What should my next car be?

BoxsterCharlie · 03-25-04, 06:33

These “what should I buy” posts are always fun, so I’m going to put mine up here.

I’ve had the Boxster for almost 3 years now, since new, and it has been awesome. This was a car I had to dream, save, and wait for nearly a year to get. I have absolutely no regrets, the car has improved my life, introduced me to a great group of people, and improved my driving skills.

Now I’m ready to take the next step. The car which felt so godlike in power delivery (217 hp/ 2,750 lbs) compared with my old Integra is now well within my skills and I can safely move up the ladder—and want to.

Not all of this is performance. Practical considerations dictate that my next car needs a hard roof with better year-round visibility and long highway trip comfort. But storage room or seating is not a big deal (although I do feel a little cramped in the Boxster because of the firewall right behind the seats), so I don’t need to go the BMW route. I want a pure sports car. Also, my preference is for refinement over raw power.

My budget is $30K-50K, and the closer I can stick to $40K the better.

Here are is my list, in order of preference (but not having driven ANY of these):

1) Used 1999-2000 Porsche 911 (996) C2 Coupe. I sit in these, and I feel at home. Just like the Boxster, but better room and visibility—plus much more power. I don’t care what the traditionalists say, I much prefer the 996 over the 993. I’d buy the best example I could afford. My biggest challenge would be to find a good one in any color that is NOT silver; 80% of them are silver it seems!

2) Lotus Elise. This is the car everyone in Europe has been talking about for years. If I can deal with the small interior and lack of storage room (plus the styling is weird), I’m sure the driving is as good as everyone says.

3) Chevy Corvette C6. This is a big car but is a terrific engineering effort. This is the first Corvette which I can see myself in.

4) Subaru STi or Mitsubishi Evo. Not really my style, but I’ve ridden in an STi and it is an unbelievable driver.

Carl Anderson · 03-25-04, 07:01

Have you driven an e46 BMW M3 coupe? That is my current obsession. It has fantastic handling, 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, and more creature comforts than the Porche or any of the cars you have listed. I've had my Jet Blk on Imola Red 03 M3 for a year and a half now and love it. I'm not an expert, but have driven 911s, and really do prefer the M3.

Carl

reevis · 03-25-04, 07:17

Audi RS6. Saw one of these on the street last week.

Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm....tasty.

But of the ones you listed: 996

IanO · 03-25-04, 07:21

Seeing as you only had your Boxster for three years before getting something else, I would guess that this new car will only be kept for around that same time frame. In that case I would suggest avoiding the C6 as you will get killed on the depreciation of them (or try and find a Z06 that has already taken the depreciation hit).

Also, you seem to be happy with the Boxster so maybe the 996 is a good bet. It's already taken the initial depreciation hit and will never lose as much value as the other cars on your list. Plus it's a riot to drive and can handle almost as well as your Boxster

Ice9 · 03-25-04, 07:24

According to all accounts, the Elise would be an awesome car although it is considerably smaller than the Boxster. If you feel cramped in the Boxster you will feel much more cramped in the Elise.

Have you thought about the RX-8? I haven't driven one, but I have heard very good things. I think it hits your requirement of more refined, true sports car than high hp car. I think they have a unique look that would be fun to detail too.

Good luck and keep everyone posted. If you want to find a good used 996, check out the classifieds at Rennlist.com. There are always a number of different colors available. I personally like the dark gray/silver.

Max

bjwebster · 03-25-04, 07:27

996. 996, 996, As You Can See, My Preference Would Be 996. I Think The Elise Will Be A Great Car, But Im Not To Sure As Far As Refinement Goes.
The 996 will have the added room, the refineement, be extremely quick, and be great fun to drive.

Mr. Clean 2K · 03-25-04, 07:32

Me being a larger guy would rule out all but the vette.. Nice room and nice handling. You can pick one up a year or two old for a nice price too....

Used Viper

Rear Drive, Large Engine, Loud Exhaust....

brerpie · 03-25-04, 07:35

Check out the 2004 Acura TL!

IanO · 03-25-04, 07:49

Quote:

Originally posted by brerpie
Check out the 2004 Acura TL!

It's a nice car but it's totally different from anything that he mentioned above. And as much as I like them I find it hard to get used to the massive torque steer after driving a rear wheel drive car.

percynjpn · 03-25-04, 09:07

The only car in the world worth considering is the ASTON MARTIN DB9 COUPE. If your budget restricts you in that regard, I recommend you continue the expansion of your savings until said automobile becomes economically viable.

In my case, I will have purchased mine by the year 2013.

Lowejackson · 03-25-04, 10:06

The Lotus is mindblowing but not a very practical car, the Evo is super fast but I feel it lacks driver control, it is almost to easy to drive at very high speeds.

If you like your Porsche, why not a 911

Lowejackson · 03-25-04, 10:08

Bentley Continental R, very fast, very refined but very expensive. Only been in one and I was a passanger but wow, what a car. Nice paintwork as well.