mclaudio

I recommend that you drive other cars of the same model/vintage. Particularly, try another 80s 911 just for comparison. Much like other Euro cars from the 50s to the 80s, experience and driving feel may vary (although more consistent in Porsches and MBs). These cars are getting old enough that condition matters.

Also, on the 80s 911s, I have owned a few. One drive on these cars doesn't reflect the driving feel that the car provides. For instance, I have to remind myself of the awkward pedal placement, notchy gearshift and low speed understeer. But then another drive or two or several, while pushing the car harder and being aware of the what the car is communicating to you, may sway you towards these cars. I find that certain cars of the same vintage and even earlier are these way: you need seat time on them for true appreciation. The Porsche 356, 911 (especially the early S), Ferrari, W109 and earlier Benz, pre-70 Alfa Romeo. And once warmed up, don't hesitate to drive them harder. You may realize that these cars actually beg to be driven harder

I sold my last 80s 911 to one of the regulars in this forum and rebought my 1999 996. That 996 was a good car as well (130K + on original clutch and engine, no IMS/RMS). It was my daily driver; that was a car that my wife and daughters wanted to drive. They never said that with any of my 70s/80s/90s Porsches. IMHO, the 996 was a car that appealed more to the masses. However, if you are a car enthusiast regardless of marque affinity, I recommend experiencing the earlier 911s. You may or may not bond with it, but it takes more than one drive.

I sold my DD 996 and bought another vintage Benz as my summer daily driver; this is another story. Interestingly enough, I found myself test driving a 25K mile 993 just the other day. I don't need another car or Porsche; but in spite of all the quirkiness of older 911s, I'm still drawn to them. If you want power steering, a 993 may be a good compromise between the 80s 911 and 996 (and newer).

Having said this, life's too short not to drive interesting cars. Don't compromise. New cars may be more comfortable right off the bat, but tend to get less interesting with time. Older cars are the other way - quirky but endearing.

GothingNC

Excellent post Mclaudio

Chris-O

here's one for you to check out,

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Ed Hughes

Oh, what a coincidence. Post #1, and you were able to contribute.

Saml01

I agree. Thanks Mclaudio.

Youre right, that was a premature post.

---------
What do you guys think of this?
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/2511907005.html

Gonna try to take a look at it tomorrow.

GothingNC

That looks like a real nice black coupe.

I would check it out.

GTgears

Something that gets less attention on the early 996 than the engine, is the pinion bearing on the gearbox. For any 99 or 00 car you consider buying make sure the seller has had the gearbox rebuilt regardless of mileage. If they haven't it's a timebomb waiting to go off. The problem was solved later in production and the improved bearing can be retrofitted, but the vast majority of them got out of warranty before they had any issues. A low mileage '99 that seens like a cream puff could quickly turn into a money pit. Just something you should be aware of in your hunt for the perfect Porsche.

Personally, I'd go back and drive some more 3.2l Carreras. I own 2 of them, an '85 and an '86. I love them. They are great cars driven hard. And contrary to popular myth, at least my personal DD, the '86 blows ice cold R12 A/C. I drove it through the recent heat wave here without any issues.

Saml01

I got some bad news fellas. I am going to have to cool the search for a while. I know what you are thinking, but my wife did not catch the preggars <knock on wood>. I got accepted to a part time MBA program and have decided to pursue it while working full time. Sadly, this leaves no time for anything.

I'm kind of upset but at the end of the day I know I need this.

As a consolation the wife promises a Porsche after I am done. So I have something to look forward too.

Thank you for all your wisdom, advice and most importantly patience.

Ill be around, but doing a lot more reading than posting.

Caferacer

Good luck. You won't regret the MBA. I suggest that after you have settled into a routine (possibly next Spring) that you consider an "escape vehicle" for the commute between work and class. Just a thought. And we will still be here.

redridge

Good decision! These cars requires time to keep up and you will be busy for sure. GL with school and with the fam.

GothingNC

Yes, you have made a good choice sticking with going for the MBA first.

Good luck