CamsPorsche

If it helps...most dealers I spoke with had inflated MSRP pricing so when we started negotiating I was shocked how quickly they were willing to drop the price.

One added benefit of buying now is dealers haven't been selling and thus getting the turnover they need. So one would think in order to move stock they will deal!

Good luck on that Cab!

KeninBlaine

The slate gray cab has dropped price by $2k, so only has to go another $10k to be priced right. Being a private deal, it will likely take him a while to accept that. Sometimes the hassle isn't that great, especially if I decide the interim car may be handy to keep as a second car to relieve the Porsche from errand duty. Cost can be minimized if done right. I bought a slightly used Ranger in 04 for $10,500, used it for over 2 years, and sold it for $10k.
One dealer car I'm monitoring, which is 1000 miles from me, has dropped $6k in the past month, and they indicated 2 weeks ago they'll take another $2k off for me. I think it is still a little high, but I'll take a look at it this week to determine how much I'd be willing to pay, as well as how much lower they may go having had the car another 2 weeks, with a few months of winter left to go. It is kind of fun shopping and negotiating when you have the money, and can be willing to wait for the right deal. But it must drive the dealers nuts!

Again, thanks for all the input folks.

PDQ PDK CAYMAN S

Drive something you will hate and you will apppreciate you next Porsche more! I drove a old Jeep for 5 months and I really liked my new car.

CarGuy21

Yeah baby. I just love it when that happens. It's great to be in the driver's seat when dealing with them.

Optical TDI

I've owned a GTI w/DSG for about 24k miles and an A3 for about 10k miles. For the money, the GTI would be the way to go. APR reflash for $500 and a rear sway bay for $200 will transform the car and it's a lot of fun. And super practical at the same time.

I would have kept the GTI, but the FWD was killing me, for my "performace" car plus, while the DSG was fun for a while, I missed the manual tranny. However my wife was disappointed to see it go because she can't drive a car with a clutch pedal...oh well, that means no 911 driving for her!

rodsky

I saw an S3 at the Grocery store in LA yesterday. Are they really not available in the US? That would be a great little car.

KeninBlaine

Actually, I believe the V6 version is called the S3 here in the US. The model that was not made available in the US was the little 2-door coupe. You don't see many of the "S3" 6 cylinder models, because despite having 50 more HP than the turbo 4, they aren't any faster, and are much more expensive (often closing in on $40k, which is in A4 territory).

KeninBlaine

Yeah, I've considered the DSG since the Porsche will be a stick. But I expect I'd still prefer the stick in the GTI for the fun factor. Again, I'm thinking that IF I did get one, it could become a second car that would be a practical errand car for hauling things from Home Depot, fun to drive, and not tie up too much money. I agree with your FWD issue. I test drove one a week ago, and found very quickly that it doesn't corner like my Porsches did. But it did have a reasonably nice feel, although a little muted in the electric steering feel. (I believe that can be fixed with some re-programming device).

DRJMK

MINI Cooper s...why because I am a getting a MINI cooper s clubman and it is a great complement to the 911. Excellent gas mileage, major FUN factor and reasonable price plus the BEST resale...go drive one Ken! Plus service is included for the 1st 36k miles!

mstams

Bought my daughter a new Jetta two weeks ago. While shopping at the VW dealership, I noticed a GTI on the showroom floor. Never paid them any attention before, but I'll have to say that is a sharp little car. Never driven one or even looked inside, but the interior was really sharp. Very sporty for the money.

2010 Automobile Magazine Car of the Year...

http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...gti/index.html

mstams

Hey there. That's a fun car, too. A lady at the office picked one up last year and says it's a blast. Have you seen the little Countryman SUV that Mini is coming out with in the near future...? I remember you were thinking about a new Cayenne.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/mini-countryman.html

Alan Smithee

No, not true. The S3 has never been available in the US. However, "S-line" is/was a sport option package on the A3 (and other Audis). The 6 cylinder is badged as an A3 3.2.

DRJMK

hey there back! I changed my mind about the Cayenne which is big and expensive, but I am curious about the Countryman. I am going to look at the clubman this Saturday. I have several colleagues who own MINI's absolutely LOVE them. And most of them gave up big vehicles for this. I want a car that's economical and fun. I'll keep you posted...

Iggy

Sorry for creating confusion with my uneducated suggestion on S3. Did't know they are not available in the US. The car that i had in mind is a 4 cylinder 2 liter turbocharged engine, with quattro four wheel drive... A truly great hot hatch...

+ 1 on Mini Cooper S but only gen 2 with turbo engine. This car is much smaller than the rest of the bunch, and has a "mini" boot as well.

ChipmunkBob

Heh, so much for this forum being populated by "car guys" (and gals)...

Do yourself a favor and go look at the previous gen Mazdaspeed3. They are way faster and handle better than anything listed here (GTI, R32, A3) all from a company with an excellent motorsports history, just like Porsche. 263hp turbo easily upgraded to ~300hp without even trying. Fabulous reliability, 4 doors and a hatch. Hauls cargo and butt all at the same time.

I've had one since April of '08 and find it to be a great, inexpensive match to my C2S.

=CB=