Time to buy my first 911
Discussion
Ok guys first of all let me just say I have the utmost respect for all such forums full of helpful wise old (but also sometimes young) heads who are generous with their time, thoughts and help on all such matters.
I have been considering a change for some time.
I have now hit the big 40, worked hard to establish my career (as a teacher - yes I often wonder why) and can actually now afford (while though not certainly not rich) to perhaps this time just go for it and buy the car I've always talked about and longed after - the Porsche 911 Carrera.
I appreciate this type of thread will have been covered before in many different ways / guises but would love you guys who know best to suffer me and help me out with my decision making. I've been reading a lot and researching over the last few months while also looking at adverts.
I already realise that I will just never have enough money for the 964 Turbo that haunts my dreams and can see that I will likely be purchasing a late 996 or early 997 to fit in with my budget. I have already seen some nice ones but really need your help on the correct model and aesthetics for me.
Can you help me out moving forward? - I'll answer all questions required to harness your suggestions.
I don't know much so do be gentle with me!
I have been considering a change for some time.
I have now hit the big 40, worked hard to establish my career (as a teacher - yes I often wonder why) and can actually now afford (while though not certainly not rich) to perhaps this time just go for it and buy the car I've always talked about and longed after - the Porsche 911 Carrera.
I appreciate this type of thread will have been covered before in many different ways / guises but would love you guys who know best to suffer me and help me out with my decision making. I've been reading a lot and researching over the last few months while also looking at adverts.
I already realise that I will just never have enough money for the 964 Turbo that haunts my dreams and can see that I will likely be purchasing a late 996 or early 997 to fit in with my budget. I have already seen some nice ones but really need your help on the correct model and aesthetics for me.
Can you help me out moving forward? - I'll answer all questions required to harness your suggestions.
I don't know much so do be gentle with me!
Edited by Dr Ing on Monday 3rd July 14:05
Yep ok.
I have a 2011 BMW 320d Touring Sport Plus (which I love) to trade in - hoping for around £9000 for that.
I'd can spend around the £20,000 - £22,500 mark. Would possibly stretch to £25,000 if the car was perfect.
Of course I'd like to spend a lot less (below £20,000) but after looking for a while I doubt it's going to happen.
I definitely want a manual and am keen on a sunroof (for summer). What I also have on my current car is heated seats, Sat Nav and bluetooth which I would be keen to have on the next car as I know in the long run I would miss it.
I am in Northern Ireland and am not sure whether 2 or 4wd is going to be best. I haven't had much bother with the BMW - if the weather's bad I don't have to take it out as I live pretty close to work!
However I would appreciate your thoughts on this - I have up to now been imagining that the 2d is the much purer driver?
I love the Cobalt Blue but also can do Black or other Blues and the odd time I think actually no that Grey looks good too Your thoughts?
I have a 2011 BMW 320d Touring Sport Plus (which I love) to trade in - hoping for around £9000 for that.
I'd can spend around the £20,000 - £22,500 mark. Would possibly stretch to £25,000 if the car was perfect.
Of course I'd like to spend a lot less (below £20,000) but after looking for a while I doubt it's going to happen.
I definitely want a manual and am keen on a sunroof (for summer). What I also have on my current car is heated seats, Sat Nav and bluetooth which I would be keen to have on the next car as I know in the long run I would miss it.
I am in Northern Ireland and am not sure whether 2 or 4wd is going to be best. I haven't had much bother with the BMW - if the weather's bad I don't have to take it out as I live pretty close to work!
However I would appreciate your thoughts on this - I have up to now been imagining that the 2d is the much purer driver?I love the Cobalt Blue but also can do Black or other Blues and the odd time I think actually no that Grey looks good too
Your thoughts?Edited by Dr Ing on Monday 3rd July 14:48
Ah you lovely people - I've learnt so much already.
Please do continue to just post your thoughts if anything more comes to mind - this is totally invaluable to me and I really do appreciate it.
I understand what you are all now saying about Sat Nav and Bluetooth (either outdated or not invented back then) - I can just clear that out of mind for now then and consider upgrades later - excellent call.
On what I've seen I think I prefer the look of the dash layout of the 997 but am not opposed to the 996. I will not insult anyone's pride and joy. I am envious of you whatever you have! I also don't quite get the dislike of the 996's headlights - I actually quite like them. If anything the 996 looks like it has a thinner nose on the bonnet or something - maybe that's just me. It's not that I don't like it - it's just different. I like both versions.
Can I just check for your forum etiquette - would it be permissible for me to post a link to one advertised car that I like just to get your initial advice or response to it in terms of spec, condition and pricing. This would help me going forward and I don't mind if you annihilate it. Perhaps this is not the done thing? I would certainly be interested to see how you would look at the car and am sure I'd learn from this.
The more I know, the more I realise what I really don't know! I have never driven one and I'm not sure I'd know what I'm looking for and listening for?! But heh I like learning new things...
On your advice I'm now thinking - Carrera 2 with a Sunroof (I thought perhaps that in our NI rain here the 4 might be a better all rounder but if there's not much in it then to be honest I'd prefer the 2).
Please do continue to just post your thoughts if anything more comes to mind - this is totally invaluable to me and I really do appreciate it.
I understand what you are all now saying about Sat Nav and Bluetooth (either outdated or not invented back then) - I can just clear that out of mind for now then and consider upgrades later - excellent call.
On what I've seen I think I prefer the look of the dash layout of the 997 but am not opposed to the 996. I will not insult anyone's pride and joy. I am envious of you whatever you have! I also don't quite get the dislike of the 996's headlights - I actually quite like them. If anything the 996 looks like it has a thinner nose on the bonnet or something - maybe that's just me. It's not that I don't like it - it's just different. I like both versions.
Can I just check for your forum etiquette - would it be permissible for me to post a link to one advertised car that I like just to get your initial advice or response to it in terms of spec, condition and pricing. This would help me going forward and I don't mind if you annihilate it. Perhaps this is not the done thing? I would certainly be interested to see how you would look at the car and am sure I'd learn from this.
The more I know, the more I realise what I really don't know! I have never driven one and I'm not sure I'd know what I'm looking for and listening for?! But heh I like learning new things...
On your advice I'm now thinking - Carrera 2 with a Sunroof (I thought perhaps that in our NI rain here the 4 might be a better all rounder but if there's not much in it then to be honest I'd prefer the 2).
Edited by Dr Ing on Monday 3rd July 21:11
Edited by Dr Ing on Monday 3rd July 21:16
That's really helpful with the Hartech tip because I wasn't sure if cars that had had a lot of work done on them were to be avoided more (because something was obviously wrong and may flair up again or were no longer a pure Porsche if you like) or were actually to be preferred.
I know, I know - have a good laugh at the newbie
I know, I know - have a good laugh at the newbie
pete.g said:
AMG in Ballyclare, McMillan in Antrim - both ex OPC Belfast.
25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
And if I travelled to England / Scotland to buy one?25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
pete.g said:
AMG in Ballyclare, McMillan in Antrim - both ex OPC Belfast.
25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
And if I travelled to England / Scotland to buy one?25K will buy you the front half of a 911, with a very big canvas sunroof and very few worries when compared to the 997.1 - i.e. a 987.2 Boxster.
Drive a 911 and a Boxster/Cayman back to back and follow your gut.
BertBert said:
To get a good idea about the condition, you have to have someone who will do a proper job to properly assess the mechanical and cosmetic condition. For me that includes getting the car on a lift to get a proper look underneath. Also I'd want a good assessment of engine condition with compression tests, borescope, possible leakdown test as well. Also ECU readout for overrevs.
Discovering that you have one cylinder with very low compression after you have bought the car is a bit tedious. Ask me how I know!
Bert
Starting to think the better and cheaper option might be just to do a bit of voluntary dogsbody work in a Porsche Garage wiping up engine grease and just listening to the sound of revs... Discovering that you have one cylinder with very low compression after you have bought the car is a bit tedious. Ask me how I know!
Bert
In all seriousness people thanks so much for all this - you have saved me some heartache already and while you haven't put me off - I now realise I do need to be really careful - I am very compulsive and could have quite easily just took the head staggers without much prep...
Edited by Dr Ing on Wednesday 5th July 13:56
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