Hey all,

I consider myself a lurker as I don't post daily like some of you hardcore enthusiasts!

I currently am driving an 08 Rabbit 5spd, and want a weekend cruiser in a year or so after I move out to AZ and start a new job. I am doing my research now and looking around to see what I can get.

My current ideas are:

996TT
996C2
E46 M3 Competition Pack
Cayman or Cayman S (New)
E92 M3 (New)
Lotus Elise/Exige

I want something I can cruise around town, go on spirited drives with, do occasional track days, and also take on short trips from Phoenix to Cali or Phoenix to Vegas for a weekend.

Any advice?

I have been looking at P-cars and some others, mainly b/c I'm impartial to the VW/Audi/Porsche, etc marque!

*I crossed a used 328 or 355 Ferrari off my list as maintenance is unbearable for me right now*

 

don't plan on spending money you don't yet have ... but perhaps that's just my problem... I would cross out the Cayman and the Lotus and try to decide between the porsche and the M3

 

if you want room for luggage .. go with the M3 .. you cant go wrong ..

If you want nothing but..FUN .. then.. 996TT!!!

 

I'm just looking at my options. Big issue is how much I should plan on spending on maintenance for a 996TT

 

I wouldn't discount the Cayman so quickly. It's an amazing drive. May be my next Pcar. I currently have stage 2 996TT.

 

Maintenance wont be much more than an M3 as long as you keep up the oil changes. 30k will set you back about a grand, and each oil change (which can easily be done yourself) runs about $200-300. Save for the Turbo, performance wise nothing else can touch it!

 

Well if you decide you want an M3, mine is for sale here in AZ. The only problem is it is a cab. Not really a problem but if you plan on tracking the car, probably better off with a coupe.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ksid=p3907.m32

 

Not to mention the market is currently flooded with Turbos, mine included, so if you wait long enough, you can find exactly what you want at a great price!

 

Depends on your budget and how willing you are to deal with incidental repairs.

In my opinion the 996 Carrera is a screaming bargain and the 2002s onwards are pretty solid. But the Turbo would be my choice. You can proabably get one thats CPOd (2 yr warranty) from the dealer in the 60s and that way you'd have peace of mind for the 2 years. The E92 M3 I hear is a phenomenal car, but for the same price I'd still prefer a 6 year old Turbo ... just my preference.

 

I was toying around inside the E92 and it just didn't do it for me like a 996 or any P-car, for that matter. It's a great car - but still a 3-series coupe, but with a huge thirsty (and new) V8. The 996 and 911 in general is tried and tested and in my opinion still a 'supercar.'

Thanks for the advice!

 

go with the turbo

 

Have driven the Elise on a number of occasions. It is a really fun car, but an entirely different animal compared to the 996TT. I find my butt tires of the Elise seats if I am in there for awhile. The cabin is also a tight fit for two big people. It is also not that easy to get in and out of , especially with the hard top all buttoned up. If you are looking for a light, quick car for short runs on tight, twisty roads, the Elise is a blast. It has great feel and, sticks to the road like no other. However, you say you are looking for a 'cruiser.' The Elise is definitely not a cruiser.

I do like the Cayman S. A lot. In fact that was my first choice as I began my search five months ago. In the end, I purchased an '04 996TT Cab. So you know where my vote is! I just felt the performance upgrade to a turbo from the Cayman was huge and the cost differential not that big.

KC

 

I had a RS America and traded it for a 06 M3 competition package thinking I needed the larger back seat for my kids. I have to say I was disappointed in the overall driving experience with the BMW. It's a great car, but doesn't compare to a Porsche. The RSA was better and the 996 TT is a step above the RS in terms of driving fun. The BMW was much more polished, with more bells and whistles and you can fit your golf clubs in the trunk.

Depends on what your looking for.

As a side note... BMW is a ***** to work with both in buying the car and having it serviced under warrantee (at least here in San Diego). I've always had better service with PCNA.

 

Drove my turbo cross country when I purchased it....you would love driving TT to Vegas or California..it wants to go 100+ all day long...be sure to get a Valentine or equivalent. I averaged 25mpg at 72mph per computer for 700 miles...wifey loved it too, she shared in the driving!

 

Love my Elise as a fun weekend toy. Really depends on what you want. If you're looking for something you can daily or drive long distance, go with the P-car.
I can say this for the Elise, it handles like nothing I've driven before and because it's more rare (and overall just looks pretty cool) it definitely gets gawks which can be a plus or minus depending.