UDPride

Id look for a E30 325xi hanging around somewhere. You might be able to get Subaru versatility and BMW panache. If you want to stay sporty but somewhat practical, find a 944NA or a 300ZXNA 2+2. Getting greedy? Scope out the 951s and see if someone has a wife who says its either him or the car that must go.

I'd have sold you a mint condition 92 Integra GS-R I had for $5,500, but someone totaled it two weeks ago. Good points on the insurance company lowballing you. Progressive is currently lowballing me on my Acura payoff even when I was not at-fault. KBB says $5000 they say $4500 and I say $5500. They have been getting an earful from me.

THE Mike D.

In regards to my offer I actually have to visit a client in Charlotte in a couple of weeks and could even deliver the car.

Mike D. <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Dave E

Did you think they were kidding when they said "THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE"? <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

Danno

Didn't that come from Tom Cruise in "Risky Business"?

Tabor

[quote]Originally posted by Tom R.:
<strong>DUDE:
WAKE UP!!!!
Insurance is suppsed to pay to replacement value NOT WHOLESALE less your deductible for the car.</strong><hr></blockquote>

While I agree in a moral sense, I disagree in a technical sense. In some states (noteably Florida), this is a perfectly legal practice.

Eric

[quote]Didn't that come from Tom Cruise in "Risky Business"? <hr></blockquote>

Danno, yes Tom said that, but that has been one of Porsche's slogans for many years.

Ian,

I like the 914--or get a 924 turbo(you could get a mint example AND have enough left over for any incidentals.

ian

Eric,

I have been told the 924 Turbos are not the most friendly cars to work on, and that those tiny 2.0L turbo motors are not very reliable (too hight stress I thought). If I'm wrong that is fine and I might consider one.

My latest idea is datsun Z, I restored one when I was in high school, easy to work on, fairly cheap parts, same front engine rear drive layout. But really I have no idea.

Eric

Ian,

The 924 turbos can be finicky. I was looking at them prior to buying the 951(and again recently when the 951 was up for sale). I have always loved the first-gen. 924. From what I gathered the exhaust systems have some high-dollar parts, and there are some 924 turbo-specific parts which are getting rarer. On the plus, they are unique, easy to cheaply increase HP, and have a non-interference engine, and are relatively cheap to pick up.
I also like the early Datsun Z-cars. I remember a few years back when Nissan sold factory-refreshed "new" vintage 240Z's. Although you lost the 951, think about the fun you will have car-shopping.

*Rothmans*

NORMALLY ASPIRATED 944 !!!!!!!!!
<img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

There IS life after turbos..... <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

Wachuko

If at all possible, a Porsche. If not, then a German car. The built quality and feel can't be match by other carmakers. Maybe that will change if a few years. BMWs are a good balance of German engineering and sports feel with the added advantage of rear space for passengers.

So, the choices (from my point of view) are:

911 any year, as long it is in excellent mechanical shape (you will always have a classic with one of these cars). The sound of an air cooled engine can’t be beat.
951 – If you look hard enough there got to be a car out there within your budget. Can’t beat the handling and feel of these cars. The low and wide stance of these cars is simply awesome.

or a BMW

or a VW GTI (say what ever you want… I am still a sucker for a VW GTI, love the car, love the looks)

Z-man

What about a 944S2 or a 968? Both have globs of low end torque, are a little easier to work on than the turbos, and if well maintained do not have many problems.

But then again, I'm biased!
-Z.

MadMax

Ian,
Look around and just see what you can afford after you make the deal with the insurance company. It is all just "spit-balling" until you get your settlement.

Now, for all of you guys telling the kid to buy a 911. He has been asking for advice based on his price range. I am assuming, and it is a dangerous assumption, that he didn't want to take out an additional loan after his settlement. Well, even if he got $15K for his car he is not going to have enough money to buy a "good" example of the more desireable 911's that even remotely in his price range. (i.e., 84-86 SC's or 87-89 Carrera's)

I really nice example of a 87-89 will not be any less than $25k. There are always those little old lady sells dead husband's car for $5 things but that is about as likely as winning the lottery.

His best bet if he wants to stay with Porsche is to buy another 944, either an S2 or a turbo.
Just my two cents. Good luck Ian.

Best Regards,
MadMax

Dave

No reason to leave the 944 family, the options are;
968, not likely on what the ins. will pay
S2, a little more realistic
951, should be something out there, maybe not as nice as his previous one, but he probably didn't put all that work into it at once either.
944 or 944S, should be easy to find a very nice one.

ian

911's really are well out of my range, I don't want a basket case, if I had a house and a garage that would be something I would consider.

Actually I'm thinking about taking a lot of the money and putting it towards a house. I really want a garage and then I could be a huge basket case of a car and work on it every day.

Turby

whatever you decide on....take your time. Do not rush into another car unless it is a beater you just use to commute. Save your$$, take your time, and soon you will have another 951 to upgrade better than your old one. Think of it as a second chance to do what you really wanted. I know if I could do it all over again, I would have done things diffrently. This summer will suck, but next will be worth the wait. -Turby