c.£25k daily driver - 996 Turbo or 993 Carrera/Targa?

[hygt2]

Hi all, can I get your advise please? I am choosing between a 996 Turbo and a 993 C2/Targa and run them for 4-5 years (9k-10k miles per year). I have driven both, like them individually and would happily drive them every day. In terms of total ownership costs (depreciation, servicing and maintenance, etc.), which will be a better bet? What else should I consider? I am looking at cars c.£25k-ish.

Many thanks, G

[hygt2]

Orangecurry said:

Hard one to call - depends how good condition they are to start with, and the starting mileage.

Both will be in excellent, either reputable dealers (Northway/JZM/911V/etc. or private-sourcing and fully inspected. I am not afraid of mileage and the 996T will be c.70k and 993 will be c.100k

Orangecurry said:

Depends on your daily driving - stuck in a traffic jam? Get something else.

A combination of central London (2-3 days a week), cross-country and continental trips to Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt for work.

Orangecurry said:

Therefore the turbo will probably cost more in servicing, as the 993 only needs plugs every 24k miles, other than that it's just oil changes every 12k which any idiot can do.

What about engine rebuilt, etc.? I would have budgeted an engine rebuild on a 996 C2/Targa but should I budget for one for a 993/996T?

[hygt2]

Orangecurry said:

On the 993 ... If it has a/c?...

Edited by Orangecurry on Wednesday 26th March 09:31

A/C is a must for my other half so yes, definitely A/C.

[hygt2]

Orangecurry said:

...oh and good luck finding an 'excellent' 993 for sale

The upside is I am not in a hurry to buy. I can wait for the right car where the numbers stack up. Also, when I meant "excellent", I meant mechanically perfect and no rust, etc. I am not too bother about cosmetics like stone chips, etc. as I am going to use it as a daily anyway so no point in buying one with a pristine exterior.

[hygt2]

Orangecurry said:

Unless it's a low mileage garage queen, chances are high that there is rust in the areas I mentioned, and no matter who inspects the car, the chassis rails are covered by a metal plate under the wheel-arch protector, so unless this is taken off the inspection cannot determine the extent of rust. The screen aperture rust can be very bad below, and have no/little sign up-top.

If you are interested in chassis rails, here is mine (which spent it's first 39k miles hidden in garages) at 55k miles in 2012

http://www.orangecurry.com/993/chassis-rails/

Thanks Orangecurry. Very clear photos and good work! Would a 996T be less susceptible to rust in the long term (4-5 years)?