[Aerkuld]

If I may chime in here regarding the 996. As an owner of an '87 weekend car and a 996 daily driver I have to say that it is my impression that the 996 is a car that was designed from the outset to be easy to build and service. Anyone who thinks that DIY is difficult to impossible on a 996 doesn't know what they're talking about. I have only had to do relatively minor jobs on mine so far; brake rotors, brake light switch, oil & filter changes, a window mechanism replacement, and an alternator regulator replacement. All of these jobs have required a little more research than similar jobs on the '87 but mainly because there are less people that have done them up to now. When I do do anything new I like to take careful notes and pass the information along to try to build the knowledge base. There are new things being done almost daily. Even more specialist things such as engine rebuilds are now being done and parts are becoming available (a one time criticism). I have had no problems getting hold of any parts so far and nothing seems any more expensive than the equivalent parts on the '87. I like to think that the current 996 DIY'ers are blazing the trail for future enthusiast owners. Add in the fact that the 996 is a very easy and comfortable car to live with on a day to day basis and using one as a daily driver makes a fair bit of sense. Don't rule it out of the equation is all I would say.
That said my 996 is never going to replace my air cooled car for raw enjoyment, character, and classic looks.