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Which Porsche to buy

45 messages,  Last post on Nov 29, 2007 at 5:48 AM

You are in the Porsche 911 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Porsche 911, Performance Mods, Convertible

Messages Page 5 of 5

#36 of 45 Re: 993 vs 996? [bullethead] by fedlawman

Sep 16, 2007 (2:34 pm)

Replying to: bullethead (Sep 16, 2007 11:45 am)
Many Porsche enthusiasts prefer the 993 to the 996. They consider the 996 too dumbed down - soft and comfortable at the expense of performance. I remember the first time I drove a 996, I thought it felt more like a Honda Accord than a Porsche 911.
 
Many would also argue that the 993 is better built. Higher quality materials and sturdier (pre-CAD) design make for a Porsche that is over-engineered and will likely perform and last longer than the 996.
 
Look at the used Porsche market to see how much in demand clean 993's are - they command a price premium over the newer 996, in spite of their age and mileage. The 996, like the Boxster, is something of an also-ran in the Porsche lineup - there are still a lot of enthusiasts who think that it isn't a real Porsche unless it's air cooled.

#37 of 45 Re: 07' coupe [trome] by skobola

Sep 16, 2007 (10:31 pm)

Replying to: trome (Sep 09, 2007 5:03 pm)
Trome, where did you get such a good deal ($8k below MSRP)? Can you share the name of the dealership or whatever other information that you are comfortable sharing. Just for your reference, I would not even want the power seats, just a plain C2 with metallic paint, which MSRP would be $73,885.
Thanks.

#38 of 45 Re: 993 vs 996? [bullethead] by habitat1

Sep 17, 2007 (5:26 am)

Replying to: bullethead (Sep 16, 2007 11:45 am)
With all due respect to fedlawman, I think he is being excessively harsh on the 996.
 
While it is true that many long time "enthusiasts" prefer the 993 to the 996, a big part of the resale value equation is supply and demand. I don't have the actual production numbers handy, but at the time they introduced the 996, Porsche also considerably ramped up production and export of the 911 to the US. It's a lot harder to find a pristine 993 than a 996.
 
The 993 was the last of the air cooled 911's, giving it a sound and feel that is more "raw" than the 996. However, in actual objective perfomance, the 996 was hardly a step backward. In fact, the power and torque of the 996 Turbo exceeded what was possible in an air cooled engine, and allowed for modifications which further increased the output. A friend's former 2002 Turbo, with some "easy" modifications, had 550 hp and torque at the wheels. It was capable of 0-60 in the mid 3's and a sub 11 second quarter mile, both on par or ahead of a Carrera GT and well beyond what could be achieved in a 993 Turbo. Not much in common with a Honda Accord in that ride.
 
Subjectively, the 996 got knocked for perhaps the worst design revisions of the 911 evolution. The "fried egg" headlamps, narrower rear end (on non-turbo models) and a few other design features made it look less distinctive and attractive than the 993 in the eyes of many, yours truly included. Fortunately, the 997 regains the round headlings, wider stance and a much improved interior over either the 993 or 996.
 
As a classic, semi-collector's car, the 993 will likely continue to retain its value better than the more prolificly produced 996. But if you are looking for a car to drive daily rather than to take out on weekends to Porsche car club events, I think a 4-5 year old 996 (with an extended warranty) might be a better bet than an 11-12 year old 993. Especially if they are the same price.
 
Lastly, the other urban legend is that Porsche quality suffered, post air-cooled 993. The 996 did have the RMS leak problem, but that should be able to be warranteed over, if you are considering a 2003 model. But, with an 11+ year old 993, as well built as it was, you are on your own for repairs. And it has only been in the last 2 years that Porsche replaced Lexus in the top spot on JD Power's IQS list.

#39 of 45 911 carrera vs cayman S by ydv

Sep 17, 2007 (11:12 am)

this may have been discussed before (my apologies). I am trying to decide between a 911 carrera and cayman s. A demo or slightly used carrera (07) is mid 70s it seems while a new cayman s is mid 60s or so (maybe a little less).
 
curious to hear peoples thoughts on this.

#40 of 45 Re: 911 carrera vs cayman S [ydv] by habitat1

Sep 17, 2007 (1:42 pm)

Replying to: ydv (Sep 17, 2007 11:12 am)
My dilemma in September 2005 was between a 911 Cab and Boxster S. I ended going with a 911S Cab at about a $35k premium over the Boxster S. The 911 works for our entire family (2 daughters 7 &10 at the time), which was a big part of the decision. However, the 911S (355 hp) was also considerably more powerful than the Boxster S (280 hp) and you could really feel the difference. The Boxster S wasn't significantly quicker than my former S2000. The 911S was in a different league.
 
The Cayman S is a great car. If you are single, and/or never want to carry more than 1 passenger, it would certainly be a fine choice. And now with 295 hp, it narrows the gap a bit. But the 911 is a great car and I have never looked back. Test drive the heck out of them. It's really a decision only you can make.

#41 of 45 Porsche 2008 model: 911 Carrera vs. 911: 4? by kelf

Sep 18, 2007 (6:28 pm)

What are the exact differences between these two models beyond the price?

#42 of 45 which 911 C2 or targa 4 by bmw650ci

Sep 23, 2007 (7:01 pm)

Hello,
 
well after 7 months in my bmw 650, I still long for a more sporty feel. I am wanting to get into that 911 now.
 
I have never owned a porsche.
have had 4 bmw's and one MB.
 
My question is which 911 is recommend. I need a daily driver and wanted the manual, if not too much a hassle.
 
Also, don't like the convertible look, but am considering the targa versus C2.
 
Any advice would be appreciated.
thanks,
 
Steve

#43 of 45 Porsche 911 by fedlawman

Sep 24, 2007 (2:58 am)

OK, when talking about "regular 911's" (not the turbo or GT3 models), there are basically only 4 different kinds.
 
The Carerra and Carerra S are Rear Wheel drive, and the Carerra 4 and Carerra 4S are All Wheel drive.
 
The difference between the S and non-S model is 30 HP and a few standard features.
 
All 4 of these models are available as a Coupe or Cabriolet. Only the 4 and 4S can be had as a Targa.
 
Spend about 10 seconds at www.Porsche.com/usa/ and you'll find all of this info (plus a lot more).

#44 of 45 Need Help Finding a Used 911 by dbarton7

Nov 24, 2007 (8:01 am)

Hi there.
 
I am in the market for a used 911 in the $35K range.
 
Since I was a kid I always wanted one and now I have finally saved up enough cash to take leap but I do not know much about the various models and the pros and cons of each.
 
I want one that I can drive on weekends and that will give me the least amount of mechanical problems.
 
Can you please recommends which models I should focus on and the best places to look online for them?
 
Thanks,
D

#45 of 45 Re: Need Help Finding a Used 911 [dbarton7] by spiritinthesky

Nov 29, 2007 (5:48 am)

Replying to: dbarton7 (Nov 24, 2007 8:01 am)
Since I was a kid I always wanted one and now I have finally saved up enough cash to take leap
 
How much of a "leap" are you prepared to take in terms of maintenance and potential repairs?
 
$35k is a fair amount of money to spend on a used car. But that's only part of the story with a 996 model 911. You have fairly expensive routine maintenance requirements and the possibility of significant repair expenses. An earlier air cooled 993 model is a better "classic", and generally reliable, but still poses the potential of significant reapirs and parts are often a multi-week wait.
 
My recommendation is that you budget $40-$45k for a car, find one to buy for $35k and put at least $5k, if not $10k into an unexpected repair fund. A Schwab or Fidelity checking account pays 4-5%+ interest. If, over the course of ownership, you do not deplete the fund, great - you can carry it forward to your next car. But at least you won't be dipping into juniors college fund or some other account to keep the car on the road.
 
Saving up just enough to buy a used $35k 911 and then being upset when you have an expensive brake job or clutch replacement is no fun. You should be in a position to enjoy such a discretionary purchase.
 
Last recommendation is to get on a first name, friendly basis with a good Porsche mechanic and have them do a pre-purchase inspection of the car. The first expenditure out of your repair account should probably be a case of beer or nice bottle of wine for the mechanic. Hopefully, you won't see him frequently, but it's good insurance to have someone in the wings that isn't going to take you to the cleaners.

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