Audi TT (first gen)
Porsche Boxster (986, first gen)
Mercedes SL500 (R129, '96-'00)

I don't know if I'm comparing different fruits here, but based on market value, the cost of buying any of these cars is about the same. I'm seriously thinking of selling my beloved '90 190E soon and that should give me some cash to offset the purchasing price of a replacement car. I have two cars, so I'm not in a huge rush to get a replacement car after selling the 190E. Right now I'm beginning a "scratching the surface" search into another car. Originally I was set on getting a '96+ R129, but now I'm infatuated with the Boxster and only recently the TT. I think I'm fixed on getting a roadster sports car. No more sedans or "practical" cars. I already have a Volve 240 wagon to do my "dirty work."

What I like about the M-B is that I'm familiar with ownership and maintenance. I know the R129 is leap years and many classes ahead of the humble 190E, but having done some research on this car already, I think I won't get too many surprises in owning one.

The Boxster, on the other hand, I heard is expensive to fix. Cost of ownership is a bit more expensive, but then I need to confirm this. Owning an R129 is just as expensive, I'm sure. Also, I've no clue on how to buy a Boxster, much less any Porsche model. Pricing for Boxsters is a bit weird. You can find a great deal on one model year and on another model of the same year the price is high. My budget for now is limited to the '98-'00 model years.

I really like the Audi TT. The first gen has held up in style and certainly has aged well. Again, know nothing of Audi TTs, but I'm begining my research. I like it because it's probably the least expensive of the three when it comes to later model years. I can probably get an '03 for what a '96 SL500 or a '98 Boxster costs. Plus, it's great on gas I've read. That's a huge factor, but I'm willing to go with a Boxster or R129 if I can find a great deal.

So what would you guys get?

Some models of Boxsters can have serious engine problems. You really should visit some forums and check it out.

I have no basis to compare these three, they are completely different types of vehicles. Which one do you want to own?

The R129 is the only car I'd own out of the group.

To me the Boxster is a girls car, and the TT is a NJ metro car.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

What do you expect to hear from a bunch of MB addicts? BTW, I also vote for the Benz.

I'd look for a six cylinder 129, perhaps. though the v8s are pretty rugged too. My 500sec single cam engine was as bulletproof as my 617s.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

If you care about cost, buy a newer ricer clone of one of them. Personally, none of them are very interesting cars. I would buy an air cooled Porsche or an older SL before any of those.

Audi TT

Relatively trouble free car. Some strange items like sensors go out, but you're talking $50 every 50-70K miles. I consider maintenance since they take like 5 minutes to change. I got mine with 42'XXX and now it has 122'XXX. Regular fluids and maintenance, timing belt and clutch/flywheel is all it's had except the upgrades and mods.

It's as basic and usable as a VW, but really nice, and AWD. Parts are usually pretty cheap, mods are all over the place including specialists in TT's only. Lots of colors to choose from. Drives sturdy like a Benz, but smaller and more agile.

Gas mileage, stock, I averaged a hair over 25 mixed, got as many as like 30-32? When I went to San Diego and hit the cruise control. Even still, with 22 psi and ~290 hp, I get 20-23mpg mixed driving. At this point, mine probably accelerates faster than either of those other cars, if that matters, and the mods are actually pretty tame. For $390 you can get a ECU reflash and go from 225 to 264 and 280 lbs of torque.

I'll sell you mine but it sounds like a tractor at idle...

Oh yeah.

I have heard from a TT owner - "the only thing that works well in my TT are the hazard lights". Edmunds.com reviews seem to back up reliability issues with the TT. The 129 is a decent car, and with any of the three make sure you do your homework to ensure it has been well taken care of.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

I really like all of them. After all these years, I still like the styling of the R129. The 986 Boxster (see, I'm even now able to use chassis numbers to differentiate!) still looks sharp, and it's a draw with the 987 with its slightly updated look. But if I had the cash, I'd definitely go for the 987. I've never put much thought into the TT, but a random look at Craigslist and AutoTrader sorta got me liking the car. Price is right too. What I like about the TT is the side profile, love the roofline. Love your car, Austin. Silver is what I'd get. I'm really digging the 2-seater, sporty, compact look.

Well, as far as choosing one of these cars (and right now I'm just entertaining the idea), it just comes down to initial cost of buying and cost of ownership.

I know the Porsche is probably out of my league as far as ownership cost is concerned, but at this stage I'm open to the idea of buying one if I find a good one with a good price.

I'm actually reading good things about the TT. The price is within range, and I'm not in a rush, so I can always wait for prices to drop even more. Don't care for the fact that a newer model came out, still like the 1st gen design.

THe R129, what more can I say...one of the last true M-B when engineers had the final say in making it.

It's good that you are not in a rush. Drive plenty of examples of each and you will decide what you really want; then go shopping for the best car you can get for you budget.

As far as the Boxster goes....

You can go to www.pelicanparts.com and see and/or ask about them on their forums.

I do know that even simple engine work must be done from below, so you will need a way to get under it. You might do a little research on blown head gaskets, too.

Early cars did not have door locks that you could unlock with a key (remote only) so if your car battery went dead you were locked out. Porsche came up with a retro-fit on this so if you are looking at an early car be sure to ask about this.

Porsche maintenance = money......

The Audi TT is cool, but it's a four-cyl and was built by Audi - not exactly reliable.

The first-gen Boxster had ALL KINDS of issues; best to be avoided.

The SL would be my choice of these three, but even then I'd not buy it. Do more research and come up with better choices. Toss in a BMW Z4, for example.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600