So what to get to replace it?

Another S4? (Been there done that, kinda want something else)

Porsche 996? C5 Corvette LS1 (that I would mod out!)? M3?

I was set on the Vette, then I saw how cheap the 996's are getting and i thought that'd make a nice daily driver that would turn heads. I don't know how reliable they are though, and I know the LS1 is a strong reliable engine. I have never owned or driven an M3, so I don't really count that as a full option. I want a fast car that looks good. So I guess the Vette or the 996.

 

Love the 996s, but then again, the Vette is an icon. Honestly, I'd go with the Vette. Then, if you have the cash, send it to Lingenfelter and burn everyone else on the road.

 

divorces suck!!! i had to give up my business cause i didnt want that bitch to get half of all my ****.. dang bro.. sorry.. gl...

 

I've learned now-a-days to stay clear of 996-early 997 models, even boxsters. They have intermediate shaft issues (an estimated 20%+ are prone to failure) as well as problems with the Rear Main Seal which in both cases require new engines. Porsche denies any design flaws so you'll be in the ******* if it happens.

I'd opt for the M3 or another S4, as brilliant as the Vette's are, they are just too common and I can't stand the poor build quality.

 

IMO stay away from the Corvette yeah they are an icon everyone knows what it is going down the road but the interior quality is $hit even putting them up against the S4.
They are all plastic and no real "thrills" with them. Im with MOTT get an M3 or another S4
Yeah I am a little one sided because I have a Mustang also but ill even say the interior is crap against the S4

Also sucks to hear about the divorce man

 

M3 without a doubt. of course im a totally bmw guy at heart. vettes are a great icon but also iconically driven by dudes with white hair and cialis. the porsche would be cool but i dont know much about them to give you an honest opinion

 

my buddy has an n/a 996 and has blown two stock engines! be careful!!!!

 

Where are you getting this info form. I've was in the Porsche business for a looooong time. The water cooled cars are as reliable as a honda. There were some early failures, but that is a thing of the past. The rear main seal is just that, a leaky rear main seal that needs to be updated to the 997 unit. Porsche will help participate in this repair. Porsche is probably the best in the biz when it comes to goodwill repair to customers. They will even replace engines out of warranty. These are all facts. not internet speculation.

 

I vote for M3!!! Corevette is way to rough of a ride on bumpy roads and it is not really a daily driver.

 

Article:
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=160705

Explanation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvLRMGs-Ti8

Sound:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ8mN...eature=related

I've read quite a few examples of people having this issue. And since the engine design is shared in the 996 models, people are beginning to see it more frequently with higher miles. Then again, no real statistics have been made, so it's hard to say how frequent this is or whether it's caused by driving style, etc.