is an audi rs4/s4/s5 out of question?

 

The M6 is dated but even if it weren't the interior size of the 6 series isn't that roomy (especially considering the size of the car) . I feel it's ill proportioned and the V10 really eats gas . Whatever you save to buy a used M6 might erode if gas prices climb and repairs add onto a 29K mile car with some age . It's also kinda slow and not too nimble. On the Turbo forums there are quite a few videos of M6's getting ripped by 996 and 997tt's .

I keep going back to your very first idea . The leased M3 Vs the Panamera 4S and my answer points to the lease Vs buy dilema created out of BMW having great leases and Porsche being the car to buy . Also the 3 series is due for a redesign (just something to keep in mind).

My feeling also is that if you have been accustomed to leasing then you are also accustomed to having a new car . Why not just buy the car new and keep it long term ? You get a chance to pamper it and just like with any car it does depreciate but if you keep it in good shape it can last for many years .

The 4S really sounds like "the one" .

 

The 550i is one of the best daily driving 4 door sedans out there IMO. After owning a 550i 6 spd and an m5, looking back I really preferred the 550i in most situations. At under 1k/month It's a good deal. Some of Porsche's leasing terms and rates are pretty ridiculous.

 

Could not agree more!

 

No backseat room in 650. Nor much more than 911. Panamera is little better.

 

The 550 --

It's just so boring and at 70K or so who needs it . 1K a month still isn't that cheap to rent the car . It still has thse hints of "Bangled" design and it just doesn't do anyrthing great. Look at it next to its (equally boring) competitor . The guy is coming out of a 997.2S . Doesn't he deserve a little driving fun ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkyuJNQdjvk

 

Looks like they don't even offer a 6 speed in the new 550i. What a shame. The shifting in the e60 was very smooth, and just a great sports sedan all around.

I'm not a huge fan of the new styling of the 5 series either. The new 7 on the other hand is very hot!

 

Since the 550i review was by Inside Line I figured to be consistent here's the 4S . I happen to feel the Panamera is absolutely beautiful . They started out calling it "ugly" but soon were amazed and impressed by this car. The data speak for itself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT9ABn7391g

I also happened to come across this review .. much more entertaining !!! (after the review -5:13 to 5:35 is very genuine)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Nz2dEmYm8

Lastly --Panamera 4S Driving -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgOYCTJ0n3Q

 

The new 550 comes in 6 speed.. pretty sure of it - I drove one

 

550 Definitely comes in a manual....... I sat in one, played with all 3 pedals. I was impressed, even if it had a Michelin-Man Bangle-Withdawl Design.....

 

I'm going to the M3. The coupe has much more rear seat room than the 911. Get the sedan if you prefer the more upright driving position. 3 year lease resids are under 60%, so I don't see the big bargain in the lease. The residual values are quite high though and the car has an incredible reputation for reliability. The coupe has an added advantage that the rear seats fold down - you get tons of room. I easily transport a racing bike all the time - no need for a rack. Sure the Panny and the 550i are nice cars, but they are MUCH bigger. You've got to want/enjoy a big sedan. Not nimble enough for me.

 

As Larry says the M5 eats gas- 180 miles and the low fuel light comes on. As much as I liked my M5 and it's $899/month lease the gas mileage and big car feel all the time wasn't ideal.

My two car solution (996TT and A6) is a great combo at this point. Have you looked at an S6 or the 2012 A6 - very nice redesign and it's lighter. I also love the 4S Panamera - it doesn't feel like a large car to me.

 

Everyone has giving me alot of insight and i appreciate it.



Trying to stay focused but my automotive DNA keeps kickin' in

A friend of mine in banking keeps telling me to do this..never done it before.

Not a big audi fan..except for the R8 of course.

Larry, I never kept a car to its' full lease term..heck my 997.2 is a 24month and i am giving it up 5 months early....

Definitely does..test driving one tomorrow. But not the M package...the M package has an areo kit and lowers the car a bit.

 

I'm currently at the tail end of a BMW Owner's choice financing. The payments were the same as a lease, there's a ballon payment after 3 years, with the option to turn the car in. They are popular here in TX, there's no restriction on taking the car into Mexico as in a lease. The title is in your name, unlike a lease.
I would have been better off in a lease, could have used Porsche's pull ahead program to get out of the last 3 payments as I'm leasing a new Cayman.
There could have been some tax advantages if my car was worth more than the residual, but it's worth much less, so there's no way to trade it in for the Porsche.

 

Drove a new M3 SMG yesterday, and a used 135i 6M. Felt like the SMG was much less elegant than the PDK, my wife had the same reaction. Loved the 135, great car, and it, or the 1 Series M may be my next car. The inline six was so much smoother than the big 8 - the M3 felt like you were *driving around* the V8, like it was the pivot point and you were aiming the car around it all the time. The 135 felt like a nimble sports car. Now, that said, I was also not enjoying the SMG, and that could've been a big part of the experience.

YMMV,
Marc