Slakker

Ok, I've come to peace with the fact that my home life will be much easier if I sell my 997TT. I will miss it dearly but it don't think it will be my last. For those of you who think I'm a spineless jellyfish for selling because of my wife, well you are probably right but it doesn't really bother me. I know my priorities and my family is much higher than my toys.

But that being said, I went to my first Autocross last weekend and am absolutely addicted. I now understand why the 997tt is so awesome. By the end I was running 77s and the leader was running 71s in a 996tt with tune, suspension, exhaust and r-888s. So I did decent but have a lot of improving to do on my driving before I worry too much about my car.

So the deal I made was that I'd sell my TT, trade in my '13 GL450 and get something that has decent room for the kids in the back (so an M3 is out.). But I still want something that I can have fun learning to drive Autocross and DE days with.

I've come up with the following short list:

2006 M5 - $25k, 50k miles - would have plenty of money left over for mods and new engine if the rod bearings failed.

2010 M5 - $40k, 25k miles - would plan on keeping at least two years with an extended warranty

2010 - Panamera 4S - $50k, 42k miles - love the look(don't laugh) and it would have plenty of power to learn to drive.

2010 - Panamera Turbo - $66k - 40k miles - best of all worlds?

So the question is, has anyone tracked or owned one these cars that they can comment on? Is there something else I should be looking at? I post this here because my 997TT has completely changed how I view an automobile and I know you guys get that.

Thx!!!
Brandon

Team Plutonium

Love how the Panamera drives, but by god did they design this car around a blind spot. Ridiculous. The 2010 M5 sounds like a good deal, goes like stink too.

Yogi911

The only other car besides the ones you listed would be a CTS-V. Lots of space in wagon or sedan. Lots of power. Cheap/Easy to mod. 6spd or Auto.

That being said if you go auto the porsche and m3 are prolly better.

jhbrennan

Stay away from any E60 M5 with SMG - worse transmission ever and very expensive to repair.

Slakker

Have you owned one by chance? I know it's supposed to be pretty clunky stock but with a tune it's supposed to run much smoother.... Definitely expensive to repair and prone to fail at some point, hence the extended warranty.

Slakker

I've heard they are awesome but I just can't bring myself to buy a Cadillac. Might be a different story if I test drive one though. Hmmm.

jhbrennan

Yes - 2008. Sold it after 6 months - V10 was great SMG not so. Go on the BMW forums and research.

Slakker

Great information. Thanks!!!

CincyScott

I had a little bit similar situation last year. Had a 996tt, a F10 550xi m-sport, a 68 GT Fastback Mustang, and two other projects going.

I just couldn't spend the time on cars now that I had a 4 and 7 year old. When I really thought about it, the Porsche was my favorite of all of the cars, and the BMW was my least (too expensive, too big, floaty, etc).

I sold the mustang, the other projects and the 996tt for my 997tt I got from C2turbo (great RLer). Then I sold the 550xi and got a 335xi sport that I've since modified into a stupidly fast DD that has room for the kids.

My costs are way down, my priorities are right, and I feel better in general. In an even better stroke of luck, I did all of this before my wife's company sold her business unit and she will be jobless. Sometimes your timing is just right!

I understand your situation; take your time and you'll find something that fits your bill!

Good luck,
Scott

Dennis C

I know it's not on your list, but have you considered a Cayenne GTS or turbo? I drove a Cayenne S when my kids were younger and it was great.

Slakker

I like the Cayenne Turbo's. That's really what my wife wants me to get. I'm just worried it will be too bulky for the track.... Lol, one of the top Autocross guys took his out when I was there because his 997.2tts was getting the brakes done. He said it was bear to try and keep it on the track and even got a warning for all 4 tires off one lap. That being said, he was only 3s off my best time in my 997tt. :embarrassed:

Slakker

What year on the 335xi and what mods? Sorry about the wife's job. You are right though, great timing on your part!

CincyScott

I bought a 2011 sport sedan with the n55 engine with 21k miles for $27k. I have a Cobb stage 2a, which is intake, catted downpipes, intercooler, and a custom pro-tune that produces 100 hp and an amazing 150 ft/lb of torque over stock on Turn In Concept's awd dyno.

Throw on Eibachs springs, Koni yellows, an M3 rear sway and voila!

All told, I have about $7k in mods in it.

Yogi911

Not directed at me but i thought this would be too small for you since it is the same size as an M3. If you are gonna go 335 go M3 for autocross IMO. The brakes and suspension alone are worth it and unless you get a 335is you dont get DCT either like u get with M.

I had a 2010 335i with a tune and it was a beast of a little car. Intercooler and exhaust really wake them up too. 420hp is relatively easy.

That being said if you are considering that size car this opens up the S4, C63, ISF and ATS-V.

CincyScott

I chose a 335 over an M car because of AWD in Ohio's crappy weather, and I could get an autotragic gearbox to satisfy the wife

She has this odd rule that we have two cars in the fleet she can drive!