10-12k Summer fun.......R32 or Porsche 996 !?!

[lew_boi]

Hi all,
as above really, got 10-12k to spend on a summer toy with reasonable performance.
Won't be hitting the track, just weekend runs out etc....
Previous cars include TVR Tuscan (before house n kids)
Porsche boxster
Audi cabriolet
Various warm-hot hatches, civic typeR, corsa vxr, clio 197 etc....
Current cars include Grand cherokee v8 family hack, classic beetle karmann cabriolet and 2 vw camper projects.
Would be interested in both the mk4 or mk5 golf R32 but how would these compare to an entry level 996 Porsche coupe with an extra 7-8 years under its belt ?
The dream car for me at the moment would ultimately be a 964 coupe followed by a 996 turbo but these are out of my league at present.
Cheers guys, Lew

Edited by lew_boi on Wednesday 1st April 00:26

[aka_kerrly]

I'm quite the Golf R32 fan especially in mk5 form but if you are seriously considering a Porsche 996 (and 911 bills) should you not also be looking at a certain Nissan R32... £10k...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...

[lew_boi]

Always been a fan of the 32 skyline but not really what I'm looking for at the minute.
Not looking to go jap turbo, if I was the Subaru WR1 and Evo Tommi Makinen would get a look too.
Just wondering if anybody's had experience with both golf r32 and 996

[Welshbeef]

Why so? £12k plus a loan then sell in a year for similar money pay it off happy days.

[ZX10R NIN]

Why not get a well fettled 944/968 12k would get you a very good one at 12k you're not going to get the nicest 996 so I'd take a look at the Golf but there are qutie a few very special cars around for that kind of money.

Here are a few:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

[Mike22233]

Neither
Get something actually fun!
Westfield, lotus...

[SidewaysSi]

Depends how much you really love driving. If you love it, an R32 and in many ways a 996 won't really satify as a weekend machine. Best car by far which still has some practicality is an Elise.

Nothing remotely comes close in my experience.

[Mike22233]

SidewaysSi said:

Nothing remotely comes close in my experience.

VX220

[lew_boi]

Cheers for the posts guys,
Should probably have said 2 seats is out the window as I want to be able to stick
mrs n kiddo in whatever I end up with every now n then. Understand that Westfield n lotus
would without a doubt be more fun but this isn't me buying an out n out track car just something
quick enough to enjoy.
Good call on the front engined Porsches, I'll have a look !

[GreatGranny]

THose 944s are lovely.

IMO still a bargain.

Look nice in red.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C594637

[irfan1712]

id say mk5 r32 only because im biast. In the real world its too practical and sensible to be a weekend 'toy', but it is the perfect all rounder so it could perhaps serve a purpose during the week as well as.

Plenty of grunt and grip to keep you grinning!

an M5 could be a good shout too mind..

[RobM77]

As above, the R32 is a fine car, but not really most people's idea of fun. Most cars with four seats aren't really 'fun', but I think you're thinking along the right lines with a 996; most other performance cars with four seats are saloon based, like the E46 M3, which to be honest feels like a bog standard (and much cheaper) E46 3 series 90% of the time, the other 10% being when you really open it up on a twisty road and it comes alive.

[MDahmen]

just do some research on the 996 engines as the M96 (I think it the name) has had some issues re RMS, IMS and bore scoring I think (never owned one so no specialist). Lots of information on the Porsche subform what to look out for.

I do think a 996.1 C2 is a great looking car (esp. with ambers on turbo rims), quite light and I would certainly prefer it over some kind of Golf. Am still contemplating if I should buy one at some point.

[Janosh]

If you want lightweight and can get away 2 seats - I'd go for a VX220, Elise or TVR

If you want 4 seats and a decent noise, you should take a look at a Monaro or a M5

10-12k is a great budget, but personally I'd stear clear of a 911 unless the badge appeals

I've also considered a R32 many times but for me it just doesn't quite do it... too good as a daily but not good enough as a weekend toy. Everyone will tell you to buy one for the noise, but if you want noise you need a V8 or something like a TVR staight 6

Have fun shopping!

[Soov535]

lew_boi said:

Hi all,
as above really, got 10-12k to spend on a summer toy with reasonable performance.
Won't be hitting the track, just weekend runs out etc....
Previous cars include TVR Tuscan (before house n kids)
Porsche boxster
Audi cabriolet
Various warm-hot hatches, civic typeR, corsa vxr, clio 197 etc....
Current cars include Grand cherokee v8 family hack, classic beetle karmann cabriolet and 2 vw camper projects.
Would be interested in both the mk4 or mk5 golf R32 but how would these compare to an entry level 996 Porsche coupe with an extra 7-8 years under its belt ?
The dream car for me at the moment would ultimately be a 964 coupe followed by a 996 turbo but these are out of my league at present.
Cheers guys, Lew

Edited by lew_boi on Wednesday 1st April 00:26

I've had both.

You'll be scraping the barrall with a 996 and if the wengine goes you'll be left with nothing.

R32 is quick, fun, great noise and bulletproof. See My Garage section.


R32 all the way given your circumstacnes.

[CrisW]

aka_kerrly said:

I'm quite the Golf R32 fan especially in mk5 form but if you are seriously considering a Porsche 996 (and 911 bills) should you not also be looking at a certain Nissan R32... £10k...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...

When I read the title I assumed the above.

If you are looking at Golf R32s then have a look at the Audi A3 3.2 Quattro. Pretty much the same car.

[trickywoo]

CrisW said:

aka_kerrly said:

I'm quite the Golf R32 fan especially in mk5 form but if you are seriously considering a Porsche 996 (and 911 bills) should you not also be looking at a certain Nissan R32... £10k...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...

When I read the title I assumed the above.

Me too. How is it that he R32 name has become associate with a poxy VW and not the legendary Skyline?

[anonymous-user]

Monaro will do what you want. Still love mine after 9 years but finding one may prove difficult, only 900 ever imported. Some have been written off, others broken for spares whilst the rest are loved by their (mostly) one owners from new.

Same weight as an R32, twice as fast and the correct number of cylinders.

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 1st April 15:41

[Rangeroverover]

I had a 996 until recently, regret selling it, had free motoring for 2 years, sold it for £750 more than I paid for it (both retail) only unexpected was a reverse light switch and air con bit.

There is a sense of occasion getting into any 911 and driving it, kids fit in the back ok and can see out. The R32 I love but there is something special about a 911.

I regret trading the 996 into a new kitchen, and will be looking for another as soon as OH stops doing stuff to the house

[RobM77]

trickywoo said:

Me too. How is it that he R32 name has become associate with a poxy VW and not the legendary Skyline?

To be honest I'm sure for most of us an R32 is still a Skyline first and foremost I read down the thread to check which car the OP meant before replying.