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Coupes & Convertibles Porsche 911 Which Porsche to buy
45 messages, Last post on Nov 29, 2007 at 4:48 AM
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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
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Replying to: superk3 (May 26, 2007 4:01 pm) 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.
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Replying to: habitat1 (May 28, 2007 1:36 pm) What about the 993 and 997? |
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Replying to: philhill (Mar 23, 2007 2:21 pm)
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Replying to: ringleader6 (May 29, 2007 4:10 pm) I think that is geographic, because it doesn't appear to be true in my area (DC). The Tiptronic is a $3,420 option that, at my dealership and others in the DC area, seems to result in the car being worth LESS than a 6-speed on the resale market. At least with respect to the 997 911S and 996 Turbo models. Even the Cayman S with Tiptronic is a tough re-sell in my area. Also, I would agree with you that all of the 997's are fast. But, that said, the performance "penalty" for the tiptronic is about the same as the "gain" in going from a base model to an "S". I respect that for some, the convenience is worth it. But for anyone who has driven a super-stiff clutch 996 Turbo and thinks that's what a 997 911S would be like, you owe yourself a test drive. The 997S 6-speed is as easy to modulate and use as any I've driven. There isn't a bad (or slow) choice in the 911 line-up - just get the one that's right for you.
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Replying to: habitat1 (May 30, 2007 1:53 am) philhill
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Replying to: philhill (May 30, 2007 6:34 am) |
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Replying to: philhill (Mar 23, 2007 2:21 pm)
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Replying to: habu (May 31, 2007 6:06 pm) The old words of wisdom apply here " If it ain't broken, don't fix it ". If the RMS was such as easy fix, the issue would not haven been beaten into the ground here on this forum, as well as all the others. My understanding is that if the seal is not placed in perfectly " square " it will leak. The Porsche company has replaced complete engines under warranty on the RMS issue. Even if it leaked just a little, you'll probably burn more oil that you'd loose; I don't care how good your mechanic is, you never get the car back to original factory fit once things have been removed. These are just my opinions from varied experiences with mechanics... that's why I always change my own oil, Jiffy Lube won't cut it.. People will tell you that the 997 has resolved the RMS issue, ( I have an 06' C2S ) that will yet to be seen. Again , the little ditty about opinions....they are just like a-holes everybody has one. Good luck CHromedome...enjoy the car, they are a kick!!
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Replying to: chrmdome (May 31, 2007 7:39 pm) A man after my own heart. Have you changed the oil in your 911 yourself? If so, can you refer me to any source for directions? As a side note, we were at our second home over Memorial Day and when driving my old 1995 Nissan Maxima, I got pulled over for an expired inspection sticker. As I was fumbling to get the registration card for the officer, he saw my "Mileage Log" book that I kept in the glove compartment and asked to look at it. As he looked at it, he commented, "My God, you've changed your own oil in this car 42 times??". With that he let me go with a warning, but only with my promise that I would call him first before I ever sell the car. (The car has 155,000 miles and runs like new) 
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