What would replace your 996?

Wife and I keep tossing around the idea of how long we'll be keeping our 1999 996 C2. My initial answer is... FOREVER! But wait, theres more: Theres a ton of cars I grew up liking that would be fun to rotate through but the 996 is a damn fine car. Not sure I'd be thrilled selling my car after wrenching on it and getting it right if my "heros" let me down once I meet them. lol Of course I'm also not so sure I'd be too thrilled when the time comes to rebuild the engine in my 996. Theres a price for admission to pay for any automotive experience, but theres a reason I've never owned an V8 Audi S4 Avant even though I've always wanted one... What kind of cars would you guys/gals sell your 996 for? I've always wanted: C5 Corvette Viper GTS 96-02 Delorean WRX STI 04-07 E46 M3 W211 E55 200 Series Land Cruiser MB G55 AMG 07 Shelby GT 07-09 GT500 12 Boss 302 The list goes on and on...

Nuffin'

997/991 Cabriolet in White/Silver w Carrera Red Leather,PDK. or Midnight Blue w White interior. (FL car) I've seen a couple for sale that I would like to own in my retirement years (soon). Hopefully it will slow me down a little. I drive a coule of friends 's C6 and C7's when swapping rides with old friends, No desire to own or drive anymore once I get out. Love the power, but they say same thing I do, They can't get over the build quality of the P car and wish theirs had it. Your thought of a AMG E class is awesome also. Thought of getting the wife a AMG wagon to replace her minivan once the grandkids get older. She misses her W211 sedan and ML SUV. I drive a 12YO MB to work most days , 100K miles. Great shape, Solid as rock. Guess its why I have owned one or more for over 40 years now. Pretty reliable also once the neglect has been fixed.

Maybe a white 997.1 GT3 somewhere down the road, but I really love my car.

I’d go the other way and look for a 993 or maybe a GT3. I love my 996 cab and even though I have a 4 dr with an auto I will never own a sports car with an automatic. I understand those who track their cars going PDK but I love the engagement of a good old manual when I’m having fun.

996TT

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My boys are 5 and 3 years old and they are both already gear heads. Between the three cars we have that are "enthusiast" vehicles, if my wife and I want to take the boys to a car show, we either take two cars or take her Lexus GX. The AMG sedan would certainly be fun for the whole family, and I dont think I'd complain too much about the slushbox with that supercharger whining up front lol

A 997 carrera or 996 turbo, since it is not my car. But if it was, I totally want a Shelby GT350R!

Well, I have a different point of view. First, what I have discovered since I own the 996 is that, a lot of cars that I always wanted to have, now, I wouldnt change them for the 996. On thing is if we talk about monetary value and change for making cash. But if we talk to change and keep the car, just to use it (not speculate). For instance, one of my unicorns was always the M3 E30 and today, I wont change one for my car to keep it (taking apart the $ value thing). The same with some more valuables porsches. I would not change my 996 4S for a regular Carrera 964 or 993, I dont see where I would gain (Despite the monetary value again). In the other hand, I think that I can be all day long naming cars that I do would switch for mine . I would change it for a 993 4S, for a 991 GTS, and so I can stay the whole day.

I dont think I will sell it. At the point for a new toy, it would just have to be a purchase. Had an CLK55 AMG and wow....that was a fun car

Since I now use mine primarily as a track car, the next one on my list is a Radical SR3. I would love a 997.1 GT3 for the track, but I think the Radical would be much more economical, and a ton of fun. For a DD, I would like a 2010-2012 997.2 3.6 liter with PDK. I will probably own one one day, but not in the near future. I was doing a lot of commuting between Clemson and Atlanta, and now Clemson and Charlotte. My wife's old Mazda 3 is the perfect car for that. I am already paying taxes and insurance on seven vehicles, so I don't want another.

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For me, none of the above come close to the driving experience of a C2/6-speed/coupe 996. The only car I can think of as an "as satisfying to drive" 996 alternative is a Ferrari Mondial 3.2. The Mondial is a much more raw and visceral experience than the 996 while still being relatively refined, with cold AC, and the rear seats are "even bigger" than a 996 (though having legs is strongly discouraged). Being a decade older, it's not as fast as a 996, but it's a lot more raw with amazing sounds, gated shifter, and excellent performance. The Mondial is refined enough for trips up to a few hours -- or an ocassional cross-country trip -- but it's not as drive-all-day-every-day comfortable as the 996. The Mondial is undervalued just like the 996's are. The first version of Mondial (the "Mondial 8") was problematic -- underpowered as a result of emissions law timing, and it had an overtaxed electrical system. The models that followed the 8 (the QV, 3.2, and "t") are excellent. I think the 3.2 is the best, but any model after the 8 is excellent. They are very reliable also -- the engine itself is bulletproof, way more so than the 996, but timing belt changes every 5 years are expensive. Tons of people who have been educated by the internet or magazines will tell you for certain that the Mondial is the worst Ferrari ever -- which helps a lot to keep the price down. Those who own (all but the Mondial 8 that is) tend to be as in love with them in the same way 996 owners are in love with their cars (in both instances, it's based upon driving it and not reading about it).

I have too many cars as it is. lol #1 Acura NSX (preferably 2002-2005, black or white) #2 Toyota Supra TT. My friend already has it. Hoping to buy it from him in the future. ~27K miles, white, 6-spd, and stock!!!! #3 97-98 Championship White Acura Integra Type R.

Nothing on your list. I would consider replacing my 996 with a 997.2 or maybe a 991. But I only say that because I have the 993. If I didn't have it, I definitely wouldn't get rid a 911 without replacing it with another 911. There is no substitute.

996 GT2

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I've never owned an NSX, but this also seems like a contender. I think the list of true contenders is pretty short.

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Have you ever driven a 328?...........assuming you don't actually need the useless rear seats of a 996. But you're right, a 3.2 Mondial is a nice car and not as problematic as people are led to believe. And the 3.2 Coupes are very affordable.

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In that case, add an Ariel Atom to my list LOL Radical would be alot of fun indeed! My vote would go to a 308 GT4. I hear I would fit pretty well in them and I've always liked the styling. Seems like every car I used to draw when I was in elementary school also so that has to play a roll in my infatuation with them lol DROOL Type R CLK 63 Black? Who wants to deal with head studs though LOL

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I actually do use occasionally the rear seats in the 996 and I did also in the Mondial 3.2. I rarely use them, but they come in extremely handy when you need them. I've driven a 328 -- that's what I initially planned to buy, but using it with my family won out (my son was very young at that time and fit perfectly back there), so I ended up with the 3.2. The 328 and 3.2 are mechanically the same, with extended wheelbase on the 3.2 of course. Both the 3.2 and 328 are fun to drive -- both are visceral -- the 328 slightly more so, but I find the Mondial 3.2 much more comfortable than the 328. If you plan on driving it a lot, I think the Mondial is the better car, so it turned out being happy accident that I ended up getting the 3.2. I drove it daily for a while and it was excellent. It depends what you are looking for, I wanted a 328 initially, but was very happy I ended up with the Mondial.

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I'm a big fan of the 308 GT4. I haven't driven one, but I like them a lot and they are even more raw than the Mondial. I find them quite a bit less practical than the Mondial as a 996 alternative. The Mondial has fuel injection, cold AC, usable back seats if you slide the fronts forward (pretty much sharing the pain among passengers ). To me the Mondial is a very daily drivable car, the 308 GT4 less so, but I like the 308 GT4 just as much, or maybe even more than the Mondial if you toss out daily drivability as a factor.

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You might like this video. Classic! You Tube The reason why I love Hondas so much. Prime example of what engineers can do when the goal is to focus on power, weight, and handling equally! Power isn't everything! And as reliable as an Acura Integra!

911 GT cars: Porsche 911 GT2, GT3 and RS variants. Anything else would have to be an add, not replace.

I drive my friends Lotus Evora S British racing green. There is a white one ,I know is for sale, a 2014 with 14,000 miles and Im keep thinking, they are a lot of????

997 turbo or Ferrari f355.

1989 Venetian blue 911 coupe

I like the idea of the GT500 or other Shelby's. I've always lusted after an 03 or 04 Cobra, I've wanted one since they have come out.

I've driven most of the cars on that list minus the Viper and IMO the 996 is the most special. Biggest disappointment was the Delorean . The Mondial vs 996 is apples & oranges. The wailing V8 is an amazing soundtrack but nowhere near the fit and finish & modern refinement of the 996. The E46 M3 is an animal on full tilt and will go toe-to-toe with the 996 but feels like just a pedestrian 3-series when you're not grabbing it but the scuff of the neck. Maybe that's not a bad thing because they're terrific cars. It's just hard to beat the duality of a 911, it feels like a special experience before you even turn the key..

Well, I can only say I hit my dream with my simple 'ol '99 coup. There is nothing I would replace it with, but not to say I wouldn't like to add a muscle car for the raw power on a 1/4 mile straight. My uncle has a Testarossa and it is a beautiful piece of Italian art IMO and fun to ride in, but a little to scary for me to think about letting it out on public roads, lol. I guess a lottery win could change all our minds at some point

A friend of mine has owned several Turbos, all bought new. He loves the adrenaline rush of the turbos, but his favorite Porsche to drive was his old 2005 997.1 2wd, 6-speed, coupe. He regrets trading in that 997.1. He never owned a 996, but I suspect would have same attachment, maybe even more since the 996 is lighter. There are faster cars than the 996, there are better looking cars than the 996, but it's hard to find a car that is more fun to drive.

Flying machine

Panamera. Drove one a few years ago and it was like a more comfortable version of my 99 C2. If I could afford one I would trade up tomorrow.

It wouldn't be a case of replacement. That's not the way I roll. I suppose my dream cars are mostly rally cars - and Porsche prototypes. 906, 908, 917, etc. Rally cars would be just about any Group B car that I could afford. Which is exactly zero. Realistically, it's a couple/three 911s that I could track and rally, and one I can drive daily without fear of having to call my wife, to bring the trailer. I'm not there, just yet, on this latter desire.

I currently have a GT350 and the 996. It's my first Porsche (and first Shelby). I like the 911, but I do like driving the GT350 more. I'm a power junkie, I admit it. I've been thinking about a 996tt lately. I do love a small, good handling car. But I just spent the last year completely sorting out the 996 to such a high level that I'll keep it for a while. Unless someone wants to swap for a tt.

manual 996TT looks fabulous and drives like a supercar.

An empty void and sadness would be what replaced my 99 C2. Oh and the scorn of my little girls because they love it more than I do.

i won't ever replace my 996 but it will be constantly evolving. It's my forever car for sentimental reasons....my other cars will come and go.

Lotus Turbo Esprit in Speed Yellow or Ferrari F340/F355 But to be honest I waited patiently for 30 years as my kids grew and graduated from college to get my 996, so it would be tough selling it. Especially after spending a lot of money to make it what it is today.

^^^definitely a fan of speed yellow. My 996 is speed yellow as is my 993. Even thinking of painting my 912 speed yellow. :-)

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This is an excellent suggestion! Although earlier Lotuses have a poor record for reliability, the V8 Turbo Esprit is fairly reliable (and an amazing value for what you get). I think the list of 996 alternatives is short, but the V8 Esprit seems like it belongs. I actually prefer the looks of the earlier Giugiaro body Esprit, but the V8 Esprit is a much better car. The 355 is beautiful and sounds amazing, but they do have some problem areas that can be very expensive to repair.

The only thing I am planning on is from a ‘99 C2 6MT 3.4L ==> ‘99 C2 6MT 3.8L FSI II

I owned a Lotus Esprit Turbo for 5 and half years. Fun car although not the most comfortable for anything over 2 hours or so. Mine was a 93.5 with the four banger, turbo and charge cooler. Zero to 60 was 4.7 and for the v8 version 4.3. After doing numerous runs with other Esprit guys we all noted one thing in particular. The extra weight of the V8 destroyed the handling of the Esprit. Doing runs with multiple V8's and fours the V8's just couldn't keep up. I drove a friends V8 and it was not love or even like at first drive When I sold my Esprit I mentioned to the guy who bought it to be careful in second gear when the turbo kicks in at 3k. He called a day later and said "It's like a slingshot " Forgot to add the photo. That was mine on the left.

Nothing will replace the 996 until I can no longer get in and out of it! However, I did add a new toy this year...2019 Honda Civic Type R. Yeah I know...Racer Bouy wing and all, but damn this thing is QUICK! 306 turbo horsepower and 295 ft/#'s of torque that hits way low on the RPM scale. It is fun.

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Wildbilly I was struggling getting in and out myself. (6 knee surgeries) So that was my justification for installing a Techart flat bottom GT3 steering wheel. Much easier now

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If budget is $35-$45k, no other car would top this one.

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Alan That is totally surprizing to hear. I thought the V8 was superior, but it makes sense what you are saying. Can you recommend articles on purchasing one of these cars, just in case

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That car would make my list as well. FWD, who cares. I had a supercharged Mini Cooper S and it was a blast.

997.2 4S coupe with PDK or Cayman S

I would consider replacing my 996 with a FR-S/BRZ/86 Forced Induction for about the same price as a 996. Handles like a dream, my kids can go in back, I can track it.

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Great info Alan. How was the reliability of the 4 cylinder version and do you know what the weight difference is between the 4 and the V8? It always surprised me that the same company that could wring 300hp out of a 2.2 liter could only get 350 hp out of a twin-turbo V8 (although to be fair it was only 3.5 liters, which is pretty small for a V8).

The four cylinder was a solid reliable engine as was the Garret turbo. The injectors , fuel hoses , brakes etc not so much. While the four banger didn't have a problem with the tranny the V8 would tear it up with too many quick launches. There is a fix for that but it wasn't a cheap fix. From memory I think the weight difference was about 200 pounds which in a light car like the Esprit was major.

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I feel the same way about variations of weights of 996 options affecting driving feel. The base weight of a C2/6-speed/coupe 996.1 is 2900 lbs, around the same ball park as the Esprit.

I'm losing my storage so I'm going to be selling the 996 and my 1980 SC. My daily driver is a Volvo wagon with the T6. It's been a great car but after the Porsche's are gone I'll replace that too. I've got to get down to one car so this thread is very timely. I drive a lot, about 30,000 miles per year. I'd like something fast with good handling and decent size for golf clubs, bags, etc. A Panamera would be ideal except for it's size. I have a tight two car garage. The Panamera is just so wide. I'm worried about having to be so precise every time I pull in. On the other hand, parking sensors help a lot. Anyway I test drove a used Panamera Turbo - WOW!!!!! Handling, power, fit, finish - it's got it all and the looks only a mother could love. I'm going to test drive some Bimmers too. We'll see.

Hmm, one car, smallish garage, has to cover all bases (including golf clubs) and all seasons and still be engaging to drive - I�d check out the Audi S4. I�ve owned three and they kept getting better every generation. Edit - I assume winter driving in snow/ice, but if I didn�t get that weather, the BMW M3 would also be on my short list if I had to get down to only one vehicle.

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Nicely played!

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VW GTi, or Subaru STI would be my choice if I were in your situation. BMWs are very fun cars, but not the newer models(2007+) are not the most reliable.

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Unless your kids are well under 2 years old, they're not going to be comfortable in the back seat of a twin!

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The person who sold me my 996 replaced it with an S4. He took me for a ride in it. It was quick and felt comfortable. They are expensive new, in my opinion. He bought his off-lease.

My son in-law has an A3 S-Line. A real hoot to drive though a little small. I�d imagine the S4 would be larger and the magazines always love them.

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I fit like a glove in the Toyo-baru twins. Forced induction with some suspension tweaks and that car would be a riot!!! I wish Subaru kept a hatchback/wagon STI in production. I like quick, compact, and useful cars and a tuned up STI would make a great daily driver/ all weather ride. An eventual engine rebuild would fix any OEM shortcomings (sound familiar?) but provide years of fun! Out of the box, the Civic Type R sounds like the car for you. or a JCW Countryman? Golf R? One car would be tough

My top contenders budget wise within the next several years that I think would be fun to own for a variety of reasons (styling, exhaust note, etc): -Top of the list for practical purposes would probably be a 997.2 C4S. I�m a sucker for a wide body 911. -Aston V8 Vantage (with the 4.7L motor, incredible sound and beautiful exterior) -Ford GT350 (I love the looks and that flat plane crank v8) -Lotus esprit (childhood dream car) -Jaguar f-type s or r If I had extra room in the budget, I would love to have a 911 GTS or a GT4. I�ve only ever had German cars but will most likely try a mustang or something British at some point in my life. More realistically though, the 911 will be given up when my family grows and I need a back seat. I will almost surely end up with a Macan S next.

My short list includes a GT4, Mustang GT350 or an early Z06 Vette. I daily drive a 17 Golf R which with a few simple mods is faster than a 996 Turbo, and that is at the limit of speed for driving on the street. IMHO At this point I want cars that sound and feel great. The 996 does fit that bill, but I am sure I am going to want something different in a few years. At that point I am going to ditch the Golf R and 996 and probably get a GT4, then some SUV to drive daily. I may be getting old, but I don’t really need to daily drive an 11 second 1/4 mile car anymore. I think I may have gotten that out of my system. That being said I am pretty sure my next daily driver is going to be a Macan. Seems like a good mix of utility, sport and comfort.

The BRZ is a fun car. I test drove one new and was very impressed with it, save for the total lack of torque. I would never guess it was capable of 0-60 in 6.2 seconds -- felt like 9 seconds to me. Even when I revved it out it didn't really feel very strong. I don't know why the Japanese 4-cylinder sports cars are tuned to be so devoid of torque (Honda S2000, Miata, BRZ). Adding forced induction would cure the BRZ for sure. The handling is amazing on the BRZ. Still not nearly as refined an experience as the 996 (not surprising given the price difference), but the BRZ would be a very nice car with the power problem fixed. I thought the BRZ was pretty practical also. I was also able to fit a large jazz guitar case into the trunk (yes, I brought the guitar to the test drive to test the fit), so it was more practical space-wise than I expected. I don't remember the back seats being that tiny, but maybe I didn't hop in the back -- I was more concerned about storage space.

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Really? I have a 7-yr-old and a 5-yr-old, and they both fit in the 911. Are the seats in the FRS/BRZ even smaller than a 911?

I owned a BRZ briefly, I bought it for my son. He wrecked it. Very sad. That car was amazing to drive. Like a go cart. The backseat was more practical than the Porsche. I was able to fit in the back and I'm 5'10" average size. I wouldn't want to do it for a long time but I can do it. The porsche? no way. Front seats have to be pushed pretty far forward regardless. The Shelby Mustang GT350 will outdrive virtually any car out there until you start getting way up in price. I love mine. (Back seat headroom is non existent.)

I had a chance to drive a rally prepared BRZ at the Press On Regardless Rally in 2015. It is a decent car for the money. The 944 is as good, or better, in almost all ways. Granted, all 944s are at least 30 years old now. But there were also many comparisons to this Japanese upstart. They both check-off so many of the same attributes: inexpensive, rwd, 2+ coupe, balance (in many ways - power vs economy, handling, etc.). Anyway, my experience with the rally car and another friend's street car, has me happy with my affliction for 944s. YMMV.

Only thing that *might* steal my 996's slot is an Aston Martin Vantage. With my nephew's connections in the Aston dealer network, I could run an Aston for Porsche money. But my 6 y.o. daughter would be really ticked, and the Porsche gods might be the same when (not if) I tried to come back.

I recently drove a 1994 911 Turbo 3.6.(964). Car was in excellent condition. I'm in love. Smooth, mechanical, ungodly fast. That's the car. Will drive an 88 930 Turbo soon and will see how it compares.

I tried last year with a brand new MX-5 Miata Sport with the Brembo package. The experiment failed and I sold the Miata. I'm keeping the 996. Mike

I loved both my 996s, especially the Mk1 aerokit. It looked great. But my 99 Boxster is more fun than the 996 was in every way except the power/acceleration. So much less money invested and yet, more smiles than the 996 Especially with the top down, listening to the headers and aftermarket exhaust while up/downshifting - it sounds amazing.

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All good suggestions - thanks!!!! I'm leaning more towards a german sedan so the S4 might be a good fit. A good friend recently traded in a TT RS for a the A5 Sportback RS. He' loves it. I'll have to take a look at S4 and the 5. I do like the looks of the BMW's more. I owned a 2008 528i. It was such a nice car to drive but it was plagued with the battery dying problem. I had to sell it. The battery would die 15 minutes after driving 100 miles or overnight or not after three or four days. I had a jump start box, 100' extension cord and battery charger with me in trunk everywhere I went. BMW was absolutely worthless about fixing it and it was still under warranty. They blamed us owners. Maddening - so I swore off them but an M3 or M4 would fit perfectly ... BTW - shameless plug - my C4S should be on BAT next week but maybe sooner

I don't want to replace it... I just want to give it some more friends. I'm hoping to buy within the next year or so one of these three. McLaren, lambo(older) or gtr. I had a lot of fun cars before I bought my boxster, After boxster, I had the bug and now my 911 is definitely the most thrilling car I have owned. drove it today to work after getting it out of storage for the winter... smile the whole way, such a fun car to drive.

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Yeah, but those Boxster headlights are so hideous!!

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I've always wanted a 986 S... Figured it would be fun to eventually swap in a 3.4 from a Carrera. Its been years since i've driven one though and not sure my 6'6" frame would fit in there if the 996 gives me issues

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THAT'S funny!

I can;t think of anything that would replace my '99 911 completely. I've also owned the Esprit 4cyl and V8 SE, but don't really compare. Had the Viper and several C5 Corvettes, nope. Have had an SC and 993. I think a TT 996 would be about the top of the mountain for me, short of something pretty exotic. I have faster cars, more valuable cars, but I think the 911 just kind of defies comparison as a package..

Toyota Sienna Minivan

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Hah! My 911 shares a garage with a sienna. For what it's worth, I hope it won't be the case, but there is a possibility that at some point I might replace my 911 with some college tuition. A couple of years away though so that's a "wait and see" situation.

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I've worked on a few Toyota Siennas, and dozens of Honda Odysseys. That's why we own a Honda Odyssey! If you think stuff on the M96 is tough to reach, wait until you decide to R&R the plugs, or coils, or valve cover gaskets on a Toyota Sienna. Labor rate for an Odyssey vs Sienna for any of that would be half. To do any of that on the Sienna starts with removing the windshield wiper arms and motor, and the metal cowling. Then you get to remove the intake plenum... By that time the Odyssey is finished and on a test drive!

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I like the Mercedes R63 AMG minivan. We think IMSB is bad, this engine could eplode as well: You Tube

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Ever put a water pump in a 3.5 Sienna? That's a good time for sure.

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Would love to hear more about your Esprit experience and especially about the differences in the 4 versus V8. This is exactly it. It irks me a little when people say the 996 is great "for the money". To me, it's great period. I'm a total realist. I like the headlights, but it's my least favorite body shape of the 911's. The 996 interior is functionally light years ahead of the 993, but whether an individual interior looks nice or not depends a lot on the options selected. Blanket criticism of the 996 interior is not warranted, but targeted critique of specific 996 interiors (based upon options) is valid in my opinion. All of my own critical comments above not withstanding, a 996 in its lightest version (2wd/6-speed/coupe) is pure unequaled magic because it feels absolutely tossable and light, like a vintage sports car, but with all the creature comforts, reliability, and usability of a modern car. To borrow a slogan from Porsche: "996. There is no substitute"

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I would agree. And the more I drive mine, the more it grows on me.

+1 Back seats out, Euro GT3 seat replaced heavy power seats, lightweight battery, no spare tire, and yes the 996 3.6 with fisters, X51 and LDS is quite fun to drive. That said my DD is a 3.2 911 But I'm old and retired

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Im in the process of planning a weight reduction on my '99 C2. I'll be going a bit more extreme but in the same vein. Its not a daily car and I have a thing for bare bones weekend cars lol Shame at 6'6" I cant fit in an Exige too well and an Atom is way $$$

CF frunk lid is high on my list. Sunroof delete is always calling my name but my garage queen wont get this trim.

Caterham 7

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Actually I don't remember ever doing one. The worst I can remember is any BMW with an N54!

My 2004 Mitsubishi Evolution RS was a really fun car. Light, basic, and took mods really well. Made enough power at one iteration to scare the living daylights out of me (132 mph 1/4 mile on pump gas and all seasons) but a smaller turbo made it just silly fun on the street. Helical LSD, Crank windows, no sound deadening, no stereo, aluminum roof and hood, no silly spoiler, it was designed to just be a pure driving experience. And the Mitsubishi 4G63 is capable of making gobs of power.

A few I'd consider although dunno if I'd have the coin: Lotus Elise Lotus Evora Caterham 7 Alfa Romeo 4C Porsche 996 turbo

Even if I would like to keep my car I wouldnt mind adding to the collection: 996 GT2 993 964 Lotus Exige S Ferrari 348TB Ferrari F355

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I finally replaced my Volvo last week. I drove another Panamera Turbo and almost bought it. It was a 2011 with a ton of options. It sold new for $176k. I could have bought it for high $40's. With a two year unlimited mileage CPO warranty I was very tempted. I even went home and measured my garage for at least the tenth time. It hadn't magically grown at all. I'd still be stuck with just over an inch to spare front and back. Width wise would also be very tight but doable. I decided that threading the needle every night when I got home would become tiresome so I said no and went to the dark side. I bought a 2017 BMW M240i convertible with 6 speed manual. It's also CPO car so I'll have just about three years and unlimited mileage. One bonus is it has one of my favorite color combos, silver with red leather. So far so good. It's not a rocket ship like my friend's M2 but still very quick. It's got 335HP and 369 lbft of torque.

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Pics or it didn't happen! Love to see it. Sympathize with small garages.

997.2 C6 Z51 (2008+) C8 Z51 ...or maybe after the itch is scratched, I just go back to Land Cruisers every single day!

1. 997.2 C2S 2. 991.1 C2 3. 996.2 GT3 (maybe, but I daily mine and like driving it too much to make sense of this purchase) Having a hard time between the first two, as I like both for different reasons. But, just had my C4S resprayed and pay good $ for maintenance so I will prob hang onto it for a while, as even though I DD it, I barely accumulate 400-500 miles/mo. since we have 2 other cars.

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Congrats! An easy tune could make it like an M2.

A Speed Yellow/beige int. 996.2 C4 w/tip!

White 2019 911 GTS with PDK, Chrono+ and PCCB�s. Dude!

2011 GT3RS 4.0

996 GT2 but it would have to be a certain color ~ perhaps Polar Silver or PTS ~ maybe black the only car that could goad me away from my 40th, it's nearly perfect, and before purchasing mine I had built the same coupe on the configurator thousands of times Imagine my delight when I found one 2 miles from home, almost by accident I still glance back after parking and caught a view in the reflection of a mirrored window last week, still makes me smile I'd be hard pressed to give up the GT Silver paint and the lightness (once described as playfulness ) of a simple C2 the X51 is a nice touch, not perfect, but another 30 - 35 hp would be nice while keeping the same weight 911user is approaching 400,000 miles, I'm not even close to 40,000 so lots of good times to come couldn't go back or forward a generation, 997's are kind of boring, the 996 headlights are so distinctive 993's a bit underpowered and smallish - I do like the styling but just prefer the 996 overall

New vehicles are too computerized and disconnected from operating experience. So to move forward from a 996 would be an 80's to mid-2000 Ferrari, Lambo, or any year Robinson which have air-cooled flat fours and sixes.

I was kind of the same situation, daily driver a 2010 Corolla and my weekend my cabrio 996, I had so much expectations on the Supra but I saw the car at the dealer plus the $10000 over MSRP, Pleeeaseeeee, so I'm holding to see the new C8 in person and drive it that would be the replacement, never thought a Chevy will do it but the C8 is something else and for the daily the 2020 Golf R

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I'm right with you

Late 997....4S Like the wide look

I may replace mine with a $30K annuity... passive income is almost more enjoyable than driving anymore. Between the police, texting drivers, seniors and clueless idiots, the joy of driving seems to be dwindling rapidly for me

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Not sure where you live, but we have lots of fun drives in Michigan. Great roads, track days, etc. Please join!

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You are kidding?? Thats the fun part. Its like a video game out there driving today, learn to use your car and enjoy.

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Why the change in heart?

I've been toying around with an idea of buying some super mean supercharged muscle car. I like how Porsche handles, but I also like the raw and mean sound of supercharged big blocks. Cuda, Challenger, Camaro or something similar.

I already have in mind to either get a miata (2nd generation) or a small van like camper. After recently going to an autocross, the Miata just wowed me on the fact that it is pretty competitive and cheap to fix. It is so unassuming too. Van because I am really like the idea of driving while people can play cards and drink beer in the back. My 02 4S (Guards Red) looks great and so many people ooh and ah about it but it's just not me. I took to a party last week and when I went to leave, a crowd had gathered around it. I said okay people, relax. It's an 02. It's an attention *****. If I didn't just drop all that money on sales tax, it would be gone tomorrow. 5 years and it is gone for sure. .

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I get what you're saying about attracting too much attention -- but what about driving the driving experience? Do you not like that? Miatas are great cars, but the 996 is a lot nicer to drive than any Miata in my experience. Is your 4S a Tip or a 6-speed? Cab or coupe?

6 speed coupe (Bought in July). I had a 00 boxster S before this one which I preferred the ride I thought I wanted a highway cruiser going 996. I guess I made a mistake on this one. I was lured by it's beauty. . I saw in a parking lot and was just like "whoa"! It sounds incredible, It's tight. It feels like a special car. Real solid. It's an awesome car, I'm just not the right owner. I kind of have a Miata. Bought for son which he used to autocross. You just don't worry about hurting it.

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I'm guessing the driver that wants a party van to replace a 911 probably isn't terribly focused on the driving experience...

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Z4? -> https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/4USBU53526LX01514

I lied I love the damn thing. I love just washing and waxing it. I could sit with a cigar and just admire it for hours.

Not even sure how to answer.

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100% agreed

Mortgage paid off. Life-time shopping spree to Walmart.

1. 996 GT3 mk2 2. 997.1 Turbo 3. Audi R8 5.2 FSI 4. BMW E46 M3 5. 996 Turbo

2020 Taycan

I've always wanted a 911. I drove a few air cooled models and didn't enjoy driving them. Then hopped into a 996 and LOVED it. So I bought my 996 `99 Aero. LOVE it's looks, but I am NOT thrilled with the steering; particularly, how light and floaty the front end is. But I do love the smallness of the car and how it feels in the turns. Then one day it hit me: drive it like a motor boat. Just think about the power and steering all coming from the rear, and for the front: just sort of aim it in the general direction you want it to end up in. And it feels a little under-powered. But I will say, the more I drive it, THE MORE I am enjoying it. So well see. As for real power and real steering: I am loving my Shelby GT350. You want to talk attention getter? In Lead Foot Gray (1 year only color) and one of 396 made with stripes, and with the loudest factory exhaust Car and Driver ever tested, yea, that Voodoo motor gets attention! But a Boxster may replace my 996 some day. MAYBE.

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Not a Z4 fan I take it. I have a tale of two Z4's -- my sister-in-law's, don't remember what year, but I didn't like it. I felt like the I was sitting at the back of this impossibly long front end and guiding it around every corner. My brother just bought a Z4 a year ago to replace his older Miata. I don't know what year -- it is a higher performance model, but not an M, and it rock and rolls. He bought it incredibly cheap with a damaged front fender, but it has been rock solid after he had the bodywork done. He has five track days on it and counting and has had zero issues. I think the Z4's are pretty bulletproof relative to the 996. The thing I don't like about any of the Japanese sports cars (Miata, BRZ, S2000, MR2 (non-turbo)) is "lack-of-torque-itis". They all just feel slow to me. They have no low-end torque, and even when you rev them out they still feel slow (even though they do produce pretty good HP at high RPM). All of them are begging for a turbo or supercharger, but none of them come with one from the factory. The 996 and the Z4 just drive a lot better, and are a large step up in quality of interior as well, so that's why I can't see replacing a 996 with a Miata. But everyone has their own priorities and preferences.