New p-car owner. Would like to introduce oneself

Previously i had posted some questions on this site without introducing myself and got some negative responses. Please allow me to introduce myself. Hello all, my name is Bao and i'm a proud new owner of an 02' 996. Here is a little info about my car. Anyways, it's a 02 lapis blue with an aerokit, and natural grey interior. Has 29k miles and paid $54.9k at a dealer. I was looking for quite some time for the one that i wanted (w/aerokit), but couldn't find any until i came across this one. I had previously asked if this was a good price on rennlist after buying the car. But now i know that it doesn't matter anymore since i already bought it and i'm totally happy with the purchase. I know the price i paid was not great, but it was the car that i've been looking for. I upgraded from an 01 m3 to this beautiful Porshce! The only gripe i have with Porsches is that their interiors really suck compared to my M3! I guess interior design is secondary to porsche engineers. Not that many options on it. Only options that i see are bose stereo, power seats, cd changer, and the aerokit. Hope to save up some more $$ and start modding the hell out of it. I know my first mod will be a suspension upgrade. Been mulling over whether to get the RoW suspension, or x73, or billstein??? Any thoughts would be great. THe only thing holding me back about the Row kit is that it doesn't lower the car enough to my taste, but the kit is cheap. The x73 and billstein are in the same price range and the ride height is lowered substantially. ANy thoughts would greatly be appreciated. Here are some pics. here is a pic of my m3. I still have it, but undecided whether or not to sell or keep???? If i sell i can buy more mods! Or keep it as my daily.. Thanks, Bao Tucson, Az

Regarding your suspension choices, you'll be looking for an X74 package ... not the X73... since you have a narrow body C2. Congrats on your ride.

keep the M3....so you can feel what you are missing when you drive it!!... I love beemers, but the sound and handling of a P.....is hard to compair.

Bao - Sweet looking P-car. I LOVE the color (not that I am biased on anything ) There are a few things you can do to "spruce up" the interior, like gauge rings, aluminum pedals, and some other aluminum look accessories on the upper center console. I also have the Graphite Grey interior, but I have the supple (a.k.a. soft look) leather seats and I think that really improves the look of the seats. If you are going to track the car then X74 would be good, but the ride will be quite stiff. RoW M030 will be lower than stock but not as stiff as X74. Consider the intended use, and the relative comfort level you desire before choosing a suspension mod. Again, Welcome!

Keep the M3 - I wish I had one as a daily. I'm looking for a 2001-2002 540i wagon as a new daily...

Welcome, Bao...great looking cars (both of them)! I upgraded from an M3 daily to the 996 as a daily (well, with a MINI Cooper S in the middle) and I agree - there are things I miss about the M. Despite my love for the 996, to think it is superior to the M in all aspects would be delusional. I think the M is just a little too weighted towards touring than the 996, but that's not a bad thing for a commuter.

Congrats and welcome, Bao! Don't sweat over the purchase price. Overpaid, underpaid, just right, it doesn't matter as long as you're happy with it. It's all relative, so just enjoy the new ride to the fullest. I'm surprised the previous owner opted for the MK I GT3 aerokit for an '02, though. If the M3 is to be used as a daily driver, then I'd trade it for an M5 instead for the two extra doors. I have a huge soft spot for the E39 M5.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. I look forward to enjoying the car, and gaining valuable information from fellow rennlisters on this site. Gota and RJ thanks for the advice on the x74 suspension not the x73. I'm still undecided though. Like gota said it all depends on what i want the suspension for, track or daily? gravedr i totally agree with you on the M3. It's hard comparing the m3 to a 911. They are 2 totally different cars. The m3 is more of a touring car whereas the 911 is a pure sportscar. The m3 is a bit on the heavy side, and the 911 is so light and fun to drive. I don't know, I really want to keep it, but damn i'm seriously thinking about selling it and getting an older beemer as a daily like an e30 or e36. With the left over cash i could get myself an evo supercharger. As a matter of fact i was looking to purchase an e39 m5, but when i got to the dealer and saw the porsche. It just attracted me to it more than the m5. Plus the fiance loved the porsche too! So i decided to get it. Maybe sometime in the near future i will get a e60 M5. Now that is a monster!! Bao

Nice looking porsche.Did you buy it at A porsche dealer.cpo?

Ojpimp and everyone else, thanks for the compliment! Really appreciate it. No i did not buy it at a porsche dealership, and it just went out of warranty. However my local porsche dealer is working on an extended warranty for me. They are quoting me around 2800-3500 for a platinum warranty. "working" meaning that they are in the process of changing over to a newer warranty company that supposedly is alot better than the ones that they are selling, and cheaper. I bought the car from Autohaus West in Irvine, CA. They have a huge selection of preowned porsches. Most 03 and newer still have warranty. Gota911, nice car bro!! Like the color as well . Hell, all of your guy's porsches are beautiful. That's why i went and bought one myself. BTW so i have the MK I GT3 kit? what's the difference between the MKI and MKII? I was curious too since my aerokit did not look like others that i've seen, especially the rear wing... Thanks

That's the Carerra Wing not either of the Aero wings....the MkI (or MkII). And there is really no "kit" since there is no front end either. Basically you have the Aero I side skirts and the Carerra wing. the MkI wing is the Taco Wing and the MkII wing is the blade wing you see on the 02+ GT3's (not the RS wing though) Regardless, still a nice ride! FYI.....for reference, the MkI kit is the 99-01 body style and the MkII is the facelifted 996 (02+).

oh, ok. Thanks lvdell for clarifying that for me. Bummer thought i had the aerokit on it. oh well, still looks nice! ANy suggestions on a front lip or bumper that would complement the rest of the car? THanks

I would suggest to Aero front bumper. Genuine Porsche can be had from several vendors for between $1-$2K depending on your level of patience and diligence shopping......oh yeah, and the others here on the board letting you know about deals

Nice car bao, have fun with it! Get yourself an e36 for a daily driver and you'll be all set

Bao...welcome and congrats...nice ride! I have an E46 Bimmer as well...I'd say 996 interior is practical and reasonablely ergonomic but the Bimmer's interior is much more thoughtful and classy esp when it comes to layout and use of materials.

Congratulations! Welcome onboard.