considering trading up

I'm comtemplating trading my 00 for a 02+. My car has nice options; full leather interior, xenon headlights, parking sensors, as well as being a C4 cab. The two main reasons for this is my current mileage, 83K, as well as the 3.6 engine. The only problem I've had in 2 years of ownership is a MAF sensor, and my cab. top lid motor just went out, which is not really a big deal. The cars in my price range that i'm looking at would eliminate the nice options and would be a base model, (not that anything's wrong with the base model). In your opinion, is the extra 20 hp worth it?

I don't think you can really notice a lot of difference in power with the base model Carreras. The MKI 996, MKII 996, & 997 aren't that far apart. But I bought an '02 just because IMO it looks so much better, I think the lines flow so much nicer on it, & I think it has the most aggressive & modern looking of all 911 headlights (not bashing any other model, just giving my opinion). Also because I kept hearing it has a lot less problems than the MKI, & although the extra 20HP isn't that big of a deal, it definetely doesn't hurt to have it

Although I have a mk II and personally like the look a lot better, I'm not sure I'd trade your car for one. Inevitably you're going to lose some cash on the implied transaction fees and I don't think the differences between the two justify the $$$ and hassle factor. Now, for a GT3, turbo or a 997...

I agree that from a straight financial perspective it probably does not make sense. When all is said and done you are going to put out a lot of cash and essentially end up in the same place with a car that nobody but you or a fellow rennlister could tell is different. If you moved into a car with a CPO that might make the deal a bit more appealing, but it would be an expensive warranty. When you do the dollars and cents, you would probably find that the true cost is about what you would have to pay to replace the engine. Since that is really a very low percentage risk, bank the money and enjoy what you have.

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I would agree with that.

I have an 02, but my advice in your situation would be to hold onto your car. the switching costs, paying tax again, etc, would be a waste, likely more than a new motor would ever cost you.

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20 HP + a glove box and a facelift. Not me. And the 02 is still 6-7 years old. Save your pennies for the next round when you'll get something newer and unquestionably better. -td

Thanks for all your replys. After reading the replys, I'm beginning to like my car a whole lot more.

No way. For a TT or 997, I'd do it, otherwise, stay put and enjoy your ride. It's obviously reliable, which may not be the case for the next one.

Turbo !

GT3!!

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I 2nd that. I would love to get into a 997 TT or even a 996 TT but I wouldn't trade up for just a MKII 996 and I have an 01 C4 so I feel your pain if you will.

I would trade from a MKI to a MKII... They are both amazing cars but the Boxster headlights just don't do it for me. Just my honest opinion. You can find some 02's for a smoking deal now, kinda like my for sale beautiful 02 ($32,900.) HAHA, thought I would try. =) I do not want to trade though.

You're getting to know your car. The next may be a nightmare.

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Drive both back to back if you can. Personally after doing that, I can't really notice the 20 extra HP. However the 2002+ feels like it has more torque at lower RPM. But it's not a huge difference.

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+1 that's true!

It just depends on where you want to put your money. Purchasing a 996 instead of a Honda Accord means that we are spending entertainment dollars on the difference between the two. (It's hard to argue that the 996 is a better car, but it IS more entertaining.) You can always back out until you sign papers. So, you could look for an '02 or later that you'd like, see what the actual cost would be (taking into account the real costs of a newer car, fees, and what you would actually get for yours) and then decide if it's worth the difference. My problem, when I consider changes like this, are that I under-estimate what the actual net cost will be. The reality is always more expensive than my fantasies. For myself, I don't think I'd consider a change until the 2010 cars are out on the market. The 997 is certainly a nice car. But a recent 997 costs a lot for minimal net improvement. The '09 engines that add more hp and better mileage may represent a worthwhile improvement. If I wait for good examples (preferably not the first production year....) to come on the used market, not only would that add good technology but I'd have a much better idea of where fuel & other issues are going. So, I'd rather not spend many thousands right now for about the same technology while the oil markets & transportation futures are in flux. I'll just drive mine and enjoy it while I save my money for a more strategic purchase.

I concur with the sentiment here. Stick with your car until you're ready to move into something else. If you do decide on another Porsche, save 'till you can afford at least a: 996 GT3 or a, 996 TT or a, 997 or a, 997S or better.... Only then will you feel like you got a real upgrade. Good luck w/ your decision!!

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Agree, very well put

I took a look-see to judge the same opportunity. Turns out to move from a 00 C2 cab to a 04 C4S cab would cost about $30K (thru a dealer - and I am not really looking for a C4 but there is no C2S cab of course in 996). For the same number I could have a second 996. I'll wait a little and look at a 997 C2S when the 998 comes out.