Four more years...

[wildwhl]

Some of you know I've been toying with replacing the V with a Porsche. Wife really wants the V out of our lives given that it has had so many days at the dealership, compounded by how often I have it torn apart trying some new mod or another.

Well, the wife wanting it gone is one of the biggest reasons to keep her

We've been doing a little test driving of various vehicles. Took her for a ride in a friends new M5 - she really liked the car but asked him if he could shift smoother. In otherwords, she noticed the SMG snap that some like and some don't. Then we took out an E55 AMG. She said it was too fast and my license couldn't handle it (little does she know that the V in current form is in the same *fast* category). She also recalled me reading several posts on the internet about Mercedes electrical and service issues, and our neighbor having his SL500 in the shop 4 times since purchase with <3,000 miles on it to date (about 2 years old now).

Finally there's our good friends who just sold their viper and bought an '03 996TT since their first child is on the way. Way to go Bryan - convincing the wife that the 911 is a family car. Hell, wish I could find one for $69K, certified warranty with <20,000 miles on it...but that's another story.

We both drove it. Seriously awesome car. It confirmed what I knew to begin with. The replacement for my V in terms of driving enjoyment will be a 997TT. The 996 is great, but, hey, if I'm going to wait, might as well go for it all. No way in hell we can shell out the dough for a new one. So I'll be watching, and waiting. The agreement I'm working on is to keep the V for my "toy" (or more accurately FI 408 once the 9" is in ) and between her 40th birthday and mine - buy a sweet used 997TT for BOTH of us to drive.

So, with the cowl hood inbound, the 9" only a few months away, the GC kit a pure joy to ride, and the Snow Performance meth kit waiting to be installed, I commit to another 2-4 years with this beast. I know I'll likely regret it for a day or two along the way, but in the end, I'll be glad I drove this stealthy middle-weight sled right up the ass of every ricer, hung with the packs of crotch-rockets in the twisties, embarrassed most every piece of euro-trash, and ran right over the top of each SRTpuke I'll ever see.

For those of you in the market for a V - know this. Sure, they're taking big depreciation hits. That makes it your lucky day. With current resale on these cars they've just became one of the best car values ever in my book. Don't hesitate. Buy one. Enjoy it while we're allowed to drive cars like this.

Gotta admit - right now is one seriously difficult time for true car guys to make a decision. So, so many options out there. So many cars >350 hp. So little time

[DILLIGAF]

About time you came to your senses!The V is forever in my garage,unless I crash her.

[wildwhl]

HOWEVER -

I've also decided I need a backup car for running the kids and I around when the V is getting mods - thereby eliminating any need to rush her.

So, on my short list, and I'd appreciate thoughts/additions. Figure $25K budget tops, $20K is better. Must be kid friendly and work in the snow.

(all used of course, 'cept maybe new GTI)

WRX/Sti
VW R32
Audi S4 (last gen)
Mini Cooper S
RX8 (had one, sold it back to Mazda, so really not on the list, but just in case someone thinks so)
ANOTHER V


Suggestions?

WW (cooking mom's day breakfast and STILL on this board - I'm a friggin mess!)

[51PHFTY]

Originally Posted by wildwhl

HOWEVER -

I've also decided I need a backup car for running the kids and I around when the V is getting mods - thereby eliminating any need to rush her.

So, on my short list, and I'd appreciate thoughts/additions. Figure $25K budget tops, $20K is better. Must be kid friendly and work in the snow.

(all used of course, 'cept maybe new GTI)

WRX/Sti
VW R32
Audi S4 (last gen)
Mini Cooper S
RX8 (had one, sold it back to Mazda, so really not on the list, but just in case someone thinks so)
ANOTHER V


Suggestions?

WW (cooking mom's day breakfast and STILL on this board - I'm a friggin mess!)

For the $$, WRX/Sti. Four wheel drive, cheaper than the Audi, great canyon car, very quick and very mod. friendly. A lot of the Vette, Porsche, Lambo etc. guys around here (So. Cal., No. Los Angeles County) have them as daily drivers.

If I needed 4 wheel drive, it would be my first choice as a daily driver etc.

Just my $.02.

Marty

[Z06CTSV]

Same thing going on here. Love my V. Just tired of all the wierd stuff: Diff. noise, diff. vibration, second radio with peeling buttons, new tires annually, traction control problem(fixed), second rear seat belt vibration, brake dust.

It's a love/hate relationship. Deciding if I want to get into another Love/hate relationship. Sorry about the rant. Try an audi A3, drove nice, nice tranny with paddles, and lots of interior room for a small car.

Good Luck,
Joe
New Orleans

[wildwhl]

An A3 S line would be nice...but then I'm back in V territory...

I have one vote for an Sti and one for a mini cooper S.

Ace - your thoughts (outside of the Sti). I can't really handle the styling of the Sti, maybe a stage 2 WRX (but then I'm modding my non-mod car already, sheesh!).

[lasstss]

Bill, keep this in mind. I have worked on a lot of different cars. The V is by far the easiest car to work on since the 70's aside from the electronics, I believe myself and others on this forum could take this car apart in a day or two.. Its so easy to work on. I have a neighbor with a Porche and a few with Mb's. They take it in the shorts wholesale when they need service which is often. Despite the GM nonsense, you just cant beat the V..

As an example,, I put one of my oem tires next to the V a few days ago. All of the sudden I have a dead battery. I recharge, dead again.. WTF??
Then I check the faq... tsb on tire TPS kills the battery.. You just have to laugh..

[wildwhl]

lasstss -

great points. I have my fair share of experience with VW's, owning something like 10 of them in my past, but I agree the V is as simple as my 60's small block cars were. Top it off with superior knowledge of tuners, forums, and .faq's and it is hard to beat.

I'm NOT getting rid of the V, but buying something to allow me to go a few stages further with her without worrying about whether the family can drive with me to San Diego or not

WW

[urbanski]

Originally Posted by rp64ctsv

About time you came to your senses!The V is forever in my garage,unless I crash her.

let me reword that
"My V is in my garage forever SINCE I crashed her"

[urbanski]

Originally Posted by wildwhl

ANOTHER V


Suggestions?

i will sell you mine, but not for 20K

get a freakin used civic for a beater errand-car.
or just why not make the V your errand car? mine is. its all i need in a ride.

[DILLIGAF]

I'm thinking about a SRX for the family car.I like the lines of these new caddies.I haven't drove one yet but I drive a 99WJ when the weather is bad.They have to have a better ride than the jeep with more creature comforts.How about a maggied Yukon,been in one,very cool,dvd screens for the kids,navigation,great buys out there on the fuel economy challenged.

[ace996]

Originally Posted by wildwhl

Ace - your thoughts (outside of the Sti). I can't really handle the styling of the Sti, maybe a stage 2 WRX (but then I'm modding my non-mod car already, sheesh!).

WW,
Outside of the STi???? I don't know...I really don't. Forget the Audi S4 TT, unless you are related to a mechanic....repairs for that car are VERY costly. How about the Subaru Legacy GT? A little more sedated looks but virtually same motor. The problem is that modding it is just too easy, although a great "bang for the buck" platform.

Really, I'd have to push for the STi. They are quite reliable and if you purchase one from a "mature" driver, difficult as that may be, you'll have a vehicle that can rip in ALL weather conditions (with appropriate tires) and shuttle the kids. With as little as $3K, you'll give 993TTs some problems....no kidding...a little more $ and 996TTs will have fits...

For the looks, swap your hood for an Imprezza RS hood and mount a small front-mount-intercooler. You could also swap your trunk with a WRX or RS and have a real sleeper.

On the more civilized side, the Saab version of the WRX is a real sleeper, too.

Good problem to have, but decisions are always tough.

Good luck, and don't pull the trigger until you test drive the STI....at least once...
-ace

[Dennisscars]

Sorry, too much rice and strudel for me... I'm thinking the Saturn Sky and let's option the LS7 in it...or supercharged LS2, we already know what to do with that one... Still cheaper than a porch..

http://www.mallettcars.com/sky-conversion.htm

[AznPrydeRegalRyde]

Originally Posted by wildwhl

WRX/Sti
VW R32
Audi S4 (last gen)
Mini Cooper S
RX8 (had one, sold it back to Mazda, so really not on the list, but just in case someone thinks so)
ANOTHER V


Suggestions?

WW (cooking mom's day breakfast and STILL on this board - I'm a friggin mess!)

How about a Volvo S60R? It's a low 14 second car that can be made a low 13 sec car with under 1500 in 2 mods (from experience). It's incredibly safe with more airbags then speakers (exag). It's AWD, has 300 hp/300 lbs-ft with the 6 spd (less torque with the auto). It'll have nav/HIDs/heated seats/better stereo then the CTS and a hand brake. It also has a dynamic chassis control, changing the firmness/sportiness of the ride at the touch of a button. And you should be able to get a low miles 05 for well less then $30k.

It's really like a grown up version of the STi. It may not have the look-at-me factor of the STi, but then thats not a bad thing either. It's alot more unique then the cars you listed as well. And your kids will be super-safe in it.

[wildwhl]

All good suggestions.

Ace - I hear you...

Dennis - must have 4 seats

APRR - I was half way through a purchase of an S60R when the V came into my life...but in the end the S60R is really a front driver pretending to be AWD. Nice car, but Volvo's can nickle and dime you better than the rest.

Most of you are thinking "...what is this guy nucking futs? Rice this, rice that..."

In order to get the requisite mods in the V (new hood, new 9" rear, etc.) there will be significant down time. Sure, a Civic beater is one way to go - but if I wanted that I'd drive the Matrix beater that we use for small deliveries at the shop. I gotta have something with some go and some ability to be tuned...it's just in my blood

Maybe I should just clay bar up the V and wax her a bit. Maybe that will cure my new car desire

WW

(actually, the Mallett equipped Saturn Sky has been riding in the back of my mind...haunting me...like only a revoked driver's license can!)