cole328

Morning gents - I was hoping to get some "real world" feedback from the big boys on the Rennlist board. I have had a few porsche cars over the years, most recently a 2008 CarreraS that I drove for three years. Had kids and wanted something a tad more practical, so got into a 2011 M3 convertible, and have around 1 year left on the lease. LOVED my 911, made some slight suspension and exhaust upgrades, and tracked the car 6-8 times or so. I have really enjoyed the M3, especially the bang for the buck performance, but finding that the M3 is little too "ricky racer" for me. I am a 46 year old business owner, and looking for something more of a sucessful, executive sports car / sedan. So, currently on my hit list is a) Mercedes AMG CLS63; b) some variant of a Panamera, c) 2013 BMW M5, or d) the new 991.

On the latter note, given the timing, the new Turbo will be out by the time I am ready to lease another car. While of course no one on here has yet driven one, my question really relates to whether or not a Turbo can be a realistic Daily Driver (sorry for the long preamble). While the new 991 variants of the "S" , 4S or GTS (if still ongoing) will likely produce some great product and stats, there is the obvious "mystique" of the Turbo to all p-car owners.

My wife has a 2010 S-Class, which we drive most weekends with the kids, so the Turbo would be my daily driver to the office (maybe a 30-minute commute with zero traffic), with use on weekends as errands permitted. Of course, I also am somewhat curious about annual maintenance costs on the Turbo, especially since I'll be putting 12-15K on it. the 997S was bullet proof, and all I really ever needed to do the entire lease was a) deal with $200 oil changes, and b) 2x a year rear tire replacements.

Anyway, thanks in advance for the feedback, pro and con.

Scott

malmasri

Short answer: Yes...best DD from the Dr.

Doc GTO

You can DD the TT no problem, especially with the PDK in auto mode when you want to be lazy!

512bb

Turbo is an awesome DD. If you like your 911, you'd love the Turbo.

function12

My 07 TT tip is my daily driver. Love it every day. Just got back from the Rolex 24 hours in Daytona and it did great on the trip too.

cole328

Excellent to hear...I loved the look of the 997 Turbo...Assume the 991 will be even more sweet. I know the old adage that if you can afford the car, just deal with the maintenance applies, but is the turbo that much more expensive on annual maintenance issues? I have the DCT in my M3, and 100% am getting the PDK in the TUrbo (in fact, I don't even believe tradutonal rowing is an option)

Bob in NY

The only thing that might be an exception with the Turbo is a spark plug change at 25k miles. Other than that maintenence would be limited to oil changes, brake fluid once a year and that's it. 23k on mine and no complaints.

carcommander

I use my 07 turbo as a daily driver. Works great.

cole328

Great....thanks I assume that the spark plug change costs a pretty penny?

Bob in NY

Frankly I don't know exactly but can't imagine it's an easy or inexpensive job.

cole328

OK...well, thanks to all that provided some feedback Sounds like the DD aspect is nothing to worry about, which is great Now all I need to do is wait for the 991 Turbo to be released safe driving to all

DJ23

Enough has been said already. You truly will never regret going with a Turbo, which in my best description is three cars in one. 1.) A great daily driver 2.) A great cruising car with great gas mileage for a sports car on the highway. And 3.) One of the best street cars that in an instant, changes and melds to a LeMans Racer with a push of sport or sport plus as you apply more and more throttle. Enjoy.

Jay

TT Gasman

Scott, here is what I would do if you want out of the M3. You could trade it right now for one of the left over 997 GTS cars, most dealers have several, I'm sure you could negotiate a great deal. Lease that for 2 years, then the timing should be right for a new 991 TTTurbo.

rshanholtz

I agree with all that has been said. I use my 11' Turbo S Cab as a daily driver. Just put snow tires on it too. There are still 12' turbos and turbo S's in dealers. In fact, there is a black on black turbo S cab in Danbury CT. The PDK is incredible in the Turbo S. As Jay said, three cars in one. Lease for a 997 for three years which is about when the new 991 turbo will come out.

German_Saint

1st- love the "get real with life and kids and get a drop top M3." High 5! I'm an entrepreneur- 29. Know the car business well -top salesperson porsche. There is nothing like snatching up a low mileage 911 -this case Turbo. It's much cheaper to own than the depreciation hit. After selling them and seeing how great the cars were and how owners would depreciate a slightly broken in vehicle for the same % of a worn 7/S class. amazing ... I caught a 05 C2 with 10k miles- slate grey/nat gray full leather loaded etc- $38.5k Nov 09. Sold Nov 10 with 20k -$42.5- -did in&out and kept my taxes... 07 turbo cpo-$79k 17k miles now has 32k and I see ppl paying in the same ballpark. yes, I have a understanding of where the numbers are but if your on the board you can find the -low/medium/high range..

Sorry to go long winded- but after leasing a e36 m3, vette - My 03.5 M3 SMG is still in the garage...

drove all the today- 08 Alpina B7 - picked up off lease $41k- 28k miles. M3. Turbo... If you have to go with only 1 and the wife has the S- Class ... it is a no brainer- I'm taking the Turbo 4/5 times and the Alpina bc I'll be foolish 20% and be lazy enjoying the brookstone 7 seat auto cruiser forgetting the Turbo is another animal.

As you can tell - I'm conscience on my value. I think it is extremely high in all cars. Only thing I noticed as a damn moment was replacing 2 rear tires after 6k miles @ $500ea a pop. However, I now have 11-12k miles on these rear and the inside is wearing fine.

My suggestion- I liked the GTS -trade early suggestion. and you should bc the M3 are holding well with the last of the V8. However, I'd trade out and buy a 09 Black Turbo. It's the last of the GT1 block- has upgraded pcm. I'd drive that to the new turbo. 07 as a suggestion based on entry and exit cost will be around $500 a month in depreciation est off the cuff. Lot cheaper than a $1600? lease.