Help!! Should I get a 356 replica?

[356Dreamin]

About six months ago I discovered the porsche 356 speedster in a book at Barnes and Noble. I think this is a beautiful car and would very very much like to own one(A replica). The problem is I'm not sure if it's right for me. I live in the city of trenton, NJ. The section I live in is not great, but its not the ghetto. I'm afraid someone might steal or damage the car. But I may be able to rent a garage from my neighbor he doesn't use for a low price. Next, I'm 20 and am afraid insurance will kill me for full coverage(I will only get full coverage on this car). I also want to know if a replica will be reliable. I would be driving this as a daily driver and would be putting approximately 6,000 miles a year on it give or take. The reason I would like to get a replica is because they seem low priced(around 12,000) on ebay with extremely low miles built only a few years ago by companies who build replica cars. The parts are easy to get which doesn't concern me, but I would like to know what this car is like to drive as I have never driven one. Would it be exeptable for daily driving in the city, suburbs, and highway or am I just wasting my time. I am expecting somewhat of a crude ride but that doesn't bother me. What I'm saying is, is this a car for a 20 year old? Any feedback would be appreciated as I am unable to decide.

[hakka]

Sorry to rain on your parade, but I don't think the Speedster would work as a daily driver. They are pretty uncomfortable with the top up and they usually leak. Why would this have to be your driver, though? If you can afford the Speedster, you can probably afford to get a $300 Toyota Camry off of eBay. If you have another car as a driver, you can probably get collector car insurance on the Speedster and only end up paying around $125/year. Good Luck

[356Dreamin]

The reason I want this as a daily driver is because I want to enjoy it and not just take it out on weekends. I just found out that the replicas are built on 70's beetle frames, so I guess it would be like owning a beetle but with a diffferent body? I see many old beetles driven daily so thats what makes me think it's possible to own one without too much trouble and drive it everyday with proper care and maintenance. Another concern i bad weather. Can this car handle snow, ice, and rain?

[Cbass]

The original 356 was a Beetle with better suspension

It's not the best choice for a daily driver, but a replica would definately be the way to go if you really want one, originals are expensive, usually need some work, and have hard to find parts. The coupes are obviously a better choice for a daily driver, because the cabin is sealed.

There isn't alot of room for anything, in the trunk or in the cabin, they're noisy, not very well insulated and you won't have many of the conveniences of a newer car.

In short, it's a really bad choice for a daily driver, but it doesn't mean you can't drive it every day.

[356Dreamin]

I'm not really a fan of the hardtop 356. It takes away from the car's appeal. If i'm not mistaken I have seen removable hardtops somewhat like that of mazda miatas on 356s. IF I had one of these would the roof still leak? As for the ride I was planning on an upgraded suspension and sport seats in color matching leather. Sparco milanos if they would fit or just beef up the padding on the original seats. As long as it has air and heat i can do without power options. I have found a removable center console that would make the car more up to date on the interior. I would also like to put sound deadener everywhere on the car to drown out the noise in the cabin. The trunk is small but I never have to cart anything around. I can't seem to tell but does the 356 have a backseat? I know if it does it's more for looks. Some of the convertibles i see have this space behind the front seats this is what i believe to be rear seats.

[Cbass]

You can get a 356 kit car with just about an option you want, but most of the work would be custom, and would end up costing you a mint...

If you really want one, go to www.kitcars.com , they're the best source for info, aside from kitcar magazine.

[Dirk Diggler]

I wouldn't want to drive that car on a Highway. SCAARRRY!

[Dragonphreak]

Having looked at the 356's myself, I suggest you look at buying an old VW bug and buying a Kit and putting it on yourself, you'll save money and truely be able to do all the custom stuff you want to it without having to change something you already paid to put in there. I agree with the previous suggestion of going to Kitcars.com and checking out their selection, theres a ton of collectors and hobbists who have loads of info if you're interested in going this route. Best of Luck.

[Autofreefindersguy]

I agree with the other posters that it won't make a very good daily driver. However they can be a fun reliable car that don't cost alot and offer alot of curb & sex appeal! My buddy is selling his with just 23k miles, for just $11,900. I don't have much experence in values of the replica's, but it seems like a good route to go.

It would be a must to get a garage if you bought one!
Good luck/skill!

[BSC]

We make a speedster without using the bug floorpan and chassis. 1500lbs, 70% stiffer than the original, and 3x the horsepower.

I know a couple of guys that use it as a daily driver, and we're in the process of building a fuel-injected version for November.

www.boulderspeedster.com