It's only worth noting because Mike wants a convertible.

Buy a Boxster S. This month's Excellence Magazine has a few tips on which years got the improvements that you want.

JR

Rules in the US suck sometimes... there are loads of cars out there to be had on the second hand market that are as safe and efficient as anything else on the road here, but they can't be registered in the US (until age 25) because of regulations and certification. Unless you have the $$$ to federalize it or go through a professional broker of course.

edit: Things aren't as bad if it's a make / model / engine that was sold here during that model year. Unfortunately Alfas have been gone for a long time.

928S4 all day long for under 20 grand. Nothing on earth can match it's bang for the buck, and certainly not any 911. You can get a very well sorted late model S4 5 speed for about $15k (which means you can have a very well sorted supercharged 450+hp 928S4 for $20k).

There are a ton of cars for $20k or less that i'd love to own though. Some that, again, would give a far bigger bang for the buck return than a 911, at least IMO. I too would opt for a boxster over a 911.

As much as I genuinely like the 928, a 996 or E46 M3 has it beat in the under $20k department. With a lower price range the 928 becomes more compelling due to less competition.

I think a 928S4 is more car than an E46 M3, but i'd gladly take either. :)

Go turbo scoob!

Never thought I'd see the day when Sniper recommends a car other than a 928... :eek:

Mike - the more I think about it, the more I think you should at least check out the AMG SLK's.

-Z-man.

Try this.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...Picture023.jpg
+
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...1/P1050631.jpg
+
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...urboLarge2.jpg
= no more boredom with your 911.

Let alone one that was forced to look like one.

You guys are incredible! I hadn't been considering the Boxster due to maintenance and repair concerns...I had thought they were not all that DIY friendly and were expensive to repair. Are my preconceived notions off base? I saw an ad posted on Cars.com, in my area, for a 2002 Boxster, with factory hard top for $18.5 K (about 55K miles).

The Miata is actually pretty nice although it felt more plastic than the S2K. Despite that, I do like the car, although the undeserved "girl car" image is a bit off putting (stupid reason not to really consider the car, I know).

If I do go the ricer route, can I still post on PP from time to time?

Mike

I would want a convertible that handles well. ;)

I LOVE the 928. i dont think its exotic any more than a 911 is...but, i think they are way cool. first porsche i ever drove (at 14). ;) and yea, i think you can get a beautiful 928 if your willing to spend 20K on one after all is said and done..

-still think the 911 SC or 3.2 is alot more fun though :D:D:D

i think the poster is looking for something less of a headache and a 928 can certainly make your head ache bad when things go wrong

I have a friend with a bone stock 2004 S2k - my 3.2 is just a tiny bit faster.
The only problem I have with the S2000 is the engine sound... it just doesn't compare to a flat six.
Can you get an Evo VIII for under $20k yet?

I have a former PP friend who has a race 944 and he bought an EVO, if you're a tuner, what you can do is incredible in terms of timing, valves, fuel, waste gates. Does it on the computer and then download to a fob that he plugs into the dash. Space age stuff. And great handling, A/C and sound system.

What about a first gen WRX STI? Can they be had for under 20K yet? I have to believe so. They are pretty dang reliable, as long as they haven't been beaten on too bad.

To each his own, but after a short while I suspect you would be underwhelmed with a Japanese "sporty" car after getting used to a 911. Unless you're set on a roadster, something like an M3 might also be worth contemplating. Parts for the M cars are up there with Porsche prices, though.

Any car is DIY. Wayne is working on a Boxter book right now. (My neighbor DIYs a Ferrari)

Nothing wrong with the Miata... BUT one day you'll want to sell it and the Honda will be easier to move.
Not to mention Honda's legendary reliability.

I suggested an M3, not a Sebring.:)

Mike, for $18500 you can pretty easily find a Boxster S. It's way more car for the money.

Has anyone mentioned Boxster S?

Or maybe a Boxster with the S package? I'm pretty sure you could buy a Boxster S for under $20K and it would handle as well as any Porsche.

A Boxster S would be another good alternative.