Hey all, I have been saving for about 3 years now (Not all of you have to do that, but I am 20 years old), and have finally found myself in a position to step onto the next rung of the ladder when it comes to cars. I've been pinballing between an NSX, and a Carrera as my first "exotic." (I know, some don't label these so) I am also open to other suggestions. I do appreciate the Lotus marque, but I am 6'3". My price range is within $40k. I was hoping to get some opinions on those who were maybe once in the same boat, or have suggestions for someone who is. I live in the Seattle, so you know the climate I'll be driving in. Due to the 3 months of sun in the year, I've also considered going in another direction in purchasing an MB CL, or even an Audi S8. (Please hesitate from posts on how I can not afford the insurance, maintenance, etc- ALTHOUGH I do welcome ideas to continue saving) Thanks, Colin
NSX and 996/996 both remarkably good choices, solidly dependable, i don't think you would go wrong with either. Drive them and see!
You can buy a lightly used Cayman S for under 40K. Bought one myself a couple of months ago. 2007 with 5500 miles from a dealer for 39.5K. Terrific overall package with great handling. Try one if you can. Dave
Congrats on a job well done to save 40k by the time you are 20. I imagine that you will drive like crazy. I used to put 50k miles on my cars when I was your age. I think the Porsche will be a more durable car with parts more readily available. Buy whatever makes you weak at the knees - only you know that. Good luck and hope you find a fantastic car that is reliable and brings you nothing but happiness.
by posting this in the Porsche section instead of General Automotive, I think you've answered at least part of your question If you're concerned about wet-weather handling, consider a 996 C4 or C4S.
Thanks. I will be keeping my current car (a Lexus LS) for the majority of the driving (about 15-20k/yr), and really only stick to the times it is worth driving for this car. (I am not the kid driving around in his parent's S550 blaring 50-Cent down the boardwalk for the heck of it) -Colin
Thanks to all for your comments! I've driven an NSX previously and LOVED it. I just rarely see unmolested examples available. I have actually been considering the Cayman, but have yet to see any in that price range in this area. I am heading down through Vegas/LA and back up again next month, will be looking at my options then too. Well, I really am a Porsche fan. The only thing that's ever beat out my Lexus in build quality... and if you can receive that award, and still produce cars that can hit 60 in under 4 seconds... you've got my vote. ...but a rebuttal to that could also be that there is no Acura section. I will avoid driving the car in the rain at all costs, it's more-or-less unnecessary to have it out in the rain. Thanks again all, Colin
That could be a problem. the Porsches are plentiful, well taken care of (for the most part) and it is an extreme buyers market. you can get a screaming deal...if not look at the next one!
what is a poser king? I don't believe it is referenced in the English language. Rice burner is a pejorative used initially to describe Asian-made particularly Japanese-made motorcycles and automobiles. Many variations have also been used, such as rice rocket for Japanese sport bikes. More contemporary use of the term rice burner, along with the prefix ricer, has taken on an alternate pejorative meaning for an automobile that has been modified to give impression of high performance, but does not necessarily have any high-performance capabilities. This practice is in direct contrast to the "stealth" or "sleeper" style of automotive modification, where a vehicle may have major performance modifications, but the appearance remains similar to that of a stock model. In this manner, the appellation can apply to any vehicle regardless of country of origin. The most commonly modified cars are sport compacts, but the term can apply to any class of vehicle, including trucks. In the UK, cars so modified are said to have been "chavved up", due to the popularity of such non-functional styling modifications in chav culture. Another term is "maxed/maxxed", or "laxed/laxxed", the former being derived from the name of the magazine Max Power which mainly features such non-functionally-modified cars, the latter from the derogatory nickname "Lax Power" applied to this magazine. In some circles, or even entire regions of North America, the terms rice car, ricer, or rice burner are used exclusively to describe Asian-made vehicles, whether they have been modified or not. However, as more types of cars began being used as a platform for modification, including German and American-made cars, use of the term rice is no longer restricted to Asian-made vehicles.
jk0001 - We understand. Thanks. ------------------ Has anyone owned an NSX and/or 4S, Turbo, that could give me a few pointers in what to specifically be looking for when purchasing one? (I know the common technical issues of both cars, but maybe there's an option or two that I might really want to be looking for) Thanks, Colin
If you are looking for a pure sports car with unsuprassed build quality, take a look at a 1989 911. You can find a wonderful example for less than 30K.
Well first thing I'd ask is have you driven both? These are very different cars, and for 40K you not likely to get the cream of the crop in the NSX. You say you like Lotus, but are too tall to fit, (fitting in cars is a big plus for old 5'8" guys like me), but neither car mentioned is really like a Lotus, and if you do buy a Porsche, get a 996C2 (awd is not for sports cars), they are fine in wet weather. You also mention CL's and a S8, not sure your going to get much in those cars a 40K either, but you might look at a S4, comes in a stick, sporty, awd, and 4 doors. I have helped dozens of people buy cars in the past few years (since I have owned 129 different cars in the last 10 years, I know alot of car people), and when I see people waffle from cars that are so different, I tell them that maybe they are not ready to buy just yet, since the cars you mention are on opposite ends of the spectrum. whatever you decide, good luck to you.
you can get a real nice p-car for $40k. 993 or 996. E46 BMW M3 is a great buy too. As for an S8, not a cool car for a 20 year old, more of a "big-timer" car. You will have way more fun with a sports car.
You wont like my advice. IMO, invest your 40K and you will have a really nice chunk at retirement or later for another good investment. Then find out what you really want in a car and why: fun, status, reliability. Also what are your mechanical abilities and what is your tolerance for heavy repair bills, should something go wrong. Your profile lists a plethora of cars you want, try narrowing it down and then make one a goal. Youre driving a pretty nice daily driver for a guy 20, so you are doing something right.
Get a NSX, but the 3.2 (290 hp) version, Honda did major work on the aluminum panels using a more rigid, yet lighter aluminum to compensate the targa + 6 speed and the 3.2 engine,... @ 40K you can get a descent low miles well maintained 97-98 (amazing this prices considering they went down a lot as the market sunk in the last year and the car was 89K 12 years ago) .... remove the extra 80-90lbs in extra junk, such, engine cover (35lb's) spare tire + braket (30lbs) etc etc .. lower it (using proper suspension, not springs) keep your stock 16-17's wheels .. (they are more efficient and forged) get spacers, get an exhaust, test pipes, and you'll be driving one of the most rewarding cars ever made .. my boss had a 02 C4s, GORGEOUS CAR, then I got my 97 nsx (from an S2000)... then he got a 08 C4s again, still, my NSX looks like a dream next to his 1 yo Porsche (a beautiful porsche btw) ... I love both cars, I had the same dilemma, but Honda reliability, + the NSX looks and the fact that Senna helped the design, makes it worth! (even Gordon Murray used the NSX as inspiration for the amazing McLaren F1 car) Also remember, both of this cars deserve much resect, i wouldn't DD, get a beater car to drive to work etc and keep this precious machines for weekends/track Oscar Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
No, I do like your advice... it's how I got to 40k so quickly to begin with... I mean, what's to stop me from getting to 40m? Then I can get both. As for using a car as a status symbol... I'd rather buy a painting to make everybody think I'm someone. I could drive a $500,000 F40... and be in $500,000 in debt because of it, y'know? As for heavy repair bills, I've played my cards correctly so far- I won't be too distraught if something goes wrong. The reason why I list so many wanted cars is because... that's just me, there's something in every one of them that I find appealing. Thanks a ton, Oscar. I will be keeping my Lexus LS that I drive now, I don't plan on driving whatever I buy more than maybe once a week (depending on weather cooperation). ----- Thanks to all! This is really helping my decision, and I'm leaning towards the NSX- although I need to find a cherry (the Porsche isn't knocked out either, I have my girlfriend of 5 years in my ear telling me to get one... as her name is "Portia." ) -Colin
Great thread. I have also owned both ( actually 3 911s and a C4S Cab in the garage now). Let's compare: 1) Cost- pretty much equal 2) Maintainence- you will hear advocates on both sides depending on personal experiences but again, probably pretty much equal 3) Acceleration- 911 turbo is quicker off the live. Non- turbo... NSX 4) Handling/suspension- personal preference but I like the tighter steering of the NSX 5) Appearance- personal preference again but I tend to notice an NSX at a stop light over a 911 6) Individuality- this is the decision maker.. How many times during a day do you look over and say "WOW, look at that 911!!!". Realistically, rare. How often do you see an NSX? When you see one do you say " Man , I really like the lines of that car". Forget the poser or Honda comments. My vote is for the 328.
I never said they aren't status symbols, I just wouldn't use them as one. The remark about a painting wasn't meant to be snide, but rather a point. My apologies. I could've bought a nice (used, mind you) S-Class for the price I bought the LS for, but I wanted the Lexus. The NSX isn't on the list because I planned on having one sooner than this. I have played my cards right, and will continue to do so- I won't have trouble with any maintenance bills that may come up. I wouldn't fit too well in a Miata, but beyond that, when I was 10-years-old, I was telling all my friends that I was going to get a Lexus LS as my first car... well I only had $4000 when I turned 16, so I bought a Honda Accord. I've been working since I was 15, and have finally bought myself the LS. A car I've always had as the background on my computer, posters, know all the stats, etc- is the NSX. For the same personal reason as the LS, I want it. The reason why I have considered the Porsche is because of two reasons: - Attracts less attention (looks good yes, but as a previous post read: "How often do you say 'THAT WAS A SWEET 911!" - They have a great reputation amongst enthusiasts as being great track cars, weekend cars, and daily drivers. (Essentially, I want a fast car that I feel comfortable in, and doesn't break... nobody wants a car that breaks) ...on top of that, I get tired of riding shotgun at all the exotic/F-Car events... I wouldn't mind being part of the pack for once. Thanks again, Colin
The NSX is a fun car: I have had 2 The Porsche 911 is a fun car: I have had a few and currently a 993. I would say the maintenance costs are similar with both within the same year. Buy either car pre 1997 and your only real expenses will be the maintenance and wear items. There really is no depreciation happening on the 10yr old+ cars. The key is to buy the car that you can minimize these costs. Either car with heavily used tires and brakes will set you back $1000 in wear items. Non functioning AC will be up to $2000. A good solid car and even low mileage can still nickle and dime you if you look at the wrong things. If you want an early NSX coupe with lots of goodies, I have a buddy that has thought about selling his. '93 blk/blk with Comptech S/C, Comptech exhaust, SSR wheels, big brake kit and more. The car has low mileage(in the 40's I think). I think he wants low $30's for the car.
