Thanks for all the advice!

I drove an '02 996 C2 today and it felt really solid. I really liked it.

One thing I'm a little concerned about: do you ever feel like you get looked at funny while driving your "flashy" car?

 

only if you're a funny looking guy

 

Fritz B - I think this is a good question. I actually thought about this for while before picking mine up. In the past friends or co-workers would make comments about "guys who drive Porsche's". But honestly I came to the realization... let them think what they want....the car is a blast to drive. I have owned a handful of nice cars in the past and although it is not the fastest or quickest car it has been the best handling and most fun on the street for me. So far I have received nothing but positive response. Thumbs up, "Hey man nice car", etc.... With that said I think you have to be prepared for the added attention,
Positive or negative...

 

Agreed, definitely more attention-getting - I went thru this when I got my Speed Yellow 996 C2 last year. I got more attention driving/parking than I was ever used to no matter where I seemed to go...just drive/park closer to cars that are more expensive

It's all relative tho...it's not like it's a Lambo or Ferrari, those scream attention...and in the Pcar world the c2 ain't like a GT3 either

 

Listen if you can afford it I'd suggest you go with a 996.2 it will be a little more current and there should not be much of a price difference.

 

Did you pose this question on a BMW board? Of course they would say the M3. Prior to the Porsche I owned a M-Coupe. You can't lose with either choice.

 

It all comes down to personal preference.
If you need the room of a sports limousine or if you want a sports car.

In terms of the driving experience:
BMWs are well balanced. I'd say they're easier to drive than 911s. But the rear engine layout of the 911 makes it more fun in my personal opinion. Also gives you so much grip on the rear wheels and nothing brakes like a 911.

For your budget I second with Sid, go for a 996 Mark 2. Maybe you can even find a good C4S for 30k. I doubt a TT in decend condition will be sold for that low...

 

I have an '02 C4 Cab and love it.
I have to let you know that I do get looked at in a weird way. I am also a young guy, so it may seem inappropriate for myself to be driving an expensive car. I really try not to pay attention to the looks, but it does happen and it's uncomfortable. Leaving the top up helps a little, but yes it is flashy and that is my one gripe with the car. I live in NYC by the way.

 

I have a real clean 01 996 c2 low miles 44k 6 spd triple blk coupe i'm going to sell, looking for $ 27.5

 

Sounds something like I went through. Went in for a Viper. Walked out with a '04 C4S Cab. Best decision I ever made.

 

An E46 M3 will never feel like a sedan. It just feels out of sorts and bumpy at any speed.

If you want a fun, fast sedan - you'll want an AMG. If you want a sports car, get a sports car rather than a comprimised sedan.

 

i don't think AMG has a same budget as an M3 e46

 

Sure, you can get a C55 for similar cash.

 

Actually Slashmatt is correct not only the C55 AMG model but also a CLK55 AMG and a few others(SLK32AMG) for the range of 18-26K. True story the car I looked at and drove before I bought a 911 is a black CLK55 AMG a beast of a car but I am glad I didn't because I found out parts are higher than a 911 in some cases! Even though the Mercedes was thousands less than mine in the end it will end up costing you a lot more in the long haul.

 

LOL - I'm new to this forum (at least as far as activity - I joined when I bought my Boxster S a while ago), but I've driven or owned far more bimmers and benzes than I have Porsches.