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Sounds like the new hardtop has renewed the experience for your 996. Maybe this will keep the itch at bay long enough for you to hold off making a decision yet.
Of course the only input I have for you is to take your time and drive as many of the potential choices as possible.
Also I have to ask: I see you've own/owned an E60. Why not take a look at a F10 M5 down the road?
I was given the opportunity to drive a 2015 Panamera S e-Hybrid for 3 days from the dealer and did some extensive driving in all kinds of conditions (city, snow, rain, highway.)
Overall, a nice car. I'm not made of money, so I didn't pull the trigger on this one, but if I ever had a family and wanted a nice family hauler, I'd get a Panamera. My only gripe was the trunk space, or lack of. I was able to throw in some camera tri-pods and a set of golf clubs, and with some Tetris skills, a road bike frame and a set of carbon wheels.
Sounds like the new hardtop has renewed the experience for your 996. Maybe this will keep the itch at bay long enough for you to hold off making a decision yet.
Of course the only input I have for you is to take your time and drive as many of the potential choices as possible.
Also I have to ask: I see you've own/owned an E60. Why not take a look at a F10 M5 down the road?
Hi - yes I have to update my profile - we sold the E60 years ago.
I have looked at the F10 M5 pre-owned - wonderful car, but seriously no competition to the Panamera Turbo. Arguably a prettier car, but something about the Panamera Turbo just gets me.
Anyway, I think you are right - I am going to wait till the summer when the new Panamera comes out and try to score a 2012 Turbo - the hardtop arrival today helps It's almost like the Porsche gods said "hey wait...just check your car out with this new top"
"I just want something reasonably reliable, fun to drive and comfortable as a daily driver....and want some extra room in the rear seats for the growing kids."
BMW - M3? BMW 435i coupe? I own a 2002 996 and a 2011 BMW 328xi M Sport - I've got to say the BMW is a very satisfying driver's car. It really is. The Porsche is faster than the 328xi and corners better, but if you move up to a BMW 435i that takes care of the acceleration factor.
So a small wrinkle to the decision making process - Dealer called me this morning to tell me the hardtop I ordered months ago finally arrived
Had it fitted with new screw on mounts and I feel like it has transformed the car - much more headroom and much more elegant lines
Saw a 2010 Panamera Turbo whilst there and I'm going to ask if they can cpo the car
If so I may buy it end of the week regardless
You seem to have the twin to my car! Lapis blue with savannah beige?
I love my hardtop and keep it on except for Spring and Fall. It really does transform the car. I got mine used though for $400
If you don't already have one, invest in a winch so that when you do want to remove and store it you can do it without the wife helping you. I just back my car into the garage and can remove/install the top in seconds.
Hi - yes I have to update my profile - we sold the E60 years ago.
I have looked at the F10 M5 pre-owned - wonderful car, but seriously no competition to the Panamera Turbo. Arguably a prettier car, but something about the Panamera Turbo just gets me.
Anyway, I think you are right - I am going to wait till the summer when the new Panamera comes out and try to score a 2012 Turbo - the hardtop arrival today helps It's almost like the Porsche gods said "hey wait...just check your car out with this new top"
The looks of the Panamera is "controversial" to put it politely. I personally enjoy the slight awkwardness of it over comparable cars in the segments like the F10, any of the big Mercs or A/S/RS7 Audi offerings.
Buy what stirs your soul and tugs at your heart; I was looking pretty seriously into a couple of other options before buying my 996.2 but I always came back to the kid feeling I got whenever I look at my 911. The E90 M3 would have been more practical. The E60 M5 would have been more ballistic. But neither one made me feel like a 12 year old every time I step into one and I enjoy that.
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It's almost like the Porsche gods said "hey wait...just check your car out with this new top" 
