I say 996tt awsome car!!!

 

Another vote for the turbo! great deals out there, and a fun car to mod. You will grow tired of a NA much much quicker than the tt. Be weary you will look like this guy while driving though.

 

You would wish you've gotten a turbo if you buy any other cars on your list. Since your budget can't reach a 997tt, 996TT is the most logical choice.

 

You will live the TT, 2 months into my 993 ownership I was pricing out SC upgrades (expensive)...You can add nice power with the TT with a flash/exhaust and be very satisfied.

I was looking for a 996 4S and realized for a few more bucks the turbo was within reach. You wont regret going this route.

Good luck!

 

Many thanks for everyone's input!

Overwhelming support for the tt, it seems - hmm, I wonder if that has anything to do with where I posted this

So I went out and drove a 996 tt at a dealer today ... OMG, what a difference to the Carrera I drove yesterday (even though that was an X51).

I was hooked when I first drove an '05 C2, then drove an '06 S and didn't really notice much of a difference, but this is a completely different league. 4WD makes a big difference too I'm sure, but boy - what an eye opener... for the same price of an 05 C2, so much more car

 

You certainly test drove the cars in the correct order to see the differences first hand. See, we weren't all just blowing smoke after all?

Congratulations on your decision...which was obviously the one we were hoping for here in the 996TT section.

 

ok, TT's I looked at were either too high or too beat up, so I decided on this one as my first P-car (seemed like a great car for the money). Just drove it home and loved every second of it. I might join you guys in a few years, but for now this will be my first Porsche...

Thanks again for everyone's input!

'03 C2, Artic Silv/black full lthr
53k mi
X51
M030
18"
PSM
exhaust hack
Sport Seats
alcantara roofliner
painted mid console
silver instrument surrounds
Bose hi end
bi-xenon
2 owners, complete service records
RMS/IMS seals done
6k mi on clutch, brakes, and tires

 

Nice! Congrats, now let's see some pics!

 

it's been raining cats and dogs here, will take pics as soon it stops

 

Congratulations on your new-to-you Porsche. I'm sure you'll have tons of fun with that car in the years to come, and the turbo models will be waiting for you next time.