49 replies to this topic

[barth7]

Started a new job recently. Good opportunity for me, and my old job was not looking too promising. However, I used to live 3 miles from work and now am closer to 50.

I have just turned 150k on my 968 and while it is in good shape, I hate to stack 100 miles a day on it. So, I have been thinking about getting a newer, cheap to buy and operate, car. The front runner as yet has been a Mini. I can get one with not too many miles on it for $12k or so. Think I can get 35 mpg out of it and reliability seems fair. They should be cheap to repair, too. Drove a couple this weekend and, well, they are a Mini. Kinda like driving a cartoon.

Am gonna regret getting one of these? I would rather have another Porsche, but can't imagine I can find one to operate as cheaply. Maybe I should try to find another 968 Can't stand the thought of driving a Honda, so don't suggest that. I had considered a VW GTI, but they seem a little harder to find.

The other option is moving, but that is a whole 'nuther set of headaches.

So, what do you guys think? Practicality is not too big a concern other than gas mileage and cost. Is there another car that would be better for me? Can I get a cheap to own Porsche? I may end up just moving, but thought I would get some feedback on here. Thanks for letting me lie on the 968 Forums couch...

-Bart

P.S. This would be my 3rd car, as I have a Jeep. It's a rock crawler and not too good on the highway any more.

PPS - See page 3 for pics of what I ended up with.

Edited by barth7, 08 May 2008 - 04:03 AM.

[94SilverCab]

I like my Miata. 28 MPG, cheap to maintain and a fun little car to drive.

[Mark]

I like my Miata. 28 MPG, cheap to maintain and a fun little car to drive.

Short people.

The mini's are nice, and have lots of room. There are a few people who drive their 968s 100 miles a day.

[flash]

smart car?

[barth7]

I would consider a Miata. 28 mpg is decent, though I would like better. Mine will be mostly intersate miles, so it might be better in my case.

I really like my 968 but it already has high mileage, so I hate to just kill it by piling more on. They are kinda expensive to maintain, as well.

The Smart car is a step too far in that direction. I am not too sure that thing would be very safe on the interstate and is incredibly dorky looking.

One of the places I drove a Mini this weekend had a 30k mile 993 C4S. THAT was making it really hard to concentrate! Celebrity owned. And black on black like I love. Hell, maybe I should sell both other vehcles and buy this.



Oh, and I have averaged 30mpg on interstate driving, even getting up to 100mph in my 968 before. Been getting around 25 recently, though. Maybe time for a new distributor and rotor. Makes it hard to think an econo box is a good investment when I get that kind of mileage.

[PorscheDude]

If you are gonna spend $12k buy another 968. One with less miles, for your "good" car and keep the current car for work.

Edited by smokiemon968, 07 April 2008 - 05:41 AM.

[barth7]

Smokie may have the best idea yet. Don't think I haven't given it some thought. Interchangeable parts, I already know how to work on it, like the car... So find me a Club Sport.

A buddy has a real nice early 944 for cheap right now. ~70k miles. LSD, Fuchs...

[rhudeboye]

BMW E36 M3. Not sure what the MPG is though...

[PorscheDude]

A buddy has a real nice early 944 for cheap right now. ~70k miles. LSD, Fuchs...

Another good alterenitive.

[flash]

owning a number of cars can be a fleet management headache (ask me how i know) - older cars, while cheap to get into, can be more problematic than they are worth

for a commuter, i would buy a cheap new car, and rely on the warranty

that's why i suggested the smart car - over 40mpg, about 13k to get into, and passes all government safety tests - new - fully warranted - no headaches

if ayn ever starts commuting by car, that's exactly what we are going to do - they even have a roofless model for a few grand more

[barth7]

Here is a local dealer that has a couple options:

Mini

Volvo S40

Audi A4

www.hollywoodimports.net

Any advice or experience on those other 2?

[spectre996]

I've always been a fan of the A4. S4 would be better but the dealer didn't show any in stock. Now if only we could find a way to stuff the R10 TDI engine in it!

[Chris Vais]

I'd vote for a good used A4. I have an A6 Avant that will do 27 to 28 mpg on the freeway especially if I use the cruise control. It is a heavier car than an A4 with the same engine so I would expect the A4s mileage to be better. You can also upgrade the performance on these cars. My Avant has Koni shocks and S6 anti-roll bars. Since it is also a Quattro it is a lot of fun to drive agressively and I have surprised a few P-car drivers.

I know that Audi has in the past had a bad rep for reliability, but having owned three, I am satisfied that if you keep on the maintenance schedule and don't abuse the car, they will run forever. Our second went 249,000 miles and it took being totaled in accident to take it off the road.

[Anchorman]

Make sure to carefully test "fit" the A4. I rented one in Germany for some long distance driving and, while I enjoyed the car, I could not live with it long term - the driver's position was too confining. A 968 spoils you in that way. I picked up a PT Cruiser as a winter vehicle and I'm really enjoying it. Mileage-wise, though, it's no better than my 968 - the only advantage is that it uses regular, not premium, gas.

As for Minis - depends on the year. Early ones had pretty harsh suspensions, newer ones are significantly improved. If you want more specifics, I'll get them.

[xrad]

Certified used BMW or something from TATA motors...

[RPM]

I think Flash's advice is sound. Buy something that is still under warranty.

An A4 out of warranty would be a poor decision. Unfortunate, but true fact - do not buy European sports sedans without a warranty!

You might even consider the boring/adult solution:
If you are really doing 100 miles a day then you might look at a Civic or Mazda3. The Mini is a fun car to be true, but I find them buzzy and confining after a few miles. If your commute is 100 with a lot of highway miles you might consider something with a bit longer wheelbase to smooth out the bumps and arrive arrive at work and home a bit less tired and beaten. Something like a Fusion or an Accamry. In the same siz, but a little more fun - used Volvo S60s are relatively cheap and you can find them still with factory warranty. The T5 has 257hp!

You have the fun car. Treat this one like an appliance. A car with four doors and a backseat can come in awful handy on occasion.

[jpk]

If I were in your shoes, I'd think about something cheap to purchase, operate and maintain. You want something that sells 80,000-100,000 units annually, which means parts are really cheap and easy to find. Think Cobalt or Focus. You can even get somewhat sporty models that'll at least be somewhat entertaining to drive.

[PorscheDude]

I drive either my 968 or 951 80 miles a day for work. It is better than letting them sit. They are cheap cars.

[rob76turbo]

+1 on Audi A4
Also consider an A3.

[porsche]

Wake up!!!

You already own the 968. Also, the purchase price of any "used" car is just the beginning; and you have to pay insurance on every member of your growing/potential car fleet (e.g., factor in the "whole" cost of each car's ownership).

Currently, the Germans are "cherry picking" our 993 inventory as we're afraid to actually use/drive our Porsches. We're the only Porsche buying public that has a vast inventory of examples with under 30,000 original miles. This seems odd to ROW owners, as 911sc's regularly delivered 250,000+ miles before needing a rebuild.

The 968 is a GT car (grand touring), and a 100 mile daily commute is exactly/literrally the 968's intended purpose!!!!!

Also, once a 968 passes the 30,000-45,000 mark, the depreciation curve is negligable.

More importantly, if you're ever in an emergency situation, you'll be much more likely to maneuver out of harm's way with the 968 than any other sh!$ commuting alternatives listed above.

In summary, your current 968 is a purpose built commuter that you already know it's conditon (for better or worse), are currently insuring; and that is safe, comfortable and gets fantastic gas mileage.

Look at it this way, you've got a great new job with the added fringe benefit of spending MORE quality time with your 968!!!

Get out there on a daily basis and enjoy the REAL Porsche experience.

my VERY VALID 2 cents,
Porsche

Edited by porsche, 07 April 2008 - 06:28 PM.