Ckcrigger

.,,.

**Jay-V**

If you can find a 1999 Carrera for $40K, then that would be my choice. But $40K for a 1999 Carrera is going to be a tough find. Good luck

rai

Good question. The only car you list that I haven't driven is the G35 coupe. I haven't driven a Carrera but I have driven a C4S and a turbo.

Anyhow, they're all great. However I'd take a 911 over the M3 or G35, except you said you want a functional back seat. I guess the rear seats are OK for kids, but I think the M3 is far superior in rear seat area.

The M3 is great don't get me wrong, but it feels like a big car, the 911 feels smaller more nimble.

G35 coupe is a nice car, but it weighs as much as the M3 3400 lbs (I think).


Here's an idea, if you want a coupe that's closest to the S2000, you might want to look at the RX-8. It's got near the same HP and TQ as the S2000 and weighs just a bit over 3000 lbs.

You've picked 3 of the best cars on the market.

steve c

Nah it is doable.

I would not buy the M3 because I am a fan of the motor, but not the motor in that chassis. Too much weight.

I would not buy the 996 because it is a 99 and thus now out of warranty and prone to the RMS issue. A 2002+ 996 would be a better choice, albeit much more expensive. A 96-97 993 would be in my view more fun for a little less money.

Don't plan on putting anything in the rear seat other than a kid under 8 -- or as I do a baby seat.

Sounds like you have a tough choice to make. Oh poor you.

MDXLuvr

Since you own a s2k and this is your second car I would think a little rear leg room would be nice. Therefore, I would put the G35 and M3 above the 1999 911. The RMS issues on the 911 make me a little nervous.

bjohnston

Hmmm...what would I get? Oh yeah, I'd go for a Z51 C6 Corvette. With minimal options it should list around $46K. If you can wait a year or so, I'm sure they'll be selling around invoice like Corvettes always do. It will cream both the M3 and 911, looks better than both (IMO), and will be brand spanking new with a warranty.

protokultur

You aren't safe if you go with a 2002 Carrera - they are just as prone, if not more so, to RMS failure. In fact Porsche hasn't rectified the problem at all - MY2004 996 (non-Turbo) cars are getting engine swaps because of it. Some people have reported multiple engine swaps. You can find 2003 and 2004 Carrera coupes for under $60k with low mileage because of the buybacks.

Por$che quality ain't what it used to be.

steve c

No you are not entirely out of the woods, but the RMS issue was at one point believed to be attributed to the very early engine blocks not having a correctly milled hole for the crankshaft.

Despite the explanation and assurances that it was fixed the problem does continue -- but at a much, much lower frequency from 99 on -- in particular 02 on.

QUIKAG

They are doing invoice price on the current C5's, but don't count on invoice for at least a few years on the C6. Corvettes always have very strong demand for 3 years or so after a new model is introduced and after all the die hard Corvette lovers have paid a premium for their car, the demand starts to drop as do the prices.

QUIKAG

Oh, about the choices you gave, I'd do a G35 Coupe if you want a full warranty or I'd do an '01 M3 as they should all have the 100k engine warranty, though I'm not sure if the extended warranty is transferrable to a new owner, I'd check that first.