So my brother talks to me over lunch yesterday about how he is going to wait on taking on a business venture, but instead invest a used near-exotic car. I am like

Right now he is leaning towards a '99 911 convertible ... I reminded him of the NSX-T or maybe even an M3 Convertible perhaps. So the budget is around $40-50K. What would you get?

 

Of those three, I'd take the NSX. It's the most exotic looking, is the rarest, and is the absolute most fun to drive (yes I've driven all three).

 

Man I wish I had the problem of deciding between those cars.

The NSX would be the most reliable and the most nimble but the styling is getting a little old IMO. Still an uber-sweet car but it's way overdue for a makeover.

For me, it's a tossup between the 911 and the M3. In the end, I think I'd take the 911 over the M3 but it would be a victory by the slimest margin. Both are exceptional cars for handling and power but the 911 just stands out a little more. If he's worried about maintenance costs though, the 911 is brutally expensive to maintain. The $500 oil changes get old in a hurry.

 

I'd take Porsche.. And NO I have not driven all three.

 

One consideration is this will be a weekend car .... that hurts the NSX's case of being a better "daily" driver perhaps

So think 5K miles per year ...

 

In that case, I'd take the Porsche for sure. It's still civilized but it's more "raw" than the rest. The maintenance costs won't be that bad if he keeps the miles down.

 

I'd go for the M3 probably, even though it's more "mainstream", but I'd give the 911 long and hard thoughts.

I would also not choose convertible, but that's just me..

 

I say buy get the NSX....though I never driven one before, but its engine sounds sweet!

 

Convertibles are more for cruising than speed.

 

But it's nice to have a targa where you can just put the roof on and drive for speed too

 

I'd say the 911 just because it'd probably be easier to drive than the NSX most of the time. The NSX is still nice, but the 911 just retains some timeless aura to it, especially in its more recent incarnations.

 

My vote is for the NSX, unless he can afford a Porsche GT2

 

Who cares about the cars, I want to know where you got the time machine from!

I'd take the Porsche. M3 is an awesome machine no question, but it's definitely the fugly duckling of the trio. NSX is nice and I highly recommend one if you have the means, but it's an anomoly with no past and no future. 911 has the looks and the perfomance, plus a heritage and sense of history. Especially for a weekend car, you can't beat a convertible.

 

There is only one...the X.

 

just wondering how this used car is an investment? wont it depreciate regardless if it's exotic or not?

 

I think it tends to stay flatter especially when it is a bit older. Plus it helps when your bro's good friend is a dealer and can buy at the auction

Justin - So you have been in the 911 and owned the NSX yeah? Compare/contrast maybe?

 

I dunno what you are talking about (good catch - edited my brain dead initial post)

 

I vote NSX, but I would rather spend my 50K on a new Vette.

 

Man - it is just hard to call this "dated"

 

Very classic looking indeed.

 

My opinion would probably be biased. Im a huge fan of the NSX...as you know had a 97. I think the NSX is alot more of the drivers car than the 911. Its as if the X talks back to you...almost feels like you and the car are one. Its not mentally tiring to drive, rather just cruising along or pushed to the limit. If your brother is looking for just a nice sports car...get the 911, something fast to drive in get the M3. If he wants to feel what a mid engine, rwd car feels like taking S turns at 6500rpms get the X. The X is timeless...not many sports cars can make a bad sports car driver good...the X is one.

My mind is pretty much set on getting another one...probably an 02. Im just waiting to make sure there is no 2nd gen X in the near future.

Stunning

vv

 

I highly agree with justin's assessment of the NSX. It really does feel like an extension of the drivers senses and is very very engaging to drive. I've only driven them in a track environment and it is just stunning how quickly you are able to learn the cars sweet spot.

 

There will always be new 911s, but NSX. I dont know! With the way Honda is going, the NSXs might become collectable! NSX got my vote!

 

NSX for sure, I see at least 5 M3s and 996s(combined) everyday here in Toronto but the NSX...3 per year I think.

dated or not, NSX STILL turns head easily.

 

I dont know, i was never a fan of the NSX, overpriced IMO. Yes, it is rare, but probably becuase theres alot better for the money, not becuase it's so hard to come by. I say 01 m3, bmw is afterall the ultimate driving machine.

 

kids

 

goes bk to reading READING I tell ya

 

BMW = ultimate money sucking machine. It eats all that money and doesn't provide you with close the driving experience of an NSX.

 

Okay, I've read what you guys have to say and here's my input. Take it as you will. I have driven just about every car built since 1997. I've driven 911s and NSXs thoroughly. For one, I used to be a driving instructor for Porsche (mostly for PCA and through Driver's Edge) and have done a little tracking in an NSX. M3s I don't have as much seat time in, but I do like them a little bit from the experience I have. Also consider that from a driver's perspective, this is what I have in my file: I have attended Bondurant 3 times and hold certifications for the completion of the following courses: High Performance Driving, Intro to Road Racing, and Advanced Road Racing. Basically, I can drive.

I'd take the NSX. I love 911s, but not 99 models. I'd go with a 2000 996. That's when they switched to the 3.4L with 300hp from the 3.6L that had 292hp. Not only that power change for specific output, but they also switched to water-cooled engines in the 2000 cars. I'm a passionate fan of Porsches, and at the same time a fan of the switch to the water-cooled engine (after a little time). The suspension was mildly tweaked additionally.

Over time, one will appreciate not only its joy to drive, but also its ease to own (if you forget about its tire costs). It is pure Honda sport. I love everything that is the 911, but if given the opportunity to own in my current financial position, I'd take the NSX (and then the 911 2 years later).

 

 

Umm...you can't be calling him a when you have fewer posts than he does, !!!!!

 

well if you're looking for an exotic, the 911 or NSX are the choices. Here's what it comes down to for me...

The Prestige or the Adrenaline?

Porsche Prestige, or Acura Adrenaline?

I'd go with the '99 NSX, because it still looks like the newer one, is a hell of lot more fun to drive than any of the others, and won't allow for you to get to know the service guy at Porsche more than your brother's wife .

Now if materials and emblem is what you want, then the Porsche is the way to go. I'm not sure how it is off the line compared to an NSX, but I'm sure the NSX is better on the curves, and isn't that why we all bought a TSX? I agree with Top Gear that "0-60 and Top Speed is alright, but now-a-days, it's all about how a car does on the track". Just my opinion.

Plus the NSX turns more heads than a common Porsche or BMW (not that I don't like the cars, but which is rarer?)

 

I thought BMW = Ultra-useless I-Drive Machine?

 

Thinking about it more, the only thing I would miss is the sound of the Porsche's engine. Sure the NSX and M3 whine pretty nicely too, but Porsche engines don't whine, they moan . It's pure ecstacy I tell 'ya . That's a huge trade off for me, because Porsche engines are so beautiful.

But the NSX has classic VTEC

 

if it was me, I'd get the NSX. I rarely see any of them around. I see waaay too many Porsches around. Plus I think the NSX looks unique...

 

go for the NSX, rare and nice. porsches are nothin special

 

n00b? Please, you were a zygote when I was watching Transformers and GIJOE.

 

Thanks for all the input ... I am gonna print out this thread and stick it in his mailbox

 

Wow, all that experence and you couldnt figure out what kind of driving gloves to buy??

And we gave you SO many good suggestions!

 

I'd take the M3, although the NSX is quite tempting.