Another "Help Me Pick My Next Daily Driver" Thread

[ghost1001]

Not to encourage more debate on the subject....but if I were to be buying a "special" car to DD for $50k and a turbo Porsche was the choice, I would be looking for a 993 turbo….awd, closer to the "original" 911 and highly collectable in 10+ years…..less to go wrong as well.

I would also argue that a well maintained 993 will last far longer with fewer issues than a 996.
Your initial search will be harder, but ultimately more rewarding…..just my 2 cents.

I actually agree the s4 is nothing special, but it makes a great DD.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I would agree that the 993TT will better hold it's value, but ultimately the 996TT is basically a better all-around car, particularly considering how affordable they are. I would also disagree in the reliability front, overall the 996 has proven to be a very reliable Porsche. I think a lot of purists get caught up on the air vs water cooled issue and miss the fact that the 996 is a damn good car.

But hey, let's face it, you really can't go wrong with either.

[kaisen]

I'd vote for a 996TT if all wheel drive is necessary

Also consider the original twin-turbo Audi RS6, again if all wheel drive is part of the criteria and the 996TT is too small

[Scott Watkins]

JA, suggest, given the cars you indicate are of interest to you, a Lexus GS series.

I've owned just about every brand under the sun, and Lexus has been the best from a reliability stand point so far. Not to mention, the level of service and comfort.

Good luck in your search!

[Jandrews]

Excellent responses! Certainly a lot of support and consensus around the 996TT, which is what I was pretty much set on from the get-go.

I will definitely look at the RS6, as I do not even know what that is at this point. And interesting comment about the Lexus. While I don't think Lexus typically has that "soul" I am looking for, I may be able to live without that given all the other positives that are clear in the Lexus. I will research the model suggested as well.

Kaisen, can I PM you about location services?

Thanks,

JA

[onewhippedpuppy]

If you're looking at Lexus, you should also look at the IS-F. I would think they are $50k used by now.

[kaisen]

He said he wanted a car with a soul. Lexus, even the IS-F, just doesn't. The GS is a very pleasant daily driver. The IS-F would suck as a DD, and still not be near as fun as a 996TT.

Feel free to contact me.

Hopefully MRM chimes in. I helped him acquire a 2003 Audi RS6 this Summer, and he was considering a 996TT as well (although not to fill the same purpose). He's taller than me (I'm 6'2") so he may have useful feedback on comfort. Anyway, those RS6's have a twin-turbo V8 good for 450hp stock and 540hp (like MRM's) with some mild software tuning. Its performance envelope is stunning and it does everything pretty well. It might not be a four door 996TT, but it's pretty close. Ask Mike how he likes his.

[Jandrews]

Ok...just did some looking. The RS6 is fantastic! And the Lexus GS look nice too, but it is a Lexus. And I very quickly stumbled upon a recall for them related to cracked valve springs.

One question I have...how is the reliability on the RS6? Cost of repairs? Any weak spots? Can I get 100K trouble-free miles out of it? It sure does look like the closest thing to a bigger, 4-door 996TT that you could find. And with 500HP, and all-wheel drive...wow!

The big question is just longevity. Any experience/comments there? I will do some more reading. I will look at cost comparisons for used RS6's vs 996TT's. And I will make sure I get ahold of MRM somehow to get his impressions!


Thanks a lot!!

JA

[sammyg2]

I'm thinking that what you REALLY need is a late-80's dodge caravan complete with faux wood paneling on the sides.
One that has a turbo and will do mid 12's in the quarter:

[kaisen]

Anytime you have 400+ horsepower, things get stressed. I'd say the RS6 and 996TT are pretty equal in terms of internet anecdotal evidence of reliability. However, there are far fewer high-mile daily-driven 996TTs.

The weak spot on the RS6 is the transmission, and the DRC computer controlled dampers. The dampers are easy, when the time comes rip them out and put in high quality coilovers. Mike has the Stasis/Ohlins setup and I can tell you that while the ride is firmer (and adjustably lower), it is not harsh. The transmission concerns are real, esp for modified cars or cars that have been used hard (see AMG, M5, STI comments above). Many aftermarket companies offer modified TCU software that change the algorythms and torque converter lockup and that seems to help the ZF transmission take the punishment better. Just put aside some money for a 'Level 5' rebuild with hardened components, or don't do power launches on pavement. Same with a 996TT though.

A 2001 996TT is still a little more than a similar 2003 RS6, but not by much. The RS6 was a $85K+ car new, and they only made a few (860 for the US). You can buy a nice RS6 for $25-30K. Check out RS6.com for lots more info.

[Jandrews]

Whoa...What about RS5??!!! Is that basically the same car as RS6, but only in 2-door? Look at this pic!! Basically an all-wheel drive M3??!!

[kaisen]

RS5 is more of a M3, where RS6 is more M5. The ur-RS6 (C5) is a completely different beast.

But there's NOTHING wrong with the RS5. It's just apples to oranges. And they're a lot more money, being several years newer. I'd love to have one.

[Jandrews]

What about the S5 and S6? Too pedestrian?

JA

[audiman08]

I like the S8, but then I'm tall and sick of small cars...

[Scott Watkins]

"He said he wanted a car with a soul. Lexus, even the IS-F, just doesn't. The GS is a very pleasant daily driver. The IS-F would suck as a DD, and still not be near as fun as a 996TT."

kaisen, I would agree with you if you were correct. You know not of what you speak

"soul" por favor, these are mechanical devices, not people...

My wife's current IS350 is a little hot rod and a blast to drive. She had an IS300 prior to the 350, and it was a hoot as well.

Can't say anything about the 996TT, haven't had one. I've had a 2x996’s and my wife owned a Boxster S Spyder. Both were fun, but several issues (ISF failure in the Spyder) and the Porsche dealers service can't even stand in the same room with Lexus. Not that Porsche is bad, just not in the same league as Lexus.

In regard to the valve spring recall, my wife's IS350 had this done. Was at the dealer for 2 days, they gave her a loaner, and Lexus sent her a letter after extending her drive train warranty for a 100k miles.

Just my $.02 worth

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Scott Watkins

kaisen, I would agree with you if you were correct. You know not of what you speak

"soul" por favor, these are mechanical devices, not people...

If you can't connect to the soul of a car, then you are right, and the perfect candidate to appreciate a Lexus

My wife's current IS350 is a little hot rod and a blast to drive. She had an IS300 prior to the 350, and it was a hoot as well.

I'm sure it's a hoot, just not as much of a hoot as the M3, C63, RS4, or CTS-V to name a few. If you think differently, your tastes are just different than others. I'm glad you like your Lexus past and present. They are very pleasant cars, as I mentioned.

The IS-F is different than the IS350. The IS-F is a paper contender, but fails to capture the 'je ne sais quoi' of the aforementioned cars. Tries too hard, IMHO as it screams boy racer in both styling and suspension. I've never driven a modern car that rides harsher. The others seem to do the same job with better compliance. Sweet engine, though.

It's fairly universal that Lexus service is great. Other manufacturers are hit and miss depending on the city. If you happen to live in a city that has a great Porshe dealer, you'd likely gush about their service too. It just depends. My local Lexus dealer happens to be just down the road from Mercedes, which happens to also carry Porsche and (although they moved to their own facility) Audi. I can tell you from personal (and customer) experience that Maplewood Imports (MB/Porsche/Audi) is every bit the service experience as Lexus of Maplewood. I'm sure others here will concur. But your local dealer may be different. Lexus is consistent.

If you buy a car based on dealer service (or consumer magazine's rated 'reliability', etc), you may miss the point of the car, unless it is just an appliance to you. In which case a Lexus is truly a fine choice.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Jandrews

What about the S5 and S6? Too pedestrian?

Only you know what's too pedestrian, but compared to a 996TT...

The S5 is really just the coupe version of the A4/S4. Naturally aspirated V8 power (350hp), Quattro all wheel drive, and small size. The RS5 just has the RS4's high-strung V8 and almost 100 horsepower more than the 'plain' S5. Neither are pedestrian, S and RS have always been special. Just a little more watered down nowadays but the same could be said for the M and AMG cars.

The S6 is not at all pedestrian. It represents a MUCH larger leap from the A6 than the S4/S5 does from the A4. The S6 had a V10 rated at almost 450hp. So, yeah, it's FAR from pedestrian. More like the M5, but a little more sheep than wolf. There was also a 'new' RS6 but it never came here.... again a twin-turbo version good for 570hp (definitely wolf).

It's all what you want to spend. The late model S6 and S5 are going to be expensive and will keep depreciating. Your cost of ownership would likely be less with a 996TT.

[ghost1001]

My observations (i know this is all fun) i have this debate with myself several times a day.....(best dd car that is).

The new rs5 will not be anywhere near the new M3.....if you want souless buy the rs5 (this is coming from an s4 driver).

Here is the reason, my S4 is a GREAT car, it does many, many things well….BUT performance was down the list when the engineer’s concocted this thing, drivability, comfort and chassis (a4 platform) all took precedent.

I would stay away from an older Audi or BMW, for a few reasons, the technology is older, a 2003 car will be 10 years old in the blink of an eye, also once you get past one owner cars things can get dicey and Audi is not cheap to fix…..is the rs6 a great car, yes, will it “age” well, probably not, it is an Audi enthusiast car, not Porsche.

The new M3 (2008+) is an amazing car, I would argue quite a bit closer to a 996tt in performance than ANY, yes ANY un-modified Audi…..yes, I would dd an M3 sedan in a heartbeat.

However, JA, if you can live with the practicality (or lack thereof) of the 996tt, then that is the car for you (or maybe a 993tt as was so wisely suggested).

Drive your 911 to the audi dealer and drive the new S4, this will be better than all of the previous models and can be had NEW with a warranty for your 50K. Then drive to the BMW dealer and drive the M3, and last but not least drive the 996tt. I made the 996tt last as you will most likely buy it on the spot.

Audi, BMW and Porsche are apples to apples to oranges……

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by ghost1001

Audi, BMW and Porsche are apples to apples to oranges……

SO true.

JA, you never answered if all wheel drive will be important??

Do you live where you get snow and ice?

[Jandrews]

Kaisen...sorry, I had mentioned driving through Kansas City winters in my first post, but yes, there is snow/ice here. 2WD is not a deal-breaker, but I would probably have to adjust my budget so that I could buy some sort of Jeep or something for those days where I just can't make it.

Along those lines, how practical is an AWD "sports car" in the snow/ice? The traction in these cars is really designed for performance driving it would seem, not so much "4-Wheelin'" LOL!

They sit so low with the front air-dams and such, just how much snow is too much? 3 inches? 4 inches? 6 inches? I assume I would have to buy a set of winter tires and wheels, as 295's or whatever comes on 996TT would likely be a sled!

JA