'New' Sports Car?

[Jezzer]

Before I have kids (and before petrol becomes 'too' expensive) I would like to have a sporty car.

So, I have a budget of about £28k.

I am thinking, for that amount of money I can get a Porsche 911 Carrera S on an 05 plate (997).

Any alternatives?

My wife likes the Audi TT. I can get an almost new one for that price but... it's an Audi TT?!

Opinions welcome. Thanks.

[Cambs12]

I wish i had bought a 911 before my kids came along,unlikely ever to happen now!

The TT is ok,but it's just a golf/leon underneath.If you can afford the running costs,i would definitely look seriously at 911s,should keep it's value reasonably also.It will be a car you remember.

[JBCobra]

Get the Porsche ;)
They will never go out of style
Theoretically can last forever.
Plus, if you don't get the Porsche........you will always be saying to yourself "I should have gotten the Porsche"

[Biscuit]

Honda NSX - and it might just hold its value even better than the Porsche!

[Samantha]

Jezzer - if you do want to consider the NSX - PM me as I have a lot of knowledge on these cars - what they cost to own, what to look for when buying, which cars fall within the 'snap ring' problem range.
However if wanting as an everyday car which you will commute in ... the 911 is a more 'everyday' car. I would really only consider the NSX for a weekend/fun toy. All aluminium body means you really don't want parking dings. It has a wide rear. & if you get the full fat original - no power steering.
Of course if not after full fat, newer ones had PAS and so did all the Autos.

[JBCobra]

Hi Biscuit and Samantha
Good call on the NSX
How much is perfect one going for these days?

[Jezzer]

It's really tempting to get a 911. I can always sell it if I don't like it... and then at least I can say that I've owned a Porsche.

[silencio]

It's really tempting to get a 911. I can always sell it if I don't like it... and then at least I can say that I've owned a Porsche.

Exactly! Go for it :

[s2000db]

Whatever you do, if you decide to go the Porsche route, please ensure that you get one with the official Porsche warranty, it'll demonstrate that it's been well looked after, and you won't get any nasty surprises in the £12k+ range..
I've got one of these myself, so please feel free to contact me.. (Btw they're utterly reliable and relatively cheap to run.. )

[Samantha]

Hi Biscuit and Samantha
Good call on the NSX
How much is perfect one going for these days?

Depends on your definition of perfect and which model you want.

The Autos are cheapest.
The T-bar cheaper than coupe.

I have an original manual coupe, non PAS model, red with black roof and in very very good condition - I won't say perfect as it is a 20 year old car, but if I was selling I'd be wanting £18-20k for it. You can pick up lesser models for circa £14k with higher miles, or if autos. The £28k budget would get a newer 6-speed model.

[julian2002]

BMW M coupe - challenging looks but goes like a stabbed rat and you'll have some money in the bank for maintainence.

American muscle car - left hand drive and cornering like bambi on ice but the noise, the straight line speed and if you get the right one , the looks.

Holden / monaro - right hand drive and reasonable handling might get one of the bathurst supercharged ones for your money.

Jag XKR- not sure if you'll get a new shape one for 28k and it's a jaaaaaaaag.

Aston DB7 - I've seen these in the mid 20k's no idea about condition but IT'S AN ASTON MARTIN.

Go look on pistonheads classifieds for some inspiration.

bet you get the porsche though

[Jezzer]

Whatever you do, if you decide to go the Porsche route, please ensure that you get one with the official Porsche warranty, it'll demonstrate that it's been well looked after, and you won't get any nasty surprises in the £12k+ range..
I've got one of these myself, so please feel free to contact me.. (Btw they're utterly reliable and relatively cheap to run.. )

Thanks Dana.

I've seen one I like at an independent Porsche dealer. It has full Porsche service history but I don't know if it has an official Porsche warranty. I'll have to ask!

[Jezzer]

BMW M coupe - challenging looks but goes like a stabbed rat and you'll have some money in the bank for maintainence.


bet you get the porsche though

The Beemer is nice but is quite thirsty.

But you could be right. The Porsche is really really tempting.

[Polarbear]

Easy, a four year old Merc SLK 55 AMG.

Very reliable, reasonably cheap to run and massive amounts of fun

[i_should_coco]

But you could be right. The Porsche is really really tempting.

Aren't you a bit young for your mid-life crisis?

[Biscuit]

I quite like the look of the Cayman S (considering its a modern Porsche) - might be able to get a slightly newer one for your £28k?

[JBCobra]

Get the Porsche, especially if you are going to use it regularly

[Jezzer]

I'm 38 Coco!

Are you selling yours Polarbear? Doesn't the Merc do about 15mpg? (a 911 Carrera does about 25)

The Cayman S is a lovely car but is slightly less practical than a 911 (and isn't the only Porsche worth getting a 911?)

[Polarbear]

I average 25 out of my Merc, not bad for a 5.3l engine.

[Jezzer]

5.3l?!?

you must have a light right paw