968 CS - buying advice and experiences
Discussion
Hi
I am looking at a couple of 968 CSs and was hoping to get some feedback and advice from people who have or had one. I want a car for weekend/occasional use and will probably do half a dozen track days next year. I have previously had a few 911s and done quite a few track days so while not new to Porsche ownership I haven't looked at 968s in detail before. I have read quite a bit about them, especially the CS so it has always been on my must do list.
Main questions in my mind are:
1. Coming from a 911, am I likely to find the car a little light on characher? I understand they handle fantastically which is the main attraction and I am not looking for something fast in a straight line.
2. Other than the normal precautions of checking service history, accident damage, condition, originality etc are there specific things I should look for or be aware of? I hear the cambelts and tensioners need to be done every 40k miles and costs about a grand. Are there any other specific known major service bills or weak points to look out for?
3. What are the running costs like compared to a 911? Similar I assume. Any big bills to watch out for or have the previous owner pay for? Are they generally rust free?
4. Are there any Porsche specialists who are particularly good with 968s in the West London area? Any good forums worth looking at? Can anyone point me in the direction of a recent buyers guide?
A large part of the appeal of the car is that it is not expensive to buy, moderatley quick and handles very well so should be fun for the odd Sunday morning blast and a great trackday learning tool. I would love to hear more about them or do you think I should be looking at another 911 (eg 3.2 or 964 for a little more money?).
Thanks for your help.
I am looking at a couple of 968 CSs and was hoping to get some feedback and advice from people who have or had one. I want a car for weekend/occasional use and will probably do half a dozen track days next year. I have previously had a few 911s and done quite a few track days so while not new to Porsche ownership I haven't looked at 968s in detail before. I have read quite a bit about them, especially the CS so it has always been on my must do list.
Main questions in my mind are:
1. Coming from a 911, am I likely to find the car a little light on characher? I understand they handle fantastically which is the main attraction and I am not looking for something fast in a straight line.
2. Other than the normal precautions of checking service history, accident damage, condition, originality etc are there specific things I should look for or be aware of? I hear the cambelts and tensioners need to be done every 40k miles and costs about a grand. Are there any other specific known major service bills or weak points to look out for?
3. What are the running costs like compared to a 911? Similar I assume. Any big bills to watch out for or have the previous owner pay for? Are they generally rust free?
4. Are there any Porsche specialists who are particularly good with 968s in the West London area? Any good forums worth looking at? Can anyone point me in the direction of a recent buyers guide?
A large part of the appeal of the car is that it is not expensive to buy, moderatley quick and handles very well so should be fun for the odd Sunday morning blast and a great trackday learning tool. I would love to hear more about them or do you think I should be looking at another 911 (eg 3.2 or 964 for a little more money?).
Thanks for your help.
I've had lots of 911's and a 968CS once when building our house - they are great little cars and buying the right one can be very cost effective Porsche ownership. They handle really well and are a shed load of fun.
BUT....
They are not a 911 and they are absent of all the things that make a 911 feel so special and emotive....so I bought a 964RS and then a GT3...to make up for it.
Personally I'd not buy another 68 and I'd buy a cracking 64 that has most things sorted on it.....
Just my 2peneth...
BUT....
They are not a 911 and they are absent of all the things that make a 911 feel so special and emotive....so I bought a 964RS and then a GT3...to make up for it.
Personally I'd not buy another 68 and I'd buy a cracking 64 that has most things sorted on it.....
Just my 2peneth...
Jedi Knight said:
Hi
I am looking at a couple of 968 CSs and was hoping to get some feedback and advice from people who have or had one. I want a car for weekend/occasional use and will probably do half a dozen track days next year. I have previously had a few 911s and done quite a few track days so while not new to Porsche ownership I haven't looked at 968s in detail before. I have read quite a bit about them, especially the CS so it has always been on my must do list.
Main questions in my mind are:
1. Coming from a 911, am I likely to find the car a little light on characher? I understand they handle fantastically which is the main attraction and I am not looking for something fast in a straight line.
I am looking at a couple of 968 CSs and was hoping to get some feedback and advice from people who have or had one. I want a car for weekend/occasional use and will probably do half a dozen track days next year. I have previously had a few 911s and done quite a few track days so while not new to Porsche ownership I haven't looked at 968s in detail before. I have read quite a bit about them, especially the CS so it has always been on my must do list.
Main questions in my mind are:
1. Coming from a 911, am I likely to find the car a little light on characher? I understand they handle fantastically which is the main attraction and I am not looking for something fast in a straight line.
I have a 964RS and a CS and the CS is a very nice car. 50:50 weight split meens it is easy to drive. The M030 car is much better for track work. Normal CS rolls to much. cost in some KW3 suspension and uprated M030 roll bars if you get a standard CS. Also buy one with Recaro Bucket seats and LSD for track work. I got a bolt in cage too. It really needs LSD M220 spec.
Jedi Knight said:
2. Other than the normal precautions of checking service history, accident damage, condition, originality etc are there specific things I should look for or be aware of? I hear the cambelts and tensioners need to be done every 40k miles and costs about a grand. Are there any other specific known major service bills or weak points to look out for?
The Gertag gearbox was torqued by robots and they overtightened the bearings so look for fully rebuild on the gearbox. The chains on the camshafts are a weak point so need changed every 60K with new tensioner pads. Belts are only £350-£500 to change. Make sure it is done every 5 years independent of mileage. Plate lift is a good excuse to upgrade to GTS calipers on the front and 993TT discs. You need a converter if you don't have M030 spindles.
Jedi Knight said:
3. What are the running costs like compared to a 911? Similar I assume. Any big bills to watch out for or have the previous owner pay for? Are they generally rust free?
Less than running a 964. No rust problems to worry about.
Jedi Knight said:
4. Are there any Porsche specialists who are particularly good with 968s in the West London area? Any good forums worth looking at? Can anyone point me in the direction of a recent buyers guide?
Try asking on 968uk.com
Jedi Knight said:
A large part of the appeal of the car is that it is not expensive to buy, moderatley quick and handles very well so should be fun for the odd Sunday morning blast and a great trackday learning tool. I would love to hear more about them or do you think I should be looking at another 911 (eg 3.2 or 964 for a little more money?).
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
I have a mint 968CS and find it superb on the road (I have adjustable Konis all round and Bridgestone S02s) but not that fast on a quick track (great feedback though. I have never run a 911, but the running costs of the 968 are similar to a 944.
I absolutely love it - very easy to live with - and will only sell when I have enough for a GT3.
Things that haven't been covered to watch/ knock asking price down are corroded front calipers, chipped spotlights (£170) does it have replica alloys an owner that doesn't know the car. The best oil track or road is Silkolene 5/40 Pro S (def not Magnatec).
In terms of resale, the most desireable colour is Maritime Blue or Speed yellow and the least Guards Red.
I absolutely love it - very easy to live with - and will only sell when I have enough for a GT3.
Things that haven't been covered to watch/ knock asking price down are corroded front calipers, chipped spotlights (£170) does it have replica alloys an owner that doesn't know the car. The best oil track or road is Silkolene 5/40 Pro S (def not Magnatec).
In terms of resale, the most desireable colour is Maritime Blue or Speed yellow and the least Guards Red.
964RS said:
BUT....
They are not a 911 and they are absent of all the things that make a 911 feel so special and emotive....so I bought a 964RS and then a GT3...to make up for it.
Personally I'd not buy another 68 and I'd buy a cracking 64 that has most things sorted on it.....
Just my 2peneth...
They are not a 911 and they are absent of all the things that make a 911 feel so special and emotive....so I bought a 964RS and then a GT3...to make up for it.
Personally I'd not buy another 68 and I'd buy a cracking 64 that has most things sorted on it.....
Just my 2peneth...
I agree.... The 968 is a nice car to drive, its not as nice as some of the for sale prices make out though... £16K for a 968??? uhm... no!
It will make you smile when you drive it... ( but no more than a 944s2/turbo at half the price ) but a 911 will make you smile by just looking at it
968 240bhp
964 250bhp
A chip raises low end torque on the 968.
At KH 964RS 60-61secs, 968 63secs.
On the motorway the 6 gears and power stearing make the 968 a joy to drive. I have been all round Europe in it and even did some driver training(drifting) and Hockenheim when in Germany.
When the conditions are damp, wet or wetter I would much rather be in a 968.
On a dry track then the RS has the edge.
Depends very much how and when you want to use the car.
964 250bhp
A chip raises low end torque on the 968.
At KH 964RS 60-61secs, 968 63secs.
On the motorway the 6 gears and power stearing make the 968 a joy to drive. I have been all round Europe in it and even did some driver training(drifting) and Hockenheim when in Germany.
When the conditions are damp, wet or wetter I would much rather be in a 968.
On a dry track then the RS has the edge.
Depends very much how and when you want to use the car.
doctorpepper said:
I agree.... The 968 is a nice car to drive, its not as nice as some of the for sale prices make out though... £16K for a 968??? uhm... no!
At £16k, I think I'd agree. At £10k - £12k though I think they're cracking value for money. Although, as you'll find many posts stating as such; the 944 S2 or Turbo is better value. I feel the 944 looks too dated though, so wasn't a consideration for me.
And as for them being a bit too slow - depends where you mean. The only thing quicker around a track will be a GT3 or RS (and possibly 911 Turbo depending on the track).
Edited by willdew on Monday 1st January 13:33
Meant to add that JZ Machtech (Kings Langley just off A41/M25) know the 968 well (Chris or Dave)and I'm pretty pleased with them. About £45 an hour I think and fortunately you don't get treated like a w*nker if you don't have the latest peice of pork.
They have a suspension guru (Steve I think) for serious track work. Also worth noting that a 968 Sport can be 'down specced' to a CS pretty cheaply, although doesn't quite have the same kudos. Better to have a yummy Sport than a dog of a CS. Happy hunting!
They have a suspension guru (Steve I think) for serious track work. Also worth noting that a 968 Sport can be 'down specced' to a CS pretty cheaply, although doesn't quite have the same kudos. Better to have a yummy Sport than a dog of a CS. Happy hunting!
Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated>
Went to look at a few and agree with the feedback re noise/charachter, it wasn't as fruity as I was hoping. Felt very good to drive though so am still keen to try and find the right example at the right price. WOuld love to try one on track.
WIll keep you posted.
Regards
Went to look at a few and agree with the feedback re noise/charachter, it wasn't as fruity as I was hoping. Felt very good to drive though so am still keen to try and find the right example at the right price. WOuld love to try one on track.
WIll keep you posted.
Regards
The 996 and 968 are totally different cars. The only thing they have in common is the badge.
Yes, there is some shared Porsche DNA, but don't think that a 968 will be a junior-996 - you'll be disappointed. A Boxster 'S' is much closer.
However, looked at in its own right, the 968 CS can be an enchanting little car. You just need to check it out thoroughly to make sure it's what you want. You'd have a lot of fun and shouldn't lose money on a good one.
Yes, there is some shared Porsche DNA, but don't think that a 968 will be a junior-996 - you'll be disappointed. A Boxster 'S' is much closer.
However, looked at in its own right, the 968 CS can be an enchanting little car. You just need to check it out thoroughly to make sure it's what you want. You'd have a lot of fun and shouldn't lose money on a good one.
As I posted on the other 968 related thread that's going, it's worth also looking at Sports too. The Sport was a UK only model, and is a specced-up version of the Club Sport. It's the same car, just has a few more electrics, sun roof and doesn't normally have the hard backed bucket seats, colour coded wheels or graphics on the side.
Not sure if it's been posted above, but have a look at www.porsche968uk.co.uk/phpbb/index.php for more info.
Someone mentioned it's not the same as a 996. I agree. It's a completely different car. If someone's looking for a 996, don't buy a 968. If you're looking for an exceptionally well sorted sports car for the £10k - £14k mark though then they are truly first class.
See if you can find one with refreshed suspension, brakes and M030 anti-roll bars too though.
Not sure if it's been posted above, but have a look at www.porsche968uk.co.uk/phpbb/index.php for more info.
Someone mentioned it's not the same as a 996. I agree. It's a completely different car. If someone's looking for a 996, don't buy a 968. If you're looking for an exceptionally well sorted sports car for the £10k - £14k mark though then they are truly first class.
See if you can find one with refreshed suspension, brakes and M030 anti-roll bars too though.
Koln-RS said:
The 996 and 968 are totally different cars. The only thing they have in common is the badge.
I disagree, there's something about the position, feel & weight of the major controls, the way Porsche build in an on-cam 'bite' effect, and a quality in the ride that links the two. Even the smell of the plastics is similar.
They are also both fast GT's with a highly successful pure sports derivative.
SS7
Something to remember is that, apart from the suspension and brake modifications (and these aren’t even terribly significant on non-MO30 cars), the 968 CS was mechanically no different to a standard 968; it had just been on a weight loss programme, which is easy to emulate. Furthermore, a normal spec coupe can be had for far, far less than a CS. I expect that cheap clubsports will be at the stage of needing new suspension and brakes anyway, especially if tracked.
So you may be better off buying a much cheaper standard coupe, chucking bits out of it and replacing the brakes and suspension; and there is stuff on the market that equals Porsche’s original MO30 upgrades, for far less money.
Only problem with this route is that your residual values will not be the same as for a genuine clubsport, which is still sought after. However, if you’re going to be tracking it, you would be damaging the residuals on a clubsport anyway, and your cheaper, newly modified coupe would cost you less and be more reliable than a tired clubsport that has had a hard life. And if you find a mint, untracked clubsport, tracking it is just throwing money away.
I have a 968 convertible – a very different animal to the coupe – it is softer and much more of a GT than a sports car. Running costs are very good (I use the excellent GTOne in Chertsey). The car is (in convertible form at least) extremely good looking and undated style-wise, a hoot to drive (even with the convertible’s slight scuttle shake on poor surfaces) and reasonably quick, if not particularly fast by modern standards. A 911 feels more special and rather more raw (that’s the nature of the flat six powerplant – the 968’s four really has little charisma), but costs more to run and, if you are comparing to a non-clubsport, much more to buy. I went for mine because I wanted a drop-top, love the looks and rarity (convertibles are really quite scarce), and as an occasional toy, didn’t want 911 or Boxster running costs. No regrets so far.
So you may be better off buying a much cheaper standard coupe, chucking bits out of it and replacing the brakes and suspension; and there is stuff on the market that equals Porsche’s original MO30 upgrades, for far less money.
Only problem with this route is that your residual values will not be the same as for a genuine clubsport, which is still sought after. However, if you’re going to be tracking it, you would be damaging the residuals on a clubsport anyway, and your cheaper, newly modified coupe would cost you less and be more reliable than a tired clubsport that has had a hard life. And if you find a mint, untracked clubsport, tracking it is just throwing money away.
I have a 968 convertible – a very different animal to the coupe – it is softer and much more of a GT than a sports car. Running costs are very good (I use the excellent GTOne in Chertsey). The car is (in convertible form at least) extremely good looking and undated style-wise, a hoot to drive (even with the convertible’s slight scuttle shake on poor surfaces) and reasonably quick, if not particularly fast by modern standards. A 911 feels more special and rather more raw (that’s the nature of the flat six powerplant – the 968’s four really has little charisma), but costs more to run and, if you are comparing to a non-clubsport, much more to buy. I went for mine because I wanted a drop-top, love the looks and rarity (convertibles are really quite scarce), and as an occasional toy, didn’t want 911 or Boxster running costs. No regrets so far.
Harry is quite correct, although Porsche's weight & performance figures did down play the difference between coupe and Clubsports. The 50kgs official difference quoted is between a vanilla coupe and a CS. Add a typical coupe spec of leather, electric seats, sunroof, stereo, 17" wheels and the difference is more like 100kgs.
They also claimed the same performance figures to avoid type approval issues with the CS. Its a tenth or two faster to 60 & a couple of mph higher top speed.
SS7
They also claimed the same performance figures to avoid type approval issues with the CS. Its a tenth or two faster to 60 & a couple of mph higher top speed.
SS7
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