[quote=temeculaguy]Ren, I know the dealer service is overpriced but even from independant mechanics, I was hearing about exponential price markups for the higher end models, (ie. brakes on a 6 series cost double that of a 3), it seemed unique to german cars. How did you like your porsche? The 911’s hold their value fairly well so they are out of my price range, the boxter has great reliability ratings but just two seats so that only leaves the cayanne as being able to fit my needs and price range. I’m not sure I love the cayanne as far as how they look, so they haven’t been on my radar all that much. Even the $400 you mentioned for the oil change/routine service, I can’t get past the fact that the same service on a lexus/infiniti/acura would cost under $100, but none of them get me all that excited. Since I’m looking at used, more than just oil changes are likely in my future. The left and right side of my brain are in an all out war on this damn car issue.[/quote]
I loved the Porsche. There’s nothing like the sound of a flat-6 – at higher RPMs it’s alive and pissed off 🙂 I got the impression that there is a lot more steel in the body panels than other cars have, so I don’t know how they manage to keep them relatively light. The shifter was unlike any I’ve ever used, felt like a rifle bolt. I bought it used for $30k with about 35k miles on it. I only had it for a year before I started a business that involved a lot of shipping, so had to buy a more practical car, but that time was enough for me to realize that I ultimately want to end up with a Cayman for a weekend car (and swap a 3.8 Carrera S motor into it). I’m not a fan of the Cayenne either, and I think the Panamera is repulsive.
As with the bimmers, the electronics are much more likely to go first. The only problem I had was a torn CV boot. Working on them can be difficult due to engine placement, but the 911 is easier, being in the very back. To service the belts in the Boxster, they had to remove the engine cover behind the seats. It’s the only time you get to see the engine. Bummer for a car enthusiast, but the low center of gravity makes up for it.
That’s a tough call, deciding how old to buy. Cheap is tempting, but if I was to buy a used BMW or Porsche now, I don’t think I’d go over 2 years. It will still depreciate a lot, but I wouldn’t take that initial big hit, and it’s still under warranty.
I’m a recovering addict, owned 15 cars in 25 years, most of them used sporty cars, but lately I’ve been buying lower-end, Japanese, brand new and keeping for 5-6 years. I love having a car that is completely trouble free for 3-4 solid years and I’m willing to pay for that peace of mind. Now that I’m commuting a lot, my latest is a 2011 Mazdaspeed 3. It’s a little funny looking, but I get my turbo and cornering ability, it will carry the kids, it’s a hatch so insurance isn’t bad, and it gets 25 mpg as long as I only drive like a madman 5% of the time.
Those BMW straight-6 turbos are incredible engines, problems and all. Original 335 owners were getting 280-290hp at the wheels, so they’re very underrated from the factory. I’d buy a used 535 in a heartbeat just for the modding potential, but you’re better off with a V8 (5 or 6 series) or a 911.
