kenzo42

iTrader: (6)

Been looking for another car lately. Thought I wanted an NSX, but have recently decided against it mainly b/c it's somewhat dated, not really that fast, and I can't help but see it looking like an elongated 3000GT.

Was thinking about the non-turbo 996 or 997.

In order of importance:
Reliability
Daily drivability
Can I work on it myself or is it impossibly difficult like the 944
Will I be bankrupt after doing maintenance eg clutch, brake jobs, etc
Can the non-turbo be turbo'd if I decide to in the future

Will be used as a daily and 1-2 trackdays per year. Needing more of a grown up car that can be fun and reliable.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

I'd rather have a 993 myself or a 997 over the 996. The motors are horrendously expensive for the 996s.

Drive an NSX and you will change your mind about them. They are phenomenal automobiles. E46 M3s are also cheaper than Russian ****** these days.

mazda/nissan

iTrader: (2)

and put out like 330 HP if I'm not mistaken

How much can you find a 996 or 997 for?

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I agree with everything savington said. The NSX is amazingly cool and fast.

96rdstr

iTrader: (4)

+2

They are quite reliable as well. C&D had a write up about the top used cars you can get for under 30k or something like that.

The NSX and the 993 C2 were listed. The 911 is going to be a maintenance hog. Not that isn't a great car, because it is. That is just the nature of the vehicle. The NSX is a great car. Reliability ranked pretty high. The styling is still cool, and 260hp in that small of a car still nothing to scoff at. Get some bigger wheels though. The 15's and 16's look awkward on the car.

Saml01

iTrader: (9)

I have been looking at a 996 too, so this thread will benefit both of us.

Reliability is generally good, some cars suffer from a rear main seal leak that needs to be taken care of. This is an expensive fix if you dont have a warranty from a certified pre owned. You gotta drop the engine to get at it.

From what I hear, they are not bad as daily drivers. I personally think anything is better then a miata for a daily.

I doubt you will be able to work on it yourself, from what I read any little god damn thing beyond regular maintenance requires dropping the engine. Its probably great while its out, but I bet its a bitch to get it out, especially without a lift.

No idea on turbo'ing a non turbo but you can bet your *** that the kit will be stupidly expensive.

Bottom line with these cars is this. "If you have to ask, then you cant afford it".

996's are 99 - 04 - Range from about 15k to 35k.
997's are 05 - Present - Range from 40k+

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I have been spending a lot of time reading rennlist.com

ChairFaceChippendale

iTrader: (1)

^ i was going to come in and say all of that, thank you for saving me the time.

rotaryjunky

iTrader: (3)

I think they are fairly dependable but that is about the only yessish from your list. I second considering the M3, I'd get one over the porsche, my friend had a dsg m3 and it was amazing. I'd get one if I could fully afford it. Although the nsx is such a great car and answers yes to all of your criteria except the clutches are a little expensive. For power, they take turbos extremely well. motorports. fabrication. lovefab

samnavy

iTrader: (7)

Kenzo, no matter what anybody tells you, Porsche's are not reliable in the sense that a Toyota or Honda is reliable. I would say they are no more or no less reliable than any other hi-strung and highly engineered performance vehicle. Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW... all maintenance nightmares as far as I'm concerned. Yes, a lot of these cars come with awesome warranties and free service, etc. for many miles... and when your car is in the shop for the 4th time because the ABS light comes on when you fart too hard, they'll give you a decent loaner to keep you happy. If every Merc owner had to pony up for his own rental when the car was in the shop, they would be out of business overnight. They are not cheap to fix or insure. Working on them yourself is a crapshoot. The aftermarket is absurdly priced.

Kenzo, a price-point would really help us out giving you an answer... but I'll guess you're comfortable in the $30k range but could probably swing $40k for the right deal. I'll also assume you want a used vehicle, 2seater or 2+2, and not a convertible... but I have to offer some advice about your thinking.

This will be your primary DD, so I'd lend way more weight to that option and not let the 1 or 2 trackdays into the equation. You can get a 2-3yr old E55 Merc for well under $40k. If you can stomach a something 1 or 2 years older, you're in M5 territory if BMW is more to your liking. Trust me, roll into the hood in an E55 with a Rentech catback and every single one of your neighbors will cream their chino's. That simply will not happen with a 5yr old 911. On that Merc, a pulley and reflash gets you 600ftlbs... just for thought. We're talknig under 4sec 0-60. You should also buy stock in Pirelli.

But (as is always mentioned when these topics come up) you absolutely cannot beat a Z06 for the money. There's a yellow one for sale near you: 2004 Chevy Corvette. Bone stock is great... but throw $10k at that car and go hunting for F-18's. They fit all your criteria... plus you can get the early models down in the mid $20k's right. ****, at that price, buy one AND get yourself a 5 or 6yr old 540i/A6/CTS.

Just for thought.