Back to a CSL or somthing else??
Discussion
Not usually into "what car" threads but I'm struggling to choose next car direction. I had a 2003 CSL in Silver Grey back in 2004 for 18 months and absolutely loved it. A few track days but mainly 12,000 miles of driving pleasure.
I gone through various interesting metal since the CSL but miss the rawness and overall specialness of the vehicle. I'm looking for a car upto £40k and have thought of following used cars:
- E92 M3, Z4MC, Audi RS4, 350Z (great value for rear drive fun), GTR (could I strech up to £50-55k budget?), SL55 AMG (summer's coming!) but I keep looking at available CSL's and considering, um!
I've never thought to go back to a previouslly owned car as I love to change cars frequently and enjoy driving before - 1. I'm in a box six foot under or 2. This governmemnt prevent me.
Any thought or what cars you guys of considered would be interesting. Thanks.
I gone through various interesting metal since the CSL but miss the rawness and overall specialness of the vehicle. I'm looking for a car upto £40k and have thought of following used cars:
- E92 M3, Z4MC, Audi RS4, 350Z (great value for rear drive fun), GTR (could I strech up to £50-55k budget?), SL55 AMG (summer's coming!) but I keep looking at available CSL's and considering, um!
I've never thought to go back to a previouslly owned car as I love to change cars frequently and enjoy driving before - 1. I'm in a box six foot under or 2. This governmemnt prevent me.
Any thought or what cars you guys of considered would be interesting. Thanks.
I had a CSL for over 2 and a half years. Only car I have had that I miss and I regret selling.
Currently running a cayman s with a few upgrades as I miss the power and delivery of the CSL (and the noise!!). Suits me better as it is a bit more luxurious and refined.
Hv you looked at a 996 GT3? That is the only car in the same mould that I would consider. I don't think any of the cars that you mention would cut it. Tried a sl55 amg and didn't get on with it at all - bit too big and heavy for my liking even if it did make a nice noise. Or c4s?
Otherwise can recommend a cayman - pm me in a few weeks when my intake and ecu upgrade will be done (hopefully!)
Also try www.mtorque.com. Strong CSL community with many people who hv considered the same and indeed gone back to a CSL (in some cases more than once)!!!
Currently running a cayman s with a few upgrades as I miss the power and delivery of the CSL (and the noise!!). Suits me better as it is a bit more luxurious and refined.
Hv you looked at a 996 GT3? That is the only car in the same mould that I would consider. I don't think any of the cars that you mention would cut it. Tried a sl55 amg and didn't get on with it at all - bit too big and heavy for my liking even if it did make a nice noise. Or c4s?
Otherwise can recommend a cayman - pm me in a few weeks when my intake and ecu upgrade will be done (hopefully!)
Also try www.mtorque.com. Strong CSL community with many people who hv considered the same and indeed gone back to a CSL (in some cases more than once)!!!
Thanks for response. My only concern with GT3 is the "Porsche" image re customers and staff. Although business is coping reasonably well in current climate many customers are not having good times!
I would be interested in hearing about the Cayman upgrades. The car is on my list but a little too refined for ny taste I think.
I would be interested in hearing about the Cayman upgrades. The car is on my list but a little too refined for ny taste I think.
Coming from the CSL I missed the noise (particularly induction) and power delivery.
Hv fitted miltek back box and in a few weeks will hv intake plenum, gt3 throttle body fitted and a remap. Whilst won't be as ferocious as CSL on full chat should get closer balance in terms of refinement and performance.
There is lots of potential in the car. Another forum member on caymanclub let me drive his highly modified cayman s and it was fantastic. Search for yellow peril in the UK subsection of the caymanclub.net forum as I posted my thoughts.
Ultimately, you should ask yourself whether you want a CSL or something different. There is only one way to scratch the CSL itch!
Hv fitted miltek back box and in a few weeks will hv intake plenum, gt3 throttle body fitted and a remap. Whilst won't be as ferocious as CSL on full chat should get closer balance in terms of refinement and performance.
There is lots of potential in the car. Another forum member on caymanclub let me drive his highly modified cayman s and it was fantastic. Search for yellow peril in the UK subsection of the caymanclub.net forum as I posted my thoughts.
Ultimately, you should ask yourself whether you want a CSL or something different. There is only one way to scratch the CSL itch!
If you've never done the GT3 thing, then it's worth doing even if it's for a short time if you can spare the cash.
BUT
there is no finer car of it's kind than the CSL at their current price point. Quicker than a GT3 over normal roads, more economical, just as much 'occasion', considerably cheaper, and certainly more practical. Depreciation wise, they are both holding their value.
If you are looking for a trackday car, then the GT3 has it over the CSL.. just. But there's a heavy premium to be paid for not much more oomph.
After 3+ years of doing the GT3 thing and going all the way down the slippery slope with it, I couldn't be happier with my CSL.
BUT
there is no finer car of it's kind than the CSL at their current price point. Quicker than a GT3 over normal roads, more economical, just as much 'occasion', considerably cheaper, and certainly more practical. Depreciation wise, they are both holding their value.
If you are looking for a trackday car, then the GT3 has it over the CSL.. just. But there's a heavy premium to be paid for not much more oomph.
After 3+ years of doing the GT3 thing and going all the way down the slippery slope with it, I couldn't be happier with my CSL.
Edited by Ducade on Wednesday 22 April 18:47
Interesting comments and on similair wavelength to myself.
Just never thought to go back to previosuly owned car. I like the challenge / buzz of getting into the skin of a different car, learning how to get the best best out of it. I will go a view one and see if it still hits those "notes" I remember. Thanks again.
Just never thought to go back to previosuly owned car. I like the challenge / buzz of getting into the skin of a different car, learning how to get the best best out of it. I will go a view one and see if it still hits those "notes" I remember. Thanks again.
i've kinda got the same problems-what do you replace a csl with??i've tried a few gt3's but they really don't age well-the interiors in particular & i agre with the problem of image-i don't want my customers thinking i'm earning to much from them!!
i've just put my csl up for sale with the idea of freeing up some cash but as a replacement?unfortunately i cant think of another car that has that sense of occasion every time you get in it,couple that with reliability,depreciation proof (almost) ownership & yeah that induction roar & what else can you buy? the only thing i can think of so far is a 993 carrera s. its a little bit cheaper, still has that sense of occasion & being an "old" car isn't as flash to some people, however you have to ask how reliable a 12+ year old car is going to be???
let me know how you get on!!!
i've just put my csl up for sale with the idea of freeing up some cash but as a replacement?unfortunately i cant think of another car that has that sense of occasion every time you get in it,couple that with reliability,depreciation proof (almost) ownership & yeah that induction roar & what else can you buy? the only thing i can think of so far is a 993 carrera s. its a little bit cheaper, still has that sense of occasion & being an "old" car isn't as flash to some people, however you have to ask how reliable a 12+ year old car is going to be???
let me know how you get on!!!
I've tried 18 month M3 coupe and was dissapointed. Outline pace was exceptional but so little involvement / sense of occasion. If felt like a small M5! Very little understeer and rear end quite firm but absolute no feel. Had no idea where the limits were, and to be quite honest no interest in finding out.
Tried Audi RS4 - Again not a keeper for me. Currently looking at two car option which enables "normal" car for work and a "play-thing" for weekends. Enjoying the search for the "play-thing"!!!
Tried Audi RS4 - Again not a keeper for me. Currently looking at two car option which enables "normal" car for work and a "play-thing" for weekends. Enjoying the search for the "play-thing"!!!
SagMan - I had an order in for a new M3 Coupe before they were released, but withdrew it when I drove the demonstrator, for the reasons you mention in your description. However I then test drove a CSL and was smitten - much more focused and enjoyable.
I enjoyed mine for 14 months, did a few trackdays inc Nurburgring and was very practical when you wanted it. But I have always lusted after a GT3 and now I have one of the very best of them - but it is definitely more for track work than fast road
I enjoyed mine for 14 months, did a few trackdays inc Nurburgring and was very practical when you wanted it. But I have always lusted after a GT3 and now I have one of the very best of them - but it is definitely more for track work than fast road
Hi Terry,
i would definetely get a GT3, but could not use it day to day due to badge problem at work and customers. Plus would like rear seats so family could come out occassionally, or school pick up's!
Other than engine conversion is your GT3 have stiffer suspension? Last Mk1GT3 I drove was fine for road use.
Cheers, Sagman.
i would definetely get a GT3, but could not use it day to day due to badge problem at work and customers. Plus would like rear seats so family could come out occassionally, or school pick up's!
Other than engine conversion is your GT3 have stiffer suspension? Last Mk1GT3 I drove was fine for road use.
Cheers, Sagman.
SagMan said:
Hi Terry,
i would definetely get a GT3, but could not use it day to day due to badge problem at work and customers. Plus would like rear seats so family could come out occassionally, or school pick up's!
Other than engine conversion is your GT3 have stiffer suspension? Last Mk1GT3 I drove was fine for road use.
Cheers, Sagman.
Yes mate it is quite a bit stiffer than standard. i would definetely get a GT3, but could not use it day to day due to badge problem at work and customers. Plus would like rear seats so family could come out occassionally, or school pick up's!
Other than engine conversion is your GT3 have stiffer suspension? Last Mk1GT3 I drove was fine for road use.
Cheers, Sagman.
You need to remind yourself how good the CSL is mate - get a drive in one again with the Sport button pressed
mrdemon said:
I also had a CSL and wish I kept it
A tuned Cayman S is about the same speed and 30k will get you into one.
8:10 (B5 RS4 sportpack territory) vs 7:50 around that ribbon of tarmac in the Eiffel mountains FYI.A tuned Cayman S is about the same speed and 30k will get you into one.
How far tuned, and has anyone gone quicker round the ring in a modestly modded CSL?
Cayman has legendary balance it has to be said. Your comments piqued my interest though. What is the Cayman's time on Cups? After 5 years, and so many sets of tyres that I've lost count, the CSL is almost as good on whatever tyres I'm on now as Cups.
Edited by TimJMS on Sunday 10th May 21:40
I also miss my CSL, sob! 
Since owning that I've had several cars and I think for fun, the CSL is the best closely followed by the Cayman. The Cayman is not in the same league when it comes to rawness/sound etc but I think you could get it there with a little effort. Certainly a great chassis and you can get some sideways action ala CSL without much effort.
How about trying an Abarth 500 for the daily driver in addition to the 996 GT3/Cayman maybe? Fantastic little cars and a steal for less than £14k, they are also FUN which isn't easy to find in todays vehicles. Great little revvy engines.
Since owning that I've had several cars and I think for fun, the CSL is the best closely followed by the Cayman. The Cayman is not in the same league when it comes to rawness/sound etc but I think you could get it there with a little effort. Certainly a great chassis and you can get some sideways action ala CSL without much effort. How about trying an Abarth 500 for the daily driver in addition to the 996 GT3/Cayman maybe? Fantastic little cars and a steal for less than £14k, they are also FUN which isn't easy to find in todays vehicles. Great little revvy engines.
cragswinter said:
i've kinda got the same problems-what do you replace a csl with??i've tried a few gt3's but they really don't age well-the interiors in particular & i agre with the problem of image-i don't want my customers thinking i'm earning to much from them!!
i've just put my csl up for sale with the idea of freeing up some cash but as a replacement?unfortunately i cant think of another car that has that sense of occasion every time you get in it,couple that with reliability,depreciation proof (almost) ownership & yeah that induction roar & what else can you buy? the only thing i can think of so far is a 993 carrera s. its a little bit cheaper, still has that sense of occasion & being an "old" car isn't as flash to some people, however you have to ask how reliable a 12+ year old car is going to be???
let me know how you get on!!!
I did the 993 to CSL route. I think you will find the 993 too slow, especially the extra weight of the wider body. Having said that, there are not many cars better looking than a 993. In terms of build quality, they are incredibly over engineered so you should not have an issue other than replacing dampers, brakes etc. I would suggest that you try one first as the steering is very slow and if you like to drive quickly across country lanes, the spoiler is prone to hitting the ground even on stiffer suspension. 996 turbo would be my choice given how cheap they are cumming up at.i've just put my csl up for sale with the idea of freeing up some cash but as a replacement?unfortunately i cant think of another car that has that sense of occasion every time you get in it,couple that with reliability,depreciation proof (almost) ownership & yeah that induction roar & what else can you buy? the only thing i can think of so far is a 993 carrera s. its a little bit cheaper, still has that sense of occasion & being an "old" car isn't as flash to some people, however you have to ask how reliable a 12+ year old car is going to be???
let me know how you get on!!!
Edited by Hedgetrimmer on Monday 18th May 18:19
I've had a few cars including porkers and masers (x3, don't ask me why...never again!) and have never kept one for more than 18 months. I've had my CSL for 3 year in June and plan to keep it till the day I die. GT3RS would also be a nice addition to the stable at some point. Joined a car club two years ago and drove 430's and lambo and still enjoyed getting back in the CSL, she is the business on and off the track, price has only dropped £10k (lost twice that on a maser in 1year!), has a big boot, rear seats and the wife loves driving it as an automatic! Ticks all the boxes! I could go on but you've probably stopped reading by now.....
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