Raron

So I know that sounds like a crazy comparison but I'm trying to decide between the three. My last car was an 07 Z4M, had a Lotus Elise before that and a bunch of other stuff. Will post a link to some of the previous cars so you have an idea of where I've been.

I'm looking to spend $10-$15k and will use the car to go work and also fun on weekend. Currently we have a Land Rover Discovery which may or may not also be replaced. So my logic is this:

Option 1
Get S2k which I would mostly drive. Sell the Rover and get wife a Land Cruiser or perhaps an LS400 or something she would enjoy driving a bit more.

Option 2
Get C32 and then do the same as above. But then I'd have 2 4 doors and I'd be hoping the C32 is fun enough to double as my toy.

Option 3
Get 928 and definitely also replace the rover so I don't have 2 expensive V8's. Although I'm probably the most concerned about ongoing maintenance on the 928 than any of the others. Also need to decide if I MUST have a 5spd or not because that makes a big difference in price obviously.

I guess I'm down to the fundamental decision of which of car I would rather drive on a regular basis since she would be driving the other. I suppose I also need to consider which would be the most fun for us to go cruisin on weekends too.

Btw, I had an 03' S2k and really enjoyed it. Felt like a go-cart and chassis was quite rigid for a droptop! Never had a C32 or 928 however... Any thoughts?

Here are some pics of some of the previous toys http://www.cardomain.com/ride/291976
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Imo000

Sounds like you are used to leasing cars. An older 928 can be a handfull for maitnance so unless you are good at turning a wrench,. I would say go with something else.

Rob Edwards

If you've had a Z4M, a Viper, and a Z06, I'm not sure that the performance of a 928 is going to cause you to say anything but 'meh...'. But there are a ton of great 928's and 928 owners there in DFW, the best thing to do would be to go to one of the local get-togethers, introduce yourself and bum a couple of rides. Owning a 928 is definitely a team sport!

ptuomov

If you're looking for a fun, reliable car to drive, get the S2000. It's a drop top, the engine is very nice for fun driving. You know this, you've had one. If you want to soup it up a bit, there's a huge number of performance parts and shops to do it.

If you are looking for a hobby, then maybe 928. It'll keep you occupied. In the garage or on the side of the road.

The only reason why I got a 928 now is because I had one when I was in grad school way back when. Years ago I thought "wonder what this would be like with turbos under the hood." And now I am about to find out.

ptuomov

I revise my recommendation after seeing the cars you've driven in the past. Considering your history, of course you want to own and drive the car that you haven't owned and driven yet. Even if you expect to move on in a couple of years (months?) it'll still be one more experience.

To some extent it's like with women, you have to ask yourself the question whether you'd have sex with a 9 you've already had sex with or a 7 you haven't yet had sex with. There's no need to post the answer to that question, everyone already knows the answer.

mickster

A ménage à trois would yield you 16...

ptuomov

Between my wife and I, we share 2006 M5, 2006 M45, 2006 997 C2SC, and 1987 928 S4. What can I say, guilty as charged...

Raron

Actually I've never leased a car before... Regarding the maintenance, no doubt the S2k is most reliable. But I've also heard a well cared for 928 isn't as bad as people think. But with all of the responses here about it "keeping me busy" and being a "hobby in the garage or side of the road" etc. I'm beginning to wonder

Iwanna928

928? Not bad at all. Do a reliability search on the car and see how many owners enjoy mile after mile! I would do as suggested and met some 928 owners, go for a ride in a 5spd and a auto and decide for yourself!

You could buy a sweet 85/86 for 1/2 the money you are talking about and put the other 1/2 into turning it into a beast. I would say a 85 5spd, best bang for the buck.

ptuomov

Don't take me too seriously, nobody else here does.

Relative to S2K, an old 928 will require much much more care. In absolute sense, it's not overwhelming as long as done in advance on a regular basis and without a binding budget constraint.

But let me be clear: Buying a 928 is never a result of a rational decision process. It's not especially convenient, fast, comfortable, roomy, good for picking up chicks, maintenance free, or cheap in terms of total cost of ownership. It's one good looking car, though, by my tastes.

Landseer

928 will be an extremely high maintenance car unless you spend a premium in any given model year to get one that has had extensive proactive maintenance. I've seen arguments to the contrary here, but lets face it, this is ground-zero for 928 technical engagement and anybody here arguing the contrary has been engaging in maintenance in an abnormal fashion almost by definition.
I fully agree with Tuomo's assessment earlier in the thread.

For a fun driving car, there is almost no excuse, dollar for dollar, not to buy a new-version vette if you are not a DIY guy and will be spending a premium for the car.

For a DIY guy a 928 is nirvanna.

dprantl

Don't discount the C32, it has the same power as a GTS and 100lbs less weight. It is also very easy to switch pulleys and get +50hp. The only problem is that they only come in automatic. My wife has one and it is very fast and fun.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

pcar928fan

Find a really nice decent mileage GTS and spend $35k to $40k and have one of the most rare and lovely cars you (or anyone else) will ever see on the road. When it breaks, fix it, when it runs, drive the hell out of it! With only 400 ever imported and more than a few destroyed you are VERY, VERY unlikely to see yourself going the other direction. You will see an S2k or a Vette every time you hit the road, no matter where you are going. A C32 while fun is still a four door M/B...WHO CARES?! 928's attract attention wherever you go!

SteveG

"It'll keep you occupied. In the garage or on the side of the road."
This is a bit harsh, IMHO. You get what you pay for, but you should budget for a 17 to ?? year old car, no way around it. A well maintained car will be a dependable DD. I had an '85 5-sp (chipped) before the auto GTS, the '85 was quicker, not just b/c of the trans. Neither car had/has left me stranded, but you do need to know how to trouble shoot relays, etc. Your autos have been newer; Unless you are hooked on the styling + handling, it might not be the car for you.

IrishLegend

True...I had a guy give me the thumbs up and yell "Porsche...there is no substitute" at me at a red light just yesterday!