bagwell

+1

I owned an 01 Boxster 2.7 (used 20k miles) for about 6 months and wasn't impressed at all with the build quality of Porsche....quite a few squeaks and rattles....the motor was fine but I kept reading horror stories about RMS leaks, failures, etc. It got to the point I would get pissed when I got in to drive it and heard sqeaks and tired of worrying about the repairs that were bound to come and the $100 oil changes (synthetic, 10 qts).

IS_Mine

I agree with this guy you can probably get a nice C5 Z06 for that price range, with mid miles anywhere from 60k to 70k. Eh, its a Chevy but you can definately have fun with an LS6 or even the regular LS2 version. I'd go with the Vette personally.

ShadyJC

iTrader: (2)

My brother-in-law recently got a 2007 911 Carrera S... wow... what a thrill to drive! Needless to say, he loves it.

Straight6

iTrader: (2)

not a big fan of american muscle.. i'd rather get the nsx.. really i was hoping to get a supra turbo.. but they're hard to find unmolested.. thanks for the feedback..

UDel

I would recommend a used NSX too instead of a used 911 at your price range. The NSX are better built and more reliable and to most look much better and exotic then a 996 or 993 stock 911. For 25K or 30K you are only going to get well used 996 911s that the person is having trouble selling and needs to for some reason. Even if you can find a decent one in your price range the maintenance, parts, and service will cost you big time. I can't believe some of the prices I hear from people I know who own 911s pay for parts, service, and even oil changes.

I wanted a Supra turbo also but after seeing the insane prices people and dealerships wanted for them I said forget it you can keep it for sale at that price for a couple of years and hope some sucker will pay over 25K for a decent condition/mileage 8-13 year old Toyota. If you want a Porsche you can certainly get a very nice condition 944 or 968 and still have money left over for maintenance, parts, and aftermarket. Don't let them being 4 cylinders turn you off because they are still quick fun great handling sports cars and they have good aftermarket support for performance upgrades. Everyone I know who owned/owns a 944 loves the car. At your price range you can alos get some good sports cars like a slightly used S2000, 300ZX, 350Z, G35 coupe, C5 vette, and probrably an early higher mileage E46M3 but it too will be pretty expensive to maintain and you could run into some reliability issues with the car but it is still a great car.

pvmike1

Both the NSX and 911 are great cars. As others have suggested, I'd stick with a 996 (over a 993), if not for the updated interior alone. Your price range, however, is problematic; you may have a difficult time finding a good example of either car for under $30k. Not impossible, but it will take some searching.

996 - I'd look for one that's at least a later half of the year '99 or newer. They changed the taillights to the more modern looking red/clear mid '99, and it looks much better. Look for low miles (of course) and beware of RMS (rear main seal) repairs. Just because it has been repaired does not mean that the problem will not resurface. I'd prefer a car that has not needed a new RMS.

NSX - At that price range, you'll be looking at a '91-93. Mileage will most likely be 60k+, so check for clutch wear, timing belt/water pump replacement (minimum $1500 for the 90k service), window regulators (if windows roll up slow), AC problems (no big deal if it's the climate control unit versus the compressor), and of course previous damage/repair/repaint. Also make sure to check if it's in snap-ring range (early cars) and if it's been repaired. This is not a deal breaker, but a repair will cost $2000. Sometimes, however, even a snap ring tranny will be just fine thoughout it's entire life. Just negotiate a discount for this.

I think the 996 is a better daily for most people. However, if you find an NSX you want, you can PM me and I'll tell you what I think.

pvmike1

997 S's are great cars. I've driven one up to 120 or so, and it hit that speed with ease. I thought I was going about 90; it's almost too civilized. I traded my NSX for my buddy's 997 S as we drove around one day, and he stated that he thought my car was faster. Nope, not even close. The 997 is just so smooth you don't realize the speed it carries around corners and while accelerating.