[puckster]

Hi - I am located in beautifully bucolic Midland, Michigan and am sad to say that I do not own a 968. I have been researching affordable sports cars and have been looking for something a little more unique than a used Miata. I have come across a few 968 listings on-line and am intrigued. I am hoping that this site will help me determine if one of these is the car for me.

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[puckster]

After reading through just about all the sections of this site that my status allows I have become convinced that the right 968 could be a lot of fun. There is a 92 Cab that has been for sale locally (metro Detroit) for a few months but the seller seems to be getting more serious about moving it now. Here is a link to the e-bay listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...MEWAX%3AIT

I like the fact that it has a complete maintenance history and the main items of concern I have seen discussed on this site appear to have been looked after recently (timing belt, water pump, power steering rack and of course the new top). I am concerned with a car that has had this many miles put on it in the climate of the Northeast and if there are any hidden corrosion issues lurking. I am seriously thinking about going in to have a look at it and would appreciate any tips or thoughts that some experienced owners could share.

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[Langley968]

I just purchased my 968 CV last month and all I really drove it was from Seattle up to the Canadian border and then home to Langley last week.
I also went shopping for a Miata with my 16 year old daughter two days ago and I need to tell you that these are COMPLETELY different cars! The 968 handles like a serious road machine and you are well advised to have both hands on the steering, since it just hugs the road and will follow contours, dips, ruts, etc if you are not attentive (that is why PORSCHE did not provide cup holders in the 968). YET... it just begs to be pushed. It was OK at 60 on the interstate, but when I punched it to 80, that is when you could just feel the car just throb in contentment!
On the other hand, the Miata is a "toy" compared to the 968. Fun to drive, but it feels very lightweight and it has a soft/pleasant suspension. The Miata will be a great car for my inexperienced daughter, but if you want to have FUN while driving, get the 968. The feeling in a Miata is "Weeeeeee, here I come!", while in the 968 it will be more like "UH - YAAA (with some serious guttural tones)!
Look forward to hearing about your possible upcoming test rides. May you be "bitten by the 968 bug"!

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[puckster]

Thanks for the encouragement Langley. I was being a little facetious when I mentioned the Miata in my original post. I have a friend who has had one for a while and he keeps talking about wanting to "move up" to a more serious roadster - just hasn't been able to get his wife on board. Maybe if I show him up it will push him over the edge. In addition to the 968 the other cars on my radar screen have been Z4's, 350Z's and if I really push the budget envelope a C5 vette. Somehow the styling, reviews and what I see as the price to value relationship for a good 968 keep bringing me back. I guess the Porsche cachet may also have something to do with it - although I ruled out the Boxster due largely to numerous reports I read about up to 20% of them suffering catastrophic engine failure as a result of questionable design. I've already been burned by a 2001 Saab 9-5 that had what I consider to be a factory booby trapped ignition system.
By the way I am originally from Ontario until my career took me to Michigan in the early 90's. You never know where we Canucks might show up. I'm looking forward to watching Vancouver do herself proud with the upcoming Olympics.

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[canada968porsche]

Hey Puckster...don't buy a miatta.ehhh yuk.......no comparison

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[dep and dep]

Puckster,

I had a model one Miata and found it a lot of fun on really twisty roads in 2nd and 3rd gear. It cost no more to maintain than a Honda Civic and was very reliable transportation. I have a 968 now and have found it much more fun on faster roads and longer trips, and still great on twisties. As for cost to own, I have put in more than the purchase price in maintenance in about a year and a half, and that was without any breakdowns or major problems. Just routine maintenance and small problems to get everything sorted out. This cost is based on taking it to a good independent shop. Good luck in your search!

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[PorscheDude]

Another fun car to consider is the M coupe (commonly known as the "Clown Shoe") and roadsters.

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