£10,000 to Spend on Mid-Life Crisis Car

[Tinpot Shot]

Some advice please.

I've got £10,000 to spend on a used car and having been through 15 years of buying sensible cars to cope with kids, dogs and all that comes with having a family, I now want to buy something stupid.

I'm looking for a 2+2 coupé and have whittled down my choice to either...

- A Porsche 911 (996) - Probably a 1998 to 2000 model

- An Audi TT (1.8T) - Probably a 2007/2008 model

Having had BMW's, Mercedes and VW's in the past, I'm a bit biased towards German motors. Saying that, I'm currently driving a Mazda6 T2 which, although a solid car, is about as exciting as wool.

Beyond the functionality and performance, I'm keen to hear views of which you'd buy if you were in my shoes and if there are any significant things I should particularly consider (beyond the obvious) about either of these cars (running costs, common problems, etc)? Or indeed, if there is something better out there that I haven't considered.

I should stress my knowledge of the inner workings of a modern car stretch as far as topping-up the washer fluid so if you want to shift a lemon of a car, I'm probably your man ;o)

Any views, advice or suggestions greatly appreciated.

[yellowtang]

Of the two cars you mention - has to be a 911. The TT is nice enough but it's not comparable to a 911.

Is a Lotus Elise something you'd consider?

Daily driver or weekend toy?

[TurboBlue]

Personally, I'd buy something French

[Tinpot Shot]

Thanks Yellowtang.

I work from home so I do less than 4,000 miles a year, mainly local journeys 4-5 times a week with the odd trip so see a Client so I need something that has a bit of 'kudos'.

[kambites]

For that sort of usage, I'd probably be looking at an Elise or VX220. However, if you want something a bit... flabbier, the 911 (or Boxster) is a good bet if you can afford to run it.

[Tinpot Shot]

kambites said:

For that sort of usage, I'd probably be looking at an Elise or VX220.

Sadly I still need four seats.

[J4CKO]

996 at that money is a risk, unless you have a slush fund for expenses that may crop up, even discounting the possibility of the well publicised engine woes, a 911 can get a bit pricey.

TT is pretty sensible really, its a Golf Underneath, I do like them and the Mk1 is becoming a classic, in the right colour with the right wheels they still look great. 10 grand would get you a TT Sport plus change.

There are many other options.

[kambites]

Tinpot Shot said:

kambites said:

For that sort of usage, I'd probably be looking at an Elise or VX220.

Sadly I still need four seats.

In that case, get a 996 if you can afford either a warranty or to put money by for potential repairs. Nothing else in that price bracket even comes close, IMO. Just don't fall into the trap of expecting to run a 911 for peanuts; it was an expensive car when new, and has known (if rare) engine flaws which can be pretty expensive things to repair.

An E46 M3 might be worth a look? You'll find more to choose from in your budget. It's not a 911, but it's ten times the car the TT is.

Edited by kambites on Tuesday 3rd June 11:36

[Tinpot Shot]

J4CKO said:

996 at that money is a risk, unless you have a slush fund for expenses that may crop up, even discounting the possibility of the well publicised engine woes, a 911 can get a bit pricey.

TT is pretty sensible really, its a Golf Underneath, I do like them and the Mk1 is becoming a classic, in the right colour with the right wheels they still look great. 10 grand would get you a TT Sport plus change.

There are many other options.

That's what I'm hearing.

My heart says 911 but my head (and Bank Manager) says Audi TT...

[edh]

Can't see you'd do any better than a nice 996 - as long as you avoid some of the more "interesting" interior colours.

Just go into it with your eyes open, be aware of the things that can go wrong and the potential costs. Buy from an enthusiast who has looked after the car.

[Dave Hedgehog]

Tinpot Shot said:

J4CKO said:

996 at that money is a risk, unless you have a slush fund for expenses that may crop up, even discounting the possibility of the well publicised engine woes, a 911 can get a bit pricey.

TT is pretty sensible really, its a Golf Underneath, I do like them and the Mk1 is becoming a classic, in the right colour with the right wheels they still look great. 10 grand would get you a TT Sport plus change.

There are many other options.

That's what I'm hearing.

My heart says 911 but my head (and Bank Manager) says Audi TT...

i assume its only small children you need to get in the back, the TT has a limit of what 5 foot tall?

[MagnaJeep]

Had very similiar thoughts when choosing the second midlife crisis vehicle for my father (the first was a V-Rod).
As Porsche 996's are way more expensive in LHD Europe I'll put this aside, our list of potential candidates was:

SL 320 or 500 r129, too sensible but great value and nice place to be in
Audi TT, too common and not very special to drive
BMW Z4 2.5, didn't like it personally,
Ford Mustang 66' V8, he prefers convertibles, I hate them
Porsche 928, scared of parts prices and complexity

We settled for a very impractical 79 Corvette which is worse than any of the cars above, it's stupid, thirsty, lacks the 2+2 option, but as weekend car we love it and it's a keeper.

[Tinpot Shot]

The Mrs is only 5' tall so we'd stick her in the back.

[Tinpot Shot]

edh said:

Can't see you'd do any better than a nice 996 - as long as you avoid some of the more "interesting" interior colours.

Yes, I'd noticed a few on AutoTrader with some lovely interior shades of Tan/Brown.

They were quickly discounted.

[yellowtang]

Personally I'd put a few calls in to some of the respected independent Porsche specialists and see if they can find you a 996.

[balls-out]

Mid life crisis - watch the film american beauty and then do it in style:



Not sure if 'kudos' is the word, but certainly will make an impression of your clients, particualry with the right exhausts.

Edited by balls-out on Tuesday 3rd June 12:03

[jamieduff1981]

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

[billzeebub]

E46 M3

[Soupie69uk]

Old porsche 944.

[Dave Hedgehog]

what sort of TVR can you get for 10k?

doh already posted ..

thats what i would get