Man! Never woulda thought my bros. would rag on me about an M-Roadster!!!

[R22tech]

Wow, even my MB SLK and former Miata, now BMW 3 series driving brothers think the M-Roadster is both ugly and a girl's car! I just don't get it.....0-60 in like 5.0-5.3 seconds and STILL a girl's car? They think I should keep the Carrera or get an S2000 instead of the ///M. It got me thinking...........I am not keeping the Carrera, at least not MY Carrera for the reasons already stated: mint original, blah, blah, hate to ruin a well preserved specimen. I need FAST!!!! Tell me about the 930 turbo. Insurance?Speed?Problems?$hitty or good shifter? Worth the extra $5k for a 15-20 yr old car instead of a 2 yr old? Am I destined to stay in the Porsche marque? Help??? I really love the ///M performance and lack of constant maintainance/adjustments. Will the 930 fit the bill: I got like $30k to spend and will drive it about 3000 miles a year, and they will be very "spirited" miles!

[rstoll]

Now you're talkin!

[Mike Feinstein]

Hi Doug,

FYI...there is an 89 930 with 16,800 original miles for sale in Eufala, AL. I found it about a week after I bought my car. It's Velvet Red Metallic (a love it or hate it color), tan interior, all stock and supposedly in mint condition. Asking price is $38,500. If the car is all the owner says it is, it is a steal....remember, this is an 89 5 speed Turbo. His ad is in the Atlanta Journal. As of last week it is still available. I mentioned it to a guy I work with and he made contact. Not sure if he pulled the trigger or not. I ran a Carfax and the mileage checks out.

Anyway, my first Porsche was a 930 (87). It had 70k on it with original clutch and motor. I loved the car but I'd have to say it is not the ideal "first Porsche". The acceleration was astounding but not for the faint of heart (or inexperienced) when the boost comes on hard in a turn. I never spun but without 911 experience it could have been a seat-soiling event. On the other hand, you have P-car experience and understand the thrill of oversteer. Bottom line...I think you'd love it. I traded mine for my 94 cab and was happy with the deal. I really like having an open top sportscar that's why I like the Targa that I have now. Do yourself a favor...go test drive one or two. I suspect that once you are slammed into the seat you'll be hooked. I hope to own another one some day. I still lust after the 94 3.6 version.

[Jack Olsen]

Everyone is inclined to recommend what they've decided to do themselves.

I'm no exception.

If you want to go fast, get an early car and put a 3.6, big brakes, and a track-worthy suspension in it. You'll be less than 5 seconds to 60, 996's won't be able to touch you (at triple the cost), and no one will mistake you for being a hairdresser (not that there's anything wrong with that).

Done with patience, 30K will leave you with enough change to pay for lots of race tires.

[Mike Feinstein]

One other thought......why do you give a ***** what other people think? If you find a car that you like and it gives you a woody to drive it...to hell with what the Jonses think. Don't buy a 930 just because your car buddies like it better. You were really psyched about the M Coupe. I've always liked them myself. Strap on a pair of balls and get the car YOU love!

Just my humble opinion (as if it matters).

[rstoll]

Hairdresser????? Damn Jack, don't hold back!! LOL.

[Joeaksa]

Doug,

It may be fast and some like its looks, but its still a "chic" mobile and looks like a clowns tennis shoe IMHO...

Just ask yourself... will you go to the garage at night and open the door just to look and confirm that a MRoadster is still sitting there and smile? We all did with the 911...

Get a 930/911 and be happy and amonst men (and some very nice ladies) again...

Joe

[nostatic]

Why not drop a 3.6 into your '85? You've got a nice low miles chassis to work with....why not drive it instead of buying an older or higher miles car? I know there are varying theories on this, but I have to agree with those that say whoever got the first 100K miles on the car got the best ones. Why sell it and let someone else put the next 70K sweet miles on it?

Now if you want something really new with warranty, etc, that's another thing. Or, if you're just tired of you car, then banzai. But as far as being too nice...its not an RS, its a 3.2. Unless you're into originality, mod it and drive it...its in too nice of shape not to!

[lukeh]

Take a turbo for a spin and you will be sold. I was in the same boat as you two years ago. I had an 83 sc cab and wanted a little more power. Plus, I always loved the looks of the turbo. I also drive the car 3500 (+/-) miles per year like you are looking to do. Insurance is $600 per year and it is listed as a weekend car with limited miles. You asked about speed, you have to drive one to understand. When the turbo comes on it is a rush. You get pushed way back into your seat. If you have half a brain you can avoid major problems. Just keep the boost under one bar and upgrade to a larger intercooler. All I have ever had to do is change the oil. If you look hard enough I'm sure you could find an 87 in the low 30k range. An 89 with a 5 speed would be ideal but more money. I would also look for a car with a B&B or GHL exhaust already on it. It cuts down on the turbo lag and the car will run a little cooler. A k27 turbo upgrade and a larger intercooler would also be a plus. These are common mods that will get you to 380hp, roughly 330 at the wheels. Just look for a local PCA guy that has one and have him give you a ride. You will be sold.

A little green frog

http://www.mobile.de/cgi-bin/search.pl?CountOff=29&DataNr=6&DisplayDetail=14949258&DoSearch=1&FormCategory=0&FormColor=%2e%2e%2ebeliebig&FormDate=0&FormDurchmesser=0&FormEZ=%2d&FormKilometer=%2d&FormLand=%2e&FormMake=34&FormModel=911+RS&FormPLZ=&FormPower=%2d&FormPrice=%2d&FormSort=0&Page=0&SearchCat=bereich%3dpkw%26sprache%3d1&bereich=pkw&sprache=1&x=77&y=15

[Doug E]

I saw a BMW Coupe on the way to work this morning and decided you either love it or hate it. If it were me, I'd stick with a Porsche. A 930 Turbo should address your needs quite nicely!

[JEB]

I have never seen anyone in a turbo that didn't get a smile on their face .

There is no other feeling like when that boost kicks in and wooosh - your gone.

In reality there are alot of new cars that can rival or better the stock performance (M coupe/vette/etc), but I have not found any that rival the fun factor/x factor that the turbo has.

The gearbox takes some getting used to - but its not bad once you get used to it. I have never missed the 5th gear - I don't think the 4 speed is lacking at all. Unless you are stop light racing or autocrossing the turbo lag and lack of low end are not bad. I always drive above 3K rpm and have all the power I want on tap. Have not found the top speed yet its way up there - scary fast acceleration from about 60 to 130. I have regularly toasted M3's and older vettes (not z-06's) at highway speeds.

It can be a little tough to drive - clutch is stiff - it is noisy (especially with the right exhaust ) - but I did 250 mile with my 6 year old a couple of weeks ago and got out of the car feeling great - not tired or uncomfortable at all.

I have classic plates and pay $400/year in insurance.

I have had the car 2 year/6K mi and never done anything but routine maintenance.

Buy a good one. Avoid one with a boost controller in the cockpit. It's too easy to dial in more bost and overstress the engine while playing boy racer. Look for service records.

I don't buy the euro v. American spec argument. Most of the American cars have been updated to Euro spec anyway - parts all seem to be readily available.

The older cars are all completly depreciated. As long as you take care of it - I don't see that they will be devalued any more. So - you can run it and never loose $ on it. There is a price guide in this months Excelence (for what thats worth)

It is sooo good looking (IMHO)

You won't see any secretaries/hairdressers driving one.

Go for it.

Jeb
'79 930

[Superman]

I'm sure my car's PO got some good miles out of those first 100K, but they are not going to be this car's best. They weren't in the case of Jack's car.

[NYSCAR]

I say get the M Coupe, strap a 430hp Active Autowerke turbo kit onto it and take your brother for a ride. I don't think you'll have to worry about him after that

Brad

[Sarah]

Two things:

1. Buy whatever car YOU want - it's your money & whatever you will be most happy cruising around in.

2. Type of cars that are "Girl's cars"?? As far as i'm concerned (and I know ESTHER would back me up)...a 930 is a Girl's car!!

[Overpaid Slacker]

Buy what you want, and don't be bothered by the fact that people will think you're a poof if you get the M Roadster.

My brother has an M Roadster, I have a 930. IMHO, if you get the 930 you won't look back; if you get the M Roadster, you'll be in the market for a 930 in two years.

If you treat the 930 with respect (esp. while on the left side of the learning curve), there's no need to fear it. The other turbo owners posting on this thread are giving you some good advice.

Best,

JP