not downgrade in term of comfort and NVH 

Personally speaking, I wouldn't mind driving whatever brand, as long as I like that car.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a stick shift for a weekend toy in Sydney. My Cayenne is obviously Tiptronic, and I don't know what got into my head when I opted for PDK in my 911 GTS (actually, I do know what got into my head - the faster 0-100kmh timing: 3.4s vs 4.0s).

So, I kinda have an itch for a manual that I'm trying hard not to scratch (but I know I will fail).

For that, I have 3 candidates in mind:

1. Stick with the Porsche brand: a 718 Boxster in manual - BUT, that's on its last legs, with an all EV platform replacement round the corner

2. Go back to BMW (the M2 still comes in manual) - but, the M2 is really, erm, shall I diplomatically say, an acquired taste in the looks department right now

3. Go for an MX-5

3 different brands, and one might argue that a BMW or a Mazda is a step down from Porsche, but as long as the driver gets his quota of enjoyment, who cares!

Roof -> 992 911 S/T, only available in Manual!
No Roof -> 718 Spyder RS (technically is a speedster with attachable umbrella, not convertible  ), only available in PDK

It is final party for 9000rpm NA, at least play a few years before sell them, unfortunately my all in can only buy a base 718 (meaning I can't afford it, it is too big of a trade off)

Roof -> 992 911 S/T, only available in Manual!

I can never justify buying a 992 S/T - because I won't dare to take it out and use it like it was meant to be driven.

Watched 2 Jason 1 car? Lol
If i can afford it, you damn well guarantee it'll be driven hard.

Otherwise no point buying it as a garage queen/prop.
That's wastage to me and i don't like wasting.

Bro.... you have expensive tastes hahaha.

I know, that hat I want is alway larger than my head.

It is about the experience, not the brand itself.

It is not justifiable to put on a set of wheel that cost 15% of the car when the car was brand new, I went ahead anyway.
I'm curious what is the impact. Turn out to be super satisfying, and I'm asking for more!

Now I know if one day I can afford the Porsche, I know I will pick PCCB and upgrade BBS/IPE/Manthey Racing wheel. I sorta know how to expect, it is a never ending learning/exploration process.

That’s also because you have the skills to exploit the potential of the car bro.

I just enjoy the cruise and imagine how it would have been like if I had the money 25 years ago … as opposed to being moneyed now

Can't afford fancy cars like honda, toyota, proton x70, merc, bmw...etc

Now only drive my trusted Isuzu pickup truck for daily use and hopefully until retirement.

Nobody says "Wow" to Isuzu brand and I'm happy that my car's brand is not associated with status symbol.

My last car was an E250 coupe 2012, it was fun to drive but the last 3 months things started going wrong like turbo KO, oil leaks, ecu acting up, creaking suspension, etc.
So decided to sell and found a buyer who loved the condition and drove off after transferring funds.
So I set my eyes firmly on the Civic FE turbo but then discovered the hybrid version which I immediately bought after getting a very good discount and swift delivery. No regrets shifting from a conti to a jap. Easy to drive with great fuel economy plus fantastic acceleration.
Now to live with it for 5+ years before thinking of changing.

H, T and Proton X70 are not fancy cars ler...these are normal cars for the masses.
When I retire, I will downsize to either of these brands.
A HRV or a WRV would a nice daily runabout.

Can't afford fancy cars like honda, toyota, proton x70, merc, bmw...etc

Now only drive my trusted Isuzu pickup truck for daily use and hopefully until retirement.

Nobody says "Wow" to Isuzu brand and I'm happy that my car's brand is not associated with status symbol.

H, T and Proton X70 are not fancy cars ler...these are normal cars for the masses.
When I retire, I will downsize to either of these brands.
A HRV or a WRV would a nice daily runabout.

Come buy x70 used or from fb group at very good condition, warranty intact, mileage low proof at SC. Make sure it is CKD cz the current tech of DCT gb. Price now is affordable. To drive long distance in this car is great, NVH is good. Cons, city drive fuel consumption is high if push the acceleration but drive sedately can get 8.5-9L/100km by meter, push more can hit 12L/100km at city drive