Daily driver recommendations, yup, still trying to decide Options

[djm914-6]

Those of you on the 911 lists and boards are probably getting tired of my asking similar questions but I'll ask anyway. I'm looking for an mildly entertaining daily driver to replace my aging Golf VR6. I started looking at 928s, but decided that the maintenance and upkeep would put me in the poor house or at least limit my 914 project spending. Early 911s are out because I want 3 point rear belts for the kids (the 1-2 times per month they actually ride in my car) plus ABS, and airbags. I thought I wanted a 964 C4, but after doing more serious searches, I found some reasonable prices of 993s and even high mileage 996 Carreras. Even the 968 is looking interesting as it has some usable hatch space, not that it's a priority with the wife getting a Suburban soon. Please give me your feed back after reviewing my list. I'm asking my 914 pals because I feel as a whole, you're not as bias toward a particular car like many on the 911 lists. I already know that Mike Z voted for a 968 Cab.

Criteria:
Safe, modern, daily driver. Mostly a one person car but may see 2 adults and/ or 2 small children on very rare occasions. Not looking to infringe on 914 project budget with high maintenance. No track performance needed, nor upgrade potential as it'll be CW original. I'm leaning toward Tip equipped cars as I drive in heavy interstate traffic daily.

Cars:
'03 MINI Cooper S
'90-'94 964 Coupe/Targa C2/C4 Man/Tip, open to best example, lower mileage.
'95-96 993 C2 Coupe Man/Tip, probably some flaws, higher mileage
'99 996 C2 Coupe Man/Tip, high mileage
'94-'95 968 Coupe/Cab Man/Tip lower mileage preferred.

Thoughts, sneers, suggestions and comments welcome.

TIA,

[djm914-6]

Thanks for the input so far. My fear in buying a 968 is that it's not a 911. I do want to own a tail dragger so I can go to wine and cheese parties. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) I thought I liked the 964, but now I'm not so sure. I've seen 993s and 996s for around $30k. I know they're not the top of the barrel, but shouldn't be too bad. For several days last week I chased down a 944 cab (nice blonde driver!!) and really like the look. The 968 would just give me all of the goodies I want. I am surprised that a 4 cyl will perform like a 6. Several years ago, I vowed not to buy a car with less than 6 cylinders, but maybe it's time too look. I really need to take one for a drive.

After driving the MINI, it's not high on my list but has many plus'. Good Performance (for a four - see above comment), nice handling, warrenty, and no DAPO issues. On the down side, I'm not sure if the car was "me". Also the dealer wasn't a pleasure to deal with.

In no way will I buy another VW or VW product. I like to keep cars for quite some time and IMO VW doesn't have staying power. Sure, when the cars are new, they're great, but they don't age well at all. Hell, I sold dozens VWs in the years I was working at a dealership. Some cars were good, others were service nightmares. Mine are closer to the later.

A jeep? I thought about it for awhile, but it's not me. If I still lived in Maine, I might have bought one, but not where I am now. I did like a friends Toyota Land Cruiser (mid '70s) though.

BMWs are on my look list. I've often thought about an M3. I just may need to visit the M center near me.

This is a 968...
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/classifieds/image/403.jpg)
This shirt and the others I've shown in the classifieds section will be going on ebay this week if no one here is interested in them.


Thanks again y'all. Keep the ideas an opinions coming. I don't have my own anymore, I'm married. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)