911 or XK or Vantage - £25-30K

[MyMidLifeCrisis]

I am looking to treat myself

I was originally looking at an old Porsche 944 S2 coupe, as my budget was about £10K (£6K car and then allowing for spare cash for a couple of years maintenance), however it looks like my budget (to my nice surprise!) could be up to £30K, although it would need to be The One for me to part of £30K.

My Requirements are:
- Everyday car to work (about 10 miles each way) with a total of about 7K miles a year.
- 2 door coupe, but to fit a passenger and a couple of kids in back (Might consider convertible, but only hard top, and would still require 2 box seats in back).
- Manageable running costs, ideally £2-3K pa for service/maintenance/repair - is this realistic - how much should I be sensibly be considering
- reliable.
- sensible MPG (for this type of car)

Considering 911 CS4 or an XK (thought an Aston would be too much for an everyday car - happy to be persuaded for a Vantage though!)
NOT considering a sporty saloon - ie M3, etc, already have a family car.

Current thoughts are that I would prefer to wake up in the morning and see a Porsche on my driveway and have to pinch myself - so much so I might still get the 944.

Help?

[mr pg]

For that budget/running costs you could well consider a 996 turbo. More reliable engine than any C4S (996 or 997), quicker, and currently edging up in value, so grab one whilst you can.

[gaxor]

Having had an XK, XKR then 3 porsche 997's (997.1 C2S, 997.1 Turbo, 997.2 Turbo). The Jags and Porsches are not really comparable. All 3 Porsche cars were a more involved drive. The Jaguars however were very accomplished Grand Tourers (Especially the R) Horses for courses.

[MyMidLifeCrisis]

Cheers for the feedback, had a look at the 996 turbo's. Nice.
I also imagined the jag being more refined in its driving, but this could the one opportunity that I own The One car of my dreams, and I don't want to be driving along and pass a porsche and think of regrets.
Is £2-3k realistic for maintenance/repairs? - I am including servicing, tyres for the year, and any routine repairs. Trying to be sensible and have a budget plan in mind

[Murph7355]

Aston's 2 seats only.

XK's always have a whiff of old folks' home to me...trying too hard design wise, and not sporty enough.

Which only leaves one choice out of those you've noted...

[MyMidLifeCrisis]

Thanks for the feedback - looks like it'll have to be the Porsche 911 966 Turbo http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/10.gif
From what I have read the Carrera has more technical/mechanical faults compared to the Turbo and the GT2/3 is more stripped down (and more expensive!).
I'm aware that there will be horror stories with every car, but I haven't really seen a bad word about the Turbo - is it as good as it seems when compared to the Carrera - Is it a case of the Carrera getting some bad press, or is it actually still a good car?

Also seen the hardtop versions for the 911 - almost tempted, but how much space do you lose in the back seats for the convertible, when the hardtop is on?