Friday, May 21, 2010

Porsche Cayman, SLK 350, or Lotus Elise?

I am 16, 17 in march and might get the car in the summer. These would all be my daily drivers. Which do you think is the best? The Lotus is no doubt the hottest car, but also has the cheapest interior and probably the least safe. However, it also has the cheapest price tag at a shade under $50,000. But, it doesn't come with free maitenence.


The SLK 350 is hot. I looked at it two days ago, I love it. But, mercedes doesn't have a maitenence plan anymore, you have to add $4000 to the price you pay, which would make this car the most money at $57,000.


And, the porsche cayman. A hot look, a status name, a true sports car. I believe Porsche has a free a free maitinence plan, which would make this middle of the pack in price at $55,000.


So, which should I get? Why should I get it? Thanks for the help.

Porsche Cayman, SLK 350, or Lotus Elise?
My favorite car is the Porsche Cayman S.


The Base Porsche Cayman has the same performance of a Nissan 350z in acceleration, but the 350z is $35,000. I would not get the base Cayman, but I would choose the Cayman S. The Porsche has 2 trunks, the best gas mileage out of the 3 cars and it has the highest top speed.





Ther Mercedes is OK too.


I would choose the Lotus over the Mercedes because the SLK is smooth and quiet like all mercedes. The lotus is fun to drive.


If I was super rich, i would choose the Cayman.
Reply:Is this going to be your first car? If so, then the answer is.. get a Ford Escort or Toyota Corolla or something cheap for the first few months or even a year. Get used to driving, the rules, the laws, and such. Driving a sports car as a first car at 16 or 17 is a good way to end up in a ditch with a wrecked $50k car.





That said, I'm personally partial to the Lotus. You couldn't go wrong with any of them though, they're all awesome cars.
Reply:First of all you need to decide what you are looking for in a car.





The Mercedes is not the same type of performer as the Porsche or Lotus. It's more of a luxury roadster and is most importantly a convertible.





The Lotus is very sparse and is purpose built, meaning it was intentionally built without a lot of extras and is meant to be driven. I don't know if you've sat in one but they are very impractical to get in and out of. Girls will think it's cute until they get out in a skirt and have no choice but to show everyone their panties. From then on you'll be taking her car. It does have Toyota reliability as the engine is a Toyota unit. But as you said, it isn't exactly the safest car on the road. Not to mention the insurance companies will total it quick with just a front clamshell collision.





The Cayman, is a great combination between the two, it's sporty and luxurious to a point. An Elise will give it a go around the track, but you will have no problems pulling up in valet or lapping on the track. It's really the best of both worlds between all three of your choices.





Reliability-wise they are all on par with each other. You need to consider maintenance costs. Typical Porsche services are around 1k depending on which model you have. The Elise is a bit cheaper. I don't know what the Mercedes costs are.





Hope that helps and good luck!


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