Discussion
Hi
I have been reading these pages for some time now gathering info for my, now impending, first purchase. There are lots of threads expressing different opinions on the "right" car to get, but I think I am looking for a manual facelift C2 996 - something reasonably well specced without a lurid interior, in good condition and probably without any Aero kit additions (inclding factory fit). I would obviously be looking for full service history and would expect to run it with OPC waranty for peace of mind. I would consider purchasing privately if it comes with OPC warranty and I can verify directly with OPC, but otherwise would be looking at an Indy purchase given first venture into Porsche land. Given the collective wealth of knowledge on here, any views on the following appreciated (and apologies for number of queries but this is a culmination of many months):
1) Budget is around the £35k mark, but may be flexible. For this sort of money I was hoping to get something around an '03 plate with 30-40k miles (the less the better, although I hear the advice of buying on condition). This seems reasonable on what I have seen in the classifieds, but am I right in thinking prices will soften a bit once we leave August behind - probably look to purchase early Oct?
2) Ideally, the above budget would also get me the OPC warranty. If purchasing privately and OPC verify that a car has a current transferable warranty, does it stillmake sense to get pre purchase report or is it sufficient to rely upon warranty. I expect this is a question of risk appetite and that there are a suffcient amount of things that can go wrong that are not covered by OPC warranty.
3) Although I am buying this to fulfil a long term desire, i still want to ensure I am not throwing away hard earned on the wrong choice. I know it is impossible to predict future values and the 993s are trading above comparative 996s - no doubt due to their air cooled appeal - but the later 996s still have a fair deal of spread. Early 997 models seem to be available around the £45k mark (even 3.8S versions) and as they are also water cooled, I would expect as time goes on they will depress 996 prices (I would certainly prefer the newer car if I could justify the additional expenditure, but that is a different question I need to toil with). Although good pre facelift 3.4s are available for mid to late £20ks, does it still make sense to go facelift? I see the newer age as being helpful from the perspective of future sale if it is going to continue to be eligible for OPC warranty.
4) There are a number of 996 examples around at Indys in and around London with mileage in the high 50ks and low 60ks, all around 02/03 cars. Not unreasonable on normal driving for 4/5 year old daily runners, but is this going to mean I am staring at increased service/upkeep? I have read the £2k upkeep per year (excluding insurance, tax and petrol) which is fine if running the OPC warranty (which will obviously costs as well). Is this realistic?
4) I would not expect to do more than 6-8k miles per year (probably less) and would probably look to change in 2/3 years, so on basis of the 50/60k mile examples and worst case scenario, I am likely to take a bath on a then 70/80k mile 02/03 car? I am thinking higher mileage may actally be beneficial overall as I could average out some of the previous miles, although it would obviously be well over a Glass's guide 6k per annum average.
5) Although I love the look of the C4S and there are a number of early 02 cars around for 37/38k, I think that the C2 will be plenty of car for my first encounter. I have also read lots on here about the 2 vs 4 wheel drive debate. I suppose it is just a case of driving both variants and seeing what I prefer but OPC do not appear to stock many 996s now. Are Indys going to let me out in various cars or will they not want to "dirty" something that has been detailed?
And although these are probably jumping the gun...
6) Insurance quotes look good value, but is there benefit in getting a specialist that also covers track days? I would not expect to have lots of opportunities to do these (maybe 1/2 times a year), but if I did want to would it make sense to insure separately?
7) I have also read lots about this "sleep mode" and cars being flat if not regularly used. I live/work in London and the car will generally be used only at weekends, but conceivably will go a couple of weeks at a time without being driven. Although looking for a garage at the moment, I expect that even then I won't have the ability to put a mains conditioner on it (I see the CTEK 3600 is main operated). Is there any mobile eqivalent that is recommended to have in reserve for times when the car refuses to start? This would be a dampener on the dream if when I eventually get out withthe expectatio of going for a blast, it then doesn't start for me - this ended all thoughts of TVR ownership preiously.
Sorry for the length of this post, but it seems to occupying most of my waking thoughts..
DP
I have been reading these pages for some time now gathering info for my, now impending, first purchase. There are lots of threads expressing different opinions on the "right" car to get, but I think I am looking for a manual facelift C2 996 - something reasonably well specced without a lurid interior, in good condition and probably without any Aero kit additions (inclding factory fit). I would obviously be looking for full service history and would expect to run it with OPC waranty for peace of mind. I would consider purchasing privately if it comes with OPC warranty and I can verify directly with OPC, but otherwise would be looking at an Indy purchase given first venture into Porsche land. Given the collective wealth of knowledge on here, any views on the following appreciated (and apologies for number of queries but this is a culmination of many months):
1) Budget is around the £35k mark, but may be flexible. For this sort of money I was hoping to get something around an '03 plate with 30-40k miles (the less the better, although I hear the advice of buying on condition). This seems reasonable on what I have seen in the classifieds, but am I right in thinking prices will soften a bit once we leave August behind - probably look to purchase early Oct?
2) Ideally, the above budget would also get me the OPC warranty. If purchasing privately and OPC verify that a car has a current transferable warranty, does it stillmake sense to get pre purchase report or is it sufficient to rely upon warranty. I expect this is a question of risk appetite and that there are a suffcient amount of things that can go wrong that are not covered by OPC warranty.
3) Although I am buying this to fulfil a long term desire, i still want to ensure I am not throwing away hard earned on the wrong choice. I know it is impossible to predict future values and the 993s are trading above comparative 996s - no doubt due to their air cooled appeal - but the later 996s still have a fair deal of spread. Early 997 models seem to be available around the £45k mark (even 3.8S versions) and as they are also water cooled, I would expect as time goes on they will depress 996 prices (I would certainly prefer the newer car if I could justify the additional expenditure, but that is a different question I need to toil with). Although good pre facelift 3.4s are available for mid to late £20ks, does it still make sense to go facelift? I see the newer age as being helpful from the perspective of future sale if it is going to continue to be eligible for OPC warranty.
4) There are a number of 996 examples around at Indys in and around London with mileage in the high 50ks and low 60ks, all around 02/03 cars. Not unreasonable on normal driving for 4/5 year old daily runners, but is this going to mean I am staring at increased service/upkeep? I have read the £2k upkeep per year (excluding insurance, tax and petrol) which is fine if running the OPC warranty (which will obviously costs as well). Is this realistic?
4) I would not expect to do more than 6-8k miles per year (probably less) and would probably look to change in 2/3 years, so on basis of the 50/60k mile examples and worst case scenario, I am likely to take a bath on a then 70/80k mile 02/03 car? I am thinking higher mileage may actally be beneficial overall as I could average out some of the previous miles, although it would obviously be well over a Glass's guide 6k per annum average.
5) Although I love the look of the C4S and there are a number of early 02 cars around for 37/38k, I think that the C2 will be plenty of car for my first encounter. I have also read lots on here about the 2 vs 4 wheel drive debate. I suppose it is just a case of driving both variants and seeing what I prefer but OPC do not appear to stock many 996s now. Are Indys going to let me out in various cars or will they not want to "dirty" something that has been detailed?
And although these are probably jumping the gun...
6) Insurance quotes look good value, but is there benefit in getting a specialist that also covers track days? I would not expect to have lots of opportunities to do these (maybe 1/2 times a year), but if I did want to would it make sense to insure separately?
7) I have also read lots about this "sleep mode" and cars being flat if not regularly used. I live/work in London and the car will generally be used only at weekends, but conceivably will go a couple of weeks at a time without being driven. Although looking for a garage at the moment, I expect that even then I won't have the ability to put a mains conditioner on it (I see the CTEK 3600 is main operated). Is there any mobile eqivalent that is recommended to have in reserve for times when the car refuses to start? This would be a dampener on the dream if when I eventually get out withthe expectatio of going for a blast, it then doesn't start for me - this ended all thoughts of TVR ownership preiously.
Sorry for the length of this post, but it seems to occupying most of my waking thoughts..
DP
Edited by ldj on Monday 27th August 22:23
Have you had a look on 911 virgin? Last time I looked they had a lovely Arctic Silver 996 C2 facelift with PSM and sports exhaust, both of which imho essential. Looks in good condition. Its got a boxster red interior which might not be to your taste but to my mind has character. All I can say is if I had the ackers I would be down there myself sniffing round!
I think that you are quite right to take your time and be careful, and I'm sure many wiser and more experienced heads will be along to answer your specific queries.
Any car is going to depreciate. Don't let worrying about that spoil the experience. It sounds a little though as if you haven't really made up your mind between 993, 996 and 997. You can't say any one is better - it depends what you are looking for.
I think that you are quite right to take your time and be careful, and I'm sure many wiser and more experienced heads will be along to answer your specific queries.
Any car is going to depreciate. Don't let worrying about that spoil the experience. It sounds a little though as if you haven't really made up your mind between 993, 996 and 997. You can't say any one is better - it depends what you are looking for.
I have recently bought a 996 C2 facelift in the same price bracket as you are looking for. I have only had the car a week and I can't sleep at night, I am off my food, I have no appetite, I have little interest in my work and just want to stay out all night with my new lady. I think I am in love...
Seriously, from my experience I would look around for a couple of months to take time to get a feel for the mileage and spec options you can get for your money. At £35K you will be able to buy a very well spec'd 996 with the mileage you want, although I would echo the point made in earlier posts about buying on condition. I bought my C2 for £32K with the OPC warranty thrown in by the dealer as part of the deal. It only has 35k on the clock and has lots of extras which give the car a lift inside. I would stay with a neutral cabin colour (like black or something). If you are buying from an Indy check out the life remaining in the tyres and be careful in taking your time inspecting the bodywork and paint. There is a very useful 911/996 guide you can buy off the web called 911 Secrets revealed, I would recommend getting this.
Don't let Independents pressure you in putting down deposits before you drive the car (this happened to me and can be difficult when you are looking for a rare colour as you worry you may lose the car while sorting your finances).
I would recommend you keep a regular eye on RSJ, 911 Virgin, Northway and Cridfords web sites. I tought these guys were getting the nicest spec'd cars always in good nick. I would also check out Maranello (Egham branch) who impressed me a lot when I bought my car from them. I also thought Damien at RSJ was a top bloke to deal with and would buy from him too.
For me every OPC I looked at appeared well over the top on price and I think better value for money can be obtained if you are careful. I decided to go for the Porsche warranty as I know sweet FA about cars and am not the type to work on the car at home in the garage.
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