Age vs Mileage

[Rob Ustly]

Starting to look through the ads for a new car and the 911 (an early 996 Turbo to be precise) is on the shortlist. I've already gleaned much wisdom from this forum, but a quick question to the members please:

Given the choice of a low mileage (say 20k) model a couple of years older than a higher mileage (say 50k) car, both more or less the same price, which would you choose? When do the first big bills start coming in and is it age or mileage that starts the problems?

Thanks.

[DaGinge]

Can I answer with neither?

I'd say go with your gut feel on the general condition wear/tear on the car. The 996 Turbo has a derivation of the GT1 engine block that is also used in the GT2/GT3 which is pretty much bullet-proof, so 20K/50K shouldn't matter so long as it has been serviced correctly.

[paultje]

Cue Henry F....go on you know it makes sense!!

[roygarth]

20K of town miles could easily wear drivetrain as much as 50K outa town miles.

All other things being equal I'd go for 20K mile car.

Watch out though I've bought some shockers in my time!

[clubsport]

And after 10k of trackday miles...the car may be worn out.....look at each individual car on it's own merits.

[johnfm]

Depends on how 'new' the newer car was. If the choice was between old shape 996 and facelift (ie 2002) 996, I'd take the new shape - better engineering in the chassis and engine.
However, as HF says, buy on condition.