996 - 3.4 Vs. 3.6

[yeti]

Looking at manual C4 cabrios, that's what we'e decided on. Don't need the last word in handling, just a sporty ragtop GT that drives well and sounds good!

Had a look around at a few at 911virgin today, nothing there for me specificslly but I was struck by the visual difference between the pre and post facelift models, the 3.6 really is a better looking car. So visually it's slightly better, 200cc/20bhp/a few torques are nice to have but was there anythiing else in the design of the car?

Did reliability take a step forward, quality of materials, handling, electrics, equipment or anything like that? I think we might be looking at a difference of £3k or so for a pre Vs post facelift car. The budget says get a nice 3.4 with 65k miles for £13k, or stretch ourselves hugely for a 3.6 with 80k miles or so for probably £17k. Is the facelift car worth the money conidering it'll certainly have the extra miles?

Have asked 911virgin to source me a C4 cabrio and said pre or post facelift is fine. Should I tell them to hunt for a 3.6 only?

TIA

[mollytherocker]

You say that a facelift 996 will 'stretch you hugely', so considering the likely maintenance, this probably wouldnt be wise.

MTR

[g7jhp]

Do you need the extra seats. If you don't why not consider a Boxster!

It wAs designed to be a convertible.

[Midds]

mollytherocker said:

You say that a facelift 996 will 'stretch you hugely', so considering the likely maintenance, this probably wouldnt be wise.

MTR

But if you look at his garage, this will hardly be the most expensive to maintain - probably more to do with funds instantly available... Still, i would tend towards later and lower miles and would probably consider buying private over the premium for dealer (with bob Morgan or similar) at this end of the market?

[Mankers]

Updates from 3.4 > 3.6 include:

Headlights
Glove box
Steering Wheel design
extra 200cc
Potentially more reliable engine!
Probably some other minor bits I cant recall right now

Does it have to be a C4? Why not consider the C2 as well, will give you more choice.

Also, I assume the Bob Morgan mentioned above is really Peter Morgan who is well known to provide an inspection service.

Good luck with the search.

[daveyb662]

If going for 996 def go for facelift. Apparently more reliable and yes they do look nicer. OP I believe you were very close to buying 986 which actually looks nice with the amber lights, but 996 is different story imo and the clear lens looks better. So you have decided against the boxster? And more than doubled the budget? Haha!!
P.s. Yes - private would get you a better deal but definitely PPI is a must...alternatively buying from 911v or RSJ in same area and you won't go far wrong for the premium you spend! (Well that's the theory...)

[yeti]

daveyb662 said:

So you have decided against the boxster? And more than doubled the budget? Haha!!

Yup, well remembered - it's always the way! Went from looking at a 986S at £7k to 987 2.7s at £11k. Then suddenly 996s hoved into view at £13k and the rest is history after a visit to 911virgin, budget now probably £16k'ish. We're parting with the VR6 and Alfa GT for one car, so suddenly the occasional back seats made sense again over the Boxster. It's going to be an all-season car as the Spider and Marcos will be pretty much off the road the whole time and I'd like the security of AWD over what the DB9 offers, the complete inability to put much power down on a cold damp road! Mrs will be driving too, I;d just feel the 4 offers something different.

As mentioned above, manintenace aren't too much of an issue, it's how long I have to wait really due to funds; if I wait until December/January then funds are in place. But as a reflection of our 'want-it-now' society, I want it sooner rather than later!

Thanks for the info so far.

[yeti]

daveyb662 said:

911v or RSJ in same area

Thanks, didn't know about RSJ. Nothing in there for me right now, but maybe can put them on the case for a search...

[All2Chewy]

Hhmmm not sure about what others are saying concerning an increase in reliability, the 3.6 is just the 3.4 bored out to be bigger from what I have learnt on here. So if anything the 3.6 should have a slightly weaker engine block because of this.
However I would suggest that you get a 2000 reg or newer as there were a lot of upgrades in 2000 that did increase reliability of the 3.4's of that year.
Happy to be told otherwise, but this is what I have learnt.

[mollytherocker]

All2Chewy said:

Hhmmm not sure about what others are saying concerning an increase in reliability, the 3.6 is just the 3.4 bored out to be bigger from what I have learnt on here. So if anything the 3.6 should have a slightly weaker engine block because of this.
However I would suggest that you get a 2000 reg or newer as there were a lot of upgrades in 2000 that did increase reliability of the 3.4's of that year.
Happy to be told otherwise, but this is what I have learnt.

There are numerous minor upgrades and differences between all 996 Carrera model engines but I would imagine that the way that they have been treated and maintained will have a much larger affect on ultimate longevity.

MTR

[pacificf1]

the 17k ones now will be less than 15 in january.

[yeti]

pacificf1 said:

the 17k ones now will be less than 15 in january.

I did wonder this, do cab prices drop in winter? ... A decent drop would bring a 3.6 easily into budget or even a C4S cab by January... Interesting. If the right car takes a while to come up, all the better perhaps.