Crown

Nick, you should try a lower powered car, maybe even one with a manual gearbox.  You say these cars are too fast to really enjoy on the road...so cars that have a core competency of speed like a TT-S are not really going to help your situation.  I can tell the joy of driving has been lost a bit for you.  Maybe too much focus on performance?  Though if you never want to go to the right environment, like a mountain road, maybe you are just done with sports cars.    

If not, you need something light and involving to enjoy at lower speeds.   If you can stomach the yoga required to get into an Alfa 4C and the attention it draws, I say give it a test drive.  You will have fun at 50mph.  Like a mini version of Ben's old Stradale.  Or something front engined and lots of torque (AMG GTS).

Anyway, once you have tasted the best cars, maybe it is hard to step backwards into something less objectively capable.  But I think that's exactly what you should do.

The Alfa 4C is a great idea...

It's a wretched thing the 4c [sorry]

SciFrog:

Funny how experiences can differ. I have had less issues with both Ferraris and the Aston than the Porsches or Audi... My last two Cayennes were traded in with year long issues still not fixed in the end...

Did you find the Panamera GTS different than the turbo? Found it too boring.

I really like the Panamera GTS with that NA V8, sounds glorious.  Not very fast, but fast enough as a daily.  I am a big fan of AMG sedans as well, but I had 4 AMGs in the past and they all had electrical issues.  

I think I learned my lessons with the Mercedes and BMWs, which is never buy a first year model of any makes.  I haven't had any issues on my non-GT Porsches, but I only owned 2 so far and they are both .2 revised versions, so probably the bulk of the quality issues have been sorted out already. 

2016 911 R (Incoming), 2016 911 GT3RS (Incoming), 2016 Boxster Spyder

2015 911 Turbo S, 2015 918 Spyder Weissach, 2015 Panamera GTS

2008 Cayenne Turbo, 2007 911 Turbo S, 1973 Datsun 240Z FuguZ

I have been hard on the R because personally I am getting frustrated buying super sport cars to make them garage queens. I love by RRS and driving the Boxster S is a blast. They serve my purpose and provide the satisfaction I need.As Unatoz alluded to and many of us have known, these cars are nothing more than toys and expensive ones at that.

Today I sold my GT3. My wife implored me to reconsider. But honestly I could not enjoy a car that I can only use 20% of its potential. Maybe the Alpa 4C is a car I should look at. The thing is I am not into auto crossing and driving it on a big track would create the same problems I had with the GT3. 

Of little, to make much: That is the dream of a human life.

Here is what my car will look like:

http://www.porsche-code.com/PG2WACL2

nberry:

I have been hard on the R because personally I am getting frustrated buying super sport cars to make them garage queens. I love by RRS and driving the Boxster S is a blast. They serve my purpose and provide the satisfaction I need.As Unatoz alluded to and many of us have known, these cars are nothing more than toys and expensive ones at that.

Today I sold my GT3. My wife implored me to reconsider. But honestly I could not enjoy a car that I can only use 20% of its potential. Maybe the Alpa 4C is a car I should look at. The thing is I am not into auto crossing and driving it on a big track would create the same problems I had with the GT3. 

 

I know exayctly what you are talking about. Same here!

I miss that everyday sports car which gives pleasure within "legal" speeds. If you enjoy the Boxster S, why would you look into the 4C? I still have my 4C test day ahead of me, but where I live we still have too much snow on the streets. But, the longer I wait and I don't think about the 4C aymore. Main reason - I think it is another car I would enjoy to own but probably hardly drive. And then there is the problem witht the garage space (it is already full). I hoped for a 991R, but this is not going to happen.  So... I probably don't buy anything and one day I'm sure there comes an irresistible car accross my way which I jump on and buy 

Lars997:

nberry:

I have been hard on the R because personally I am getting frustrated buying super sport cars to make them garage queens. I love by RRS and driving the Boxster S is a blast. They serve my purpose and provide the satisfaction I need.As Unatoz alluded to and many of us have known, these cars are nothing more than toys and expensive ones at that.

Today I sold my GT3. My wife implored me to reconsider. But honestly I could not enjoy a car that I can only use 20% of its potential. Maybe the Alpa 4C is a car I should look at. The thing is I am not into auto crossing and driving it on a big track would create the same problems I had with the GT3. 

 

I know exayctly what you are talking about. Same here!

I miss that everyday sports car which gives pleasure within "legal" speeds. If you enjoy the Boxster S, why would you look into the 4C? I still have my 4C test day ahead of me, but where I live we still have too much snow on the streets. But, the longer I wait and I don't think about the 4C aymore. Main reason - I think it is another car I would enjoy to own but probably hardly drive. And then there is the problem witht the garage space (it is already full). I hoped for a 991R, but this is not going to happen.  So... I probably don't buy anything and one day I'm sure there comes an irresistible car accross my way which I jump on and buy 

 

I highly recommend the Boxster Spyder.  Manual transmission, regular street tires, all the horsepower you need on the street, simple suspension set up....

2016 911 R (Incoming), 2016 911 GT3RS (Incoming), 2016 Boxster Spyder

2015 911 Turbo S, 2015 918 Spyder Weissach, 2015 Panamera GTS

2008 Cayenne Turbo, 2007 911 Turbo S, 1973 Datsun 240Z FuguZ

I'm glad I'm not the only one who wants to enjoy their car at street legal speeds - the main reason I bought the 991 Carrera over the Turbo (or GTS for that matter) is that it's 4/5ths of the performance, but usable most of the time. I can induce a grin simply driving to the station.

991 Carrera Black\Black, XC90 Black\Black, 120 Cab Black\Coral Red - 2 kids, 1 dog

Feel free to present some of your cars here unotaz, beautiful stable!! And welcome btw... 

2003 BMW M3 CSL (sold) / 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS / 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP / 2014 BMW Alpina D3 biturbo Touring

nberry:

I have been hard on the R because personally I am getting frustrated buying super sport cars to make them garage queens. I love by RRS and driving the Boxster S is a blast. They serve my purpose and provide the satisfaction I need.As Unatoz alluded to and many of us have known, these cars are nothing more than toys and expensive ones at that.

Today I sold my GT3. My wife implored me to reconsider. But honestly I could not enjoy a car that I can only use 20% of its potential. Maybe the Alpa 4C is a car I should look at. The thing is I am not into auto crossing and driving it on a big track would create the same problems I had with the GT3. 

 

That's why I always say, manual! manual!! manual!!!   with a semi-automatic car,  your only solution is to switch to manual mode and leave urban areas. These new double clutched sportcars are either too boring in automatic mode or just too powerful, fast and dangerous for being used inside the city.

Here's an alternative that I've been considering for some time now, but like Lars, I also have the garage issue space and I'm expecting my G-Wagon to land in the next few weeks.

https://youtu.be/w6sxakg-nTk
https://youtu.be/Y_X-cyhk63I

nberry:

I have been hard on the R because personally I am getting frustrated buying super sport cars to make them garage queens. I love by RRS and driving the Boxster S is a blast. They serve my purpose and provide the satisfaction I need.As Unatoz alluded to and many of us have known, these cars are nothing more than toys and expensive ones at that.

Today I sold my GT3. My wife implored me to reconsider. But honestly I could not enjoy a car that I can only use 20% of its potential. Maybe the Alpa 4C is a car I should look at. The thing is I am not into auto crossing and driving it on a big track would create the same problems I had with the GT3. 

 

Nick, you should have gotten yourself a 991 C4 GTS convertible, like I did. This is a car you can really enjoy at lower speeds as well and actually this is one Porsche I do not really enjoy driving on the Autobahn but in the city and on country roads. You live in San Diego, a GTS convertible would be perfect for you, trust me. You should take a test-drive, maybe you find a slightly used one somewhere (or maybe even a new one if a dealer has a car left, not very likely though). The C2 would be OK as well but the C4 also adds some rain driving fun (if you leave Sport/Sport Plus deactivated). 

Just saying... 

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, Porsche Macan Turbo, Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby SVT (2014), Mini JCW (2015), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014)

RC:

Targa Tim:

I like the recent posts by nberry and SciFrog.

I can never see myself spending one million on a car, would much rather increase my real estate collections.

I would rather invest the money in stocks but I get your point, the capital you put into cars is actually lost capital (at least for a while) and even more so if the car doesn't become a collectible

The problem with car prices nowadays is that they became so expensive that you can buy a condo or a house for the same price. In other words, you can now compare a car to things that just make more sense from any point of view.

unotaz:

I highly recommend the Boxster Spyder.  Manual transmission, regular street tires, all the horsepower you need on the street, simple suspension set up....

 

Me too  - its a far better car than the 4C. It will really remind you of the joy of driving a manual  and with a naturally aspirated engine.

crayphile:

unotaz:

I highly recommend the Boxster Spyder.  Manual transmission, regular street tires, all the horsepower you need on the street, simple suspension set up....

 

Me too  - its a far better car than the 4C. It will really remind you of the joy of driving a manual  and with a naturally aspirated engine.

 

After 1.200 km only in the Boxster Spyder I fully share this recommendation - authentic Porsche sportscar feeling even at legal speed (even more so with the top down) Plus California being one of the nicest habitats for such a great toy - nobrainer if I'd be in Nick's shoes

public roads: Porsche 981 Spyder Riviera-Black, toll road  : Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic-Black

Buy a 360 CS. Slow as shit, but sounds great and sounds fast, has clunky shifts for excitement, and seems to be appreciating.

I honestly wish I bought one when they were low $100s. They're overpriced now, but still sweet IMO.

RC:

nberry:

I have been hard on the R because personally I am getting frustrated buying super sport cars to make them garage queens. I love by RRS and driving the Boxster S is a blast. They serve my purpose and provide the satisfaction I need.As Unatoz alluded to and many of us have known, these cars are nothing more than toys and expensive ones at that.

Today I sold my GT3. My wife implored me to reconsider. But honestly I could not enjoy a car that I can only use 20% of its potential. Maybe the Alpa 4C is a car I should look at. The thing is I am not into auto crossing and driving it on a big track would create the same problems I had with the GT3. 

 

Nick, you should have gotten yourself a 991 C4 GTS convertible, like I did. This is a car you can really enjoy at lower speeds as well and actually this is one Porsche I do not really enjoy driving on the Autobahn but in the city and on country roads. You live in San Diego, a GTS convertible would be perfect for you, trust me. You should take a test-drive, maybe you find a slightly used one somewhere (or maybe even a new one if a dealer has a car left, not very likely though). The C2 would be OK as well but the C4 also adds some rain driving fun (if you leave Sport/Sport Plus deactivated). 

Just saying... 

I won't speak for Nick but one factor for the 991 GTS cab is the ridiculous price and abysmal depreciation vs the GT3. You can buy a 4C with the 3-4 year depreciation of the GTS...

To each his own, I love manual cars and own two of them but manual does not really belong to a high performance car in 2016. The spyder and 4C might be exceptions but in GT3 or GT4 or R?

unotaz:

I highly recommend the Boxster Spyder.  Manual transmission, regular street tires, all the horsepower you need on the street, simple suspension set up....

I think that's a perfect car for Nick too (he lives in San Diego where the weather is perfect for a convertible all year), but he hates manual gearboxes

--

16 Cayman GT4, 73 Carrera RS 2.7 Carbon Fiber replica (1,890 lbs), 06 EVO9 with track mods. Former: 73 911S, Two 951S's, 996 C2, 993 C2, 98 Ferrari 550, 79 635CSi

I'm tellin' ya...

https://youtu.be/KXjfaKrLgpc?t=40s

Noone, I have driven the 360CS extensively. It is too raw. After a 1/2 hour you have a headache and a stiff neck. Not my idea of enjoyment. Grant is right. I hate manual. Shifting gears is fun to some but not for me.

I think my attraction to sport cars has run its course.

--

Of little, to make much: That is the dream of a human life.

nberry:

 

I think my attraction to sport cars has run its course.

--

the first sign of aging... next is erectile dysfunction...

Tim

2010 997.2 GT3RS;  2008 Cayenne Turbo;  2006 911 Club Coupe;  2016 911 GTS Club Coupe;  2015 Macan S
 

nberry:

Noone, I have driven the 360CS extensively. It is too raw. After a 1/2 hour you have a headache and a stiff neck. Not my idea of enjoyment. Grant is right. I hate manual. Shifting gears is fun to some but not for me.

I think my attraction to sport cars has run its course.

--

 

Of little, to make much: That is the dream of a human life.

 

You're looking for a daily driver that's fun or a toy?

How about a v8 or v10 last gen r8? They're cheap, comfy, s-tronic/r-tronic, and not too fast that it feels like they can't be used.

Just get a 981.1 Boxster S with PDK. It is quick enough for public roads, fun to drive and cheap to own.

2015 981 Cayman GT4 | White | Full Bucket Seats | Sport Chrono
2014 991 Carrera 4S | Dark Blue Metallic | PDK | Sport Chrono | SPASM

I would also consider the California 30, just love this car... Less sporty, great drive, less flashy than the 458... Or an AM Vantage Roadster.

Or you can just admit to yourself that you are not in the market for a sports car. Nothing wrong with that.

I think a Rolls-Royce Dawn is what he needs.

RC:

Nick, you should have gotten yourself a 991 C4 GTS convertible, like I did. This is a car you can really enjoy at lower speeds as well and actually this is one Porsche I do not really enjoy driving on the Autobahn but in the city and on country roads. You live in San Diego, a GTS convertible would be perfect for you, trust me. You should take a test-drive, maybe you find a slightly used one somewhere (or maybe even a new one if a dealer has a car left, not very likely though). The C2 would be OK as well but the C4 also adds some rain driving fun (if you leave Sport/Sport Plus deactivated). 

Just saying... 

RC, in San Diego, we used to get 4" of rain the entire year.  In nearby Los Angeles, I've had my GT4 since September and it has yet to be driven in rain.  In such areas, awd is only for people who make ski trips or go off-roading. :D  

Some details about the R rear retractable spoiler :

The rising rear spoiler is borrowed from the Cabriolet for a little extra attack angle, but the development team found that a Gurney flap would create too much stress for the parts, so a diffuser under the engine was employed — and it is said to be absolutely functional. The rear-wheel steering is critical in the 911R's ability to go without a large fixed rear wing — thanks to the added stability it brings.

https://www.pca.org/news/2016-03-01/12-things-you-didnt-know-about-911r

nberry:

I think my attraction to sport cars has run its course.

--

 

Of little, to make much: That is the dream of a human life.

 

Absolutely, Nick. Your done with them.

You need to smoke big fat cigars and drive one of those old big fat Jags, you know,  the ones with the mega comfy sofa seats .

throt

"I Have Done It!".

991 GT3 pick up in October 2014.

Targa Tim:

nberry:

 

I think my attraction to sport cars has run its course.

--

the first sign of aging... next is erectile dysfunction...

Hahaha,, that may have been a previous, Tim....

Only joking, Nick ..

throt

"I Have Done It!".

991 GT3 pick up in October 2014.