My take is:

1. 996 TT
2. New RS4
3. SL 55
4 997S

I would buy the newest low milage TT you can afford and would only buy 2002 or newer. I would look for one that is totally stock, an X50 would be the best starting point. That way you can decide what mods to make at a later date. The TT does everything well and in stock suspension configuration is a great daily driver. The only downside is it is an older car so you may have some electronic component failures, which can be costly, but if you have a few $1,000 set aside you will be fine.

2. This is the best of all worlds, new car, great handling and engine, faster that what you just had, totally practical, can take it to the track, rides good etc.. This is probably the best option, if you don't object to 4 doors. And these car are available at dealer at a small discount to MSRP. This gives you full warranty and a hell of good car. I would lease it though, as you will take a bath on resale, which is the biggest downside and why I would rate it 2nd.
3. SL 55 is also a great car, but after an M3 I think you will be bored with it quickly. Great in a straight line, but very heavy steering (much heavier than TT). Won't corner up to your liking. Nice daily driver and you can drop the top which is great, but you would be going from a sports car (practical one) to a GT. Car is too heavy for the track, so count track days out.

3. I would not buy a 997S as it is not as stout in the transmission and engine department as the other choices. Steering will be closest to your M3 and it will be a very nice daily driver. But if you plan on any track work you will need to be mindful of the components in the motor.

Overall the 996 TT does everything well (in stock configuration) and was the "most" car when sold new. So focus on finding a newer low milage car in your budget, and get an X50 as you don't pay a large premium for that.

Otherwise the RS4 or the new M3 are good options.

Good luck,

JCM

 

private party already modded. i'm not getting into the politics of the rebuild. my main point is you have no idea what you're buying; if you think it's gonna be cheap b/c of supposed "porsche reliability", you may be in for an expensive awakening.

illm3, you glad you didn't get this car afterall?

- chuck

 

Chuck i would never want to say that to you, but lets just say im not happy you had to go through what you did, or anyone who bought that car That is just horrible, i had a fun bulletproof experience with mine, 10k miles on it and was damn fast too!

 

I just ran across this 05 SL600 for high 70's.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

The 996TT hasn't proven to be nearly reliable enough for track use, but the two I have had have been fine as daily drivers, with the transmission caveat (see below). I have been wishing for the old 996 days, so my next car may be a 997GT3 if I can convince myself to go with Porsche and their track-cars-that-cannot-be-tracked warranty polices.

If you aren’t tracking, do you really need the extra HP of the Turbo? I’m guessing no, so I lean towards the SL55 and the 997.

Incidentally, the M3 is a fine car -- I have chased and lost to many during my DE's. Did you consider the 335i at 350HP or so? The 997 is a step sideways from the M3 and may be a step down from the 335i. The SL55 is a slight step up in luxury and down in raw performance (because of the WEIGHT!), although the HP/torque is much higher. The SL55 is a sharp looking car. The Turbo would be a step up in performance, but I’m worried about the reliability – I have had major transmissions issues and PAG has not stood behind the product.

 

$10K budget for repair on a used 996TT is not enough. Here is my example:
http://www.dinigroup.com/~mdini/tran...ice_2-2-06.pdf
NOT covered under warranty, since I 'abused' the car by tracking it.