which 911 for 20k?

[NDT]

bit of a quandary here.
always wanted an Elise - so I bought one, but I'm finding it far too impractical for my 20k miles per year- which includes a lot of maotorway driving.

So a 911 seems like a possible solution.
I realise that maintenance and fuel costs will increase - but I'd welcome thoughts on how much these should be.

But which 911?
budget is up to 20k....

[domster]

The best 911 for that budget, all round, is probably a LHD 993 C2 manual coupe in a sensible colour (for resale). Look at www.rsjsportscars.co.uk for a selection.

However, you may not like LHD cars. Or you do a lot of track days. Or you hadn't considered a 968CS or a Boxster as an alternative... each 911 model is different in character and talents.

There are so many parameters based on you, your budget's flexibility and your driving style that it is best if you try and narrow down what you want from the car.

Open or closed roof?
Track or road?
Comfort or performance?
Residuals or long term ownership?
Running costs a problem or not?

You know the kind of stuff.

Rgds
Domster

[rodsmith]

Domster, what’s the deal with www.rsjsportscars.co.uk? Good service or back ‘ander?

[domster]

I wish.

They specialise in LHD 993s.

There is no better website to see UK independent market prices for LHD 993s at a glance. It's that simple

I also like the 911-rs.de website for dream RSs, mobile.de to see what goes on in germany generally, mcpmotorsport.co.uk for other interesting (if not pricey) stuff, and even henry's website at 911virgin.com for a little humour. Joel's site happened to be the most relevant - as it has been before. Where else have you seen a 993 Turbo 4 for 35k LHD or 45k RHD?

Also, Joel is an occasional contibutor to this forum (normally in CAPITAL LETTERS ), so he gets a PH loyalty bonus.

Hope that answers your cynicsm

Rgds
Domster

[GregE240]

Well done for weaving an RS plug in Dom - was beginning to think you were losing your touch...

[domster]

Thanks to Rod for setting that one up

There I was, happily chuntering on about 993s, and he goes and ruins it by giving me an opportunity to mention an RS website or two, which happen to have plenty of gorgeous 964RSs on them which are nearly in budget, don't depreciate, don't have cup holders, don't have electric seats... :drone:

[GregE240]

While we're here, got the RB back yet?

[domster]

RB not back yet, but PCGB Silverstone booked... so it better be by end of July! Thur should be good. Espesh if Simon is on good form

[NDT]

domster said: The best 911 for that budget, all round, is probably a LHD 993 C2 manual coupe in a sensible colour (for resale). Look at www.rsjsportscars.co.uk for a selection.

However, you may not like LHD cars. Or you do a lot of track days. Or you hadn't considered a 968CS or a Boxster as an alternative... each 911 model is different in character and talents.

There are so many parameters based on you, your budget's flexibility and your driving style that it is best if you try and narrow down what you want from the car.

Open or closed roof?
Track or road?
Comfort or performance?
Residuals or long term ownership?
Running costs a problem or not?

You know the kind of stuff.

Rgds
Domster

thanks for that...
LHD not a major issue
probably closed roof - although a targa might appeal
mainly road not track
comfort or performance? - both!
residuals have to be solid over say 2-3 years
running costs - hmmm....

[domster]

Still say a LHD 993 C2.

Rgds
Domster

[NDT]

not a C4?
or is traction not an issue with the C2?

[GregE240]

domster said:

RB not back yet, but PCGB Silverstone booked... so it better be by end of July! Thur should be good. Espesh if Simon is on good form

Sadly Simon can't make Thursday night. I think we should try and change that. He's back online next week so we will petition him ruthlessly. If the answer is still a resounding "no", then he will be at my place early Friday am, where I suggest we all set off from.

GT

[domster]

NDT said:

not a C4? or is traction not an issue with the C2?

Nah...

C4s a much rarer model so more difficult to find a good one, are a tad heavier, are more complicated and fractionally more costly to maintain in the long run, have a smaller fuel tank, aren't as 'pure' a 911, aren't as sought after second hand, and although they are better in the wet, traction isn't a problem with the standard C2 in the dry.

Unless you live in the Orkneys or have a real 4x4 fetish I wouldn't let it cloud your judgment. For what you've posted so far, the two wheel drive 993 Carrera in coupe form makes the most sense, IMHO.

[C4 964]

Get an excellent condition RHD 964. The last of the great-shaped 911s.
For loads of info including buying guides and over 20 owners running reports checkout my site - www.porsche964.co.uk
Cheers,
John

[iguana]

Blimey John, if I'm not spotting your 964 driving round town its being posted up on Pistonheads


Alex

>> Edited by iguana on Thursday 19th June 14:13

[ADL]

As soon as the insurance is sensible I thought I would buy a 964, and now you have shown how much a LHD 993 is....Oh dear. Used to have a LHD Honda I brought back from the middle east. Could be back to driving with a co-pilot!

[NDT]

C4 964 said:

Get an excellent condition RHD 964. The last of the great-shaped 911s. For loads of info including buying guides and over 20 owners running reports checkout my site - www.porsche964.co.uk Cheers, John

I thought the 964 had a reputation for being more costly to service/maintain than the 993?
any truth in this?

[iguana]

NDT said:

I thought the 964 had a reputation for being more costly to service/maintain than the 993? any truth in this?

Yip there is more than a grain of truth in that rumour, but they are a lot cheaper in the first place.

I've seen very nice RHD 964's for £15k and as long as you chose carefully other than a bit more in servicing costs (993's have hydralic tappets so are cheaper to service) a decent 964 should cost you no more to run than a 993 and this is IMHO you understand I think 964's look better than 993's too.

See PH 964 buyers guide for more 964 info-

www.pistonheads.com/porsche/default.asp?storyId=5869

[CeeGee]

I just sold my LHD 993 C2 for £18,500.

Absolutely great car - reliable, great looks and enough performance for most UK roads.