F456 vs. P911C4S vs. M3 vs. CC

All,
This is probably a repeat, but since I am new to this forum, I thought I'd ask.

I am in a cul de sac. After selling the F 308, I would likie to get a more usable everyday nice car. I need 2 back seats for the yougsters (babyseat for both of them).
After doing my research, and trying to stay within the $40k to $60k, I narrow my search to the F 456 (95-97), the P911 C4S (02-04), the M3(03-05) and the CC (02-04).

I sold the 308 specifically because of the kids. No time to get out for a spirited drive on the w-e's anymore. F cars are not meant to stay in the garage and even after I spent $25k of repair on the 308, I thought it was better to sell it, and look for something else.

F456 is my sentimental side speaking. I agree that repairs are probably more costly than the others (any one with numbers?).

I heard bad things about the early CC (clutch, gearbox, skyhook suspension), so I am still hesitant.

Anyone with baby seats/booster seats in the CC that has pictures to post?

What is your objective opinion/experience with each of these cars in terms of reliability and maintenability (costs/year), etc, while using these everyday?
Did I miss another alternative?

Thanks for the help

 

In my own opinion, go for the GranSport or a Coupé GT. They are really daily drivers, more performant than others and less expensive than a 456. With my experience, I would not go for a Coupé CC because of the too smooth CC software. If you can manage a stick, the GT is a very good car, not expensive at all.

I never tried a non-skyhook Coupé. But if you lower the car, the result is very good (my previous M was a 2002, my actual is a 2003). If you want to track your car regularly you have to tune it up further by replacing the sway bars and maybe the suspensions.

 

Your price range determines the following:
If you are a car enthusiast, and like cars with a storied history then I would say no to the M3 (too prosaic).
If you want to drive the car on a regular basis I'd say forget the 456. The early 456s had their problems and it is not a daily driver. You will regret buying it.
That leaves the Maserati and the Porsche. Given your price range, and the fact you want to drive it on a regular basis I'd opt for the 911. I have owned both, and still do, and the 911 is the more sensible choice. The Maserati has a little more room than the 911, but I've had car seats and booster seats in both....and it is doable. The 911 has a wonderful history, and generally is extremely reliable as it piles on the miles. The Maserati is the passionate choice, but probably will offer a few more headaches. The decision may also in part depend on access to dealers.
Just my .02.

 

I sold my e46 m3 to get into an '04 Maser. C.C. and you cannot compare the two cars, as they are completely in different classes. Think high strung boy racer (also due to be replaced by the e92 model), compared to the 'gentleman's Ferrari. The Maserati is probably the most logical choice between the remainder of your choices as the Porsche will probably lead you to wanting more after driving the Maser. There truly is no replacement for the growl of the V8 with a modified exhaust. It puts a silly smile on your face that you just can't wipe off. After redoing the exhaust system on my car I can't remmember if I even turned the radio on anymore.
Interestingly enough, I just sold my Maserati due to the fact that I was not driving it enough after our daughter came, but there is plenty of room for a car seat.
Expect some expenses ie. $3000 clutch change at around 15k miles give or take 5k miles. Tire changes every 12k, and brakes around 20k.
Great daily driver but remember that the model is due to be completely change next year.

 

Having owned an '04 M3, '04 CC and now an '05 GranSport with a 5 year old I can offer some opinions.

I agree that the m3 and the Mas are in two total different classes of cars. I thought the M3 would be a better daily driver. I sold my CC to a co worker when i got my 360 spider. I suddenly missed my CC a lot. So in search of finding a replacement i went through a cls500, 745, m3, drove a 911 c4s for a weekend and finally ended up with my '05 Gransport and can't be happier.

The 911 is just too small with car seats. If my daughter sat in the back without a seat/booster she fit well, but with the high lap position of the belt, it just didn't fit her well without her being in a booster. But when she was in the booster it pushed her feet out too far. With no other passenger you could move the seat up, but with my wife in the car as well, it just didnt work well. - Driving, was a blast, great feel, tight, fast, enjoyed it.

M3 - I had the convertible. While she fit ok, she didnt fit any better than in the CC or Gransport. If the seat belt could stay in the strap that holds the seat belts from flapping in the wind, it would have been great, but not exactly meant to be left in there and therefore belt position was too high up on her chest cutting into her neck. In terms of driving, i was somewhat disappointed. First drives were great, but being a daily driver of 50Miles+RT it got old, and was very harsh to me on the ride. It just wasn't "fun" to drive.

CC - This was a great car. Only had minor issues with it. A business partner had an '03 with no issues. I was able to have myself 6'2" my business partner of the same height, my 5 yr old daughter and his 3 yr old son all in the car and taking the kids to school. While not a lot of room on the way to school, there was still enough to be comfortable. But once you dropped them off, the rest of the ride into work was a joy. As mentioned above, when i got my 360 spider I sold the CC not thinking I'd need to "fun" cars.

GranSport - Needless to say i missed the feel and handling of the CC and wanted something fun for a daily driver again. After much searching, i came back to Maserati and got an '05 GS with 4k on it. Amazing car. Never thought there would be too much difference between the CC and the GS but there is. Best part is, that my daughter fits great as well in it just like the CC. If you want i will take pics of her in the back seat so you can see how well she fits. Overall, i actually enjoy driving the CC/GS more than the 360. While a total different drive/feel/etc. the quickness of the GS and your ability to flick it around corners with the light rear end make it a joy to drive, especially as a daily driver.

Sorry for the long winded post, but since I've owned/driven most of the options thought I'd let you know my thoughts.

Joe

 

I'm interested to hear your comments about the GranSport being better to drive than the 360. It is such a shock to hear that, can you comment in more detail?
I love my GranSport but wonder if "I'm missing something" by not having a Ferrari (which no doubt someday I'll take the plunge and buy). I have seen a number of comments on these boards about people who used to have a CC and got rid of it for a F-car or Lambo, but regret the loss of the Maserati.

 

I have an '02 360 Spider F1 as well as the GS. The GS just feels much lighter and easier to "whip" around the corners per say. In my opinion in stock form the GS feels the road more.

The 360 is in a whole different class of cars, it truly is an amazing car. The feel, the fit/finish. With the tubi on it, it sounds like an F1 racer. It's a great car. But as a "fun" car to drive, I still say the GS is more fun to drive. If you like the sport feel, the feel of virtually driving a big refined go-cart is how i somewhat compare the GS too.

I just had the 360 out tonight and still enjoy driving it greatly and it still puts an amazing smile on your face and pleasure within you while driving it.

Make sense? Shoot me a PM if you'd like to chat further.

Joe

 

My current problem is that the wife thinks that Maseratis are like Ferraris: insane maintenance costs because of total lack of reliability and service shops robberies (this guy has a nice car so we will make him pay through the nose).
Hence she thinks M3 or PC4S... I need help to convince her;

Any hard maintenance numbers on 1 or 2 years old daily driver?
Any major faulty items (clutch?) to watch for and plan for regular replacement?

Thanks in advance,

 

Well, given that my new Gransport has a comprehensive 4yr/50K mile warranty I have no significant concerns about big repair costs. Regular maintenance and upkeep will probably average ~$2K/yr in my guesstimate (tires every 15K miles at about $1500/4 tires, oil change every 5K miles at a couple hundred bucks, new clutch at 15-20K miles).
The big items are covered, the little things shouldn't factor into the decision to buy or not. What should factor in is the very stark realization that someday that little gnawing pain in your belly may represent pancreatic cancer....and then it will be tooooo late.
"Live like your dying."
You won't regret it.

 

456- Outrageous maintenance costs.

911- Great car but not sure if I'd take it over a 4200.

M3- Boring for the money IMO, very common car and don't care much for the community.

CC- For the money it's the best choice.

I can get into detail if you'd like as to why the 4200 CC is the best choice.