total nOOb to the Porsche world but want a 911
Discussion
Totally in my mid 30's haven't got any money spare and am looking to sell my Volvo c70 which will hopefully stump up a deposit to put on on a Porsche 911.
SO ! ! Where do I begin? I used to be a Lotus Esprit owner so am used to my pride and joys breaking down in mid air. However, with child now so looking to justify my mid life crisis by getting me a 4 (ish) seater sports car that my 4 year old will fit in the back of for a few years.
My designated choice of wheels would be a 911. I'm looking to spend around 18k with hopefully about 15k on finance. Firstly though, I need to know what I'm getting myself into. I think I know enough about cars in general (father was an old school mechanic RIP) but I'd obviously need some guidance from all of your experienced heads.
Am I right in thinking that I could get a fairly good 3.2 or 3.6 911 Carrera 2 cab with good history at around the 92 - 93 mark? Am I setting my sights too high for the money? I'm not too bothered about miles as long as there is history and the car looks good and feels solid. Would probably be looking for some sort of major overhaul to be done on a car with over 120k on it though as you can't see the condition inside the engine !
I do want to use it regularly, I do want to pose and flex my mid life to all and sundry! Make no mistake about it, this car will not be sitting in a garage. Hopefully I will be joing an owners club and showing it off a meets etc. I'll also be wanting to take it on a track, that's what sports cars are for right?
I think I've made my choice of dealer in 911virgin or RSJ although I've not met any of them yet. Feedback about them seems to be good and I've seen Joel and Henry participating on this site which is reassuring.
I'm going on a bit now. Basically, I'm a bloke in need of info. What could I get for the money? What would be the common problems that I would be faced with? Would I have to rent my wife to get it fixed? I'm not on the breadline or anything but would like to know how much the occasional bite on the Aris would be likely to cost. If I could get feedback from Henry or Joel I would be a happy bloke.
So to sum up.
I'm serious about getting a 911. It has to be a 911 and I would like all of the info I could get from you all in helping me satisfy my mid life needs !
Thanks for taking the time to read my essay ! !
LeeRoy (Kent)
SO ! ! Where do I begin? I used to be a Lotus Esprit owner so am used to my pride and joys breaking down in mid air. However, with child now so looking to justify my mid life crisis by getting me a 4 (ish) seater sports car that my 4 year old will fit in the back of for a few years.
My designated choice of wheels would be a 911. I'm looking to spend around 18k with hopefully about 15k on finance. Firstly though, I need to know what I'm getting myself into. I think I know enough about cars in general (father was an old school mechanic RIP) but I'd obviously need some guidance from all of your experienced heads.
Am I right in thinking that I could get a fairly good 3.2 or 3.6 911 Carrera 2 cab with good history at around the 92 - 93 mark? Am I setting my sights too high for the money? I'm not too bothered about miles as long as there is history and the car looks good and feels solid. Would probably be looking for some sort of major overhaul to be done on a car with over 120k on it though as you can't see the condition inside the engine !
I do want to use it regularly, I do want to pose and flex my mid life to all and sundry! Make no mistake about it, this car will not be sitting in a garage. Hopefully I will be joing an owners club and showing it off a meets etc. I'll also be wanting to take it on a track, that's what sports cars are for right?
I think I've made my choice of dealer in 911virgin or RSJ although I've not met any of them yet. Feedback about them seems to be good and I've seen Joel and Henry participating on this site which is reassuring.
I'm going on a bit now. Basically, I'm a bloke in need of info. What could I get for the money? What would be the common problems that I would be faced with? Would I have to rent my wife to get it fixed? I'm not on the breadline or anything but would like to know how much the occasional bite on the Aris would be likely to cost. If I could get feedback from Henry or Joel I would be a happy bloke.
So to sum up.
I'm serious about getting a 911. It has to be a 911 and I would like all of the info I could get from you all in helping me satisfy my mid life needs !
Thanks for taking the time to read my essay ! !
LeeRoy (Kent)
Car and finance advice here:
Buy a really really amazing 964 for your budget or a nice and i mean nice 993.
Get a bank or internet loan.
Buy privately.
Consider LHD even if it is only looking at one. Lots more for the money and better seating position.
Look at lots. Take a friend who knows Porsche's or at least cars. Do not buy with the heart.
Buy a really really amazing 964 for your budget or a nice and i mean nice 993.
Get a bank or internet loan.
Buy privately.
Consider LHD even if it is only looking at one. Lots more for the money and better seating position.
Look at lots. Take a friend who knows Porsche's or at least cars. Do not buy with the heart.
lmurthwaite said:
Is there a reason why the cab is usually cheaper than the coupe? What are the common problems with the 964?
Cabs are less popular, not quite as good looking, heavier, less rigid.There were a number of early problems with the 964 (such as oil leaks and the dual mass flywheel), however, if you can find one that still has those problems you've probably stumbled into a timewarp.
As someone else said, for that money look LHD, its less money (in the UK) and a better car (imo).
ETA: 15k of finance sounds like an awful lot on an 18k car - are you sure you really want to do that? Running costs will probably be in the 1-2K per year range (not including petrol and insurance).
Edited by tertius on Saturday 15th September 22:00
Thanks for the advice. I can afford the finance well enough, the depreciation may scare me a bit if it outruns the decreasing balance.
I was going to spend that sort of money on a car anyway and just thought to myself (BMW, Merc or Porsche?) The rest is history. I really would like something as cool as a Porsche to keep for many years until the one I have is a classic, although I don't want to keep it locked away in the dark. I've heard many times that a 911 is the supercar you can use every day.
I was going to spend that sort of money on a car anyway and just thought to myself (BMW, Merc or Porsche?) The rest is history. I really would like something as cool as a Porsche to keep for many years until the one I have is a classic, although I don't want to keep it locked away in the dark. I've heard many times that a 911 is the supercar you can use every day.
i'd really think long and hard about this mate.
if you need to get 15k finance to buy a 18k car - are you sure you can afford the running costs? You really would need to have 1-2k a year for running costs and small incedentals.
If any serious work was needed, it could easily cost 2-3 times that amount in a year.
Porsche are wonderfully reliable, but at your budget, to get a good car your looking at something 15 years old.
if you need to get 15k finance to buy a 18k car - are you sure you can afford the running costs? You really would need to have 1-2k a year for running costs and small incedentals.
If any serious work was needed, it could easily cost 2-3 times that amount in a year.
Porsche are wonderfully reliable, but at your budget, to get a good car your looking at something 15 years old.
Thanks Fij,
I can afford the running costs. Got plenty to spend per year just haven't saved anything up to either buy outright or put down a good deposit. Next years bonus should pay it off. However, as I'm new to Porsche I didn't want to jump straight in on a 30k motor without knowing them better and I don't want to go too old and cheap because of the potential problems with age that will put me off for good. I'm just after a happy medium.
I have a car to get rid of which should give me about 4-5k. That would lump some off the balance to makes things easier.
Am I right in think that insurance (through the right company) isn't too scary (live in Kent, full no claims, no points, garaged etc) so for me the running costs would be servicing and incidentals. I suppose the most I'd be looking at were new gearbox or engine rebuilds. Given the right lifting gear I could do it myself but the lazy part of me would find a 911 specialist and not go to a dealer. There is alot I could do myself given the right advice. things like engine work, suspension and braking systems would be easy enough for me to fix or maintain. It's justr when open heart surgery is needed.
Maybe I should cheat and start with a Boxster?
I can afford the running costs. Got plenty to spend per year just haven't saved anything up to either buy outright or put down a good deposit. Next years bonus should pay it off. However, as I'm new to Porsche I didn't want to jump straight in on a 30k motor without knowing them better and I don't want to go too old and cheap because of the potential problems with age that will put me off for good. I'm just after a happy medium.
I have a car to get rid of which should give me about 4-5k. That would lump some off the balance to makes things easier.
Am I right in think that insurance (through the right company) isn't too scary (live in Kent, full no claims, no points, garaged etc) so for me the running costs would be servicing and incidentals. I suppose the most I'd be looking at were new gearbox or engine rebuilds. Given the right lifting gear I could do it myself but the lazy part of me would find a 911 specialist and not go to a dealer. There is alot I could do myself given the right advice. things like engine work, suspension and braking systems would be easy enough for me to fix or maintain. It's justr when open heart surgery is needed.
Maybe I should cheat and start with a Boxster?
Insurance was a pleasant surprise for me.
I suppose it all depends what you want - have a look around.
The 993 boys will tell you financially this is the best car - but coming from something modern, you would have to live with the comprimise of a 40 year old interior (though I think they have a more modern drive than the 964 and 3.2 (im sure ill be corrected on something here))
I personally went for a 996 because it suited my requirements more, you can get them in the low 20's, but you have to shop carefully.
I think its been said you want to spend more than 25k to get a good 993.
Sub 20k, as has been said, your into 964 and 3.2 territory, go have a look at a couple, see if you could live with one - if so, bonus, if not - why not consider a boxster?
the 3.2 S is a very reasonable buy at your budget - but again, ensure its what you want!
I suppose it all depends what you want - have a look around.
The 993 boys will tell you financially this is the best car - but coming from something modern, you would have to live with the comprimise of a 40 year old interior (though I think they have a more modern drive than the 964 and 3.2 (im sure ill be corrected on something here))
I personally went for a 996 because it suited my requirements more, you can get them in the low 20's, but you have to shop carefully.
I think its been said you want to spend more than 25k to get a good 993.
Sub 20k, as has been said, your into 964 and 3.2 territory, go have a look at a couple, see if you could live with one - if so, bonus, if not - why not consider a boxster?
the 3.2 S is a very reasonable buy at your budget - but again, ensure its what you want!
lmurthwaite said:
Thanks Fij,
I can afford the running costs. Got plenty to spend per year just haven't saved anything up to either buy outright or put down a good deposit. Next years bonus should pay it off. However, as I'm new to Porsche I didn't want to jump straight in on a 30k motor without knowing them better and I don't want to go too old and cheap because of the potential problems with age that will put me off for good. I'm just after a happy medium.
I have a car to get rid of which should give me about 4-5k. That would lump some off the balance to makes things easier.
Am I right in think that insurance (through the right company) isn't too scary (live in Kent, full no claims, no points, garaged etc) so for me the running costs would be servicing and incidentals. I suppose the most I'd be looking at were new gearbox or engine rebuilds. Given the right lifting gear I could do it myself but the lazy part of me would find a 911 specialist and not go to a dealer. There is alot I could do myself given the right advice. things like engine work, suspension and braking systems would be easy enough for me to fix or maintain. It's justr when open heart surgery is needed.
Maybe I should cheat and start with a Boxster?
Im in the same position as you at the moment. Think i might just take the dive in to a 964.I can afford the running costs. Got plenty to spend per year just haven't saved anything up to either buy outright or put down a good deposit. Next years bonus should pay it off. However, as I'm new to Porsche I didn't want to jump straight in on a 30k motor without knowing them better and I don't want to go too old and cheap because of the potential problems with age that will put me off for good. I'm just after a happy medium.
I have a car to get rid of which should give me about 4-5k. That would lump some off the balance to makes things easier.
Am I right in think that insurance (through the right company) isn't too scary (live in Kent, full no claims, no points, garaged etc) so for me the running costs would be servicing and incidentals. I suppose the most I'd be looking at were new gearbox or engine rebuilds. Given the right lifting gear I could do it myself but the lazy part of me would find a 911 specialist and not go to a dealer. There is alot I could do myself given the right advice. things like engine work, suspension and braking systems would be easy enough for me to fix or maintain. It's justr when open heart surgery is needed.
Maybe I should cheat and start with a Boxster?
Wheather a 993 or 964 im going to use it every day. The 993 are alot more money eg 22-25 for around 100K if you look hard enough. And the 964 12-15. But if your 964 hasn't had a rebuild you could be in to 6-8 to fix the damn thing! (please step in if im wrong) So you've save on the enitiel purchase but now it owes you 993 money! thats why 993's hold there money better.
I still can't justify using a circa 25K car in rack up some miles in so i think im going 964 route. And in the back of my mind i may have to chuck a few k at it.
I don't think i'd even be looking tho if i had to finance it. Do some research for a year and when the bonus rolls in go shopping!
911 in that price bracket would either be a nice late 80's 3.2 Carerra or nice early 90's 964 C2. Very different cars, so it comes down to personal preference really. The 3.2 is a more involving drive with lots of character, the 964 has a more modern feel. Both great cars in their own way. Personally I prefer the more classic 3.2
The important thing is to get the very best car you can for the money, which effectively rules out the 993. Except maybe LHD.
The important thing is to get the very best car you can for the money, which effectively rules out the 993. Except maybe LHD.
A few tips for you!
Dont be afraid of higher mileage cars, buy on condition and FULL service history.
My 993 C2 has just topped 102,000 miles, I've had it for 9-years and I've done neearly 70k in it myself; it still runs beautifully because its been driven (very) regularly and serviced properly throughout its life; OPC and specialists
[And no, I'm not selling it!!!]
Remember, if you are buying an air cooled model: (930, 964, 993) then the later ones (993s) have benefited from well over 20-years of development, and have the 6-speed gearbox, and are not quite as skittish at the rear.
However, each have their own fans, you cant say any one is "better" just diferent. Test drive all three models before deciding, they each drive diffently. Buy the one you feel drives best for you.
If you are buying water cooled model, the 996 3.4 (first ones were registered in late'97 - there were (some) early engine/overheating problems so better to go for later models (3.6) [however you wont get a later one for your budget!]Or you could even buy one that has had had a new engine because of it!(provided its been fitted by an OPC or good specialist)
Dont worry too much about depreciation, if you look after it properley, you wont have any problems selling it at a reasonable price (well the only problem being maybe you cant bear to part with it)
Be prepared for the occasional shock when its serviced (my last one cost nearly 2k and there was nothing major wrong!
Dont buy a Boxster (not that they are bad cars) but they are just not a 911!
(I had one before I bought my 911)
Finally, I promise you, when you first drive your 1st 911 away from where you bought it from you will have the biggest grin on your face, and providing you have bought right, the grin will come back EVERYTIME you drive it! ENJOY!
Dont be afraid of higher mileage cars, buy on condition and FULL service history.
My 993 C2 has just topped 102,000 miles, I've had it for 9-years and I've done neearly 70k in it myself; it still runs beautifully because its been driven (very) regularly and serviced properly throughout its life; OPC and specialists
[And no, I'm not selling it!!!]
Remember, if you are buying an air cooled model: (930, 964, 993) then the later ones (993s) have benefited from well over 20-years of development, and have the 6-speed gearbox, and are not quite as skittish at the rear.
However, each have their own fans, you cant say any one is "better" just diferent. Test drive all three models before deciding, they each drive diffently. Buy the one you feel drives best for you.
If you are buying water cooled model, the 996 3.4 (first ones were registered in late'97 - there were (some) early engine/overheating problems so better to go for later models (3.6) [however you wont get a later one for your budget!]Or you could even buy one that has had had a new engine because of it!(provided its been fitted by an OPC or good specialist)
Dont worry too much about depreciation, if you look after it properley, you wont have any problems selling it at a reasonable price (well the only problem being maybe you cant bear to part with it)
Be prepared for the occasional shock when its serviced (my last one cost nearly 2k and there was nothing major wrong!
Dont buy a Boxster (not that they are bad cars) but they are just not a 911!
(I had one before I bought my 911)
Finally, I promise you, when you first drive your 1st 911 away from where you bought it from you will have the biggest grin on your face, and providing you have bought right, the grin will come back EVERYTIME you drive it! ENJOY!
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