Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Coupes & Convertibles Porsche 911 Which Porsche to buy
45 messages, Last post on Nov 29, 2007 at 4:48 AM
You are in the Porsche 911 Forum. Your Host is claires
|
I've had 911's since 1970. All were air cooled with 6 speed. Last one was a 98 cab. I am going to buy a 2008 when they come out. Price is not the primary consideration. Which one should I get, 911, a turbo, 2WD, 4WD, Tip or stick. I know it makes a difference as to what I want to do. Not racing, just as great car to drive aggressively, if I feel like it. I am an older guy so I think I've had all the clutching I need but will I be disappointed in the automatic? Is there really a big difference between 2 and 4WD? Do you need to be a real speed nut to go for the Turbo? I'd like your comments. Any options I should get and those to forget. Also are you concerned that Consumer Reports could not recommend Porsche because of reliablity problems? Have you heard that the 2008 will have some body changes and maybe engine and transmission too? |
|
|
Replying to: philhill (Mar 23, 2007 2:21 pm) 
|
|
|
Replying to: philhill (Mar 23, 2007 2:21 pm) Phil Hill If you are, I am not worthy to respond. If you aren't, you might want to ask your namesake. If he isn't available, my opinion is that I certainly like my C2S Cabriolet and, given the choice, would only consider trading it for a C2S coupe. I would not use the power of the Turbo and I'm not a big fan of the heavier AWD versions. (And, if you are THE Phil Hill, you certainly don't need AWD in Florida). One thing's for sure, you should be able to use your name to get a hell of a discount. 
|
|
|
Replying to: habitat1 (Mar 25, 2007 1:57 am) Phil
|
|
|
Replying to: philhill (Mar 25, 2007 9:28 am) Thanks Andy |
|
|
Replying to: philhill (Mar 25, 2007 9:28 am) I have a 6-speed manual and have never thought for a moment that DC area traffic warranted a Tiptronic. A friend's 996 Turbo had a heavy clutch that was tough to modulate, but the 997 911S is smooth and easy. It really comes down to a personal decision and I've always driven sticks - now that I'm a few days from 50, I probably always will. I still think you need to use your name for a discount. Let the dealer take out an ad, "Phil Hill bought his 911 here, who's next, Michael Schumacher?" slk32amg: The 996 911 (and comparable Boxsters) had a history of rear main seal leaks (RMS). Not sure of the frequency, but an out of warranty repair would be very expensive - in some cases requiring engine replacement. I've heard mixed reports of whether or not that was completely cured for the 997, my dealership has yet to see one come back for it. If you get a 996, you might want to either go for a Porsche certifeid used car or get an extended warranty. Also, from what I understand, the 996 GT3 and Turbo models were not affected by RMS leaks. But they would likely be above your price range. The 993 model was unaffected - but late model 993's cost more than older 996's.
|
|
|
Replying to: philhill (Mar 23, 2007 2:21 pm) I would not get the tiptronic - you will probably regret it. There is a great article on Inside Line about their test drive of a red C2 cab with Tiptronic. Hard-core but not for Porsche puritans: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=115627 If you can, wait until the new F1 style clutch comes out if you absolutely do not want to shift manually. I do not know if it is planned for 2008 MY or 2009 MY. Rumor mill says it will be available on the 2008 MY Turbos. 2008 MY is slated for the newly tweaked front and rear ends. There are photos on Rennteam. Nothing too dramatic but I do not like the changes (esp the rear) but judge for yourself. Also, you never really can tell from spy photos so I'll wait until I see it in the flesh before I finalize my opinion. Don't get the 4WD unless you plan on driving in bad conditions a lot. It adds weight which affects performance. If everyone paid attention to CR we'd all be driving around in Camry's and Prius'. I had my last Porsche for 6+ years and it was very reliable. My only problem with the 997 is that a spare tire is no longer standard. I added the spare tire option to my order so I can have it with me on longer trips where delays are not an option. |
|
| I am looking at buying a 911, 1999 to 2003, but, never having owned one, I am not sure what to expect as to routine maintenance costs and expense of repairs. I have heard from some that if you make sure to do the scheduled maintenance the car will run forever without issue. On the other side, I have heard that even the cost of doing the routine maintenance is expensive. Can you shed some light? | |
|
|
|
Replying to: habitat1 (Mar 26, 2007 2:46 am) I haven't heard anything either on the 997. Too soon to know, but at least you'll have the full warranty if they need to put another engine in there. I think the Turbo and GT3 uses the dry sump engine which may not suffer from this possible issue. Need to check up on that. |
|
|
I am considering buying my first Porsche! I have owned several M3's over the past 10 years and am ready for my dream car. I am thinking about a 996 Turbo (2001 to 2003) or a 2005 Carrera or Carrera S. Costs appear to range for a 50k-60k mile car around $55k to $65k for the 996 Turbo, and about the same cost for 35k mi Carrera. Which one would you buy if cost is nearly the same? If I go with the 996 Turbo... Reviewing the forum, the only key item to look out for is the "rear main seal leak"...what part of the engine is this actually on? Do you need to take it into a dealer to check or simply look underneath as soon as the engine runs and look for a drip? Are there any other key items to check or have a dealer inspect for a 996 Turbo(especially if the car is 1500 mi away)? How about the two turbos and intercoolers? These are expensive replacememt items. How long should they last if serviced properly and not abused? How do you check their condition? All advice is greatly appreciated to speed up my first Porsche find! Regards, Elmar
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Coupes & Convertibles Porsche 911 Which Porsche to buy
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Porsche 911
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
