Ok guys, here we go again. I'm getting bored so I'm wandering to the "should I" mode again. So, here's the deal. I've got a decked out SUV as a DD and the 996 C4S (Twin Turbo'd of course....), but am getting the itch sometimes to combine the benefits of each in to ONE so I have the best of both worlds wrapped in to one nice package. I like the functionality of the SUV (the space, use in the snow, and just the fact that I get to enjoy as much time as I can on the road with my son/family). BUT BUT BUT, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the C4S, it's power, it's handling, it's looks and just overall the car......especially the sound.

I see some guys have made the transition over from Porsche to BMW M5's and other cars, but I'm afraid I'll make the move and regret it a short time later. I don't track the car, drive it only for about 100-150 miles once, maybe twice a week, and most importantly, I am not able to take my son with me b/c of the roll-bar, but also, I just don't want to risk having him in such a small car even if Porsche makes baby seats specifically for these cars. So, here's what I've been toying with in terms of ideas:

2007/8 MB SL550 (I'm seeing these go for high $30's w/ 50K miles on them)
2007 BMW M5
2003 - 2007 MB E55/63
2006+ BMW X5/M 4.4i
2007+ MB ML55/63
2006+ Range Rover Sport Supercharged
2006+ Porsche Cayenne Turbo
2008+ Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

I know, the last one is so off the wall, but seriously, a great contender when it comes to bang for the buck. Here's my concern, I'm looking for something that is as reliable as the Porsche. Higher mileage is something I am okay with, so long as the car will last to 150-200K miles. I KNOW, I SOUND CRAZY, but I don't see why not. If 996TT's are going for this kind of high mileage, why wouldn't other german cars if they are taken care of. I'd like to stick to about $40-45K, but optimally, high $30's. The Porsche is paid off and the truck I can basically get out of as a trade for what I owe on it. I'm not interested in sinking money anymore in depreciable assets...........for the time being.........

I'm also open to other suggestions, but thought I would get some opinions of folks who either own, have owned or know someone who has owned any of the cars listed above and any feedback (positive or negative) for me to consider from a mechanical/electrical perspective, as well as "You're gonna wish you never got rid of the Porsche perspective.....

Thanks in advance guys.

 

Call me Berk...I have an 06 RRS Supercharged and have done some minor mods. I love the vehicle and have since a year before i actually bought it (i lusted after it almost as much as the Porsche) new in 06.....but the porsche makes me really appreciate the 2 for what they are....dont get rid of the 996....it is unique and stunning...Just put the champions back on and enjoy it when you can.

I feel like i now have the best of both worlds a realatively quick functional and yes reliable SUV (there are some guys on that forum with 150K on them and no problems)as my dd and my 997c2s just for me when i have time for some fun!

 

Also keep in mind if you look to moving into a "sporty" SUV you may lose some winter weather ability. On that list the range will probably do the best of both worlds IMO. I would knock out any Benz since they are auto. You would HAVE to put winter tires on the Cayenne turbo if you will be doing any snow driving (speaking from experience) Tell you the truth Berk, I think you pretty much have the optimal line up as is. An awesome sports car and a daily you can use for anything. With your list you are almost sacrificing something with every option.

 

I like where you are going w/ this.....I'll call you tomorrow.....Sounds like one vote for the 06RRSSC.....absolutely LOVE the look of those trucks.....question is, can it tow the Porsche? Has anyone looked in to this???

......and the second vote for the RRSSC.....I'd be open to putting winter tires on the Cayenne Turbo....one thing I liked about that truck is I've noticed it has the towing capacity to haul the Porsche in the back w/ a lightweight trailer......can the RRSSC do that too? If so, even better!!!!

Thanks for the replies guys..... two rep points coming over your way!!!!

 

Actually - One question - on the Range Rover Sport Supercharged trucks, any years to avoid, any mechanical issues to be aware of, etc. I'd most likely want to pick one up that is CPO'd, and/or may consider the new models.....LOVING the look of those LED Lights on front and back now. Wondered why it took so many years for them to implement that in to all the other models outside the standard RR's.

 

Oh - BTW - not a SC'd one, but am LOVING this one.....close to the parents house up in NJ as well....may check it out....

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

 

I've said this in other threads about the Rovers. A guy I know is a rover mechanic and he said he would never own one. They all go in for model specific problems. They are more status then they are functional. I have yet to see one at the track as a tow vehicle.

As far as your list goes and your desire to always tinker, the jeep is the best $ to HP ratio. You will gain tremendous hp for at least 1/3 the expense of the euros. Your part-out going back to stock will also yield you a higher return. I did this with both the cobra and a diesel truck over the past two years.

 

Berk, you already know how I feel about the switch from Porsche to BMW M5. If you aren't interested in dumping more money into assets that depreciate, why don't you just wait a bit and see if the itch passes? Prices for SUV's will be at their highest right now, and sports cars at their lowest. Spring might be a better time to make this kind of move anyway.

 

Berk I would second what Scott said about the Rover, way overrated and in my opinion terrible in the snow, hell there was one stuck in the snow last year on our road and I had to help the poor chap out with my Wrangler.

To add to this my in-law is a Head Master Tech for Manhattan and you should see the amount of times he has a Rover bought in to his private premises for work

I've pondered this fact a few times and my advice would be to keep what you have.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

One thing to keep in mind with the Jeep SRT8 is that the exhaust is centered on the back of the vehicle where the tow hitch is usually located. I've owned an X5 and is was a very nice SUV, however I used my 3/4 Ton Crew Cab to tow. I would not in any case sell the C4S.

 

Isn't the first rule of modding to replace exhaust and cold air intake? That's an easy one. Hella cheaper on the Jeep than the euros, and very DIY, too.

 

I agree...Rover for status...it is junk
Keep the Porsche...ehem, look at me.
Don't get the SRT, you are just getting that for power, it has no use in inclement weather.
I might sound bad but stay smart on this...you know that you like your porsche...stay with it, you sunk enough money into it. get something that is USEFUL like the regular jeep or just an american made truck that can tow, can get into the crap weather, etc, etc, etc...

You'll see...I am just coming around to understanding what I want in my garage and seeing that my super modding days are over and it is time to enjoy the great vehicles I have with minor mods and be happy. I'll probably get some kind of truck in the future and if I am lucky it'll be some Ram truck that I'll beat up on when towing stuff or moving stuff..nothing fancy because I am good to go in my garage.

M

 

As much as I love the RRSSC, everyone I know that has one says it's a love/hate relationship. They tend to have a lot of problems, but when they're working they are great cars.

I've thought about this a few times; if I wanted a sport SUV which would I got with? The RR, X6/X5M and the Cayenne Turbo are my top 3, but I couldn't decide what to go with.

I say shop around drive them all, and look for the best deal!

 

Yeah, I'm with Mike. Had a F250 superduty diesel, king cab, full bed. Dumbed it down to a Lincoln navi and have ended up with the most comfortable truck I have ever owned. The F150. F250 was way too big and the wife refused to drive it. The navi was more show than it was a tow vehicle or all around work truck (1 acre here). The F150 can do absolutely everything I need it to do. Lifted, Nitto Grapplers, blacked out, exhaust and cold air, Edge tune kit to shift on the fly and I have plenty to dump into the other toys. All these parts can easily be removed and put into the next updated truck at anytime.

Decide what your real use will be and go from there.

 

One idea is to find a CPO 06 BMW X5 4.8is. Good deals are out there and it rocks IMO.

I added an '06 BMW X5 4.8is a few years ago. Truely amazing vehicle and I love it for handling, quickness (there are faster but it's good), braking and BMW driving dynamics.

The 4.8is was a 2004 to 2006 model designation. Upgrade over the '02-'03 4.6is and over the 4.4i X5's. The 4.8is is essentially a faster, better handling counter to the 4.4i plus it comes fully loaded with just about everything you order individually on the 4.4.

6k towing capabilities, excellent in the snow (I have a winter set of tires in the stock size) and has been very reliable.

0-60 - 5.9 secs
1/4 mile - 14.5 secs
70 to 0 - 168 feet

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 293 cu in, 4799cc
Power (SAE net): 355 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 360 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

From Car and Driver "Fitted with the X5 sport-suspension package and spinning low-profile dubs—absurdly large (275/40R-20s in front and 315/35R-20s in back)—it's no shocker that the 4.8is doesn't pitch and roll to excess and pulls 0.83 g on the skidpad. The surprise was ride quality that is less punishing than we had anticipated on Michigan's awful roads."