Well I've been thinking about my next vehicle purchase and the more I think the more I return to Porsche.

So I *think* I'm set on considering an 80s Porsche 911 Carrera versus the RX-8 or anything else.

If you want to see one in action download the Getaway in Stockholm 1 movie using Kazaa Lite or such ... Its an 87 Carrera stock except for a RUF exhaust and turbo spoiler (any other tuning is not mentioned on the site). The engine is absolutely music to my ears. Sometimes I find myself surfing the web with the movie/engine playing in the background (like now). ;) Can't deny the performance.

A used "high mileage" (~100k miles) car will be cheaper than the RX-8. Most Porsche owners take EXTREMELY good care of their cars to keep them in top condition. There are even stories of 200k+ mile engines that haven't been rebuilt (head or block) and still run strong. The money saved versus buying a new car would be put to use maintaining the car as a daily driver for *many* years to come. I think I would feel more comfortable racking up miles on this than a brand new RX-8. As that is what I plan to do, I love driving, maybe I should consider racing. ;)

Also owning a 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 you find that these older vehicles make driving a *real* experience versus all the creature comforts and mundane experience from new cars. Atleast thats the way it feels to me.

Any opinions or comments?

Not that I'm in the market for a new car at this time but....
I've kinda 1/2 been looking at a Porsche for my next car. I can understand why you would want to go for an 80's year model because of the price range, but the styling does nothing for me personally.
The usability you said would be taken care of because of the Land Cruiser... so that argument (in favor of the RX-8) is lost.
And I would almost like to say that having a rotary engine is a more exclusive club to belong to. Though the Porsche one isn't too deep considerably.
I'd say it was totally up to you on this one, but you did ask for opinions.

It is a question about what kind of sacrafises you are willing to make.

The plus side of the 911 would be a 100% sports car with no compromises. This would also mean a harsher ride and less versitilty, but if you are willing to accept this it shouldn't be too much of a problem. You also have to take into consideration the much higher matainence cost accoctiated with older cars, expecially high end ones. This might offset the difference in price with the RX-8 over time.

After you take this into consideration, than the choice is soley up to you and requirments your car must fulfill. Good luck, the choise is yours.

I understand your rational, as I also went through the same scenario as you. When considering a Porsche, the closest shop to me is 85 miles away, so servicing became an issue.

As posted earlier, you must maintain an older vehicle much more. I own a '66 Chevy Belair Station Wagon & a '64 Corvette Stingray, both of which I have had for over 20 years. Luckily, parts are readily available for these small block engines. Make sure you budget enough dough to cover your Porsche's maintenance costs. Remember, every 911 owner has driven their vehicle HARD. You know you will do the same.

I was even thinking of getting a righteous older muscle car, like a mint '66 GTO, '72 Monte Carlo, '69 Super Bee, etc. My plan was to use it as a daily driver, along with buying a secondary plain jane vehicle.

But after 18 months of contemplating, the RX-8 pulled all the right strings, with the package of looks, handling, safety, power & versatility.

You have a tough decision.

Another thing worth noting - correct me if I'm wrong. A Porsche's resale value will plummet if you don't have records proving all maintenance, scheduled or otherwise, was carried out by authorized technicians. Basically, no DIY work if you ever think you might have to sell it. This is what a former Porsche-owner told me (he traded his 911 for an FD). I'm not sure if that means dealer service only, or any Porsche-certified mechanic.