996TT or M2C??

[Mr Roper]

Ok....Two very different cars but here's where I'm at with it

The 996TT has long been a car that I've drooled over... These came out slap bang in my mid 20's and I've loved them ever since, and now a modern classic it's looks even better...it's a now or never, seize the day feeling.
I've never driven one but I have driven the 996 C4S a good while back and really enjoyed it. Only reason I didn't buy it was down to the second car I went to view that day, a C63 (the noise hypnotised me).

£35k will get me into a nice pre-facelift (non X50) which suits me just fine. There's one local to me that that appears to be very well cared for. Even with the correct maintenance I'm getting brave pill vibes which is off-putting. Maybe my ruinous and recently departed RRS has something to do with that.


Now the M2C is, as we all know a seriously capable car which needs little introduction. It offers everything I want, all boxes ticked but because it does everything, It could see itself used for daily duties which isn't something I'm looking for.

Other contenders are the T350 which like the 996 is another poster car.


Anything else I should consider?


I have a Megane RS250 Track/clubsport so I'm looking for something a little easier on the arse for public roads. It's a hard unforgiving ride as a passenger so as a result my wife won't go in it so an element of comfort is a must.
£35k is where I'd like to be.

Cheers

[SFTWend]

Drive both, but I think you will find the M2 more fun. It's also a better daily option and should be much cheaper to run, even allowing for depreciation.

If you really want fun though, go for the T350 or a Tuscan. More reliable than you think, providing well maintained and had an engine rebuild, comfortable, parts cheap and TVR garages labour rates are usually quite low.

[bennno]

For 35k id suggest none of those and one of these 4

Jaguar F Type

Mustang GT

Aston V8 Vantage 4.7

BMW i8

Depends on what you want size wise, drop top, weekends or daily etc.....

[Mr Roper]

Purley a weekend car...



I've been in the Mustang and didn't think much of it....Nice enough and sounds pretty good.

No interest in the I8.

The Aston should be on the list but having seen first had the inexcusable amount of rust it's left a sour taste...Granted that was the first gen so things may have improved. Will have to do my research.

However, I do like the F-Type.

[bennno]

I've been to buy an Aston Vantage twice and both times ended up with a much newer V8 F Type for the same money.

Only one is an Aston though, id wager well brought it'll hold its value well and they appear to be robust.

[davek_964]

We all like different things - and since you liked the C4 you may find the 996 turbo suits you.

But I had one for 5 or 6 years - I found it pretty dull most of the time and for me it definitely wasn't exciting enough to be a weekend only car.

[Mr Roper]

I get what you’re saying but it has a lot to do with what you’ve come from. Longest I’ve owned a car was an S5.

I’m quite lardy in my typically weekend blast. A nicely settled car that has bags of grunt which will keep me focused but at the same time I’m not reaching for my lid. Narrow enough to enjoy the roads I live on (mid Wales) and get in my garage.

I have an E61 535d which I love as my daily and as mentioned a modified RS 250 for track/ring.

Looking for something to slot in middle.

[Smokey Bear]

I’ve got a 996TT in the last year and I’m really enjoying it. I haven’t driven a comp but drove a vanilla m2. While the m2 may be more capable all round there’s a certain sense of occasion to the 996, I’d also say the steering feel is better. The m2 would be a more playful car it’s a bit looser at the rear and has all the creature comforts while the 996 feels decidedly mid 90’s inside it.

I think you’ll get more of a kick out of the whole ownership of the 996 and it’s definitely a more special car to own. If you put it all on a spreadsheet then buy the m2 as it will be a better buy.

I’ve never driven a spreadsheet however.

[Mr Roper]

Agreed, we don’t drive spreadsheets.

If I want all driver focused, some comfort, look back factor there’s a lot to pick from. Evora, T350, M3/M2 and maybe even an A45. (I like ‘em) The later 3 give me Turkey teeth.

M2C is the car I should buy but I also feel I won’t have it long.

I’ve owned a Cayenne Turbo and must admit I liked looking at the badge. I own a Porsche. I am that guy.

[CG2020UK]

Mr Roper said:

Agreed, we don’t drive spreadsheets.

If I want all driver focused, some comfort, look back factor there’s a lot to pick from. Evora, T350, M3/M2 and maybe even an A45. (I like ‘em) The later 3 give me Turkey teeth.

M2C is the car I should buy but I also feel I won’t have it long.

I’ve owned a Cayenne Turbo and must admit I liked looking at the badge. I own a Porsche. I am that guy.

I advise a test drive of the OG LCI M2 as well as the M2 Comp.

Personally find it more fun, better noise and bit more energetic. Also cheaper which makes it a no brainer.

Sold my M2 but if I had another I’d go straight back to the N55 car it’s just a bit more raw and special.

[ZX10R NIN]

Mr Roper said:

Agreed, we don’t drive spreadsheets.

If I want all driver focused, some comfort, look back factor there’s a lot to pick from. Evora, T350, M3/M2 and maybe even an A45. (I like ‘em) The later 3 give me Turkey teeth.

M2C is the car I should buy but I also feel I won’t have it long.

I’ve owned a Cayenne Turbo and must admit I liked looking at the badge. I own a Porsche. I am that guy.

F Type R, test drive one of these & I don't think the M2/996 will get a look in:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407041...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409063...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409113...