CP

Hi,

After I lost my M5 to an accident, I am now driving a Lexus RX330 as a daily driver. I don't carry many passengers, no clients to see, and nothing to haul besides architectural plans.

Just for discussion purposes, I'm curious what are important factors you folks look for in your daily driver, and what do you drive now (if not a 993). I'll go first. My list and heirachy are:
(1) Safety.
(2) Reliability.
(3) Comfort and space.
(4) Reasonable operating cost.
(5) Fun to drive.
(6) High HP. torque.
(7) panache and brand appeal.
(8) Sportiness.

Thanks for sharing.

CP

Harold

Reliability, clearance and ease of driving..... still using a '92 Ferrari 348 on a daily basis (don't ask me why... but it seems to work OK as a daily driver), but seriously considering the 3rd generation MX5 as a daily runabout given the lack of power steering in the 348 and clearance problems in car parks and driveways....

ceboyd

I have an R32 VW for my daily driver... I had a lexus SC430 as a daily driver before but the 'mush' of the suspension got to me after a while... ...and the SUV made me sea-sick.. ..and I'm just not an SUV person. I wanted something AWD that wasn't an SUV and the WRX STI or EVO were just too raw for a daily driver. I also wanted something with decent power and decent storage capacity. ...so the hatchback of the VW R32 fit the bill... best Audi VW ever built is the common phrase.. LOL ...I also like smaller cars so that fit in well there. The Mini was a consideration but it just was too raw in comparison to the LUX of the R32. ...and I like german engineering.. the feel of the drive. ...safety is a nice side note with the side airbags, etc.

Pedro356C

When the weather is bad or I have to carry stuff, I drive a Bimmer X5...otherwise, I drive the P-car because "life is too short"! ;- )

Marv

I have a Ford Ranger for daily travel in Ohio, but I would rather have the Ferrari 348!

My wife has a '93 325i for commuting. However, due to the number of crush-deaths on Route 70 lately I would like to see her get an armored Hum Vee.

Jastx

Part of that decision depends on your overall car budget. Miu budget is pretty well utilized with my Porsche so my objective is to have a car that is dependable, inexpensive to buy, insure and operate with as much fun to drive as a small amount of money can allow. On top of that, this car is my drive-anywhere-park-anywhere-dont't-give-a-damn car -- not a beater but disposable, a car I can treat simply as transportation. A car to do battle in the real world of SUVs, pickups, and oblivious drivers.

My choice turned out to be a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. It was inexpensive ($17k brand new), has the the EVO 5-sp shifter, and has been massaged by Mitsu's Ralliart competition organization with 4-wheel discs, a more performance suspension including strut brace and a nice interior, and a stereo with a subwoofer. It's just a 162hp four banger but it has decent torque and performs smoothly. It's actually a fun car to drive. 10-year, 100k warranty on the drive train too.

My daily driving includes bumper-to-bumper highway at congested 5-20 mph speeds for 20 miles, parking in the Dallas 100 degree sun outside all day at the office, more of the sit, sit, sit in traffic and parking at the airport and other packed venues. My strategy of a dont-give-a-damn car was validated two weeks ago when I was sitting at a stop in the highway rush hour and was struck from behind and pushed into the SUV ahead of me, car #4 in a 5 car cascade collision when a driver three cars back failed to stop. It's inconvenient to deal with the repair but to I care? Nope. If it were my Porsche, I'd be absolutely sick! If it were a decent car like a 3 series or a Lexus, upset. But it isn't so it gets fixed and life goes on.

That's my choice.

CP

John,

Well put, I value the park anywhere ability as well.

If it was totally up to me, I'd take a MazdaSpeed Miata in a heart beat, or a Civi/Corolla type of car. But after my M5 ordeal, my wife will never let be drive a small car on a daily basis. Sigh.....

CP

Frank 993 C4S

My daily driver in the US is a '00 Audi S4 sedan, which is a blast to drive. I bought a set of winter tires which provides me with ultimate mobility and saftey with the AWD. Unfortunately, I was bitten by the mod bug and added a chip, performance exhaust, coil over suspension and RS4 wheels. So far, the car has been extremely reliable, however I've heard other stories. For me it's a perfect low key performance sedan, with excellent mobility and acceptable depreciation.

For Ireland, I recently purchased an '01 Audi RS4 "estate" (there are only 3 of them in Ireland) which exceeds the above and will stay bone stock (I might add an MTM chip to go to 420 hp). I can't afford an attention getter car for work reasons so this was the perfect choice. Unfortunately, the RS4 was never imported to the US so it won't be available for you.

Terry Adams

My 993 meets all 8 requirements. I don't commute, but drove a 911 even when I did. I have time to park anywhere. I don't have to carry people and stuff around. Life is short, so there is only one choice.

Edward

Hi Pong,

Hope the Ruf is "coming together" well for you!

In today's climate, I'd be valuing gas mileage first for a commuter. If mid-size is a concern, as is "sportiness" (or at least a certain "liveliness" to the controls), then safety of course, I'd think Japanese. You just can't get more reliable than Japan's BigThree. Arguably the best choice here would be Infinity's G-coupes. If willing to go a bit smaller, Lexus' IS300 is nice. Happy hunting, and post what you end up getting. Take care, friend!

Edward

the_buch

I have a long commute every day, and arrive at work a lot happier when I drive the 993 ... like Pedro said, 'life is short', and I didn't buy this as an investment ... :-)

Traffic53

a car that starts every time is important.
driving it shouldn't make you tired.

that said: i drive my 993 eveyday. a 996 c4s would do...as would a 997. also consider the new 6 series. if you need 4 doors, the rs6 is among the best cars in the world.

SCMomentum

The Audi S4 is alot of fun....but, so would a 997.

mooty

(1) Safety.
(2) Reliability.
(3) Comfort and space.
(4) Reasonable operating cost.
(5) Fun to drive.
(6) High HP. torque.
(7) panache and brand appeal.
(8) Sportiness.
_______________
i drive 05 S4avant, other than 5) 7) 8) it's ok.
i need a car that can haul my spare track car tires, mt bikes, fat little baby and food for my fat little baby ;-)

nine45s

I had a Lexus RX300 I sold about 8 -9 months ago. It was one of the best daily drivers I ever had, great all around vehicle.

nine45s