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Which Porsche to buy

45 messages,  Last post on Nov 29, 2007 at 4:48 AM

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#4 of 45 Re: Which Porsche to buy [habitat1] by philhill Mar 25, 2007 (9:28 am)
Replying to: habitat1 (Mar 25, 2007 1:57 am) Hi Habitat, I get asked that a lot. No I am not the Phil Hill. I as named after my father who was named after a famous Civil War general, Phil Sheridan. Sheridan is my middle name. Again no relation. Thanks for your thoughts. What about stick vs Tip?   Phil Replies to this message: slk32amg (Mar 25, 2007 11:11 am) habitat1 (Mar 26, 2007 2:46 am) Mr_Shiftright (Apr 25, 2007 7:17 pm)
#5 of 45 Re: Which Porsche to buy [philhill] by slk32amg Mar 25, 2007 (11:11 am)
Replying to: philhill (Mar 25, 2007 9:28 am) Hi guys. I own an 02 Mercedes SLK32 AMG. I love the car but have really, really been wanting a 911. I bought a 912 when I was 19 and drove it every day for 10 years before hail destroyed it. It's been a long time since I have really kept up on 911s (almost 20 years) so I need to know what to look for. I really don't want to spend more than about $40 to $45K, and age isn't as important as condition and longevity. I heard that the 996 has some sort of engine problem that you need to watch for. What is it exactly and what other specifics are "must avoid" or "look out for" with particular models between 5 and 15 years old? Any help is appreciated! Thanks Andy
#6 of 45 Re: Which Porsche to buy [philhill] / slk32 by habitat1 Mar 26, 2007 (2:46 am)
Replying to: philhill (Mar 25, 2007 9:28 am) What about stick vs Tip?   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. Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 25, 2007 7:17 pm)
#7 of 45 Re: Which Porsche to buy [philhill] by bwedotnet Mar 26, 2007 (4:38 pm)
Replying to: philhill (Mar 23, 2007 2:21 pm) Phil:   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.
#8 of 45 First Time 911 Buyer by sullydmk Apr 22, 2007 (12:49 pm)
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?
#9 of 45 Re: Which Porsche to buy [philhill] / slk32 [habitat1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 25, 2007 (7:17 pm)
Replying to: habitat1 (Mar 26, 2007 2:46 am) Habitat is absolutely right....on a 996, before you buy one, you MUST check for rear main seal issues. In many cases, the leak is not curable, so if you see a bad leak, don't count on being able to correct it---reject the car immediately. Ditto on a Boxster. Of course, many of these cars never develop the dreaded leak....seems like either it shows early in the car's life or you're okay.   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.
#10 of 45 Should a '01 to '03 996 Turbo or a 2005 Carrera or Carerra S? by superk3 May 26, 2007 (4:01 pm)
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 Replies to this message: habitat1 (May 28, 2007 1:36 pm) fedlawman (May 28, 2007 4:50 pm)
#11 of 45 Re: Should a '01 to '03 996 Turbo or a 2005 Carrera or Carerra S? [superk3] by habitat1 May 28, 2007 (1:36 pm)
Replying to: superk3 (May 26, 2007 4:01 pm) A couple of thoughts:   The 996 Turbo is faster than the 997 Carerra S, but up until about 80+, not by a huge margin. On the other hand I personally like the handling and RWD feel of the 997 Carerra S. The Turbo, with the sport suspension, may match the handling of the 997, but at the expense of your fillings. You should really try to drive both cars to decide which you prefer.   The 996 Turbo does NOT have the RMS leak issue, as I understand it. The 996 Turbo uses a different engine, as does the GT3, and from what I've read, do not have that issue. On the other hand, out of warranty repairs on a 996 Turbo could cost you a bundle. Unless money is not an issue, I would try to find one at a dealer with a Porche certified extended warranty.   The mileage you are quoting seems high - I've seen very few 4-6 year old Turbos advertised with 50k+ miles. More typically, 5,000+/- per year. Neither have I seen any 997's advertised with over 25,000 miles. My 2005 Carerra S at just under 14,000 miles is considered average, according to my dealer.   Before you spend a nickel on anything, drive both cars. Very different, IMO, and a matter of personal preference. Replies to this message: fedlawman (May 28, 2007 4:50 pm)
#12 of 45 Re: Should a '01 to '03 996 Turbo or a 2005 Carrera or Carerra S? [habitat1 by fedlawman May 28, 2007 (4:50 pm)
Replying to: habitat1 (May 28, 2007 1:36 pm) Just curious, is it just the 996 Carrera's that are wet sump (the turbo and GT3 are dry sump)?   What about the 993 and 997?
#13 of 45 Re: Which Porsche to buy [philhill] by ringleader6 May 29, 2007 (4:10 pm)
Replying to: philhill (Mar 23, 2007 2:21 pm) Lets get one thing up front..... all of the 997 Porsch's are fast, real fast, including the base models. I cannot see any real world advantage for the all wheel drive unless you have a driver in a snow zone. Otherwise it is excess money and weight. As for the tip or 6 speed, do not be embarrassed to drive a tip, I have had two and love them. Now drive a 07 S. The tip is basically a four speed auto because it never uses first unless you really romp on it. But again, it is fast, real fast. It does take a little getting used to if you drive it hard due to it holding in gears, but you can drive it on the freeway, place it in manual, and kick butt without it being able to kick down into passing gear, just sheer power. They only produce about 4% in tips, so when you are ready to trade they demand a premium. Replies to this message: habitat1 (May 30, 2007 1:53 am) philhill (May 30, 2007 6:34 am) ringleader6 (May 30, 2007 4:02 pm)

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