Should I wait or should I move up?

At a crossroads right now. Currently have a 2000 Audi S4. Enjoy the car its a lot of fun, doesnt corner as well as a p-car but hey its a sedan. I enjoy the stealthyness and the fact that most people around where I live dont have a clue. Next month or so I will know more about a promotion I am going to receive along with more $$$. Should I: A: Trade the S4 for a used 996 C4 coupe (probably 01 or higher) B: Trade the S4 for a used 993 Turbo ('97) C: Wait save the loot run out the audi assured warrentee, and aftermarket warrentee and get a new C4 or slight used 996 Turbo. (still have a few years on the aftermarket warrentee) By then I will be over the magic age of 25 so my insurance rates wont be a car payment in its self. Reason I am trying to get a p-car as early as possible, because I know it can be a tough thing to do if you ever have a family, big mortgage etc. Also to get a significant other used to the fact that she wont kill my enjoyment for fast cars. Only fear about going to a C4 is I wont pick up much in terms of power. In terms of braking, cornering etc I gain massive ammounts. I also miss lower weight having a Jetta prior to the S4. At times I miss the weight of the jetta. (braking on a snow covered road or even in the rain is a good example) Drove my friends C2 cab and enjoyed it a great deal. The overall demenor of the car was great. I can imagine that a C4 or a turbo would only be more fun. So what should I do?

993 TURBO, 993 TURBO!! I drive a 996 C2 myself, but you are going to have way more fun in the turbo (and probably lose a bit less in the depreciation, too). Just my two cents.

If you have the money, go for a used 996TT under warranty. If you go through a dealer, a certified warranty to a 100k miles is a good selling point to the Mrs. (ie no significant out of pocket expenses for repairs). also, as i've been told, the turbo engines are pretty stout and don't seem to act up nearly as often as the 996. that being said, all of the above suggestions would seem to be preferable to an Audi. I've never gotten so much attention with my car from so many people and I still to this day turn my head and watch a fellow Porsche owner drive by me and say to myself, "atta boy/girl." (read:these are very cool cars, no doubt). Caution though, do not drive a turbo if you can't buy it, day and night has been used as a comparison before and after the test drive...well check the sig. Good luck with the promotion and your many excellent choices ahead!!

I had 2 kids and a mortgage when I bought my 911, plus my wife was very supportive (she still is). Insurance and maintenance costs might be less with a 996 vs a 993TT. A 99-01 C4 might be the best car. I don't mean to preach, so I'll apologize up front, but if you're worried about the cost then wait on the p car, it will come.

Figure out some way to keep the S4 and go for a used 996. I was in the same situation - I love my S4 ('01) but HAD to have a 996. You won't be sorry having two cars. The S4 is awesome in the winter here in the Northeast and is still a blast to drive. It will walk away from the 996 in a straight line up to about 120 MPH, and is built like a tank. My S4 is modded with a GIAC chip and full dual exhaust, good for about 400 lb-ft of torque. On balance, it is the best car I've ever owned.

C. That will give you an opportunity to buy the best Porsche for your budget, and see what the 997 will look like.

How about a C4S? I used to have an S4, and my wife had a Boxster. We now live in the city and only need one car, so we got the C4S used (4K miles). In your case, if you think you'll be able to afford a 997 and handle the wait (at least 2 years for a TT), go for it. But speaking from experience, you won't regret getting a 996 or having it as your only car.

I went from an S4 Avant to a new 996 c2 and love it. No comparison. I tinkered with buying a 993 for years, but finally fell head over heels when I drove a 3.6l 996 -- everything just clicked. If you need the utility, try to hold on to the S4. I ended up buying a WRX wagon to fill the gap my Avant left. Turns out the WRX is more fun than the Avant, but that's a different story.

Having both will be having your cake and eating it - there is nothing like it - The S4 is great for those bad weather days - I would go for the Turbo - but the 996 would be nice also. Best of luck.

I'd definitely find a way to have both cars. My '99 M3 is the perfect accessory to the 996.

Just a quick note to say that if you're going for a 996, get an '02. The price difference between 02 and 01 is not that big, but the changes on the car are significant.

993 twin-turbo............

i suggest you wait until you actually get your promotion and have saved up at least10% of the price you expect to pay. in the meantime your s4 is a great set of wheels--enjoy them at least thru the winter and don't forget to get snow tires next year when you can really afford a porsche. sorry to be a wet blanket.