1080iAddict

Here is the deal: The 2006 997S is shined up perfectly and driven only on the nice days. I own this car - she is my baby. But, I have a lease on an M5 expiring next month. I cannot re-lease that car. Bottom line is that my wife let me buy the p-car on the condition that upon M5 lease expiration I must lease a car through my business that is less than $500 a month. That's less than 1/2 the M5 lease payment!

But, after the M5 as the daily driver, I cant even think about what to do. I dont even know if I want an SUV or a sedan. I am concerned about gas mileage but its been 6 years since I had an SUV and I miss it and that would be my first choice. Problem is, the SUVs and even the sedans I love will be way more than $500 a month to lease.

Do I go used? Do I look for a new 2004 still on the lot? Any thoughts on a nice ride I can use to transport clients, use on rainy and snowy and salty slushy days, but still actually look forward to driving with even a remote tinge of excitement?

I am lost and wandering.

mooty

see if you can find new or slightly used audi S4. 4.2L v8 with 340hp or so.
not exciting like p car, but fast and torquey enough. oh, it only does 17-18mpg. but you know that with M5 ;-)

1080iAddict

mooty - isn't that audi like $800 a month lease? Also, its more like a 3 series bmw size wise - - I would prefer at lease the size of the M5 interior, given I am squeezed into the p-car

Sobe

Jeep Wrangler the Rubicon and trick it out with all kinds of great options ... this has been the perfect 2nd car for me and is just about as fun as the 911 in its own way .

MJones

Be PC and get a Prius

caf

How about the new Mini? Fun, but in a different way than the Porsche--small, nimble, cheap enough that you won't worry about it in day to day driving and parking. Gas mileage is good, and although small, the Mini actually had pretty good crash test results.

TT Surgeon

I leased a Lincoln LS a couple of years ago, very nice commuting car, well within that price range.

mbr129

On avergae how often do you drive the 997S? Why is it not your daily driver (except for bad weather)?

If you drive the 997S so sparingly, personally, it seems silly to own a 90K car and drive it so little and then limit yourself to a $500 lease on a car you drive most of the time.

And if you drive the 997S often enough, then $500 can still get you a pretty nice car (for normal standards) to go "slummin'" on crappy days.

$500 a month can lease all sorts of less expensive sporty sedans (w/ AWD), or buy you nicer used cars.

My $.02.

1080iAddict

Sobe,

You are actually the 2nd person in as many days to mention the Rubicon. The most expensive model of the Rubicon is like $400 / mo lease. Its on my list for a test drive.

The mini sounds fun but I am 6'2" and could use a bit of alternative cabin size given the small p-car interior. The Lincoln sounds comfortable but I would prefer something a bit more 'fun'. Then again, haven't checked out the Lincoln so i shouldn't speak too soon.

TT Surgeon

The Lincoln is actually fairly sporty, DOHC V8, 5spd auto, Stability Control, F1 'inspired' suspension, very comfy ride,etc, check it out, I might pick up another for commuting. Right now having too much fun with the C4S as a DD.
Not sure that Jeep would be comfy day in day out in bumper to bumper traffic.

1080iAddict

Well, I suppose the 997 could be considered a 'semi daily driver' except for rainy weather or worse(not because of getting her wet but because of the traffic nightmares, accidents, and other crappy drivers that cant drive in the rain). I drive it about 50% of the time. But I agree with your premise. Personally, I would go for the Rover as car # 2 but if I do I'll be sleeping in it. This smilie would be my wife 24/7:

Sobe

The jeep is kind of like the 911 they have been making it forever and it just gets better and better . Why not have a car that you like almost as much as you like your 911 . Get to a Jeep dealer and test drive one that is all I can say , it is all in the test drive trust me on this .

AeroSmith

I drove a Mini about two weeks ago. What a fun car! And for my 6' 1" frame the interior was more than roomy enough. But I can't see myself owning one.

But I tell you what, the car to lease, hands down, is an Audi A6 3.2 Quattro. It's exactly the car you're looking for. And maintenance is free for the life of your lease.

Audi A6 Quattro

1080iAddict

AeroSmith - nice ride, but there is no way that A6 will be less than $500 a month.

AeroSmith

Oh darn. I've never actually leased a car. How much would it be to lease a $42,000 car?