Son #2 is looking...

NYNick · NYNick's Garage

...for a car. This isn't the son that's handy like his brother, but he's a well established 30 something and makes decent money. They just bought their first car last year, so now he's shopping for himself. Budget is $20-25K. Not $30K. His money. Doesn't have to be a Porsche, but of course...

Of course he's asked me and his brother (who owns an 88 911) to keep our eyes out for him, but air cooled's don't seem like the right fit for him IMO. I'm pretty sure he's never changed the oil in any car, so an old 911 seems like the wrong car for him. Manual transmissions are fine.

My first reaction was Cayman, but he's 6'5". Too big for a Cayman? 996? Hmm, seems like an expensive gamble. 2002? Maybe. Could get a nice one for that money. Japanese?

Anyway, figured I'd ask the brain trust. He's even mentioned Jeeps, but I try to steer him far away from them.

Thanks

NYNick

martinker · 06-19-2020, 11:47 AM

Is he looking for a daily or weekend cruiser? You mentioned he was leaning towards a Jeep, which is the least enjoyable vehicle to drive IMO. So wondering what his intentions are with a 2nd car.

NYNick · NYNick's Garage

Sorry if I wasn't clear. A sporty or sports s car is probably preferable. Won't be a DD.

martinker · 06-19-2020, 12:22 PM

For that price range, there are a handful I would consider: 996, Mustang, Focus, and Corvette (C5 or 6).

Transcon · Transcon's Garage

I'd say tell him to go for the 996. Look enough and you will find a well taken care of one for the mid 20's, low 30's if he likes the look/drive of the 4S and wants to stretch a bit. Most maintained ones will have the LN IMS fix to take that worry off the table and if not just budget $2500-$3000 and do that and the clutch at the same time. I was a big 'no-996's' guy for years and ended up selling my 997C4S to get into a 996 40ThAE which I find much more enjoyable to drive. The 996 is at or near the rock bottom of its depreciation curve and provides all the Porsche driving experience for half the price of similar 997's.

Just my opinion. YMMV

ryans65 · 06-19-2020, 02:01 PM

Hard to beat a Mustang GT thats a couple years old, so much bang for the buck.

BLACK3.2 · 06-19-2020, 02:36 PM

In that price range he can easily afford a 6MT 2015ish Camaro SS. He’ll get one of the best, most reliable engines and best handling chassis ever made.

walt · walt's Garage

Good reading here on the 2016 Camaro SS vs. 2015 Mustang GT.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15104320/2016-chevrolet-camaro-ss-vs-2015-ford-mustang-gt-comparison-test/

ShopCat · 06-19-2020, 05:10 PM

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=566178

Seems like a good source....

Matt Monson · 06-19-2020, 05:26 PM

He will fit fine in a Cayman or a Carrera. A C4S cabriolet with hardtop can be found in his price range.

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

996 / 968 / 944T / 2.3-16 / M3 / RS6 / 500E / M5 / SL55 / 635 / 535is / 2002tii / GTI / R32 / R / F R / RS4 / M135i

To name a few....

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

NYNick · NYNick's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macroni

996 / 968 / 944T / 2.3-16 / M3 / RS6 / 500E / M5 / SL55 / 635 / 535is / 2002tii / GTI / R32 / R / F R / RS4 / M135i

To name a few....

Holy crap, we've got some homework to do! Thx!

thamlin000 · thamlin000's Garage

Howabout a reliable sports sedan? Chevrolet SS ($27k+) and Lexus ISF ($20k+) are both 400+ hp RWD sport sedans that don’t require a bunch of maintenance.

I picked up a 6 speed manual 2015 Chevy SS in AZ last month.

Matt Monson · 06-20-2020, 06:49 AM

He could get an R32 for $10-15k if he gets an early one. Fun cars.

LUFTKUL · 06-20-2020, 06:49 AM

SS is a good choice. My manual Pontiac G8 GXP has been a great car.

Alan A · 06-20-2020, 06:50 AM

He will fit in a 996. 25k will get a stick coupe with IMS done. If he wants a vert, no problem.
No one ever got excited by a 2015 Camaro...

My reco though would be hold out for a 996 targa.
Friend of mine picked up a sweet looking one in SC for 17k last year.
3 more to do the IMS and he’s happy as can be.

NYNick · NYNick's Garage

So many great ideas! Thanks guys, especially Macroni. Keep 'em coming.
I'm seeing all my kids today for the first time since the pandemic so we'll talk cars.
I've also put my Porsche mechanic on the case. He usually comes up with something.

The 996 intrigues me...he sent me a listing for one that's for sale so it intrigues him as well. I've owned two so I know the cars. Like 'em.

I've never been a GM car guy but he's buying so I'll run the Camaro SS by him.

Mustang GT seems to be a good value. We like Fords.

R32's are cool.

Lexus ISF is also intriguing.

No way on the 944 or 968...we've been down that road before with son #1. Great car but no.

M3 of course but they're all high miles.

Love the 135's.

Caymans are too expensive

Holy crap on the SL 55 AMG! What car.

Already have a Tii in the family

The other ld BMW's and Audis scare me for maintenance

Keep those ideas coming!!!

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

996 are great deals. I also like the SL55 but might be too gray haired for #2 son.

Fun assignment.....

Matt Monson · 06-20-2020, 08:21 AM

I think powertech had a 996 targa recently. They’ve got a nice 996 cab right now too. How far is Rockaway, NJ from you guys?