Yeah, I'd say an AWD P car might be your best bet, but try to get something new enough to have a warranty you can extend maybe?

 

No, the NSX never came with a Nav system.

While it's an enjoyable car, for all year round driving I would honestly recommend the Porsche C4. A good used 2003 with low miles will be in your budget, and will still be under warranty. It's more maintenance than an NSX or S2k, but for the money it's a fabulous car, and will definitely get you the looks you want.

 

**** the other cars. Look for a 01 or 02 911 turbo with <12k miles. You *might* be able to find one -- or you may have to up the ante to 75k or so.

Buy a second set of wheels and some blizzaks.

It is the perfect daily driver. You will lose 12-15k in value over the next 4 years. You can get the extended warranty. They are generally very reliable.

 

It's possible to find one too, my friend just sold his yellow turbo for $69k.....can't remember how many miles, but VERY low, probably around 10-15k.

 

I'd hate to buy a C4S and later wish I bought the turbo.

 

2002- 2003 C4s. More reliable than 1999-2001 MY's.

http://autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.js...olor=&x=84&y=11

 

thanks for all the replies. I'll let you know where I go with this. My inclination right now is still M3 or C4. One is obviously cheaper than the other. "economical" is still factor (relatively speaking of course...heheh).

 

im surprised no one's mentioned the cayman S.. if I had the money, that would surely be my next step up..

its supposed to be a great car, no?

 

I think the majority of people who have posted would rather have a slightly used 911 turbo over a new Cayman. But if he said new only, it'd have been mentioned.

 

I would recommend a C2 996 mk II ('02 or later). You can pick one up (Porsche Certified) for around $50k-60K (depending on year and options).

With winter tires and PSM (Porsche Stability Management) you will have no problems during the cold months.

If you want all wheel drive get the C4S (around $60K). You'll get the turbo front end and bigger wheels under wider fenders. It's not quite as pure a drive (all wheel drive, heavier, and less aerodynamic) but it will give you some extra snow security. It also provides safer handling (more understeer) but gives up some steering feel.

These cars are very reliable. The only real issue they have is that some cars have RMS issues (small rear main seal leak). This problem is not present in all cars. It is usually fixed with a seal replacement (half day repair under warranty) and it usually does not reoccur. Outside of that issue the M96 engine has been pretty bulletproof (an article in Excellence Magazine just reviewed the durability of this motor).

An '02 or later C2 can get to sixty mph in less than 5 seconds and run the quarter mile in the low 13's on it's way up to 177mph. Automobile magazine just picked it as one of the 10 best sports cars of all time.

Good Luck.