996 Running Costs
Discussion
Hi Guys
I've been following Pistonheads forums now for a while and have enjoyed all your comments and thoughts enormously, thanks very much for helping pass the slow days.
I am pondering my next car purchase and have shortlisted four cars and wondered if I might ask for your thoughts. The cars are in no particular order
DB7 i6
996 C2/C4 (manual)
Jag XKR 4.0
BMW M3 (SMG)
Obviously in an Porsche forum there may be some bias, but what in your opinions are the relative merit's of each car?
The car will be for me to drive only, (wife has a runaround) for your guide my previous cars are a 4.0 Chimeara and a 944 turbo. It'd be used weekends only - no time to drive in the week, and will probably find it's way onto an airfield day a couple of times a year aswell.
Also, does anyone have an idea of how much I should allow per year for servicing on a DB7 and what are your percieved levels of depreciation over the next 3 years say? (I have a family to look after so running costs are unfortunately a factor).
Thanks all, I await your wisdom and comments with real excitement.
Petetong
I've been following Pistonheads forums now for a while and have enjoyed all your comments and thoughts enormously, thanks very much for helping pass the slow days.
I am pondering my next car purchase and have shortlisted four cars and wondered if I might ask for your thoughts. The cars are in no particular order
DB7 i6
996 C2/C4 (manual)
Jag XKR 4.0
BMW M3 (SMG)
Obviously in an Porsche forum there may be some bias, but what in your opinions are the relative merit's of each car?
The car will be for me to drive only, (wife has a runaround) for your guide my previous cars are a 4.0 Chimeara and a 944 turbo. It'd be used weekends only - no time to drive in the week, and will probably find it's way onto an airfield day a couple of times a year aswell.
Also, does anyone have an idea of how much I should allow per year for servicing on a DB7 and what are your percieved levels of depreciation over the next 3 years say? (I have a family to look after so running costs are unfortunately a factor).
Thanks all, I await your wisdom and comments with real excitement.
Petetong
As impartial as possible...... Of course the 996 Carrera 2 has to be the choice - go for the 4 if you're driving it in all condtions, but the 2 gives a better drive.....
The M3 would be next, as it's fairly cheap for a newer model and whatever your budget is, the car will probably still have a manufacturers warranty.
The Jag and the Aston are very nice cars - not so well put together, and more GT cars than sports cars - neither will be particularly good at a trackday.
I should imagine that the M3 and the Porsche will be the cheapest to run/maintain too as they are less likely to go wrong - keep the Porsche away from the OPC's and it will be cheaper still.
You didn't mention your budget, but I should say at around the 30k mark the Porsche will not depreciate as much as the others - read the topic '996 - how low will they go' for more opinions. Don't forget the new V8 M3 is out this year, so that will undoubtedly hit values of the current model - for a view of how low these could go, you've only to look at the previous E39 model as an indication, but it'll go fairly low.
The DB7 could hold up well, but the Jag less so - don't know about running costs for these cars - but I doubt they would be as cheap to run as the Porsche or BMW......
Good luck
The M3 would be next, as it's fairly cheap for a newer model and whatever your budget is, the car will probably still have a manufacturers warranty.
The Jag and the Aston are very nice cars - not so well put together, and more GT cars than sports cars - neither will be particularly good at a trackday.
I should imagine that the M3 and the Porsche will be the cheapest to run/maintain too as they are less likely to go wrong - keep the Porsche away from the OPC's and it will be cheaper still.
You didn't mention your budget, but I should say at around the 30k mark the Porsche will not depreciate as much as the others - read the topic '996 - how low will they go' for more opinions. Don't forget the new V8 M3 is out this year, so that will undoubtedly hit values of the current model - for a view of how low these could go, you've only to look at the previous E39 model as an indication, but it'll go fairly low.
The DB7 could hold up well, but the Jag less so - don't know about running costs for these cars - but I doubt they would be as cheap to run as the Porsche or BMW......
Good luck
I have a 2000 Carrera 2.
Running costs have been very reasonable. I paid over the odds for mine from Porsche dealer, but aside from tyres and servicing and renewing the warranty I haven't spent anything on it at all. It has needed bits and pieces (inclduing RMS replacement) but all done under the Porsche warranty. I guess I spend about £1200 a year all in, but expect to recoup some if not all of it becuase when I come to sell I wil have FPSH and a Porsche warranty to transfer.
Servicing costs are about 30% uplift on BMWs etc. It is all done on a menu pricing system.
By way of example mine is going for a 72k service (at 43k miles - six years - it needs to be done every year or 12k miles) and that will be about £500 inc VAT, plus a couple of hundred for a brake fluid change and new plugs.
I am donning my flameproof trousers again, but I would advise the Porsche warranty.
>> Edited by vesuvius996 on Monday 16th January 10:00
Running costs have been very reasonable. I paid over the odds for mine from Porsche dealer, but aside from tyres and servicing and renewing the warranty I haven't spent anything on it at all. It has needed bits and pieces (inclduing RMS replacement) but all done under the Porsche warranty. I guess I spend about £1200 a year all in, but expect to recoup some if not all of it becuase when I come to sell I wil have FPSH and a Porsche warranty to transfer.
Servicing costs are about 30% uplift on BMWs etc. It is all done on a menu pricing system.
By way of example mine is going for a 72k service (at 43k miles - six years - it needs to be done every year or 12k miles) and that will be about £500 inc VAT, plus a couple of hundred for a brake fluid change and new plugs.
I am donning my flameproof trousers again, but I would advise the Porsche warranty.
>> Edited by vesuvius996 on Monday 16th January 10:00
Don't think anyone disagrees on the sense of having a warranty.
The BMW (and the others I guess) will win hands down over the Porsche when it comes to practicality. Even compared to a 944 the 911 is woeful in that regard.
But if that isn't an issue, then of those 996 all the way.
But at the risk of inflaming the debate have you considered any of the older 911s? If your budget is, say 30K, then most NA/non-S 993s and even a 964RS would be in reach, and if it is a true weekend toy then ...
Final thought - back seats - if you need them (as I do, even for a weekend toy) then the 911 will again be compromised compared to the BMW, and the 964RS won't have any at all.
The BMW (and the others I guess) will win hands down over the Porsche when it comes to practicality. Even compared to a 944 the 911 is woeful in that regard.
But if that isn't an issue, then of those 996 all the way.
But at the risk of inflaming the debate have you considered any of the older 911s? If your budget is, say 30K, then most NA/non-S 993s and even a 964RS would be in reach, and if it is a true weekend toy then ...
Final thought - back seats - if you need them (as I do, even for a weekend toy) then the 911 will again be compromised compared to the BMW, and the 964RS won't have any at all.
If you buy from OPC - be prepared for a big hit on re-sale....
Experience has shown me that the price offered by the dealers is woefully low compared to their forecourt price. Especially true of the newer/more expensive cars.
50k forecourt cars are being purchased at 40k ish - and nobody really wants to buy privately at these prices, so you're stuck with selling back into the dealer network. It's a big consideration when buying from an OPC, and one which many are not aware of. So long as a car has FPSH and no non-Porsche mods then you can get any car a 111 point porsche check and then buy the same warranty yourself, all for around 1k....... Worth considering
Experience has shown me that the price offered by the dealers is woefully low compared to their forecourt price. Especially true of the newer/more expensive cars.
50k forecourt cars are being purchased at 40k ish - and nobody really wants to buy privately at these prices, so you're stuck with selling back into the dealer network. It's a big consideration when buying from an OPC, and one which many are not aware of. So long as a car has FPSH and no non-Porsche mods then you can get any car a 111 point porsche check and then buy the same warranty yourself, all for around 1k....... Worth considering
scaryx50 said:
have a look at JZ Maztechs website for approximate parts costs and servicing costs.
IMHO because of their high overheads (fancy advertising) there's not much difference between their costs and OPC costs.
There are far cheaper and equally as good indies out there.
PM me if you want some other recommendations.
c2 is all the car you will ever need, and once you realise you can use it everyday, unlike ANY other supercar, you can drive it all the time 
not just at weekends.
I was actually looking at the XKR before the 911, a customer has one and after hearing the servicing (like 800 pound a pop from jag) and other costs being the same as a 911 It sort of didnt warrant spending that much on it, the 911 is half that in servicing and I suppose I would pay double that if I really had to.. .. .. its worth it.
me and you both know your here cos you want the 911, read up on the common little issues, make sure its either got a warranty or you can get it through the CTI at OPC for the warranty and enjoy, it will be one of the best purchase's you have ever made.
Edited to add spelling mistakes
>> Edited by DucatiGary on Monday 16th January 17:34
not just at weekends. I was actually looking at the XKR before the 911, a customer has one and after hearing the servicing (like 800 pound a pop from jag) and other costs being the same as a 911 It sort of didnt warrant spending that much on it, the 911 is half that in servicing and I suppose I would pay double that if I really had to.. .. .. its worth it.
me and you both know your here cos you want the 911, read up on the common little issues, make sure its either got a warranty or you can get it through the CTI at OPC for the warranty and enjoy, it will be one of the best purchase's you have ever made.
Edited to add spelling mistakes
>> Edited by DucatiGary on Monday 16th January 17:34
reply to your post on Jaguar forum www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=235400&f=85&h=0
I was exactly in your position this time last year. Had a 120K mile XJR and was pondering XKR, M3, 996. In the end I went for the 996 (and no one on the Jaguar forum talks to me any more
)
M3 - great drivers car, but, seriously concerned about the whole BMW perception 'thing' now. Especially M3's that tend to get in the hands of Pikeys very quickly as their price drops.
XKR - My favourite in the looks department, inside and out, hands-down winner. Awesome straight line speed (MUCH quicker than a 996!) And its a Jaguar, so people will know you're an all-round Gent. (ask Triple7 for piccies of his
)
996 - Its a 911, a copmplete icon. The steering, brakes, handling, as a complete package its peerless. Very reliable, haven't had a single problem. The downsides - they're not as quick as you'd imagine, soon you'll be lusting after a GT3 or TT. The limits are so high that the only place to really enjoy them is on a track. Oh, and everyone thinks you're a cock!
DB7 - forget it, interior is a joke, running costs are horrendous.
I'd say give Henry a visit at 911Virgin. Or, you can buy mine
I was exactly in your position this time last year. Had a 120K mile XJR and was pondering XKR, M3, 996. In the end I went for the 996 (and no one on the Jaguar forum talks to me any more
) M3 - great drivers car, but, seriously concerned about the whole BMW perception 'thing' now. Especially M3's that tend to get in the hands of Pikeys very quickly as their price drops.
XKR - My favourite in the looks department, inside and out, hands-down winner. Awesome straight line speed (MUCH quicker than a 996!) And its a Jaguar, so people will know you're an all-round Gent. (ask Triple7 for piccies of his
) 996 - Its a 911, a copmplete icon. The steering, brakes, handling, as a complete package its peerless. Very reliable, haven't had a single problem. The downsides - they're not as quick as you'd imagine, soon you'll be lusting after a GT3 or TT. The limits are so high that the only place to really enjoy them is on a track. Oh, and everyone thinks you're a cock!
DB7 - forget it, interior is a joke, running costs are horrendous.
I'd say give Henry a visit at 911Virgin. Or, you can buy mine
Everyone thought I was a c0ck before I bought mine anyway 
Cue nervous.... entrance stage left......
PS Mine could be for sale if you're paying good money.
2000 W Carrera 2 Tip S, 43k miles.
FPSH (service including plugs and brake fluid being done in a week or so)
13 months Porsche warranty
The cover car from Total911 Issue 1.
Full set of receipts from day 1, tracker fitted, nearly new Contisport N1s all round with unmarked 18" turbo alloys.
Regualrly zymolled and treated like a baby.
Vesuvius grey with graphite full leather and graphite suede headlining.
Bought from Porsche East London 12 months ago for rather a lot of money
>> Edited by vesuvius996 on Monday 16th January 18:51
Cue nervous.... entrance stage left......
PS Mine could be for sale if you're paying good money.
2000 W Carrera 2 Tip S, 43k miles.
FPSH (service including plugs and brake fluid being done in a week or so)
13 months Porsche warranty
The cover car from Total911 Issue 1.
Full set of receipts from day 1, tracker fitted, nearly new Contisport N1s all round with unmarked 18" turbo alloys.
Regualrly zymolled and treated like a baby.
Vesuvius grey with graphite full leather and graphite suede headlining.
Bought from Porsche East London 12 months ago for rather a lot of money
>> Edited by vesuvius996 on Monday 16th January 18:51
vesuvius996 said:
Everyone thought I was a c0ck before I bought mine anyway
Cue nervous.... entrance stage left......
PS Mine could be for sale if you're paying good money.
2000 W Carrera 2 Tip S, 43k miles.
FPSH (service including plugs and brake fluid being done in a week or so)
13 months Porsche warranty
The cover car from Total911 Issue 1.
Full set of receipts from day 1, tracker fitted, nearly new Contisport N1s all round with unmarked 18" turbo alloys.
Regualrly zymolled and treated like a baby.
Vesuvius grey with graphite full leather and graphite suede headlining.
Bought from Porsche East London 12 months ago for rather a lot of money
>> Edited by vesuvius996 on Monday 16th January 18:51
vesuvius grey? isnt that a poofs colour?
:sorrytediousiknow:
yes, but if you sell it, ill be on my own over here. the only reason that they don't all beat me up and take my dinner-money everyday is cos you've got one too and you're dead litigious.
in short, if you go, im
ed. so folks, i saw a 996 just like Soovys today only nicer for 12 pence. buy that one instead.
in short, if you go, im
ed. so folks, i saw a 996 just like Soovys today only nicer for 12 pence. buy that one instead.
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