Exchange student (well, car) time

So I am thinking about passing off my 996 for something different. I would never get rid of my 997..."we've been through too much", and my 944 has too much sentimental value to even think about it. That being said, I have 5 options and I'd like to hear your input: Option #1: 2003 BMW M5 (E39) Le Mans Blue Option #2: 2005 Cadillac XLR - Star Black Limited Production Option #3: 2003 E39 BMW 540ti M-Sport wagon - Titan Silver Metallic Option #4: Keep the 996! ('01 C2 Aero Tip) - Flat White Option #5: Any other suggestions? - Insert color here Let me know what you guys think!

E39 M5

Quotes source post: 12420741

+1 vote

Option #1: 2003 BMW M5 (E39) Le Mans Blue - maintenance is a PITA, but a great overall car. Highly recommended by all of my friends that own one. Option #2: 2005 Cadillac XLR - Star Black Limited Production - go for a C6Z06 instead, much better car for the same chassis and will have better resale value. Option #3: 2003 E39 BMW 540ti M-Sport wagon - Titan Silver Metallic - why 540 sport when you can ///M? Option #4: Keep the 996! ('01 C2 Aero Tip) - Flat White Option #5: Any other suggestions? - Insert color here - BMW M coupe, great little car. The S54 will be quicker than the 996, the S52 (what I got) is slower. But a very fun car to toss around. - 996 Turbo. Best of the 996 line. - Viper RT/10 (or GTS depending on price range) the most exotic car for the $$ and a lot of fun to drive. Just don't expect luxury appointments inside. - Lotus Elise. Slower than a 996c2 in a straight line, significantly faster when turns are involved. Super fun to drive. Zero amenities. - BMW 135. Great little car. Can be modded to be fast.

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I think the E39 is one of the best built BMW's out there, let alone the M5, which is even better. One problem: VANOS

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Funny enough, the Viper and the Elise were on my list as well. My thing with the Lotus was that yes there were no amenities but it was slower on the straights. The elimination point was no power steering. But agreed, would definitely be a thrill around twists and turns. Vipers too, they're hard to come by in my area and those that do are either going for way above going value, or have rebuilt titles. The VANOS in the M5 is already a PITA and I don't even have on yet I've had my eye on the M-coupe since '07...never really got around to driving one or knowing anyone who had one. But from reading up on it if I can find a nice one then I may just as well fall for it if it resembles anything like my E46 M3 did Personally not a fan of the 135/335/535's with all the problems my coworkers/have been having. But like you said, why settle with that when you can go for an /M car. Between wanting a V8 and missing my M3, the XLR/Vette bracket and the M-coupe are definitely options now. Thanks for the help!

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Oh don't we all love VANOS

hated my e39 M5, would never get another. xlr is a pos. M coupe is a nice option. New shelby Gt350

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Try and find an Elise and Viper to drive. Unlike the others, they really do have a spartan feel to them, but it's what makes the cars so great. Also, there are not going to be many on the streets. The Elise, E39M5, M Coupe and Viper GTS are two cars that are not going to lose any value. The XLR has a Northstar POS engine. A base vette is better in every way, a Z06 blows the standard car away. If you go base (for roof off reasons), get an LS3 car (2008+).

buy the one that will make you happy

Cadillac XLR- not an option lol. You will drive that car for a month, and then be utterly disappointed in your decision. It's a shame because it is such a good looking car in V form. Add another vote for E39 M5. Definitely a future classic, and I have actually seen them jump in price already. Run that baby with a muffler bypass and I swear you will never hear a more beautiful sound for the rest of your life!

Keep the 996! How can you beat that value for money...

Quotes source post: 12420741

Out of the options listed, +1.

What's you're budget? If you're still happy with the 996 but want an upgrade find a turbo you will be born again. If you're trying to get away from em look into a Honda S2000 over the xlr. S2000 is really one of the best looking cars out there and they are a blast to drive. For a v8 the c6 z06 is a beast.

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I like that it's a RWD but I'm not crazy about VTEC because there is very little low end power/torque.

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+1 You are a good man

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Stop! I admit you are 100 percent correct, the demon in me is pointing a .44 Magnum at my head and telling me otherwise. I'm sure I wouldn't have even thought about posting this thread if I did not have the 944 and 997.

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I admit, aside from the NSX, definitely a cool Honda. Great work on their part, but I was never a fan. I already have two rice cookers and don't need a third

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You got me on the Viper. I drove an R/T 10 a while back and it was a monster or death trap, can't figure which. Now I need you help. (hey, you got yourself into this ) So I found this on eBay, and the guy is interested in a trade...but he's asking "what my trade offer would be" http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Viper-...m=121699247936 I don't believe in Kelley or her stupid blue book. Here's what I've got done and listed on my classified, aside from general maintenance (oil, plugs, tires, replacing seals, bearings, gaskets, etc..) and a top overhaul (bear with me, some of the stuff is puffed up to appeal to the average guy) What do you think a fair offer would be? I'm already eliminating the factory rims and soft top from his sale. So what would a fair number be in your opinion? Cosmetics: - Full 2 Stage Flat White & clear coat paint job with Dr. Beasley�s Matte Sealant - ($5K) - HRE C20 3-Piece powder coated wheels w/ custom back/sliver Porsche crest center caps (fronts 19x8.5 rears 19x11.5) - ($4K) - 996 custom headlight covers - Spyder 996 LED taillights - Full authentic GT3 graphics - OEM GT3 aluminum race pedals - Custom GT3 designation rocker panels - Deltalip 996/997 LED license plate lights/housings - Full Interior LED light conversion - H7 LED fog light DRL hack (also included PIAA 55w halogen bulbs) - Tequiptment exhaust tips and C4S quad style black chrome retrofit tips (included) Performance: - K&N Competition performance cold air intake system - 996 GT3 throttle body adapter - 1 & 3/4� Stainless Steel Performance headers & gaskets - 304 Stainless Steel Supercup full exhaust system - 200-CEL high flow sport catalytic converters - NGK V-Power Platinum racing spark plugs - EVOMS TCU (Transmission Control Unit) upgrade - 3 mode Porsche Sprint Booster (regular/street/race) - Fuchs Titan Supersyn Longlife Plus 5w-40 imported oil - LN Engineering magnetic drain plug - OEM bushings, bearings, gaskets - All fluids flushed & replaced Suspension: - H&R Sport Springs (1.25� drop) - Bilstein B6 Sport Struts (front) - Koni Rear Sport Shocks (rear) - Bilstein anti roll sway bar drop links (front & rear) - Bilstein anti-roll sway bar drop links (front & rear) - Zimmermann vented/cross drilled (fronts & rears) - Textar brake pads (fronts & rears) - Sebro brake pad wear sensors (fronts & rears) - General G-Max UHP all season tires Entertainment & Sound: - Kenwood DNX572BH 6.2� touch screen Garmin GPS/Bluetooth/iPod head unit (50w power x 4 channels) - Alpine Type-S SPS-410 4� coaxial 2 way speakers (dash & rear) - Tang Band W5-1138SMF 5-1/4� subwoofers (doors) Miscellaneous: - Platypus Pro-Series tow hook front license plate mount - Bosch Icon wiper blades - Custom GT3 license plate frame - OEM center console cubby CD holder delete - Porsche Design 911 key conversion Anyone feel free to chime in!

M5

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Oh why-o-why do you want to sell this?

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If you look at a '92-'96 RT/10, make sure it had head gaskets replaced. Stock ones are guaranteed to leak. '97-'02 RT/10 & '96+ GTS have the new style head gasket. IMO go for a '97+ RT/10 or GTS (gen2) with higher mileage over a '92-'97 (gen1). The interior is much better, more power, better suspension, real windows, etc. This looks like a good car: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Viper-...1?#description ACR http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Viper-...m=252016768767 nice mods: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Viper-...m=151734759426 Comparison of my supercharged GTS next to a 996: IMG_0963_zps0ba363fa.jpg

Quotes source post: 12421967

Me likeee!!!

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Oh boy, now I'm REALLY starting to second guess this. I made it to look, sound, and feel like an MKI GT3, though purists hate me, it's a pretty awesome car all in all. Yup, definitely starting to second guess this

Quotes source post: 12421967

Wowee thanks so much for that. I reallyyyyyyy like the ACR, just shot him a message so we'll see what comes of it! At least these you can open the door from the outside on these Thanks a bunch!

Donate your aftermarket exhaust from your 996 to me then go get the Viper GTS.

from the listed, the only decent one looks the e39 M5, however from my experience would suggest a silver gray e46M3 that could later on be converted to csl look maybe sound/performance as well (cams/airbox)