Been shopping for 6 months trying to think of my next car, but can't seem to make up my mind. Have no desire to spend more than $60k, so here are the cars I've considered:

(For the record, I LOVE the 997S and will probably buy one again later on, but what to try something different for now)

1. Audi RS4: love the look and sound, but unsure about resale and reliability. I see used RS4s dropping like crazy and some reliability concerns on this forum (although with warranty, shouldn't be an issue). Also, I'm not sold on this car stirring up as much driving pleasure as the C2S, but it is definitely a front-runner.

2. Audi S5: love the look of this car inside and out and these have been holding their value well. Driving wise, I'm told that it will be a far "detached" experience relative to the C2S, but I don't know since the dealers never have any and not sure if buy-before-try is even an option here.

3. E92 M3: on par with the RS4, but I've owned too many BMWs before and really want to try my first Audi. Test drove the sedan and it was great. I'd buy this car if I didn't believe the car would lose 10k+ in the next year.

4. 02 or 03 M5: call it nostalgia, but i've always loved this body style and i love seeing them on the road with tasteful mods. of course, this would be a money-saving option, but i'd be out of warranty and I've heard some horror stories. Still and under $30k for some I've seen with less than 40k miles....seems like a steal.

Before the C2S, I have had 2 E46 M3s and a 330Ci (enjoyed them all, but the C2S is really a whole new world), an S2000 (will never forget!) and a number of SUVs peppered in there

Hoping you guys have some other recommendations that might be interesting. I thought about a Z06 or maybe even the new CTS-V, but the former seems to suffering the same depreciation and the latter will likely surpass the $60k line. I've ruled out the cayman simply because I'd rather just stick with the C2S if I stay with Porsche.

I'm not a track guy and I do put value into a car's interior and gadgets. Largely why the S5 and new M3 are front-runners. I have a beater 4runner (that I love too!) so AWD is not absolutely necessary. The rain here in Seattle is frequent, but RWD is not impossible to live with as a DD.

Anyway - I'll stop the rambling. Need your thoughts!

Thanks in advance.

 

hi ,i had a 2006 997 cab.for a number of reasons i no longer have it. but i wanted to buy a car that was fast and at most no more than 50k out the door.i picked somthing not on ur list,2008 corvette with the z51 brakes and suspension upgrades ,optional exhuast,wheels.the car makes 436 stock.i have had it dyno tested it gets 375 to the wheels.again i see all ur options are german.and i still love p-cars.but for the "MONEY" it truly is hard to find a better sports car.i only say this after driving my c6 for 9 months and 21000 miles later.best of luck with what ever you get.but give the vette a try u might like it.

 

I am not sure what is going on. You love your 997S but just have the itch for something different- I get that. But your list of cars you are considering are all lesser vehicles than the one you are in.

Why not just buy some new wheels (HRE) for your 997S, or get a TechArt bodykit if you've got the itch for something. But to move to an Audi sedan, a 6 year old M5, a 4 year old M3, well, I don't get it.

I think you'll regret it in short order.

 

carmos: thanks for your insight. i actually had the vette on my list but forgot to mention it (that and the GT500). i haven't driven either, but will do (maybe even the Z06?). thanks again.

cattman: appreciate your input as well. you're right, there really is not logic to it other than just wanting to try something different! i tried modding before but found it only delayed my itch a month or so. starting again on the C2S with a fabspeed muffler and a line on a set of HREs, but i just get this sinking feeling that i'll feel the same after and just want to switch anyway. again, no logic, just how i feel. i went from a 60k M3 to a 22k S2000 and still enjoyed myself for 2 years! BTW: the M3 I'm considering is the new M3, not the e46...and if I got it, it'd be the coupe.

 

Does it have to be German? Because that GT-R is a beast.

 

Definitely doesn't have to be German. Frankly, if they could capture the driving experience of the S2K in a slightly bigger car with more more torque for under 60k, i'd seriously consider it.

GT-R's over the 60k threshold. Love the look and all the great reviews/press, but looking/waiting to see if the car's mechanical and service concerns and price stabilize.

Few more I forgot to add are 993 C2S, C4S, or Turbo (prolly high miles).

 

I had a C2S and now have a 07 997tt and an 08 M3 . I also had a 2000 M5 (great car/too big/family type car/ wasn't ready at the time-- traded in only three months after I bought it) .

Honestly --I would keep your current car unless it was giving you problems . It's that good,you already have it , and once gone I feel you will miss it .

The M3 is a great car . Compared to the 997S it is "something different" which was your posted idea . It's fast , practical, great sound system , comfortable and out of your choices my favorite .

I only bought it above the 997S because a two Porsche household needed more space and my girlfriend was supposed to be the primary driver but with her driving distances and the gas consumption it's now her weekend car .

I hate to say this --sometimes "different " isn't necessarily better . I can't imagine a long term period of no Porsche (my longest was 18 months without one).

 

Cattman +1

 

I like the 08 RS4 Cabrio. They are already 60K used. Take a look at the latest European Cars mag. They review the MB, M3 and RS4. I love my C2S, but also like the practicality of the RS4.

 

Do yourself a favor and drive a Z06. I bought an 08 and it's incredible.

 

+100.

Ever since I got my first 911 in 1996, I always have a 911 in my garage, and probably always will in the future.

Looking at your list, don't think any of them will drive as well as your 997.

 

Also, have you looked into sending your car to Ruf and letting them just go crazy with it? It's expensive, but the gains are pretty impressive.
http://rufautocentre.com/conversions/997.asp

 

Wow, you guys ever see green interior before ? Never saw this color LOL.

http://rufautocentre.com/gallery/gal...0&box=&shownew=

 

Obviously someone liked it - but I think it looks hideous! What were they trying to do? Match someones tree green air freshener??

 

It makes you feel as if you are driving inside a turtle.