjoying it. They are a bit of a bargain on the used market.

Life is too short not to be driving something that gives you the fizz.