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]

That's what happens when I go to bed early... so many messages, but where to begin?

Ginter, The mini is still on the list because it represents a value of being a decent new car and all the good that goes with it. For $30k (the higher end of my budget) I can get a nice optioned out car and not need to worry about any repairs till it's paid for. And that is my biggest fear in buying a used car, especially a used Porsche. Keep in mind, I only bought three cars in my life and two were new, the third being the 914. The 993 is only on my list because I have seen a few down toward the lower $30s. Same with the 996, but that one would be very questionable.

cavwpguy, As I stated above, the 993s in my price range may be a little rougher and with higher miles. On the other hand, The numbers you quoted don't sound too bad. Shoot, I almost pay that with the GTI. Thanks for posting, that info should help greatly.

AnAllOutRacer, I had once thought about the 951, but they are lacking the safety items I need. If I were looking for more toy than driver, it would be on my list of must sees.
My GTI is a '95 which I bought new. It is milking me dry with upkeep. Warrenty replaced the motor twice due to a spun bearing. I've also replaced the AC compressor due to a seized pully, various pullies and serpentine belts. Electrically, I've done the gauge pod, window regulators and various grounding wires. The car is now showing as much rust as my 914, though it doesn't have the holes. I'm tired of dropping $500-$1500 for every visit to the dealer, and I don't trust outside mechanics with this car. I also own a '96 Passat TDI (the wife's). It too has way too many issues. Mechanically it's much better, but electrically, it too is a PITA. Also, the paint is about the same quality as budget American cars. I sold these cars for three years and know a lot about them. With that knowledge, I won't buy another. Too bad too, because they are fun affordable cars. Leasing is the only way to go with VW though.

Maybe I need to get a reality check. I may be trying to get too much for too little.

Thanks,