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Replacement for 996TT

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Old 08-19-2003 | 01:53 PM
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the viper will boil you alive in LA traffic.
Old 08-19-2003 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: Replacement for 996TT

Originally posted by Trojan Man
OK everyone,

I am thinking of finally buying a house . However, in order to do that, I have to get rid of my $1600/mo car payment (the Turbo) and reduce that to a more reasonable $350-$400/mo car payment . I want a sports car for sure, and I had considered leasing a Cooper S, but my current thinking is that I want to have an older used Porsche, since I already have a sedan.

Personally I'd consider an early 996 (99-00). I think that you can get close to 350-400 per month, with a low interest, long duration loan or a lease. Also, EVO has a new supercharger kit that puts out 400 HP. So, you'd have very little TT withdrawal. They even have a firm that will provide a powertrain warranty for the supercharged 996.
Old 08-19-2003 | 03:05 PM
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In theory the concept is good, however the cheapest 996 available (in good condition) is around $43K. With a 10% down payment on a 72 month loan @ 6.9%, this still yields a payment over $680/mo, which is fully $280 more than I can spend.

The car purchase price truly needs to max out at $30K, and I would prefer $25K.

Old 08-19-2003 | 03:16 PM
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well if you want something w/ some decent performance and nice interior look at the TL-S
Old 08-19-2003 | 03:33 PM
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Originally posted by Trojan Man
In theory the concept is good, however the cheapest 996 available (in good condition) is around $43K. With a 10% down payment on a 72 month loan @ 6.9%, this still yields a payment over $680/mo, which is fully $280 more than I can spend.

The car purchase price truly needs to max out at $30K, and I would prefer $25K.

Ok. My next favorite choice!

An e36 M3 with the Dinan supercharger kit. Good for about 340 HP, very reliable, and not Japaneese (since you prefer to avoid Japaneese cars).

A good 95-99 e36 M3 can be purchased for 15-25K (of course some are more), depending on mileage and condition. I purchased mine for 20K, with most of the racing upgrades (cage, brakes, exhaust, racing seat, belts, etc) already made.
Old 08-19-2003 | 03:35 PM
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Now we're talkin!!!
Old 08-19-2003 | 03:44 PM
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Originally posted by Trojan Man
Now we're talkin!!!
They are really fun cars. Easy to mod. Handle well. They still look good and are reliable. The only mod that I can't make given the class I race in, but would be worthwhile for you (to prevent TT withdrawal) is the supercharger.

P.S. I forgot to mention that the suspension had already been upgraded to SCCA T2 specs (HR springs, Bilstein shocks, adjustable sway bars, x-brace, poly bushings, aluminum shock mounts, etc) on my car too (all was included in the 20K price).
Old 08-19-2003 | 04:07 PM
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Now I know this is kind of sacrelig to talk about on the Porsche board, but I never thought about the M3, and I think it just might do the trick.

I might even consider a convertible (one with $5K in mods is on ebay for $22K).

What do all the Porsche people have to say about this?

Old 08-19-2003 | 04:15 PM
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I have a Viper, M3 and Ruf Turbo R. The M3 is a great car. More visibility than the Viper, lighter, more nimble and higher quality, and is very fast with the Dinan supercharger. You can also take three or four friends for a drive and fill it with stuff. It has fold-down rear seats and a large trunk.

However, you can park any car next to a Viper and it will become invisible to every person that walks buy.

If you're into great acceleration, handling and looks at a great price (with little care for quality or visibility), the older Viper is the car, convertible or coupe.
Old 08-19-2003 | 04:17 PM
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"An e36 M3 with the Dinan supercharger kit. Good for about 340 HP, very reliable, and not Japaneese (since you prefer to avoid Japaneese cars). "

yep, i think my E36 non-supercharged M3 was maybe the most fun sports car i've had to date (certainly more fun than our current E46 M3 and probably more fun than my 996 if it weren't a cab with heavily modified suspension). they are just so nimble and communicative.
Old 08-19-2003 | 04:35 PM
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I had a 1995 E36 M3 and it is truly a great car for the $$. Couple of things to keep in mind:

1995 model: 3.0 L with OBD I
1996+ model: 3.2 L with OBD II

and I think the tranny (final drive was a little different) but I am not sure. There are SO many modified ones out there, it might be worth the extra work to get one with all the mods that you want. It was an extremely popular car in AutoX and club racing scenes.
Old 08-19-2003 | 04:44 PM
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E36 M3's are great little cars. Highly recommended. Just set some money aside for repairs and you will be happy.
Old 08-19-2003 | 04:44 PM
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Another vote for an E36 M3. You can pick up a '95 OBD-1 for 15K and do a stage 2 turbo kit on it for 12K and call it a day. ( http://www.activeautowerke.com/main.cfm ) They handle great, stop great and are easily upgradable.

If you want to get noticed, try out an M Coupe. It looks like a clown shoe and you get to explain to people what it is. (You'll evewntually have your own "M Coupe Speech" memorized.) It's the fastest and stiffest car BMW has ever made, and it's just a hoot to drive. Right now I use my M Coupe as my daily driver. I love it because I can just get in it and go, I don't have to worry about anything breaking or acting up. Plus it turns a lot of heads, which that is what you were looking for. You can also turbo and supercharge them and happily take out your 996TT. But remember, I'm a little biased.
Old 08-19-2003 | 05:57 PM
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Originally posted by ben in lj
certainly more fun than our current E46 M3
What makes the E36 better than the new model? I would consider splurging for a used E46 model since it is such a fabulous vehicle, but you make it sound like it's not as good as the older one?

About my choices: Like I said before, from the pricing and practicality standpoint, the 944 Turbo appears to be the way to go.

However, as I also mentioned, I do love the ability to turn heads. And for that matter, the 944 is not (IMO) a vehicle that I could take to The Ivy and be proud to valet park. Yes this sounds very snooty, but quite frankly I am being very open and honest that the "wow factor" is important to me. It is for this reason that the Viper and the E46 M3 appeal to me.

The E36 perhaps then would be the perfect compromise. I get the price point I'm looking for with the performance I want, and it's a nice car to boot.

THANK YOU everyone who responded - you have made my decision so much easier. But don't take this message as then end of the thread - if you have something to say, please continue!

Right now it's a toss up between the E36 and the 944 Turbo (S)

Old 08-19-2003 | 06:40 PM
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"What makes the E36 better than the new model? I would consider splurging for a used E46 model since it is such a fabulous vehicle, but you make it sound like it's not as good as the older one?"

E46 has been too "GT'd" relative to the E36. you hear more and feel more in the E36 which incidentally is also lighter. yeah the hp is up on the E46 but the torque barely budged - despite the add'l weight. i don't care what the "numbers say", the e36 felt like it had more grip and was more planted. the e46 has lots more roll (from the weight?), and the brakes felt better on the e36 (weight again?).

btw, while i love the SMG in the E46 M3, i don't think i'd ever get one for myself (it's my wife's). then again, i felt the same way about my 996 (coming from a 993) until i changed the suspension and got some engine sound into the cabin.


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