Reassuring trawl through Autotrader

In the absence of much else to do I did my usual search of Porsches for sale on autotrader the other day, no filters, and sorted by distance, for a couple of hours or so. Reassuringly, I didn't see anything that I would want to trade up to from my 996 C4S convertible, even at vastly different values. I've had 5 Porsches now (albeit always 9x6 variants) and think i've found my ideal car on the basis of: 1. Looks: particularly the rear, think the front has aged well too, starting to get a classic look 2. Interior: I've always really liked the 9x6 interior (controversially), has creature comforts (inc air con, heated seats, bluetooth PCM connectivity), not too fussy or modern, particularly disliked the 997 which seems plasticy and too many buttons (a trend which seems to have continued) 3. Everyday useability/reliability, probably my most important criteria as I want a car I can use everyday and commute with. I also have a Citroen grand picasso 7 seater and yet go for the C4S keys almost everytime even with 2 kids! 4. Performance, seems to strike the right balance on modern roads and traffic, lovely sounding too. Do miss the boxster springyness/go kart feel slightly. The C4S feels heavy. 5. The ability to DIY lots of jobs without risking writing off a priceless asset 6. Love convertibles, I know the coupe is considered the benchmark but I like open spaces, fresh air and hearing the car! 7. I don't have room in the garage for a less hardy / more depreciable asset. I guess the negatives would be the known engine issues and prospect of imminent doom but everything around us (including us!) is fragile. Can you think of a Porsche that would meet theses criteria too? I can't see myself ever getting into a more modern Porsche. Have always liked the 993, 964 too possibly. And have an irrational Targa fixation. Still would like to own a Turbo someday.

I've always had an air cooled itch and keep looking - I think a 3.2 or 964 though it will have to be a manual targa or tip coupe to keep within budget. That said I'm well on my 996 journey and a few more jobs will have all the major stuff ticked bar Hartec rebuild but no signs of an imminent visit. Having cleaned and waxed the underneath over winter (bilt hamber S50 & UB) its virtually rust free. I'm erring more to sticking with the 996 and keeping on top of things rather than starting again.

Sounds like yours is sorted then! Something Iike this possibly: https://www.pistonheads.com/classif...-3-6-964-carrera-4-cabriolet-awd-2dr/10536016 Do you think this could be a realistic daily driver and how would it feel in comparison to a C4S?

This targa looks lovely too: https://www.pistonheads.com/classif...che-964-targa-in-beautiful-condition/10257641

I thought this thread was going to be about values, but it's better than that. I went from a 987 Spyder to my 996 C4. Now sold, but I'm holding out for another Porsche at some point. I've got all sorts from 2.5 986 to 3.8S 997 saved at the moment. What and whether I move will depend on funds and opportunity, but I agree the 9x6 / 9x7 is a sweet spot.

We seem to have a very similar mindset - although I just chopped in my 996 C2 Tip Cab for a 996 TT coupe. You might be surprised just how cheaply TTs are available in the next couple of months...

Agreed, the amount of car you can get for your money in a 996 has to be hard to beat? Especially when you consider that, at least to date, they seem to have been at their depreciation floor.

I dont really want a convertible though you could argue that a Targa is one with a back window. Plus have another car which is convertible. I spotted this one too at the same place as the Targa.... https://www.pistonheads.com/classif...t-colour-right-price-right-condition/10257435 I did research converting tip to manual but its as expensive as buying a manual in the first place! I think my preference would be targa manual over tip coupe I also quite like mild restomods - different wheels, slightly lowered, prototipo and a decent exhaust. Would rather have a usable car than garage queen!

The blue 964 is lovely, particularly the interior, it's funny i don't really like "non-standard" colours on new cars but they seem to work on older/classic cars. Grifter.. if you're at a cross-roads, you could always get a base 986 for a few grand. Ridiculous value for money and fun:money ration. Here's my pre-C4S car. Youngsyr: how are you finding the TT?

Only driven it around 20 miles from the dealership home (plus a short test drive), but a mixed bag so far! It has niggles that I'm hoping won't cost me an arm and leg to fix, or can even be lived with. On the plus side, it's a rocket ship and stupidly, anti-socially loud! Which is hilarious for a few days, but will soon get annoying. Luckily I already have a good solution for that. Oh, and I literally burst out loud laughing at one point on the drive home - it's been remapped and I was pushing on, when I lifted off but kept part throttle, only to have it back fire like a machine gun!!! :floor: :thumb: The previous owner has had "pops and bangs" (fake anti-lag) mapped in on overrun! :dont know: :floor: It feels a lot more composed than my C2 though - feels like a Porsche should, if you see what I mean? Like you can take it on the track and it would be properly fast. My C2 always felt a bit "soft" in comparison.

Sounds mental! The appeal of the 996 TT for me is it's unassuming nature, I would want it pretty standard and with a neighbour friendly exhaust! I like seeing them parked on roadsides or at supermarkets. A truly practical almost supercar! Are you aware of its speed from the get go, or only higher up the rev range? I'm looking online at more and more 964s now.. they were slightly looked down upon in their day right? Love the looks though.

Yeah they are bargains for sure. I really fancy a very early 2.5, but I have bought an S2000 (which will be staying) so I think it's unlikely unless I can convince the audit committee it's an investment.