so would I be out of my mind...?

[not-fishing]

OK back to Reality from someone who can collect Social Security.

There a lot of good used cars out there but there are a few test that you must be do........

1.  Get in & out of a low car.  I did it with a friends ZO6 and found I had to "roll out" of the car it was so low.

2.  Go for a ride in a little stiffly sprung car and see how you feel.  I'd love to get a 4C Alfa but I know better

3.  Realize you're not 30 any more and shouldn't be jumping horses.    A man's got to know his limitations

My Holy Grail now is to resto-mod a '74 Alfa Spyder the way I want it.  I had one for 5 years and loved that car.  Not real fast, comfy ride, good brakes and could be driven fast if you know how.  kind-of like my Griso 1100

[John Ulrich]

What's their price..... $65,000 is my guess.

[lucydad]

Hey, I am not eligible to collect SS until May.  ..   

Yep Porsche Cayman S is the car, I think a 2009 would be perfect.  I cast about the inter web and  cars come and go:  mostly ones that don't fit my criteria.  PCA is an option, probably worth the small cost of admission to access their classifieds. 

I much prefer a local car that I can check out.  Long distance shipping can be costly also. 

No rush at all helps...

[PJPR01]

2009 Boxster will leave you well under the $50K budget...you could probably get 2 of them, or 1 Boxster and another Moto?  Is that the secret plan now?   

[lucydad]

Paul,

You never know....sometimes chance lands a nice roll of the dice....two bikes are enough for now, probably. 

Boxster is a possible, not ruled out, and 911 style open concept too

[MGPilot]

I always thought it was significant that almost none of the Porsche mechanics drive Porsches. If it's just for fun, a new Miata or convertible Mustang would probably leave more money in your pocket over time. Of course,  sometimes the entertainment and novelty are worth the price. Good luck with your search. But make sure you have a good independent shop near you.

[LowRyter]

As mentioned before I picked this one up last month.  I've already joined the local club and done a track day and lunch with them.  Bev enjoyed the luncheon and wants to attend the next meeting.

This one is a  base model, 6 speed manual, only 430 hp (and supposedly 190 mph).






funny story about the track day: I took a ride with an older gentleman (82 yo), who was driving a 640 HP ZR1 launch control Corvette.  After he took off, I was crying like a little girl to get out of that car.  I was telling this story all week long when we met met him at the luncheon.  When I recounted the story, the gentleman said, it wasn't that bad because I didn't pee my pants. 

[charlie b]

Not a single one of the more than 50 years of 911 models ever appealed to you? 

917's are the monster...of course, totally unaffordable unless you are a collector with deep pockets!

Nope.  I really don't like the 911 series at all.  And, yes, have driven quite a few of them, from back in the 70's to just a few years ago.  If I had to take one, I'd only consider the AWD version (which probably is not considered a 911 variant by purists).

My sister-in-law has been in love with them forever and has had three targas.  Friend of mine has had 5 different versions starting with a 911S back in 1976.  I just don't like them.

[Gary]

You never know....sometimes chance lands a nice roll of the dice....two bikes are enough for now, probably. 

Boxster is a possible, not ruled out, and 911 style open concept too

My first choice was a Cayman. I really could not find one I liked for my budget. Then I found the Boxster S with the right everything and in fabulous condition. I've had several convertibles in my lifetime and I am really glad I got another. I am very happy with the Boxster and would do it over again. Only problem is that it makes me want to take the Boxster when I used to hop on the bike. Hmmmm...

[PJPR01]

I'd only consider the AWD version (which probably is not considered a 911 variant by purists).

Perfectly acceptable version of a 911, and would be a lot of fun doing Camp 4 or driving on an ice lake with studded tires!   

I think the purists, whoever they are, are more put off by the Cayenne or the Panamera more than a 4 wheel drive version of the 911.

Good that there are different options for all of us!

[cruzziguzzi]

Yes, yes you would and why the hell not?

Comes to it, someone will always buy it from you.


Todd.

[Gary]

The 996 Turbo, Carrera 4 & 4S are all wheel drive. The main downside (and I really love my friend's Turbo) is that luggage space and I believe fuel tank are reduced in size a little.

[kirkemon]

Yep Porsche Cayman S is the car, I think a 2009 would be perfect.

Yes, Cayman S, but 2010+ the second generation is worth the little extra $

I posted this link before but it's a great resource:
http://rennlist.com/forums/

[Don Ivey]

MGPilot's comments are right on.  A car of this age, with only 8Kmiles is a questionable buy, and anything over $40K is absurd.  Victory has a pretty sketchy reputation in the Porsche world, so take that for what it's worth.  These cars are great, but you need to be able to do some of the work on them yourself, esp. routine maintenance, or the cost can be outrageous.  Also, never buy a 911 without a PPI (inspection) by a qualified Porsche mechanic.  It will save you heartache in the end.  I'd go for a 996 turbo if you can find one.  Great cars, and about the same price as a late '80's 911.  BTW, the G50 transmission came in the '87, so you'd be using the 915 in the '86.  Not bad, just more finicky.  Another thing, the A/C's in these cars is not modern in any sense, and you will suffer in Houston in an '80s Porsce.  I love my '87 and hope to never sell it, but they need lots of care, and to be driven regularly. 

[V7Record]

I've been following bringatrailer lately and this Porsche popped up today.
http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-porsche-911-targa/

[lucydad]

Ok, guys...now I am lusting.  My buddy Ed drove by this evening in his brand new black C7 Corvette.  Pix tomorrow as my iPhone takes a while to cross-link to PC.  We drove down to Brazos Bend and here and there, and finished with burgers and fries at Five Guys.  What a magnificent machine!  Ed turned 70 today, and treated himself.

The car surprised me with its smoothness.  Ed got the 7 speed and it has one of the middle range performance packages.  The medium-tan convertible top is nifty and matching leather interior trim.  Brake calipers are yellow...the car is just gorgeous.  Performance is as you would expect.  I had a 1984 Corvette in Midland and Denver, but sold it when moving to Africa.  Hell of a change from 84 to 16....lovely sound from that V8 and four exhausts.  Manta Ray side emblem a plus.  Wow.

 Last Sunday his two adult sons flew into town from AR and NY and we had a small birthday party.

Ed turned me onto riding motorcycles again about five years ago, and is as fine a fellow as walks the planet. 

Porsche focus dials now turned up...

[lucydad]

All,

My buddy Ed on his 70th birthday and brand new C7.  We had some fun on a gorgeous evening with top down and burgers after.