Looking at either a E36 M3 or older 911. I would want a turbo, but I'm not sure how reliable they are, so I kind of want to stick to an NA 911. I would be going to school and work, which is like a 5-7 min drive from my house.

I just want to know which one would you pick. I've never drove an older 911 yet, or E36 M3. I've found a couple of clean E36 examples for less then 12K, but they were high mile versions. Would I be able to find an older 911 for around the same price? Sorry for the n00b questions.

 

Keeping $$ in mind, the E36 M3 is going to be a better choice. You aren't going to find a 930 in good shape that will be reliable for under $25k. Even if you do find a good example, the car is going to be expensive to maintain.

Finding a 964 (N/A) in good condition for the same price as an E36 M3 is also going to be near impossible. As far as power, the E36 M3 should be able to run closely with most any 964. Finally, the E36 M3 has relatively cheap parts and maintenance is easy with a Bentley and the BMW forums out there.

I might be biased as I have owned (2) E36s and still own my '95 E36 M3. The last E36 I owned was a 332 (325 shell with M3 underpinnings, motor, interior) that with a GT35R turbo thumped out 535whp and was an absolute monster on the highway.