Anyone gone from an Exige S to a Porsche 997 C2S?

[Autopilot]

Has anybody moved from an Exige S to a 997 C2S (3.8)?

I have a BMW 535d tourer (E61) as a daily driver and an S2 Exige S for fun. The only reason I have an estate car was that I needed something big enough to cart the dogs about in and still be a fairly nice place to be on my daily commute.

The Mrs has recently got a dog-friendly car, so I don't really need an estate. In addition to this, I've changed jobs and now get the train to work so I don't actually need a sensible car at all so am mulling over getting rid of the BMW and the Exige and having just the one car for the time being.

The cars I've looked at:

BMW M5
BMW M3
Porsche 997 C2S
Lotus Evora
Audi R8
Nissan GTR

The truth be told, it's the GTR I'd like the most, but as I have a few projects coming up around the house, it would eat up all my budget and the running costs put me off a bit. I've been on one of the owners clubs and the running costs seem pretty horrible!

The 997 is currently my favourite from the list so keen to follow this route. Most of my friends say I'll get bored of the Porsche, but I just don't see how this is possible

It seems like a brilliant compromise and the running costs are acceptable. It's got a load of the thrills you get with the Lotus but much more refined so good for those days when I do drive to work.

Anyone moved from an Exige to a 997 who can chip in with their experiences?

Cheers

[Autopilot]

I haven't posted over there yet, but a good point! I'll copy and paste in a mo, thanks.

I've not driven a 997 yet but will go and see what the fuss is about.. I'm keen to know if there's preferred model between the 2S and 4S. I'm by a Garage with a whole load of 997's so will take a look

[Autopilot]

This is what people keep telling me!

Thanks for the heads up. I'll take the Exige to a test drive so I can do a back to back comparison and see how I get on.

Thanks

[Autopilot]

Thank you all for your responses, it's certainly food for thought!

I had set my heart on the GTR but having looked at running costs, I really think I'd start to hate the car each time the wallet came out. If I didn't have housey stuff on the horizon, I dare say I'd have it at the top of the list still.

I've just been to see a 997 C2S with Aerokit and a few other nice bits. Loved the look of it, very low miles and upkeep isn't too bad. I also liked the fact it feels well put together and feels a bit more luxurious (has carpet and no exposed metal ) I didn't drive it, but dare say I'll get behind the wheel of one soon. I'm going to take a look at an Evora S also as the general feeling is that it's like a big Exige, so guess you get a similar driving experience and without it being a bit dull.

Decisions decisions!....although it's a nice decision to have to make

[Autopilot]

CTE....sorry, but I think I hate you

Wow, nice complement of cars! I watched a few videos on Youtube last night of the Evora S and all the reviews said what a capable car it was and was very precise, yet didn't crash about like cars of a similar theme.

I'm really surprised that so many people have said that the Porsche is dull! I have been in a few and found them to be nice, felt quick, fairly agile. I see what people say about how an Exige is more exciting, I used mine this morning (only to take it to the garage to have a new cat fitted) but did smile as soon as I opened the garage door.

The Porsche I looked at on Saturday was a beautiful machine (Had the Aero kit, GT3 Alloys and a few other nice bits) but when I sat in it, it didn't feel as exciting at the Exige, there is something quite special about them and I suppose that it does feel focused (eg no back window, sunk low down, lack of 'stuff' in the cabin), the Porsche did feel a bit too much like a fully functioning car (I've owned a Westfield and allsorts, so quite used to having cars without any luxuries) so will agree it didn't feel as exiting. I think I need to take an extended test drive and see what the rest of the Porsche does for me.

I've decided to bit the bullet a bit and have shortlisted the possibilities to:

Porsche (even if it is to rule it out, but have found a few 997 Turbo's in budget so will take a look at those)

Evora S - The more videos I see, the more I can see what a great car it is.

...and the GTR is back on the list. I do love the damn things and they are in budget so would have to accept the fact that if I liked it enough, I'd have to put up with some fierce running costs.

Logically, I can see the Evora being the best compromise so will see if I can't get taken for a passenger ride in one soon!

Cheers