Time to buy my first 911
Discussion
The really big issue with both 996 and 997 (at least 997.1 if not .2) cars is the engine. If you can find a car that's had work done by a reputable repairer - like Hartech - then you'll likely have nothing to worry about. As others say, the alternative is to get one that's good as far as you can tell - and a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a must, anyway - and then set aside funds or have some contingency plan for if/when the need arises.
Also try to find a good, local indie for servicing before you go ahead.
As for adverse reactions from other road users. Not many IME. I mean, it's not on a par with the monster Land Rover Defender I had a few years back - everyone loved that car - but very few negatives. Get used to blokes of a certain age wanting to drive a little bit closer than you'd like, especially on motorways; they're just trying to figure out which 911 it is, that's all. There is definite kudos with the 911, it's not the rubber-necked, goggle-eyed wonder that supercars like Ferraris or Lambo's generate, but it's definitely there and it is a thing.
Also try to find a good, local indie for servicing before you go ahead.
As for adverse reactions from other road users. Not many IME. I mean, it's not on a par with the monster Land Rover Defender I had a few years back - everyone loved that car - but very few negatives. Get used to blokes of a certain age wanting to drive a little bit closer than you'd like, especially on motorways; they're just trying to figure out which 911 it is, that's all. There is definite kudos with the 911, it's not the rubber-necked, goggle-eyed wonder that supercars like Ferraris or Lambo's generate, but it's definitely there and it is a thing.
BertBert said:
I've been driving 911s for a while (some 12 years) and can't remember seeing any adverse reaction. The only negative thing I've seen is other 911 drivers not wanting to wave back!
Bert
Bert
My previous experience with sports cars being with TVRs and having owned a Defender and currently running a VW T5 van as a daily driver, the lack of camaraderie with Porsche owners has surprised me.
That's really helpful with the Hartech tip because I wasn't sure if cars that had had a lot of work done on them were to be avoided more (because something was obviously wrong and may flair up again or were no longer a pure Porsche if you like) or were actually to be preferred.
I know, I know - have a good laugh at the newbie
I know, I know - have a good laugh at the newbie
For a hassle free first experience I'd agree with cmoose.
Pop into Belfast & tell them what you're after- it'd be hard to go past the 2 year opc warranty until you find you're feet- so to speak.
For a more pure experience I'd just go c2 manual - keep it on smaller wheels - perhaps get winter tyres - don't forget with the weight over the back you'll be surprised at the traction in poor conditions. I'd definitely go c2 on winter tyres rather than c4 on summers.
The 3.6 might tend to be more reliable than a 3.8- probably harder to find one though.
If you don't need the seats, don't rule out a boxster or cayman. They'd be up in years alot, and more accessible to jump in and drive.
Having said that, buy what you like and don't let us lot confuse you!
Pop into Belfast & tell them what you're after- it'd be hard to go past the 2 year opc warranty until you find you're feet- so to speak.
For a more pure experience I'd just go c2 manual - keep it on smaller wheels - perhaps get winter tyres - don't forget with the weight over the back you'll be surprised at the traction in poor conditions. I'd definitely go c2 on winter tyres rather than c4 on summers.
The 3.6 might tend to be more reliable than a 3.8- probably harder to find one though.
If you don't need the seats, don't rule out a boxster or cayman. They'd be up in years alot, and more accessible to jump in and drive.
Having said that, buy what you like and don't let us lot confuse you!
Dr Ing said:
That's really helpful with the Hartech tip because I wasn't sure if cars that had had a lot of work done on them were to be avoided more (because something was obviously wrong and may flair up again or were no longer a pure Porsche if you like) or were actually to be preferred.
I know, I know - have a good laugh at the newbie
Essential to see a detailed break down of works carried out though, there are Hartech rebuilds & Hartech 'get it running again' rebuilds, all down to how much the owner wanted to spend.I know, I know - have a good laugh at the newbie
Greggy69 said:
Greggy69 said:
There was a 996 in NI listed in the classifieds. Morgan Car Sales I think it was?
This one: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...Was told it was sold back then.
Dr Ing said:
That's really helpful with the Hartech tip because I wasn't sure if cars that had had a lot of work done on them were to be avoided more (because something was obviously wrong and may flair up again or were no longer a pure Porsche if you like) or were actually to be preferred.
I know, I know - have a good laugh at the newbie
Things such as engine or gearbox overhauls, if done right, by a reputable firm, should give confidence that the 'known' issues have been dealt with properly and will not repeat.I know, I know - have a good laugh at the newbie
There are also regular bits -brakes or radiators for example - that, if done and shown in the service history, will give confidence that you should not, hopefully, need to budget for them too soon.
Mileage, on cars of this age, is less important than condition and a good, thorough, service history. Some of the jobs that crop up will be as much to do with outright age as use. Power steering hoses being a very good example of this.
Dr Ing said:
EGTE said:
Not sure if it's been mentioned before, but unless you are very mechanically savvy, get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done before making the final decision. It's a £100 or so, but I've saved at least £6K on one car before, with one.
And who does one get to do that?25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
pete.g said:
AMG in Ballyclare, McMillan in Antrim - both ex OPC Belfast.
25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
And if I travelled to England / Scotland to buy one?25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
pete.g said:
AMG in Ballyclare, McMillan in Antrim - both ex OPC Belfast.
25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
And if I travelled to England / Scotland to buy one?25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
To get a good idea about the condition, you have to have someone who will do a proper job to properly assess the mechanical and cosmetic condition. For me that includes getting the car on a lift to get a proper look underneath. Also I'd want a good assessment of engine condition with compression tests, borescope, possible leakdown test as well. Also ECU readout for overrevs.
Discovering that you have one cylinder with very low compression after you have bought the car is a bit tedious. Ask me how I know!
Bert
Discovering that you have one cylinder with very low compression after you have bought the car is a bit tedious. Ask me how I know!
Bert
BertBert said:
To get a good idea about the condition, you have to have someone who will do a proper job to properly assess the mechanical and cosmetic condition. For me that includes getting the car on a lift to get a proper look underneath. Also I'd want a good assessment of engine condition with compression tests, borescope, possible leakdown test as well. Also ECU readout for overrevs.
Discovering that you have one cylinder with very low compression after you have bought the car is a bit tedious. Ask me how I know!
Bert
Starting to think the better and cheaper option might be just to do a bit of voluntary dogsbody work in a Porsche Garage wiping up engine grease and just listening to the sound of revs... Discovering that you have one cylinder with very low compression after you have bought the car is a bit tedious. Ask me how I know!
Bert
In all seriousness people thanks so much for all this - you have saved me some heartache already and while you haven't put me off - I now realise I do need to be really careful - I am very compulsive and could have quite easily just took the head staggers without much prep...
Edited by Dr Ing on Wednesday 5th July 13:56
Good luck with finding what you want, OP.
I am in a similar position, and keep looking at 911's - its a bit bewildering knowing the differences between a 996.1 or 2 or whatever.
My criteria are black (or a very dark colour), manual with tan/grey/beige whatever leather - no black leather. I'd like a sunroof, but it isn't a priority.
Budget is max 20k - it'll be garaged and seriously looked after - only used on good days and ideally for a spot of driving around Europe for pleasure.
I've spotted this locally, and am very tempted to go and check it out....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PORSCHE-911-996-CARRERA-...
I am in a similar position, and keep looking at 911's - its a bit bewildering knowing the differences between a 996.1 or 2 or whatever.
My criteria are black (or a very dark colour), manual with tan/grey/beige whatever leather - no black leather. I'd like a sunroof, but it isn't a priority.
Budget is max 20k - it'll be garaged and seriously looked after - only used on good days and ideally for a spot of driving around Europe for pleasure.
I've spotted this locally, and am very tempted to go and check it out....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PORSCHE-911-996-CARRERA-...
Dr Ing said:
pete.g said:
AMG in Ballyclare, McMillan in Antrim - both ex OPC Belfast.
25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
And if I travelled to England / Scotland to buy one?25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
if you see a car you like in GB then ask on here to see if anyone can recommend someone.
There are 997.1 available in NI in your price range - I would not want to touch one without a seriously thorough PPI.
Another option would be the OPC 111 point pre-warranty check - if you find a private example you could make this a condition of the sale and write the cost of the warranty into your dealing.
24valve said:
Good luck with finding what you want, OP.
I am in a similar position, and keep looking at 911's - its a bit bewildering knowing the differences between a 996.1 or 2 or whatever.
My criteria are black (or a very dark colour), manual with tan/grey/beige whatever leather - no black leather. I'd like a sunroof, but it isn't a priority.
Budget is max 20k - it'll be garaged and seriously looked after - only used on good days and ideally for a spot of driving around Europe for pleasure.
I've spotted this locally, and am very tempted to go and check it out....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PORSCHE-911-996-CARRERA-...
An early car on ambers, cmoose will be along shortly to salivate I am in a similar position, and keep looking at 911's - its a bit bewildering knowing the differences between a 996.1 or 2 or whatever.
My criteria are black (or a very dark colour), manual with tan/grey/beige whatever leather - no black leather. I'd like a sunroof, but it isn't a priority.
Budget is max 20k - it'll be garaged and seriously looked after - only used on good days and ideally for a spot of driving around Europe for pleasure.
I've spotted this locally, and am very tempted to go and check it out....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PORSCHE-911-996-CARRERA-...
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