porterror

I'm getting the itch.

I daily drive my 997 Cab (~5 miles daily), but normally have more fun/longer trips on the weekends with her. I've been debating on getting a cheap daily driver (honda/toyota something) and purchasing a "weekend only / track car". Is this a bad idea? Will I regret it?

Currently really liking the price / look / performance of the Lotus Exige S 240. Any opinions on this choice? I've never driven a Lotus and they are hard to find locally.

PVKPorsche

You want to get rid of the 997 and replace with two other cars, cheap daily driver and wend track car, correct? I understand the idea completely but are you ready to turn your daily drive into a lot less fun and enjoyment....because your daily drive would become a very mundane and boring. Nothing against the cars you mentioned but thats the bigger drastic change. Secondly, how often would you go track? Exige or Elise is a fun car and certainly track only because as a daily driver you get beat up due to the extremely stiff suspension but obviously perfect for track. The idea sounds good but I have tried similar ideas only to find out I didnt really have enough time on wends and in a short period of time went back to the original set up. If will track a lot then most definitely go for it. Have you thought of getting an Elise, older and put some money into it and build it the way you want. A lot of things you can do to get it to the same level or higher of an Exige.

Para82

I'm not feeling it. I think if this 997 is not doing it for you perhaps upgrade to something a little more severe. GTS/Turbo/GT3 variants - drive it everyday and track it. Don't waste your life in some econobox.

porterror

My daily commute is so small (~5 miles total). I find myself veering off track to open up the 997. I only get a couple longer runs on the weekend. I don't take the 997 cab on the track, but friends cars currently. But, would probably use the exige for track sessions (3-4x a year). I like the look of the exige more than the elise.

alexb76

- Do you fit in Exige? I don't, but if you do, it's a great raw/track car
- How boring is your daily drive? If quite boring, then you wouldn't miss driving there with 997
- How often do you track? If a lot, then Exige would be a better option than tracking your cab.

Thanks

robh75

If you are primarily looking for a change have you considered a Lotus Evora (can get it in 2 or 2+2)?

SpeedyD

Given your location and wants, I think it makes some sense.

I wouldn't do a straight-on econobox for the daily driver, however. I'd do something a bit more fun (used S4, used M3, if you can deal with the styling then a wrx, evo or something of that ilk).

porterror

I'm 6'0 200lb. Think I might fit? No clue and still trying to get a test drive (somewhere?).

I don't think the evora has hit it's peak depreciation yet, plus I like the look of the Exige better.

My ride to work is boring, yes. I can't get the full fun out of my 997 that I enjoy on the weekends.

7391420

I had a chance to drive in a friends Elise California last summer-

If you like cars like a modern 914, then you will love it. Everything rattles, you are entombed in the car really low, and it's raw as hell.

alexb76

Try before you buy! I am 6'2, 215 and I don't fit.

porterror

I plan to try to get a test drive. It's been hard to find one locally (south jersey)

dalancroft

You're not going to fit. I'm 5'9", 195 and fairly burly (46 sports jacket) and it was way too tight. My wife didn't even like it, and she's like 5'6" and 140 lbs. This, coming from someone who owned a Mazda Miata as my 3rd "fun" car for 4 years.

workhurts

I haven't contemplated the exact same thing but I understand the short commute/911 issue. Without a good driving road or distance then something a bit more raw might be the ticket.

Not sure about the exige. I'm leaning towards an older 911.

tomc_mets

+1 on the older 911 idea. Older 996s are getting in 20 K range. Get one - maybe plow another 5 K into addressing some of the worrying things from that gen 911 for peace of mind & then you have a DD that's fun, and don't have to uber-fret over: just normal fretting, it is a Porsche after all!

porterror

I'd like my non-daily driver to hold it's value. i don't think my 997 cab sitting in my garage as a weekend driver is going to do that....just saying. Maybe a 993 in the garage vs. exige?