986 - to buy it or something else a bit silly?
Discussion
Hello all,
I am a 23yo who currently drives a high mileage Alfa 147 2.0. I've owned it roughly a year and in that time it has been partial to throwing up a few bills that represent a significant part of the car's value. And road tax is > £300 a year.
These running costs have made me toy with the idea of getting something a bit more silly, like a cheap 986, preferably S. What are people's experiences with old, cheap Porsche's like a 986S? The kind of thing I'd be looking at is sub £6k, high mileage car.
I don't use a car for commuting too often and probably rack up around 7,000 miles per year.
And does anyone have any other suggestions for a cheap, old, silly run around? Other things I've been tempted with are Mini JCW, quick Megane's and a few others but those are maybe a few more years down the line.
Many thanks
I am a 23yo who currently drives a high mileage Alfa 147 2.0. I've owned it roughly a year and in that time it has been partial to throwing up a few bills that represent a significant part of the car's value. And road tax is > £300 a year.
These running costs have made me toy with the idea of getting something a bit more silly, like a cheap 986, preferably S. What are people's experiences with old, cheap Porsche's like a 986S? The kind of thing I'd be looking at is sub £6k, high mileage car.
I don't use a car for commuting too often and probably rack up around 7,000 miles per year.
And does anyone have any other suggestions for a cheap, old, silly run around? Other things I've been tempted with are Mini JCW, quick Megane's and a few others but those are maybe a few more years down the line.
Many thanks
Great cars. Very organic in feel - almost like a classic car.
But I wouldn't buy one if you're starting to wince about the cost of repairs on a Alfa 147. A 986 in any flavour can very easily chuck up bills that are a significant %age of the car's value. For instance, a clutch can be well into 4-figures in terms of ££.
Even without those, they are often a labour of love in terms of maintenance. Both mine had a fairly constant stream of repair jobs.
They are also not that great ergonomically, especially if you're well over 6ft, and the seats are an acquired taste. I had to use a micro-bead cushion to pad mine out to a bearable level of comfort.
I'm not trying to do them a disservice but I personally wouldn't buy one as a daily driver without an awful lot of searching around, test drives and a bork fund.
Fabulous weekend cars though!
But I wouldn't buy one if you're starting to wince about the cost of repairs on a Alfa 147. A 986 in any flavour can very easily chuck up bills that are a significant %age of the car's value. For instance, a clutch can be well into 4-figures in terms of ££.
Even without those, they are often a labour of love in terms of maintenance. Both mine had a fairly constant stream of repair jobs.
They are also not that great ergonomically, especially if you're well over 6ft, and the seats are an acquired taste. I had to use a micro-bead cushion to pad mine out to a bearable level of comfort.
I'm not trying to do them a disservice but I personally wouldn't buy one as a daily driver without an awful lot of searching around, test drives and a bork fund.
Fabulous weekend cars though!
I have had a MINI JCW and currently have a 2.7 986, which is a weekend fun car.
There would not be a great deal in it performance wise and the Mini is great fun, especially as mine looked pretty stock on the exterior and was a bit of a sleeper. Porsche is on another level with regard to handling and balance, as well as being much more obviously a sports car. I am over 6ft tall and 17 stone and I fit into it just fine, they're not uncomfortable.
We still have an R56 Clubman, with sports suspension, and the Boxster is much more supple and forgiving in its ride.
I would just go for it - they are very good cars and if you've had an Alfa, you'll have the necessary sense of humour needed to cope with setbacks!
There would not be a great deal in it performance wise and the Mini is great fun, especially as mine looked pretty stock on the exterior and was a bit of a sleeper. Porsche is on another level with regard to handling and balance, as well as being much more obviously a sports car. I am over 6ft tall and 17 stone and I fit into it just fine, they're not uncomfortable.
We still have an R56 Clubman, with sports suspension, and the Boxster is much more supple and forgiving in its ride.
I would just go for it - they are very good cars and if you've had an Alfa, you'll have the necessary sense of humour needed to cope with setbacks!
Astro65 said:
Hello all,
I am a 23yo who currently drives a high mileage Alfa 147 2.0. I've owned it roughly a year and in that time it has been partial to throwing up a few bills that represent a significant part of the car's value. And road tax is > £300 a year.
These running costs have made me toy with the idea of getting something a bit more silly, like a cheap 986, preferably S. What are people's experiences with old, cheap Porsche's like a 986S? The kind of thing I'd be looking at is sub £6k, high mileage car.
I don't use a car for commuting too often and probably rack up around 7,000 miles per year.
And does anyone have any other suggestions for a cheap, old, silly run around? Other things I've been tempted with are Mini JCW, quick Megane's and a few others but those are maybe a few more years down the line.
Many thanks
I had an Alfa Romeo 147 and wanted something a bit sportier when it was time to replace it. I was a similar age to you at the timeI am a 23yo who currently drives a high mileage Alfa 147 2.0. I've owned it roughly a year and in that time it has been partial to throwing up a few bills that represent a significant part of the car's value. And road tax is > £300 a year.
These running costs have made me toy with the idea of getting something a bit more silly, like a cheap 986, preferably S. What are people's experiences with old, cheap Porsche's like a 986S? The kind of thing I'd be looking at is sub £6k, high mileage car.
I don't use a car for commuting too often and probably rack up around 7,000 miles per year.
And does anyone have any other suggestions for a cheap, old, silly run around? Other things I've been tempted with are Mini JCW, quick Megane's and a few others but those are maybe a few more years down the line.
Many thanks
I ended up with a Z4 coupe. Although it's probably not as good to drive as a Boxster I think it's better looking, cheaper, just as quick and a lot rarer. I've had mine for 3.5 years and done just under 25,000 miles in that time using it as my only car
I'd love to get another Alfa one day though - great cars
One word of caution - you're likely to get significantly higher bills in anything similar to the 986 than your current car so I wouldn't look at switching cars as a way to avoid those!
80sMatchbox said:
What would you call a £5,000 986? 
£9k is the top of the market, for these.
9k is a lot, with those miles, nearly 60k... I would say max 4.5k for 2.7, and 5.5k for 3.2s (similar miles,and early models...)£9k is the top of the market, for these.
Again, the chances of throwing up big bills more than Alfa, so be careful. Suggested Z4 is a good alternative imho
Z4 is something I looked at before getting my Cayman.
Not as thrilling but I think many examples undervalued a bit. It's just they are heavier than I'd like ...there's also the 370Z but again heavier and I'd imagine insurance companies would crucify you.
...get a lightly modded MX5 and occasional track days (not racing) for some fun and skills improvement!
Re. Insurance and youmg drivers with lightly modded cars..how do the likes of Adrian Flux handle them?
Not as thrilling but I think many examples undervalued a bit. It's just they are heavier than I'd like ...there's also the 370Z but again heavier and I'd imagine insurance companies would crucify you.
...get a lightly modded MX5 and occasional track days (not racing) for some fun and skills improvement!
Re. Insurance and youmg drivers with lightly modded cars..how do the likes of Adrian Flux handle them?
Edited by Andyoz on Thursday 12th March 07:02
ooid said:
9k is a lot, with those miles, nearly 60k... I would say max 4.5k for 2.7, and 5.5k for 3.2s (similar miles,and early models...)
Again, the chances of throwing up big bills more than Alfa, so be careful. Suggested Z4 is a good alternative imho
I agree £9k seem a lot for that 2001 Boxster S (but it has a hard top......Again, the chances of throwing up big bills more than Alfa, so be careful. Suggested Z4 is a good alternative imho
).https://www.rpmspecialistcars.co.uk/cars/porsche-9...
However, I doubt you'll see many Boxster 2.7s for sale under £5k AND about 60k miles. The only sub £5k 2.7s for sale seem to have 80k miles plus on them.
But if you're willing to accept over 100k mileages, and why not if they've been maintained properly, there are 2.7s for under £4k:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price...
I'd go for the 986 and bugger the potential for big bills. They are great fun, and everyone should own a Porsche of some flavour at some point.
I had a 986 2.7 manual and fell in love. It was a bit rough and the cost of making it good was prohibitive, but it was sound enough to drive for a year and then trade-in.
Buy one and cross your fingers. You may be lucky!
I had a 986 2.7 manual and fell in love. It was a bit rough and the cost of making it good was prohibitive, but it was sound enough to drive for a year and then trade-in.
Buy one and cross your fingers. You may be lucky!
V8fan said:
However, I doubt you'll see many Boxster 2.7s for sale under £5k AND about 60k miles. The only sub £5k 2.7s for sale seem to have 80k miles plus on
Of course, inspection is the key though. Put the car (say advertised 6-7k?) in the ramp, for clear inspection. Go over exhaust, CATS, cooling system, rads, RMS leak and finally suspension. After a 30 mins check, the inspection would give you the clear bill for the next big maintenance. If it's all clear, and recently done, you can offer 500 GBP more to the vendor, and enjoy the next 3-4 years of peaceful motoring. 
Twinfan said:
I'd be looking at a Clio 182/Cup/Trophy. Last of the NA hot hatches, cheap to buy and run and they handle great.
Running a Porsche of any age isn't cheap unless you can spanner everything yourself.
Yeah, good call at his age.Running a Porsche of any age isn't cheap unless you can spanner everything yourself.
Tracks are full of them for good reason. A fun car.
Andyoz said:
Z4 is something I looked at before getting my Cayman.
Not as thrilling but I think many examples undervalued a bit. It's just they are heavier than I'd like ...there's also the 370Z but again heavier and I'd imagine insurance companies would crucify you.
...get a lightly modded MX5 and occasional track days (not racing) for some fun and skills improvement!
Re. Insurance and youmg drivers with lightly modded cars..how do the likes of Adrian Flux handle them?
I've been insured through Admiral on my Z since I was 26. With business cover, 8,000 miles P/A and mods declared (brakes/wheels/exhaust/suspension) my policy is just under £250 annuallyNot as thrilling but I think many examples undervalued a bit. It's just they are heavier than I'd like ...there's also the 370Z but again heavier and I'd imagine insurance companies would crucify you.
...get a lightly modded MX5 and occasional track days (not racing) for some fun and skills improvement!
Re. Insurance and youmg drivers with lightly modded cars..how do the likes of Adrian Flux handle them?
Edited by Andyoz on Thursday 12th March 07:02
flight147z said:
Andyoz said:
Z4 is something I looked at before getting my Cayman.
Not as thrilling but I think many examples undervalued a bit. It's just they are heavier than I'd like ...there's also the 370Z but again heavier and I'd imagine insurance companies would crucify you.
...get a lightly modded MX5 and occasional track days (not racing) for some fun and skills improvement!
Re. Insurance and youmg drivers with lightly modded cars..how do the likes of Adrian Flux handle them?
I've been insured through Admiral on my Z since I was 26. With business cover, 8,000 miles P/A and mods declared (brakes/wheels/exhaust/suspension) my policy is just under £250 annuallyNot as thrilling but I think many examples undervalued a bit. It's just they are heavier than I'd like ...there's also the 370Z but again heavier and I'd imagine insurance companies would crucify you.
...get a lightly modded MX5 and occasional track days (not racing) for some fun and skills improvement!
Re. Insurance and youmg drivers with lightly modded cars..how do the likes of Adrian Flux handle them?
Edited by Andyoz on Thursday 12th March 07:02
Just my 2 cents, but when I bought my 2006 Cayman I went in eyes open knowing that it could throw up a serious 4 figure bill.
It may or may not.
Other cars are generally less savage in what they can throw your way.
So just look at what money reserves you have before pulling the trigger.
Or just pull the trigger as it's Russian roulette anyway!!
It may or may not.
Other cars are generally less savage in what they can throw your way.
So just look at what money reserves you have before pulling the trigger.
Or just pull the trigger as it's Russian roulette anyway!!
Hi there,
I did pretty much exactly this back in the summer - purchasing a 986 S to use as my daily driver. I'm in a slightly different point in my life, but not night and day different (I'm 37).
I paid £5,100 for a 100k mile 2001 model with a couple of specific options to try and make it more liveable with day-to-day through the winter. Litronic headlights and heated seats have both been great, and I would always recommend these to anyone planning on dailying the car throughout the year.
I get about 300 miles to a full tank (about £65-70 of premium fuel) with regular usage being about 2/3rds town driving and 1/3 back roads. Depending on your commute and mileage, that could get pretty juicy for you, or feeling like groundhog day being back at the petrol station AGAIN.
Insurance is obviously a big consideration as a young(er) driver - I take it you've got some quotes and are comfortable that you can stomach the premiums?
So far, other than an engine and gearbox oil change, and engine air and oil filter change, I haven't spent a penny on the car ... maybe I bought well, maybe I got lucky, or maybe it's going to explode on the way home tonight!
I came into it with my eyes open, balancing the lack of depreciation with the potential for some fairly chunky bills. There's always been at the back of my mind the thought that no matter what blew up, it'd probably still be worth a couple of grand as spares or repairs, so I shouldn't be in the hole for more than £3k whatever happened - and I can live with that (not happy ... but it wouldn't put me in financial difficulty).
If you're comfortable with all the above, I'd say to go for it. They are very fun, analogue cars that are surprisingly playful. You only live once and it'll put a smile on your face.
One surprising side effect (not sure if it's a benefit or a hindrance) is that EVERYONE suddenly thinks you're loaded. The fact it cost less to buy than their Focus seems to be lost in the "you've got a Porsche" effect. I don't particularly like it ... not a very showy person generally ... but have learnt to accept it.
I did pretty much exactly this back in the summer - purchasing a 986 S to use as my daily driver. I'm in a slightly different point in my life, but not night and day different (I'm 37).
I paid £5,100 for a 100k mile 2001 model with a couple of specific options to try and make it more liveable with day-to-day through the winter. Litronic headlights and heated seats have both been great, and I would always recommend these to anyone planning on dailying the car throughout the year.
I get about 300 miles to a full tank (about £65-70 of premium fuel) with regular usage being about 2/3rds town driving and 1/3 back roads. Depending on your commute and mileage, that could get pretty juicy for you, or feeling like groundhog day being back at the petrol station AGAIN.
Insurance is obviously a big consideration as a young(er) driver - I take it you've got some quotes and are comfortable that you can stomach the premiums?
So far, other than an engine and gearbox oil change, and engine air and oil filter change, I haven't spent a penny on the car ... maybe I bought well, maybe I got lucky, or maybe it's going to explode on the way home tonight!
I came into it with my eyes open, balancing the lack of depreciation with the potential for some fairly chunky bills. There's always been at the back of my mind the thought that no matter what blew up, it'd probably still be worth a couple of grand as spares or repairs, so I shouldn't be in the hole for more than £3k whatever happened - and I can live with that (not happy ... but it wouldn't put me in financial difficulty).
If you're comfortable with all the above, I'd say to go for it. They are very fun, analogue cars that are surprisingly playful. You only live once and it'll put a smile on your face.
One surprising side effect (not sure if it's a benefit or a hindrance) is that EVERYONE suddenly thinks you're loaded. The fact it cost less to buy than their Focus seems to be lost in the "you've got a Porsche" effect. I don't particularly like it ... not a very showy person generally ... but have learnt to accept it.
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