996 C4S vs Turbo Running Costs
Discussion
I'm considering getting a 996 C4S but am a bit concerned about the cost of all those Turbo shared components vs a standard 996 C2 or even a 997 C2 (another consideration). I've read a few times about how expensive it can be to maintain a Turbo, but given the many shared parts on the C4S (except the engine!) would it be much less to look after one of those?
I believe the suspension, brakes and tyres are the same and all more expensive than on a regular C2, but not so sure about other parts like the exhaust, clutch (both shared with C2?) and radiators (same as Turbo?)etc. I understand routine servicing is a bit more on the Turbo due to the different engine, but the routine service costs don't seem too bad (relatively), so it's the other components which wear out and need replacing or fixing like those above that seem to generate the most costs and the most concern for me.
Any thoughts appreciated.
I believe the suspension, brakes and tyres are the same and all more expensive than on a regular C2, but not so sure about other parts like the exhaust, clutch (both shared with C2?) and radiators (same as Turbo?)etc. I understand routine servicing is a bit more on the Turbo due to the different engine, but the routine service costs don't seem too bad (relatively), so it's the other components which wear out and need replacing or fixing like those above that seem to generate the most costs and the most concern for me.
Any thoughts appreciated.
scoobysnacks2 said:
I'm considering getting a 996 C4S but am a bit concerned about the cost of all those Turbo shared components vs a standard 996 C2 or even a 997 C2 (another consideration). I've read a few times about how expensive it can be to maintain a Turbo, but given the many shared parts on the C4S (except the engine!) would it be much less to look after one of those?
I believe the suspension, brakes and tyres are the same and all more expensive than on a regular C2, but not so sure about other parts like the exhaust, clutch (both shared with C2?) and radiators (same as Turbo?)etc. I understand routine servicing is a bit more on the Turbo due to the different engine, but the routine service costs don't seem too bad (relatively), so it's the other components which wear out and need replacing or fixing like those above that seem to generate the most costs and the most concern for me.
Any thoughts appreciated.
All other things being equal I'd have to offer an intelligent guess the running costs would be too close to call. In fact my 996 Turbo costs about as much to run as my Boxster save for gas and tires. The Boxster gets an easy 10% better fuel economy and while with both cars I can get nearly the same miles out of a set of tires the Turbo tires are more expensive. Not oodles more expensive, but enough.I believe the suspension, brakes and tyres are the same and all more expensive than on a regular C2, but not so sure about other parts like the exhaust, clutch (both shared with C2?) and radiators (same as Turbo?)etc. I understand routine servicing is a bit more on the Turbo due to the different engine, but the routine service costs don't seem too bad (relatively), so it's the other components which wear out and need replacing or fixing like those above that seem to generate the most costs and the most concern for me.
Any thoughts appreciated.
If something goes amiss, like one of the turbos gets sick -- not common just an example -- course the running (repair) costs get all out whack.
OTOH, you will not have to do an IMSB upgrade on the Turbo...
I reckon running costs must be similar (turbo has to be a touch harder on consumables). you need to budget more than 5k more to buy a good turbo (I think you have to go to high 20s to get a very nice car) and a longer search if you want a manual.
I faced the same dilemma, bought a C4S (2 1/2 years back) its been a joy to own and delivers everything I want and has been cheaper to run than previous M3s (others on here have a different experience).... But the turbo is wonderful car as well. Whichever way you go, you'll have great fun.
I faced the same dilemma, bought a C4S (2 1/2 years back) its been a joy to own and delivers everything I want and has been cheaper to run than previous M3s (others on here have a different experience).... But the turbo is wonderful car as well. Whichever way you go, you'll have great fun.
Edited by Hungrymc on Tuesday 5th February 18:46
Yes, I guess about 8k more for a Turbo of similar age, mileage and condition. Not sure about the 997 C2S vs 996 Turbo but I see advantages and disadvantages for both cars. Perhaps my biggest issue with the 996 C4S is the close pricing of the 997 C2...
Edited by scoobysnacks2 on Tuesday 5th February 19:16
scoobysnacks2 said:
Perhaps my biggest issue with the 996 C4S is the close pricing of the 997 C2...
That one's simple to answer Edited by scoobysnacks2 on Tuesday 5th February 19:16
Exterior looks more important than interior looks for you? 6C4S. Interior looks more important? 7C2. Power will be the same as it will be an early C2 I would have thought.Mario149 said:
scoobysnacks2 said:
Perhaps my biggest issue with the 996 C4S is the close pricing of the 997 C2...
That one's simple to answer Edited by scoobysnacks2 on Tuesday 5th February 19:16
Exterior looks more important than interior looks for you? 6C4S. Interior looks more important? 7C2. Power will be the same as it will be an early C2 I would have thought.Mario149 said:
That one's simple to answer Exterior looks more important than interior looks for you? 6C4S. Interior looks more important? 7C2. Power will be the same as it will be an early C2 I would have thought.
Exterior looks more important to me, but there are a few other differences as well... Exterior looks more important than interior looks for you? 6C4S. Interior looks more important? 7C2. Power will be the same as it will be an early C2 I would have thought.rog007 said:
Just booked mine in to local OPC for major service and plugs; £1500.
I thought major service inculded plugs for £750 or are you throwing on a set of tyres too?http://www.porschefixedpriceservice.co.uk/911-serv...
eedjit said:
It's not as simple as that though. The 997 drives far better, with the added benefit that it's a few ears newer and has more to depreciate. I'm a big fan of the C4S, but having spent considerable time driving bot, the newer car is just better.
Fixed that for you 
Actually, my previous post was supposed to be a little tongue in cheek, should probably have included an extra smiley somewhere! On a serious note, if it was me, it'd be a tricky choice. It's difficult to be objective as I had a 996 C4S a few years ago - back then the 997 was still current and quite a few more notes than a 6C4S so the newer car wasn't an option. I'm sure they do drive/handle a bit better (I have to say I've never driven one), but if you're that into your driving, a few hundred notes at Centre Gravity or similar to tweak the handling to exactly what you'd like would probably sort it to what you wanted. A bit more extreme would be to disconnect the 4wd (I investigated it way back, looked like it was feasible).
Regarding exterior looks, I think the 996 C4S is the best looking of all the 996s and 7s (excluding the GT2s and 3s). Fried egg lights may not be to every one's taste, but between that and the rear reflector, it's definitely a more special combo than its sisters and much rarer than the 7C2 which is ubiquitous (at least in London and the SE). And frankly, IMO, the 997 interior isn't all that. I had a 987 boxster (so basically same interior AIUI) as a courtesy car and it def looked cheap in places. It def looks newer and shinier, but on its own that wouldn't be enough for me as I think its now ageing rapidly - I'll caveat this with the fact that I've never owned a car built after 2003
I think the only reason I'd get out of a 6C4S (or choose one over a 7C2) today for any 997 for similar-ish money would be for the power hike which the early 7C2 cars just don't give
Mario149 said:
eedjit said:
It's not as simple as that though. The 997 drives far better, with the added benefit that it's a few ears newer and has more to depreciate. I'm a big fan of the C4S, but having spent considerable time driving bot, the newer car is just better.
Fixed that for you Actually, my previous post was supposed to be a little tongue in cheek, should probably have included an extra smiley somewhere! On a serious note, if it was me, it'd be a tricky choice. It's difficult to be objective as I had a 996 C4S a few years ago - back then the 997 was still current and quite a few more notes than a 6C4S so the newer car wasn't an option. I'm sure they do drive/handle a bit better (I have to say I've never driven one), but if you're that into your driving, a few hundred notes at Centre Gravity or similar to tweak the handling to exactly what you'd like would probably sort it to what you wanted. A bit more extreme would be to disconnect the 4wd (I investigated it way back, looked like it was feasible).
Regarding exterior looks, I think the 996 C4S is the best looking of all the 996s and 7s (excluding the GT2s and 3s). Fried egg lights may not be to every one's taste, but between that and the rear reflector, it's definitely a more special combo than its sisters and much rarer than the 7C2 which is ubiquitous (at least in London and the SE). And frankly, IMO, the 997 interior isn't all that. I had a 987 boxster (so basically same interior AIUI) as a courtesy car and it def looked cheap in places. It def looks newer and shinier, but on its own that wouldn't be enough for me as I think its now ageing rapidly - I'll caveat this with the fact that I've never owned a car built after 2003
I think the only reason I'd get out of a 6C4S (or choose one over a 7C2) today for any 997 for similar-ish money would be for the power hike which the early 7C2 cars just don't give
EvoSlayer said:
rog007 said:
Just booked mine in to local OPC for major service and plugs; £1500.
I thought major service inculded plugs for £750 or are you throwing on a set of tyres too?http://www.porschefixedpriceservice.co.uk/911-serv...
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