A newb Pistonhead and aspiring 911 owner
Discussion
This is my first post on PH so apologies in advance for any newb errors!
After a happy 3 year period where I put 75k miles on a Boxster S, I have mainly been riding my motorcycles and bicycles.
After looking admiringly at 911s from afar, I have driven SWMBO to the point where I am cleared to buy one and have been told to get on with it. Budget is £30kish and with a strong preference for a Cabrio.
My early travelling infanthood was spent on the parcel shelf at the back of my parents Beetle, and later touring Europe in their VW variant and then VW camper vans, and I now ride a bmw 1150gs and a Hardly Electraglide (long way of saying 'I love the air-cooled sound').
But my practical side recognises that for this budget and for performance I would be better buying a 996 or 997 rather than a 993. So I have spent some time reading all the wise counsel (and strongly held views) on different models, and am considering a 996 turbo.
One which caught my eye (even if it is a budget buster and with shockingly mustard upholstery!) is this:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Appreciate any reactions, advice, inevitable taking of the Michael etc ;-)
Simon
After a happy 3 year period where I put 75k miles on a Boxster S, I have mainly been riding my motorcycles and bicycles.
After looking admiringly at 911s from afar, I have driven SWMBO to the point where I am cleared to buy one and have been told to get on with it. Budget is £30kish and with a strong preference for a Cabrio.
My early travelling infanthood was spent on the parcel shelf at the back of my parents Beetle, and later touring Europe in their VW variant and then VW camper vans, and I now ride a bmw 1150gs and a Hardly Electraglide (long way of saying 'I love the air-cooled sound').
But my practical side recognises that for this budget and for performance I would be better buying a 996 or 997 rather than a 993. So I have spent some time reading all the wise counsel (and strongly held views) on different models, and am considering a 996 turbo.
One which caught my eye (even if it is a budget buster and with shockingly mustard upholstery!) is this:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Appreciate any reactions, advice, inevitable taking of the Michael etc ;-)
Simon
mollytherocker said:
35k tops in my view.
I agree with MTR. About 18 months ago my neighbour offered me his 05 996 Turbo S for £30k as this is what he had been offered in the trade. I wasn't ready to go at the time so had to pass. The dealer put it straight up for £40k and it stuck for a few weeks. It probably sold for nearer 35k eventually.I expect there are similar maths going on here. If I were you I'd go and look it at and whet both yours and the dealer's appetites.
As others have said, the interior colour is its sticking point but actually contrasts well with the black. I think if you're a cabriolet person then you're probably a bit more flamboyant then the average tin top 911 driver and you'd easily pull off the look. After all, the original owner did for nearly 10 years.
Go for it!
Thank you all for the welcome and the encouragement.
So I may well go and have a look.
Another newb question: how would I go about getting an independent (PPI?) inspection?
I am planning to take my time to buy, thinking there will be more car for the money if I look over the autumn/winter period...but of course many have said that and then bought on the impulse!
Thanks again for the feedback and advice.
Simon
So I may well go and have a look.
Another newb question: how would I go about getting an independent (PPI?) inspection?
I am planning to take my time to buy, thinking there will be more car for the money if I look over the autumn/winter period...but of course many have said that and then bought on the impulse!
Thanks again for the feedback and advice.
Simon
Welcome Simon, exciting times eh. 
I personally wouldn't bother with a PPI if I were buying from the likes of 911V or RSJ. They stand by their cars and customers very well and resolve things quickly should any issues crop up.
You probably already know but RSJ don't offer test drives. It seems to bug some people but I can see why if you have a car sat prepped to a high standard ready to go.
Anyway good luck in your search.
I personally wouldn't bother with a PPI if I were buying from the likes of 911V or RSJ. They stand by their cars and customers very well and resolve things quickly should any issues crop up.
You probably already know but RSJ don't offer test drives. It seems to bug some people but I can see why if you have a car sat prepped to a high standard ready to go.
Anyway good luck in your search.
WindyMiller67 said:
As others have said, the interior colour is its sticking point but actually contrasts well with the black. I think if you're a cabriolet person then you're probably a bit more flamboyant then the average tin top 911 driver and you'd easily pull off the look. After all, the original owner did for nearly 10 years.
The original lady owner The interior is possibly worse than marmite, some people love marmite, I fear it will put off 80% of the market! will sell eventually but I would paying well under the average price for a black/black car (well i wouldn't but you get my point)
"The interior is possibly worse than marmite, some people love marmite, I fear it will put off 80% of the market! will sell eventually but I would paying well under the average price for a black/black car (well i wouldn't but you get my point)."
The average price for black/black being, in your view, £??
I found the car I wanted...
http://www.rsjsportscars.co.uk/showroom_details.ph...
Or rather, thought I wanted!
As I reached for my debit card in Slough on Friday afternoon to pay a deposit on this immaculate car, having reviewed the diagnostics in detail and read all the good feedback on RSJ and Joel, I decided to sleep on it (the purchase, rather than the car!)
So Saturday morning I did my usual cycle through Hampshire roads. As I dodged the potholes and the flints and other pebbles, I realised that an immaculate, totally (stone rather than technology) un-chipped car like this, with shiny 19" tyres, and bucket loads of power, was NOT the answer.
So back to the drawing board!
Starting to think about 993 or earlier, preferable a car which is mechanically sound but only average paintwork etc - a daily driver that I can park in a car park without worrying about the slightest mark. And whilst I started looking for a cabrio, I think that the coupe is so much better looking that I may be heading that direction too! I am not concerned about massive bhp, and might even consider a tip tropic so SWMBO would be happy driving it too.
Is this like searching for a unicorn?
Welcome usual guidance, abuse, joshing etc from the great intellects who frequent PH . ;-)
Simon
And if anyone is looking for a 997 4s cabrio, Joel has a beauty there if he has not sold it already!
http://www.rsjsportscars.co.uk/showroom_details.ph...
Or rather, thought I wanted!
As I reached for my debit card in Slough on Friday afternoon to pay a deposit on this immaculate car, having reviewed the diagnostics in detail and read all the good feedback on RSJ and Joel, I decided to sleep on it (the purchase, rather than the car!)
So Saturday morning I did my usual cycle through Hampshire roads. As I dodged the potholes and the flints and other pebbles, I realised that an immaculate, totally (stone rather than technology) un-chipped car like this, with shiny 19" tyres, and bucket loads of power, was NOT the answer.
So back to the drawing board!
Starting to think about 993 or earlier, preferable a car which is mechanically sound but only average paintwork etc - a daily driver that I can park in a car park without worrying about the slightest mark. And whilst I started looking for a cabrio, I think that the coupe is so much better looking that I may be heading that direction too! I am not concerned about massive bhp, and might even consider a tip tropic so SWMBO would be happy driving it too.
Is this like searching for a unicorn?
Welcome usual guidance, abuse, joshing etc from the great intellects who frequent PH . ;-)
Simon
And if anyone is looking for a 997 4s cabrio, Joel has a beauty there if he has not sold it already!
993s are usually mechanically sound.
The cam-covers start to weep but I'm struggling to come up with anything else, and that's just a gasket - the cost of repair is due to lack of access to the upper covers.
Hydraulic tappets can 'go', but again it's not a major-cost 'problem'.
The suspension may well need a refresh, because if it is in poor condition you will wonder what the fuss is about, think the car dreadfully overrated, and sell it on.
Once you get it to your taste, however.....
They can rust (badly) around the screens due to a somewhat poor design re drainage in the lower corners (easy to spot on inspection), and the rear chassis legs due to a poorly painted mud-trap (which you can't easily see) but neither are life or death issues.
The cam-covers start to weep but I'm struggling to come up with anything else, and that's just a gasket - the cost of repair is due to lack of access to the upper covers.
Hydraulic tappets can 'go', but again it's not a major-cost 'problem'.
The suspension may well need a refresh, because if it is in poor condition you will wonder what the fuss is about, think the car dreadfully overrated, and sell it on.
Once you get it to your taste, however.....
They can rust (badly) around the screens due to a somewhat poor design re drainage in the lower corners (easy to spot on inspection), and the rear chassis legs due to a poorly painted mud-trap (which you can't easily see) but neither are life or death issues.
Simonabowles said:
"The interior is possibly worse than marmite, some people love marmite, I fear it will put off 80% of the market! will sell eventually but I would paying well under the average price for a black/black car (well i wouldn't but you get my point)."
The average price for black/black being, in your view, £??
32-33 but irrelevant now it seemsThe average price for black/black being, in your view, £??
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