First Porsche - 996 Anniversary - The Journey so far....

Hello all, Well, I took the plunge a couple of weeks a go and went to test drive a 2003 996 Anniversary at Cridfords......needless to say, it was mind blowing and a deal was done. I was going from an A5 3.0TDi to the Porsche soit was quite a change, here's my thoughts so far. CRIDFORDS - they were very helpful and, to be honest, I can't really fault them, yet! Customer service was not bad at all but they do need a bit of prompting to stay in touch and you do get the impression that the two chaps don't always communicate effectively with each other.... There is a bit of clunking from the front over very uneven ground which has been brought to their attention and they have agreed to sort it. The car was picked up with brand new Michelin Pilot Sports on the rears, new front discs and pads, the windscreen squeaking sorted and the wheels refurbed (unfortunately not in the original Satin Chrome although when I viewed the car the wheels had already been sprayed by the previous owner). THE CAR - Its had a few owners, five in total, the last being a Dairy farmer in Wales. 51000 miles on the clock and a Full OPC Service History. So, I've managed to do 700 miles so far and loved every minute of it. The sound at 5000 revs is magical and addictive, the physical drive is rewarding and I now find myself finding every excuse possible to get out in it. MPG is averaging 25 (using Road Trip on the iPhone) and, while not as modern as the A5, everything is forgiven with a clear road and the odd catch of a reflection in shop windows.... So, apart from the noises from the front I am more than happy, long may it continue! Pictures below - I hope.

:welcome: Welcome to the forum and 911 ownership. Car looks nice and it sounds like it's giving you a buzz :thumb:

Love the look of the car, especially the 911 badge on the inside and out. Always wondered what they signified. Never realised there was a special edition 996. Very 8) I know exactly what you mean about the drive past mirror/shop window. I also love pulling up behind large black 4x4s with shiny rear bonnets which act as head on mirror. Have to remember to always stop :lol:

Welcome to the forum. Great car the Anni, made even better by the standard fitment of the X51 PowerKit (345bhp) but what made it stand out were the original Chrome-satin alloys imo. ~ Maxie :thumbs:

Thanks for the comments and I completely agree, the satin chrome alloys really set this model apart. I'm going to have to get some quotes to see how it would be to put the wheels back to how they should be....

In that case, speak to ChrisW (of this forum), he will be able to sort you out. PM me if you need his contact details; he's already done some work for me and a few others on this site and feedback has been 100% positive so far. ~ Maxie

Welcome from another Anniversay owner (I think the only other on this forum actually). Great cars these. There are supposed to be 150 RHD examples but that's similar to GT3 mk1 numbers and I see an awful lot more of them around so who knows where the other Anniversaries are. Some bemoan the "aftermarket" look of the turbo front end with the normal width rear but I think the hips look plenty wide enough and it's one of the best looking models in the range personally. GT Silver is a fabulous colour. Interesting your thoughts on the satin chrome wheels. I looked around for an Anni for a while and was actively trying to avoid the original spec wheels - I think they look awful but each to their own. Luckily mine were specced as standard non-chrome finish from the factory (I think) - otherwise I was going to get some de-chromed as job number one. Anyway, enjoy the car!

Thank you! I agree about the colour and when I first saw the car it was parked next to a C4S.....the difference in the 'hips' wasn't enough to justify the extra £'s and it was nice to go for something that was just a bit exclusive. That said, a close colleague of mine has an Anniversary too and we're planning on getting the two cars together in the near future. I can see getting the Satin Chrome finish in the wheels being a wallet hitter so it may have to wait for a bit but I'll get quotes anyway.....(thanks Maxie!)

Hmm, I've always thought the premium vs the C4S is the wrong way round. :dont know: (dons flame suit)

I agree. I really like the anni... all the best bits in one... X51, LSD, softer touch leather seats, GT silver, -10mm suspension..... just fantastic. Considered buying one myself.... the noise above 5k rpm is just fantastic.... good friend had a 997S pdk recently and the noise from the new dfi engine and exhaust was a poor excuse by comparison !

Looks like a weird spread of pricing at the moment on Anniversaries. 3 on PistonHeads at the mo ranging from 28-33k and that's trade (private one is in the middle). Max 6 months difference in age and only about 20k difference in mileage. I guess some attribute rarity value more than others. And pricing not much different to the C4S which seems to have an even larger spread at present. 04 cars can be as cheap as 26k and as much as 38k.

:wave: not so... had mine since last January, still loving it..

Oops, sorry IS. Glad there's another one of us out there.

So you bought it! Really wanted this one, just hadn't sold my car at the time.