Jagraff,
Buying a car does not make you part of the company. If you do not want to be affiliated with the company, then you do not have to be just because you buy their car. I love my car and love everything that the company did with it, but I do not consider myself related to the company. I do, however, think that they do an outstanding job at engineering sports cars for different tasks. Second, I have a 951 and can vouch for its reliablility. I even bought one without records(I wouldn't advise it). The only problems I had were a leaking radiator, worn CVs, and a turbo that had inhaled a bolt. I knew of all of these things and have had no surprises. Everything else has been normal(clutch, belts, etc.: all of which are easily done at home). If you are mechanically inclined and have internet access for parts, maitaining these cars can be quite inexpensive. I bought my car with no knowledge of how to work on them, and now I feel confident I can do just about any job(it helps that I have a 1200 sq. ft. shop with just about any tool I need
) Let me end with this: From previous posts, it seems that you have possibly decided to not go with Porsche. They are definitely not for everyone. However, I could never give up the acceleration(especially above 100) that my car offers me, or the sensation of taking the car around a turn faster than I instictually believe possible, and having the entire car drift, instead of one end swinging out. It truly is an amazing car for its purpose. Yes, you can drag race a 951, but that is not what the car is all about. Do yourself a favor. Stop listening for advice on here, find a 951 for sale(in excellent condition), find a nice, twisty, low-traffic road, and have some fun. You'll definately be grinning for a week, and possibly end up with the car.
Good luck,
Dave
[This message has been edited by Dave951 (edited 11-13-2000).]