buying advice

[antonyb]

hi all...

so i have this apparently common dilema at the moment, i am changing my now aging TVR and fancy a porsche (an itch i have always wanted to scratch)...

i like the design (read: look) of the interior and rear end of the 996 coupé more than the 993 - am a huge fan of the 993tt but unfortunetly it is out of my price range (c. £30k) and love the C4S (widebody) - again i think too pricey.

I will be driving it everyday upto 50 miles per day through out the winter and it will live on my private driveway (under a cover in severe weather). thus the 4 and 4s appeal greatly.

my questions i guess are these:

1. 993 or 996 based on everyday driving comfort
2. 2 or 4 wheel drive?
3. reliabilty/ease of upkeep - 996 or 993
4. maybe a boxster S instead?

i would greatly appreciate any advice you could give.

antony



>> Edited by antonyb on Thursday 29th September 16:35

[domster]

antonyb said:

hi all... my questions i guess are these: 1. 993 or 996 based on comfort and reliability 2. 2 or 4 wheel drive? 3. reliabilty/ease of upkeep - 996 or 993 4. maybe a boxster S instead?

Hi Ant,

Basically, you need to work out what Porsche really gets you going yourself by reading as much about them as you can, experiencing them, driving them and searching these forums. Only you know what you like, and some Porsche models are chalk and cheese...

However, on a limited budget I'd say get a good 993 than a cheap 996. If something major goes with the 996 it'll be a bigger bill. The 996 gives more pose for the money as it's newer but maybe lacks some aircooled character.

2 or 4 wheel drive? Not much in it, really. I'd say 2 wheel drive is the purist's choice, 4 wheel drive slightly more practical. Don't fret about it and see what comes along.

Reliability/ease of upkeep... as said before, I'd probably put my money on a late 993 than an early 996.

As for a Boxster S... YES, a very good choice. Arguably better than both 993/996 in your price range and a great handling car. Good value, too.

If you're feeling brave maybe also consider a 964 turbo but expect big running costs.

[antonyb]

ahh you hit the nail on the head! i didnt mention the 964 turbo - because of the running costs i had already ruled it out. it is actually my favourite of them all! (and very tempting!)

[BliarOut]

Agree with Domster. The Boxster S is a fantastic car for the money. Ok, so it's not got the kudos of the 911 variants, but they handle better and for a few quid you could soon get one up to the same HP as a 996.

Interior wise, it's indistinguishable from a 996 with the exception of the washer variable speed adjustment and two extra dials on the instrument pods.

You need to drive one of each to see what feels right for you.

996, 993 or Boxster S, none of them are bad cars.

There is a 993 Vs 996 thread going at the moment, but these seem to crop up about once a week round here

[meno-porsche]

I also have to agree with Domster for all the reason stated, however there is one other reason which should not be forgotten. You are likely to lose less money of a good 993 (especially a S varient) over a average 996.

As for the 964 turbo - a very proper Porsche which might cost a little more to run, however this has to be offset against the looks, performance and the fact that they are starting to get very thin on the ground so prices are likely to increase providing they are looked after.

Failing that buy a tip-top 964 and put 10K in the bank for tax insurance and servicing over the next 5-8 years. Still a very proper Porsche which should never be over looked IMHO.

Andy (964 C2)

[Adam B]

domster said:

If something major goes with the 996 it'll be a bigger bill [than a 993].

can you explain why so please?

[domster]

Because the 996 is more complicated, sophisticated etc. and uses more modern technology. I'm sure a Getrag gearbox or 996 engine cost more than the aircooled equivalents in the event of a major failure. I may be wrong, and quite happy to be proved so

[leosayer]

If it was me driving 50 miles every day in winter, it would have to be the more modern, comfortable and safe 996 with PSM, preferably a C4.

[spenny_b]

Have to say, mine (996 C2) is also an everyday car...and this may sound really "non-petrolhead" but you'd be surprised how much everyday stuff you can sling on the back seats in a 911 (I know the Boxster has a rear boot, but that's outside)...it's one of the reasons a Boxster was never on my list. I even had to go in the back the other week (for 100 miles) after a wedding, I didn't dare complain after making my brother go in the back on the morning trip up ...it wasnt that comfy, but entirely do-able (I'm 6ft too)

I'm not poo-pooing (Blackadder!) the Boxsters at all...but you did mention a "Porsche itch you had to scratch"...that *generally* means a 911...just dont get a Boxster then wish you'd gone for the 911. Both great options though.

[antonyb]

turns out that the boxster is too small for me anyway... the seat wont move back far enough from the peddals and i feel very cramped. unfortunately the same goes for the 993 - i've got very wide shoulders and the fit is close, the 996 on the other hand fits like a glove.

they always say that the car will choose you...

unfortunately i have now fallen in love with the 996 targa, so if anyone knows of a good one for sale PLEEEASE let me know! they seem very rare.

thanks for the advice so far! keep it coming

>> Edited by antonyb on Monday 3rd October 20:17

[Raven Flyer]

leosayer

I've just bought a 996 C4 with psm. You will not believe the pace you can safely make on a cold, dark, wet road.

[antonyb]

Raven Flyer said:

leosayer I've just bought a 996 C4 with psm. You will not believe the pace you can safely make on a cold, dark, wet road.

...well lets hope you are right!

I just bought a black 996 C4 (GT3 look)... it's a stunning car. I now look forward to winter driving again.

Cant wait to pick it up

>> Edited by antonyb on Wednesday 5th October 19:06

>> Edited by antonyb on Thursday 6th October 22:32

[askitoglou]

I dont think you can get any better value than that. think what you can do with the rest of your money. LHD so if you dont mind I am sure you will not mind the price

I am going for the turbo that all.

www.pistonheads.com/sales/52434.htm