What next?
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Viahuerto

Original Poster:

162 posts

85 months

Wednesday 1st July 2020
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I always make sure the car I personally drive has a manual transmission. It’s just the way I like it. I’ve owned a slew of cars over the decades and there are a few I wish I never let go of. That’s the past...
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Recently I had a 991 Carrera S which I liked but didn’t love. I am currently in a 2 years lease in a Vantage AMR 7 speed which I also like but don’t love. I got the car with insanely good terms & I know I won’t be able to replicate that deal. As it stands the car has a lot of character but the shifter let’s it down. The dogleg layout is great but the gear slots are finicky and keep me from really jelling with the car. I haven’t been able to reach that telepathic connection I’ve has with my previous 911 cars, or even my old E93 M5. Don’t get me wrong the car has its moments and when it clicks it’s great. It’s also a bit let down by a few other things but those are quibbles.

I recently sat in a Boxster and I actually fit. I guess Porsche has made the cabin a bit bigger and my 6’5” height isn’t an issue. I’m torn between two ideas for a car. #1 is a 718 GTS 4.0 with a manual transmission. I know it will drive/ handle great and it will probably be the last chance I’ll have to get a non turbo cars with a manual, I’d probably buy it and keep forever. I like the architecture of the cabin, it isn’t the high tech scene that has taken over the 911. I don’t feel like spending over the odds on a new 911Gt3. #2 is the new BMW M3 in the “pure” spec with a manual. I know it’s a turbo but it’s ultra useable and maybe it’s my last chance to get a new car that harkens back to my old E39 M5 which I regret giving up. I don’t drive a ton but I wouldn’t mind a car I could throw some skis into and zip up to the mountains. Maybe the bit is lose in thrills I get from other qualities.

On a cost basis I could almost swing getting both cars but..l alas, I have a spouse who though accepting of my car craze won’t indulge me to that extreme. I like the idea of getting away from an expensive over optioned 911 or spending huge $ on another Aston.

I know the two cars are polar opposites. Any thoughts?

KPB1973

938 posts

123 months

Wednesday 1st July 2020
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Would it be a daily driver or do you have access to something else for those purposes?

It's a tough one to give an opinion on, as I find trying to recapture the love I have for certain older cars via a new one rarely works for me. EPAS, NVH improvements, weight etc tends to blunt the experience somewhat, and they feel a bit of a fascimile of what I thought they'd evoke.

But likewise if you have both the financial means and the preference for something new and within warranty, I can certainly see the appeal of that too.

I've owned a few M-cars and whilst they are great in isolation, they never really captured the thrill of a proper, low slung, sports car. I don't think i'd have another as a toy, but would consider an M3 as a daily driver.

Personally, I'd go for the car that I enjoy driving the most on an emotional level, rather than one which had a capacity to handle practicalities like skis etc which I only needed to accommodate for a small percentage of total journeys.

On that basis I think i'd be looking at the 718.

Porsche911R

21,146 posts

289 months

Wednesday 1st July 2020
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A 2.9 987.2 Cayman :-)

Orangecurry

7,766 posts

230 months

Wednesday 1st July 2020
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Viahuerto said:
I haven’t been able to reach that telepathic connection I’ve has with my previous 911 cars, or even my old E93 M5.
...so - go back in time...... 964 or 993 adjusted to your liking.



Viahuerto

Original Poster:

162 posts

85 months

Wednesday 1st July 2020
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Orangecurry said:
...so - go back in time...... 964 or 993 adjusted to your liking.

I once had a wonderful 993. I need a robust daily driver....thats the issue. I'm leaning towards the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. I live in California so roofless is the way to go. Spouse has a BMW X7 which I kind of loathe but, in a pinch, will work just fine. At this point in my life, I can see just hanging onto the Boxster forever.

Orangecurry

7,766 posts

230 months

Wednesday 1st July 2020
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Viahuerto said:
I once had a wonderful 993. I need a robust daily driver....thats the issue.
eek wash your mouth out! Nothing robuster than a 993. Using it every day would devalue it, but so what?

Viahuerto said:
I'm leaning towards the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. I live in California so roofless is the way to go. Spouse has a BMW X7 which I kind of loathe but, in a pinch, will work just fine. At this point in my life, I can see just hanging onto the Boxster forever.
Ahh ok I'm with you now. But I have no idea what an X7 would be - presumably invented for a purpose nobody can understand. hehe

My knowledge of the modern Porsche is poor... but it sounds like you've made your mind up - or is there an earlier 6-pot spyder/speedster version of some kind that would appeal?

woollyjoe

1,332 posts

143 months

Wednesday 1st July 2020
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Boxter 4.0 GTS if you can get one.

They are currently the bargain Porsche IMO.

Get the manual sports seats too. You’ll want to slide them back quickly to get out each time.




Viahuerto

Original Poster:

162 posts

85 months

Wednesday 1st July 2020
quotequote all
woollyjoe said:
Boxter 4.0 GTS if you can get one.

They are currently the bargain Porsche IMO.

Get the manual sports seats too. You’ll want to slide them back quickly to get out each time.


Thats the plan.