have you tried the Winter/Summer car angle? It can be argued that the porsche is not the most driveable car in inclimate weather. Insurance may be split between the two cars if you do not plan to have them on the road at the same time or if the porsche will only be a summer car.<p>There is also the investment angle. As in, "Hun, you wouldn't want to put too many miles on the cab, would you?.... I mean the repair and maintenance costs might start to run pretty high with alot of additional mileage. I'm just trying to be financially resposible." Be sure to provide some numbers for engine rebuild and new tires/brakes/plugs. <p>How about, the safety aspect of the S4. "Dear, it's really a far safer car for us to take skiing to ____________(fill in your favourite ski resort). I was thinking Valentines day may be the perfect time to take a little romantic snow getaway."<p>There is always pleading. "Sweety, just let me have these cars and I swear I will never ask for anything else ever again. I will even stop making faces behind your Mother's back. Have I ever told you how sorry I am that I called your father a drunk close-minded ass___ over christmas last year?! Oh... you mean I never told you about that.... well.....I was just kidding about that.... really, sweety....honest!"<p>I've got tons of 'em. Just give me an angle. A weak spot if you like....(no, I am not a lawyer!)<p>As for my wife... she is really a great driver - despite the volvo (which was all my idea). Like you though, I love to drive and even on 12 hour trips I am happy to do the driving and she is happy to let me. I am probably the worst passenger that ever lived. When I drive with friends/family in their cars I either offer to drive or let someone else ride in the front as passenger so that I can sit in the back and pretend I am oblivious to the fact that we have been following the same car for half an hour at a velocity getting dangerously close to the speed limit. (I have a terrible habbit of regarding speed limits as mere suggestions - unless traffic/weather/road conditions prohibit)<p>Anyway, to make a long story even longer, Last year I looked very seriously at a 95 911. It was a gorgeous inky blue. The paint job was almost too perfect for the mileage (40K). The interior was the first strike against it - it was that unattractive (IMO) orangee mustard yellow leather. There were scuff marks on the doors from shoes which the dealer (toyota! got it from auction he said) did not bother (or could not) to remove. There was no available service record or name of original owner(s), second strike. The asking price was 45K us. It just seemed all wrong to me and I gave it a pass. Was that foolish of me? Could I have done something more to research this car? If so, what?<p><p><p><p><br> <p>

somewhere out in cyberspace, (someone help here) there is a website that you can enter a VIN into and it will tell you how many "entries" it has. An entry could be an accident, change of ownership, etc. For $5-$15 (I think) you can get the detailed report. <p>I have a friend who checked out his own truck, but never got the website from him. Anyone know what it is?????<p>Mark

I actually just wore her down and started to drive her nuts (sheactually grew tired of my whinning). I was reading everything in sight, and the sighed evertime we passed or saw one. She even got to the point where she could pick up on the distinctive note of the car But, now .will I grab for the S4 keys or the 911 (insure the 911 all year, because I'm the type who goes out in the cold of winter - as long as the roads aren't salty)? In the past 12 months I put 5K on the Coupe and 10K on the Cab. I need to flip that around (hey, maybe I'm starting to answer my own personal delema about keeping the Coupe or buying the S4...hmmm, great another visit to the shrink). <p>Speaking of which, you know Loreon, you got all the rationalizations down pat. Let me see if i can help. First, order the S4 already. If they don't have the zeynon bulbs, my guess is there will be someone desperate for your spot in line. IMHO, if the car doesn't come with them, it's not the end of the world.<p>Second, get the Cab...or any 911. It will take some work, but my guess is your the type of guy that will have fun hunting. About that "lovely" yellow/orange interior...glad you passed. I used to think black / tan was the only combo, until I saw a couple older tan 911's. Light leather does not wear well. Grays, creams, tans...and yellow/orange, it may be hotter but dark gray or black is to only way to go. <p>If you are going to drop the scratch on a 993 ('95 to the new air cooled 996), DO IT. $45K for a 40K car is not bad, but no records, hmmm...Porsche will tell you the history off the VIN's, by the way. Not surprized about the paint. You should see mine after 12 years. There's a lot of tricks in looking at theses cars. Visuals are a good place (includoing wheels) to start, tells you a lot about the driver. Inside the rear wheel wells (can see if it suffered from the spins)and a weld inspection under the storage carpeting will let you know if it's been hit.<p>IMHO the 993 is the ultimate air cooled car, next is my vintage ('87-'89), Then I actually like the SC'c, then selective C2/C4's. And, as much as I love cab days, I wish I had a 993 coupe. I'd drive that everyday. Originally, when I first started down this path (and found this great informational website), I was seriously considering a 993. I found and drove a '96 C4S. Oh - my - God... But, my dear bride said no two 2 Porsches. So, here I am in line for an Oct/Sept delivery of a Silver/onyx S4, and I hope I'm doing thje right thing...my four door C4S - so to speak. <p>For more of my on going gut check, look at my request on the general site...<p>