ISF_GG

iTrader: (2)

I prefer to buy new, that way I don't have any surprises from tortured engines, trans, etc.

I thought about the GT3RS, and haven't had a chance to drive one...............yet.

LexFather

Stunning choice but like someone mentioned, the 991 is around the corner.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

For what its worth I have a friend with a new XJ as well. No problems whatsoever

gengar

I'd be hesitant to go for the 991. Reviews on the feel of the new electric steering are not good (in fact one of the evo guys said the FT86 steering feel is better than the 991), and for me personally, the main reason to buy a Porsche would be for the legendary steering feel. Frankly it's utterly insane that Porsche decided to go with electric steering for the 991.

The test drives you've listed leave me wondering what exactly you're looking for in a car. Interior quality and reliability appear to be important, but the Z06 and Turbo are very different vehicles even besides quality issues. AWD and RWD will give much different driving experiences. Even the Turbo and GT3, despite being based on the same chassis, are totally different cars to the driver.

If you want a nice interior, the GT3 RS is out of the question. As far as Porsche, you could consider the base 997.2 GT3 although I don't know if Porsche is still building them - but I think even the 997.2 GTS is an excellent choice, as a culmination of sorts of the 997 generation.

Aston Martin vehicles certainly have good interior fit and finish; I actually really like the V8 Vantage S (except for the fact that there's no reason an aluminum coupe should weigh 3600lbs) and could see myself impulsively buying one at some point.

The GT-R actually weighs more than a DB9. Functionally I also doubt the GT-R qualifies as a pure sports car.

swajames

The 991 Turbo won't be available for a while after the initial launch. Based on past performance, it may be a year or more into the 991 before we see the Turbo and longer still before we see the Turbo S. Still, the 997.2 Turbo S is an astonishing car.

mmarshall

Jaguar reliability traditionally isn't the best, but if you're willing to take a chance on it, check out the upcoming XKR-S. 550 HP, and will start at 134K, although there may be inevitable dealer-markups. The XKR, like Aston Martins, is more of a GT-tourer than a hard-edged sports car like the 911, but classy isn't the word for it..........I did a full-review last December on an XKR convertible (around 105K, list), and I thought that sitting in it and driving it was like dating a supermodel. The upcoming S model will, of course, have even more power.

I agree that recent 911s, build-quality-wise, feel like they are carved from a block of granite. Also keep in mind, though, that just buying or leasing expensive sports cars in this class is one thing, but insurance premiums, depending on your driving-record, can also be through the roof. And, to put it bluntly, the 911 had better be well-built.........once the warranty and any factory-covered service runs out, you will probably faint at the cost of a 911 Turbo's parts and repairs.

ISF_GG

iTrader: (2)

Essentially I'm looking for the highest quality 2 door sports car, with a comfortable interior, all the bells and whistles (Nav, nice stereo, heated and air conditioned seats if possible), cleanest style exterior, with 500+ HP. That's why the Turbo S is #1 on my list. The Z06 is a fun car, just not a very high quality interior. Ditto for the GTR.
Rear or all wheel drive is of secondary importance to me.

ISF_GG

iTrader: (2)

Any 150K car is going to cost some serious $$$$ to repair. It's part of the deal.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

<cough>Lfa </cough>

I know, too much $

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

V12 Vantage is an even $200k MSRP with the black carbon package.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I was just gonna say that, Turbo S is range from $160k~$190k, depending on options. But then those are MSRP, actual purchase price could be lower.

Turbo S required the least maintenance, but then is also the least exotic looking among cars in that price range.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

2012 Turbo S is still a 997. 991 Turbo is at least 2 years away, even the 991 Carrera is not at the dealer yet.

991 Carrera is not on the street yet, I would know, people live around me buy these cars instantly and they hit the street. Even the 1st ever in the U.S., 1 of 5 Veyron Super Sport Record setting edition (orange wheels) landed in my city and I saw it instantly on the street...........crazy.

2002GGPIS3

Get the current 911 Turbo S ( one of my dream cars btw), now and when the new model comes, trade it in, if you want to.

ISF_GG

iTrader: (2)

Update: I recently pulled the trigger, and ordered my Turbo S a few days ago!! It was supposedly the last special order available for the 997 Turbo S, this will be one of the last 997 Turbo S's built.

So, here's the list of items I added in addition to all the standard equip (PDK, 6 CD stereo, Nav, Chrono package, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), etc) :

-Guards red exterior
-Full black leather interior, with red stitching throughout
-Heated Sport Adaptive Seats
-Clear taillights
-Turbo 2 19" wheels, with full color Porsche crests
-All lower side skirts/spoilers/rear apron painted body color
-Stainless steel illuminated door sills
-Sirius XM radio

As you can see, I kept it simple. Anticipated delivery date 4/15/12. I AM STOKED!!!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

woohoo!!!!! HUGE HUGE congrats!!!!! that's a monster