BMW M4 and Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (996)
Discussion
For the last 18 months or so, I have mainly been enjoying a BMW M4 which is fun and also a handful! As we know, they're very well built and a reasonable place to spend any amount of time.
Recently I started coveting something a little more old school that wasn't quite so loud and shouty as the Beemer...so with that said, I considered many options, but ultimately I decided on an old 911. With my budget, and as I decided to keep the M4 for main duties, I could only really look at the 'unloved' 996 variant and I was getting slightly disheartened at some of the cars kicking around at the lower end of the market. Then after an evening of red wine I spotted this older 3.4 at a reasonably local garage...I went to see it and if I'm honest, it's quite tired in places but overall looked generally solid. It also came with a detailed history file including the last owner for 17 years so a deal was made.
First impressions are that I understand now why the 911 is so well regarded, lovely thing to drive and still turns heads even at 21 years old.
If anyone can recommend a good specialist in the Lincolnshire area or close by, as well as any worthwhile mods it would be appreciated. The first job will be the MAF sensor as the idle is a bit lumpy and probably some suspension work as it's a little tired but other than that let me know your thoughts.
It would also seem I have a liking for dark blue cars...
Recently I started coveting something a little more old school that wasn't quite so loud and shouty as the Beemer...so with that said, I considered many options, but ultimately I decided on an old 911. With my budget, and as I decided to keep the M4 for main duties, I could only really look at the 'unloved' 996 variant and I was getting slightly disheartened at some of the cars kicking around at the lower end of the market. Then after an evening of red wine I spotted this older 3.4 at a reasonably local garage...I went to see it and if I'm honest, it's quite tired in places but overall looked generally solid. It also came with a detailed history file including the last owner for 17 years so a deal was made.
First impressions are that I understand now why the 911 is so well regarded, lovely thing to drive and still turns heads even at 21 years old.
If anyone can recommend a good specialist in the Lincolnshire area or close by, as well as any worthwhile mods it would be appreciated. The first job will be the MAF sensor as the idle is a bit lumpy and probably some suspension work as it's a little tired but other than that let me know your thoughts.
It would also seem I have a liking for dark blue cars...
I have done a very similar thing myself. I have owned my BMW M2 for nearly 4 years now 37K on the clock and has been a great daily but like the M4 its a bit shouty and becoming tired of the unrewarding turn of pace. So 3 months ago I added an 987 Porsche Cayman S to the garage, and despite what the internet would have you believe its hasn't blown itself up. I find the 16 year old car much more rewarding to drive on a daily basis. Finally one thing that I have fallen back in love with is the turning of a car key !!
Rethw said:
I have done a very similar thing myself. I have owned my BMW M2 for nearly 4 years now 37K on the clock and has been a great daily but like the M4 its a bit shouty and becoming tired of the unrewarding turn of pace. So 3 months ago I added an 987 Porsche Cayman S to the garage, and despite what the internet would have you believe its hasn't blown itself up. I find the 16 year old car much more rewarding to drive on a daily basis. Finally one thing that I have fallen back in love with is the turning of a car key !!
I totally get where you're coming from. Weird isn't it? A lot of the manufacturers have lost sight of what makes a car special, in pursuit of outright speed which the M2 and M4 are very capable at.
Lovely cars OP.
I totally get your “analog” cravings in fact analog is all I do.
Nothing wrong with a 996 and a simple C2 is one of the sweetest 911s to drive as long as the suspension is in good order.
They have a massive following now and there’s so much you can do to them to make them more focussed.
Here’s my old C2 when I bought it. Black version of yours basically -
And when I finished it (sold now), GT3 Aerokit, KW V3s, everything overhauled basically. -
Edited to add -
I take it you’ve seen the “what makes an early 3.4” in the Porsche forum. Lots of chat on there.
You’re better off with the 3.4 than the 3.6 too.
Get on 911uk as there are plenty of owners and ownership/modding threads.
I totally get your “analog” cravings in fact analog is all I do.
Nothing wrong with a 996 and a simple C2 is one of the sweetest 911s to drive as long as the suspension is in good order.
They have a massive following now and there’s so much you can do to them to make them more focussed.
Here’s my old C2 when I bought it. Black version of yours basically -
And when I finished it (sold now), GT3 Aerokit, KW V3s, everything overhauled basically. -
Edited to add -
I take it you’ve seen the “what makes an early 3.4” in the Porsche forum. Lots of chat on there.
You’re better off with the 3.4 than the 3.6 too.
Get on 911uk as there are plenty of owners and ownership/modding threads.
Edited by marky911 on Thursday 23 September 21:39
Cheers for the comments.
After driving it for a week it's definitely the better B road car, much more enjoyable to hustle along a country road than the M4. The BMW is definitely the car for the longer journey due to comfort and all round ability. I love both cars for different reasons but the Porsche is definitely a keeper.
After driving it for a week it's definitely the better B road car, much more enjoyable to hustle along a country road than the M4. The BMW is definitely the car for the longer journey due to comfort and all round ability. I love both cars for different reasons but the Porsche is definitely a keeper.
Another ( dark met ) blue fan here ( both of my Griffs, XC-90 and Discovery are dk blue ) that colour really sets it off !
The way too common silver does nothing for the 996 shape.
About 18 months ago, after a long search which involved lots of travelling looking at many, way ££ over priced old shunter 996 Turbos, I very nearly bought a really nice black / black 2002 996T, I offered £32,500, but he wanted £36, in hindsight I am very glad that he didn’t accept my offer.
I’ve been looking on and off @ early 996s for the last few months as a replacement for the Griff.
Any idea of it’s options spec ?
The way too common silver does nothing for the 996 shape.
About 18 months ago, after a long search which involved lots of travelling looking at many, way ££ over priced old shunter 996 Turbos, I very nearly bought a really nice black / black 2002 996T, I offered £32,500, but he wanted £36, in hindsight I am very glad that he didn’t accept my offer.
I’ve been looking on and off @ early 996s for the last few months as a replacement for the Griff.
Any idea of it’s options spec ?
Edited by neutral 3 on Friday 1st October 20:00
neutral 3 said:
Another ( dark met ) blue fan here ( both of my Griffs, XC-90 and Discovery are dk blue ) that colour really sets it off !
The way too common silver does nothing for the 996 shape.
About 18 months ago, after a long search which involved looking a many over ££ priced old shunter 996 Turbos, I very nearly bought a 2002 996T, but very glad that I didn’t.
I’ve been looking on and off @ early 996s for the last few months as a replacement for the Griff.
Any idea of it’s options spec ?
This one seems to have been heavily optioned up, heated seats, sat nav, extended leather and electric everything including some basic reversing sensors. Mine is also Tiptronic (due to my occasional joint issues) and the manual is I would guess the better drivers car. I think you'd find it quite slow compared to the Griff but I was after more of a cruiser so it suits me fine. The way too common silver does nothing for the 996 shape.
About 18 months ago, after a long search which involved looking a many over ££ priced old shunter 996 Turbos, I very nearly bought a 2002 996T, but very glad that I didn’t.
I’ve been looking on and off @ early 996s for the last few months as a replacement for the Griff.
Any idea of it’s options spec ?
Sounds like someone ticked a lot of the option list. Any idea what that blue is called ?
Back in 2007 I had a banker customer who wanted out of his bought new 2002 996. It was black metalic with tan sports leather, non sunroof car as well. I really wanted that car, but it was too expensive for me @ the time.
Back in 2007 I had a banker customer who wanted out of his bought new 2002 996. It was black metalic with tan sports leather, non sunroof car as well. I really wanted that car, but it was too expensive for me @ the time.
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