Which 911 for under £30k?

[LankyLegoHead]

Evening all, I come to you all with an age old question.

I've dreamed of owning a 911 since I was a kid, but with the rising prices it's got harder and harder to make that leap. I currently have a E92 M3 that I'm considering moving on in the new year, but what do I replace it with?

The obvious answer is to scratch that 911 itch I've had for so long, but what do I plump for? I'll list what I've been looking at below, and my current for/against list. The car will be for weekends and days when I just fancy taking it to work and probably living outside/driveway/road/car park since my MK2 Golf GTI takes up my dry storage space (Great logic there..)

996 Carrera 4S - The car I was obsessed with as a teenager, I've always wanted one. However, no I'm older, I wonder if the 4WD is a bit too sensible for a weekend toy? Will it feel sluggish after my M3?

997 Carrera 2S - RWD, so more fun. Newer, although not without its issues! At this price I'll be going for an older one, is that a risk? Is it a bit to "Plain" looking for a weekend car?

And the wildcard.

996 Carrera 2 with factory aero kit - Always liked the idea of getting a high miler and just properly ragging it, enjoying it, maybe even tweaking it and not worrying! The Aerokit on the early 996's is my guilty pleasure...

So I'm kind of looking for Porsche owners expertise on this one. I guess I'm just scared my dream car may turn out to be a "Never meet your heros" moment, so don't want to make the wrong choice!

Thanks in advance.

[PGNSagaris]

Good budget for a nice 996 C4S with PSE.

That would be my choice.

[JS1500]

I'd go for a 996 3.4 with aero kit and keep some money aside for making it exactly as you want it. Maybe drive a C4 as well as a C2 to see what you think, the C4 has a lot going for it too!

Maybe find one needing an engine rebuild and have a 3.7 built for it?!

I doubt you'll be disappointed!

[Gunk]

I’d go for a 996 Targa, I know it’s not a popular choice but I’ve always liked them, the glass roof is stunning and for some reason they just look a bit younger than other 996’s.

[Shaoxter]

Honestly I'd stick with your M3 until you have enough for a 997.2 S. Any 996 Carrera is just going to feel dated and sluggish and a 997.1 S is a little risky to run on a budget.

[Desert Dragon]

I'd go early 996 C2 and keep the E92

[Paynewright]

I'm sure you will have seen this thread...


https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Tommie38]

Yes - early 997.2, being flexible with what you buy. Alternatively a 987.2 Cayman and save some money.

[LordHaveMurci]

Early 996 as others have said & cash left to make some tasteful upgrades which 996's respond very well too, they are on the rise value wise too so it could be a good investment.

[Fast Bug]

Gunk said:

I’d go for a 996 Targa, I know it’s not a popular choice but I’ve always liked them, the glass roof is stunning and for some reason they just look a bit younger than other 996’s.

They also often squeak and rattle and cost a fotune to fix if they go wrong

[LankyLegoHead]

Paynewright said:

I'm sure you will have seen this thread...


https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I have, the dream! Lol

Thanks for all your replies. I could stretch to a 997.2, but was trying to do something in a lower budget.

[NAS90]

997 Carrera, less issues than the Carrera S, much more refined than the 996 and still a great drive, plus you'll save a decent amount on your proposed budget. If you buy one from the trade with a decent warranty (even maybe pay for a longer warranty) you have some protection from the big expenses of the issues that can occur with modern 911s

Edited by NAS90 on Friday 22 December 10:09

[Cheib]

Fast Bug said:

Gunk said:

I’d go for a 996 Targa, I know it’s not a popular choice but I’ve always liked them, the glass roof is stunning and for some reason they just look a bit younger than other 996’s.

They also often squeak and rattle and cost a fotune to fix if they go wrong

Couple of mates have 993 Targa's.....and they can certainly confirm this/had some big bills. One of them wants to get a full body re-spray done of his car....body shop won't give a fixed quote because they can't be sure what will be re-usable when they come to put the roof back in.

[Shaoxter]

LankyLegoHead said:

Thanks for all your replies. I could stretch to a 997.2, but was trying to do something in a lower budget.

997.2 is worth it, I know finance is a bit of a no-no on PH but personal loans are sub 3% these days...

Mine's not needed anything in the year and a bit I've owned it, not even a service. Hasn't depreciated either so in terms of overall running costs it's probably the same as if you got an older 996.

[EGTE]

Why not test-drive the 3 main choices you list? They're all good choices, but only you can know what you really like.

Yes a 997.2 is more refined car than any 996. I have an aero-kitted 996 C2 and I really enjoy the (relative) rawness and simplicity of the car; you may prefer the 997.2.

Try them all (and enjoy it; they're all good in their own ways) before you buy. Then get them properly PPI'd before parting with cash!

[sundayjumper]

Following standard practice of recommending the thing that you own...

LankyLegoHead said:

996 Carrera 2 with factory aero kit - Always liked the idea of getting a high miler and just properly ragging it, enjoying it, maybe even tweaking it and not worrying! The Aerokit on the early 996's is my guilty pleasure...

^^ that.





Your budget is ample to get a good one and still have money to set up just how you want it.

I've got buckets & cage in mine now, have been using it for Autosolos this year. I've had it over six years now and have no intention of ever selling.

Edited by sundayjumper on Friday 22 December 11:21

[Fastlane]

sundayjumper said:

Your budget is ample to get a good one and still have money to set up just how you want it.

+1. You can get a good one for under £20k leaving you plenty of cash to modify/maintain it. If you haven't already, see Jethro Bovingdon's video on his aero kitted C2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6jCiB9dt0A

My Zanzibar Red aero kitted 2001 C4 gets a lot of love, and not just from petrol heads. As has been said, it is not as fast as a 997, but IMHO is more of a classic.

[AlasdairB10]

996 in my view. Don't get hung up on the 3.4/3.6 debate - just buy the best condition in the price range you've set - if it doesnt have the aero kit, you can always put it on - but the engine etc is much more expensive to replace if it goes bang.

As for the comment about a 996 feeling sluggish, they are slightly lighter and a more involving drive in my experience than a 997.

Anything with an x51 kit is worth looking out for (quite rare) - or think about an anniversary car (relatively expensive). There are some in your price range and ought to prove a reasonable investment too.

Enjoy it!

[pmac32]

Having had both 996 c4s and gen 2 997s 2wd I doubt you will notice any notable difference in performance.
If anything the older car might have been quicker on greasy pot holed Uk roads.

[Shaoxter]

pmac32 said:

Having had both 996 c4s and gen 2 997s 2wd I doubt you will notice any notable difference in performance.
If anything the older car might have been quicker on greasy pot holed Uk roads.

Couldn't disagree more, it was absolute night and day for me. While I loved the 996 4S for the shape, noise and steering, it never felt "hold on to your hats" quick and thus wasn't that exciting. The combination of an extra 60 or so bhp, much more mid range torque and PDK box means the 997.2 S does give you a proper shove in the back. Ride is much better too (thanks to PASM I guess), the 996 4S was always a too hard for UK roads.