[Matt Monson]

If the thought of spending $1000-1500 a year to upkeep your $10,000 911sc is at all daunting to you then you might want to reconsider your car choice. I'm not trying to be discouraging. I think the 911sc is one of the best possible first P-cars for someone who can afford the cost of ownership.

However, I noticed the other cars in your list. I can tell you from personal experience that a 914 can offer an exemplary P-car ownership experience and it might be worth considering a nice $5000-6000 914 and putting some cash in your maintenance and mod savings account instead of immediately spending all $10K. 914's are cheaper to buy and marginally cheaper to own (not cheaper to restore, though you don't sound like that's what you are looking to do). Just a counterpoint to consider. Having owned, 911's, 912's, 914's and a 924S I can say that they were/are all wonderful cars and each have their own characteristics to love and to hate.

Maybe you need to get out to a local event or two come spring and see how each of the cars feels to you if you haven't driven them. While you may not find someone willing to let a stranger drive their pride and joy, they will surely be happy to give you a ride in the passenger's seat and show you what their car can do. I like how my 914 handles and brakes better than any of my 911/912's have done the same things, even with more power than the 914. Others will prefer the 911/912 chassis.