Manual, RWD, 4 seat convertible to replace a Twin?

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by bcj

I'd get the Touring before a 'vert.
Touring over the sedan too for that matter.

Sure, but I already have a utility car (Odyssey minivan). And I have a fun roofed daily (the BRZ). The goal of the convertible is to add something different. A sporty wagon would be worse than the BRZ for fun and worse than the minivan for hauling people and things. As much as I like sporty wagons (and owned a 2.0 EcoBoost Ford Mondeo Estate many moons ago) I'm not looking for one.
As an aside, I think about a BRZ replacement on-and-off all the time. The conclusion is a 2nd gen Twin, but even that is only if/when the current BRZ suffers a major problem, or if it becomes impossible to take the kids in it (as they grow).

[alex87f]

Originally Posted by alex87f

How about an F23 M240i convertible?

The twins are indeed in a class of their own. I've been looking for a 4-door equivalent to them but so far nothing gets close.

Coming back to that question, I'm leaning towards a supercharged Jag' XE.

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast

Sure, but I already have a utility car (Odyssey minivan). And I have a fun roofed daily (the BRZ). The goal of the convertible is to add something different. A sporty wagon would be worse than the BRZ for fun and worse than the minivan for hauling people and things. As much as I like sporty wagons (and owned a 2.0 EcoBoost Ford Mondeo Estate many moons ago) I'm not looking for one.
As an aside, I think about a BRZ replacement on-and-off all the time. The conclusion is a 2nd gen Twin, but even that is only if/when the current BRZ suffers a major problem, or if it becomes impossible to take the kids in it (as they grow).

It's a bit of an oddball, but how about a 996 / 997 convertible?
Great steering, can still be had for low $$$. Maintenance ain't exactly cheap though...

If you can afford it, a 997.2 would be the cat's pajamas.

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by alex87f

It's a bit of an oddball, but how about a 996 / 997 convertible?
Great steering, can still be had for low $$$. Maintenance ain't exactly cheap though...

If you can afford it, a 997.2 would be the cat's pajamas.

Not an oddball at all, I even thought about it myself when starting this search. It would have been a great option if purchase prices were reasonable and maintenance was (relatively) cheap and easy. Instead these cars barely depreciate and everything holds a Porsche tax, even if you DIY. I guess it could be said that total cost of ownership wouldn't be that different vs. a 335i, but I still balk at laying $50k on a 13 year old car.

[alex87f]

And even $50k for a 997.2 'vert would be cheap. 60-70 is closer to what you need to buy a good one.

I doubt the 997.2 is ever going to depreciate beyond where it is now. Which as you say is both good and bad. And I would budget at least $2-3k/year on maintenance (my 996 cost me substantially more so far, in less than a year..).

Not all parts are terribly expensive, basic ones like coils can be cheaper than on an 86 for example. Some more specific or rare parts can be eye wateringly pricy though. But at least Porsche keeps them available.