I have another one to throw out there, what about a Crossfire SRT6? I know they aren't on most people's radar, but I spent a day at Barber with one and a new Viper, and the SRT6 was by far the better of the two, and a total blast to drive. I didn't have a manual which was it's only fault, but it would see off many of the cars on track that day. A much underrated car, and they can be had pretty cheap these days.
Yep, what he said. One clarification though, the 225hp version was not twin turbo. It had a larger turbo and dual intercoolers, but it's not twin turbo. Oh, and I kinda dig them. I'll take a 225hp silver coupe please.
You want to spend $10-15K on a car while you wait to buy a Porsche? Where's the logic?
For that money you can buy a good Boxster 2.5 and get right to the goodies. Brilliant handling, good quality, good power. Yes, it is a convertible, but it's a tight, well-insulated top. And the sound! Oh, the sound. Nothing sounds like a Boxster. They're brilliant, and a really fun autocross car.
David
yes. THAT!
DWNSHFT wrote: You want to spend $10-15K on a car while you wait to buy a Porsche? Where's the logic? For that money you can buy a good Boxster 2.5 and get right to the goodies. Brilliant handling, good quality, good power. Yes, it is a convertible, but it's a tight, well-insulated top. And the sound! Oh, the sound. Nothing sounds like a Boxster. They're brilliant, and a really fun autocross car. David
Wow, good call. I didn't realize I could find a boxster in my price range. I've got about 2 months to find exactly what I want, so I'll keep an eye out for a low mileage Boxster at a reasonable price.
Keep adding to the list guys....
No! Buy the boxster!
Once you find one, keep your eye open for the cleanest A2 GLI you can find and DD it another 10 years on pocket change.
With the Boxster, do some checking into engine failures.
I can tell you as a past and present Porsche owner, be very careful in the Porsche you pick. They, like many other complicated cars, can drain your wallet faster than a politician. Boxsters are not without their expensive issues, but are among the best driving Porsches ever built. They look great with a hardtop by the way.
Be sure and take prospects to a Porsche specialist to have a look over, and make sure it has all its records. The newer the better on these, as some of the early ones had not only rear main seal issues, but oil could also seep through the casing due to poor casting issues. Most should have been fixed by now, but it's worth paying attention to.
Also, usually when cars get this cheap, there's a reason. They're still awesome cars, but go into it with the right knowledge.
The TT is a nice enough car, great dash, driving position is similar to what I imagine a Panzer would be. Not for me.
Boxster? Yessss. But personally I would stretch the pricetag a bit and go for a 2.7
Gorgeous cars those Audi's. I don't know much about their reliability.
racerdave600 wrote: I have another one to throw out there, what about a Crossfire SRT6? I know they aren't on most people's radar, but I spent a day at Barber with one and a new Viper, and the SRT6 was by far the better of the two, and a total blast to drive. I didn't have a manual which was it's only fault, but it would see off many of the cars on track that day. A much underrated car, and they can be had pretty cheap these days.
The engine was hand built at the AMG assembly line correct? 
its right wheel drive and pretty too. I don't believe they put a manual in it however. I did some poking around about the N/A cars, they are very reliable and bargains but I didn't run across any srt6 specific info, would assume are at least as reliable.
Although I got to sit in the TT at a car show the year they came out, had reddish baseball-glove stitch leather interior. Pretty pretty. Love the "chopped" roof line look from the high windows.
Pcar's a different league. I would pick a srt6 over a TT, but it would be close. Both cars make me smile.
daytonaer wrote:racerdave600 wrote: I have another one to throw out there, what about a Crossfire SRT6? I know they aren't on most people's radar, but I spent a day at Barber with one and a new Viper, and the SRT6 was by far the better of the two, and a total blast to drive. I didn't have a manual which was it's only fault, but it would see off many of the cars on track that day. A much underrated car, and they can be had pretty cheap these days.The engine was hand built at the AMG assembly line correct?
Interestingly, we had a Chrysler engineer on hand, and he was pretty pleased when they had a test day at the Nurburgring and the SRT6 pretty much wasted all the AMG and Mercedes stuff on hand that day. He basically said the Germans got all in a huff, loaded up and went home. Kinda funny.
Unfortunately, no manual, but the auto-stick does a pretty good job, and it really does drive very nice. It's really quick too! Lately, I've seen a couple of SRT6's with under 30k miles in the $16k price range, a downright bargin for the amount of car you get. Since it's mostly Mercedes under the skin, it has a very German feel to it, but with a few suspension tweaks. Not sure about relability though, but it would have to be better than the Audi.
Sounds like you want to go German, and the TT is one of my favorite German cars, so i won't argue against that.
HOWEVER:
For the price range it sounds you're looking for.... Here's some food for thought from the other side of the world:
1) Lexus is300 Manual
2) Toyota Supra MKiv (i've seen turbos in this price range locally)
Both seem to be VERY reliable, they handle extremely well, and they'll have the power you're looking for.
If you're looking for German exclusively, then carry on, good sir. :)
More options... Thanks. I'll definitely look into the is300. I've always liked those cars as well.
My cousin owned a 2000 TT with the 1.8 T and FWD. Bought new. I drove it on many occasions. It drives exactly like an A4 chassis Golf / GTI.
The interior is cool but the low roof line is annoying as you have to duck at every light. Looks cool from the outside but living with that was annoying and made my neck uncomfortable after an hour or so.
He had a ton of reliability issues with his car. Mostly electronics and cracked windshields. Car was dealer serviced its whole life but somehow the timing belt they supposedly changed broke about 10k miles after that dealer visit and cost him an engine.
OK car but its all about the looks really. Fashion statement kind of car. The verts look like they'd be a little more fun to drive.
I have owned the 2008 MKII TT Quattro for over a year now. It is really competive in the ST autocross class. My novice season I placed first, and I placed third in two different series in my second season (and the local ST classes are tough), and a lot of credit goes to the car.
The Porsche Boxster is quicker, but the reason I bought the Quattro version was the the AWD, which I love. I also really like the car, it has held up well and I have had very few problems even though I drive it hard. But then, I really like German cars compared to Japanese or American cars.
In the $16k range you should be able to get a low-miles E46 325i or a somewhat higher-miles 330i. Look in the 2003 range with 50-70k on it.
in that price range, I might look at the S2K. i know it isnt german, but they are good right out of the box, and look MEAN with a hardtop.
as an aside, I drove my grandpa's crossfire, and it was horrid. If you are anything even close to 6 foot, you will NOT fit. I am 6'2", I had the seat all the way back, and I could barely reach the clutch, and the steering wheel was in my chest. horrible experience.
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