Mike Murphy

That car would make my list as well. FWD, who cares. I had a supercharged Mini Cooper S and it was a blast.

911Syncro

997.2 4S coupe with PDK or Cayman S

Mike Murphy

I would consider replacing my 996 with a FR-S/BRZ/86 Forced Induction for about the same price as a 996. Handles like a dream, my kids can go in back, I can track it.

peterp

Great info Alan. How was the reliability of the 4 cylinder version and do you know what the weight difference is between the 4 and the V8? It always surprised me that the same company that could wring 300hp out of a 2.2 liter could only get 350 hp out of a twin-turbo V8 (although to be fair it was only 3.5 liters, which is pretty small for a V8).

Alansglide

The four cylinder was a solid reliable engine as was the Garret turbo. The injectors , fuel hoses , brakes etc not so much. While the four banger didn't have a problem with the tranny the V8 would tear it up with too many quick launches. There is a fix for that but it wasn't a cheap fix.

From memory I think the weight difference was about 200 pounds which in a light car like the Esprit was major.

peterp

I feel the same way about variations of weights of 996 options affecting driving feel. The base weight of a C2/6-speed/coupe 996.1 is 2900 lbs, around the same ball park as the Esprit.

montauk

I'm losing my storage so I'm going to be selling the 996 and my 1980 SC. My daily driver is a Volvo wagon with the T6. It's been a great car but after the Porsche's are gone I'll replace that too. I've got to get down to one car so this thread is very timely. I drive a lot, about 30,000 miles per year. I'd like something fast with good handling and decent size for golf clubs, bags, etc. A Panamera would be ideal except for it's size. I have a tight two car garage. The Panamera is just so wide. I'm worried about having to be so precise every time I pull in. On the other hand, parking sensors help a lot. Anyway I test drove a used Panamera Turbo - WOW!!!!! Handling, power, fit, finish - it's got it all and the looks only a mother could love. I'm going to test drive some Bimmers too. We'll see.

cds72911

Hmm, one car, smallish garage, has to cover all bases (including golf clubs) and all seasons and still be engaging to drive - I’d check out the Audi S4. I’ve owned three and they kept getting better every generation.

Edit - I assume winter driving in snow/ice, but if I didn’t get that weather, the BMW M3 would also be on my short list if I had to get down to only one vehicle.

wildbilly32

Nicely played!

TexSquirrel

VW GTi, or Subaru STI would be my choice if I were in your situation.
BMWs are very fun cars, but not the newer models(2007+) are not the most reliable.

TexSquirrel

Unless your kids are well under 2 years old, they're not going to be comfortable in the back seat of a twin!

Splitting Atoms

The person who sold me my 996 replaced it with an S4. He took me for a ride in it. It was quick and felt comfortable. They are expensive new, in my opinion. He bought his off-lease.

Esfoad

My son in-law has an A3 S-Line. A real hoot to drive though a little small. I’d imagine the S4 would be larger and the magazines always love them.

DGI

I fit like a glove in the Toyo-baru twins. Forced induction with some suspension tweaks and that car would be a riot!!!

I wish Subaru kept a hatchback/wagon STI in production. I like quick, compact, and useful cars and a tuned up STI would make a great daily driver/ all weather ride. An eventual engine rebuild would fix any OEM shortcomings (sound familiar?) but provide years of fun!

Out of the box, the Civic Type R sounds like the car for you. or a JCW Countryman? Golf R?

One car would be tough

ajgordin

My top contenders budget wise within the next several years that I think would be fun to own for a variety of reasons (styling, exhaust note, etc):
-Top of the list for practical purposes would probably be a 997.2 C4S. I’m a sucker for a wide body 911.
-Aston V8 Vantage (with the 4.7L motor, incredible sound and beautiful exterior)
-Ford GT350 (I love the looks and that flat plane crank v8)
-Lotus esprit (childhood dream car)
-Jaguar f-type s or r

If I had extra room in the budget, I would love to have a 911 GTS or a GT4.

I’ve only ever had German cars but will most likely try a mustang or something British at some point in my life. More realistically though, the 911 will be given up when my family grows and I need a back seat. I will almost surely end up with a Macan S next.