Is a 996 Right for me?

Hey everyone! First time poster here and I wanted to present my situation and get opinions on if this is the right car for me! I'll try to keep it brief but I also want to give the details I can about the situation so you understand my dilemma. I've been looking over these forums and reading as much as I can about the 996 because I have the opportunity to purchase one. I was hoping to get some opinions on the value of this particular offer and if this is the right car for me. My dad is a Porsche owner (944) and talked to his mechanic about my interest in getting my first p-car. I'm a young professional (25) with a good chunk of money I have been putting aside since I started work to purchase a Porsche. I had originally been looking at something like a 2009 Cayman, something in the price range of 40K or slightly more as that would only require a small car loan (5-7k) for me to purchase. When my dad mentioned this to his mechanic he was told that another customer was trying to get rid of a 2002 996 Turbo, 49k miles, that he had been the mechanic on for the past 6 years. The asking price is right around 38-40k. I don't live near my father anymore but he had the opportunity to test drive the car this morning and says it looks fantastic for its age and drives just as well. He is worried that it is more car then I need as it has an induction mod and a flashed chip and makes about 500hp. Other options include the turbo aerokit, upgraded Carbon/Leather steering wheel, CD Changer and Porsche 220 CDR Radio and Heated seats. (Looked these up off the options tag). I was hoping to get some opinions on this offer (is it a good price for the options it has?) and some opinions on if I should really be going after something this powerful for my first Porsche or should I go back to looking at Caymans? Any tips, advice, or thoughts are greatly appreciated! Also, anyone have any input on if the aerokit, which apparently lowers the car a decent amount, has issues with speedbumps and such? And if so could I potentially get it raised so it would be less of a concern? Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to read this, sorry its kind of long!

Buy it. Seriously, I'll be the first to suggest that you put this post in the 996 Turbo forum. I don't know that you'll get the same traffic there but you'll find better insight, I believe. Question for you: what's the dilemma? You didn't really raise any concerns. More car than you need, you say? Well, of course. All you need is a 2006 Chevy Cobalt. Is this your first car, only car, daily driver? Plans to track it? Wife that needs to drive it? Kids to go in it? Do your diligence and remember that there is always another car. Don't put your wallet where your heart is. Although, that price looks really attractive at first glance.

If it's 'that' good, definitely buy it and just be aware that at some point it will require some $ to maintain or upgrade to your liking. Bullet proof engine if given routine service and attention to wear items. GL let us know what you do, great Porsche to own IMHO.

I agree with Barn996 - also at age 25 I would check out the price of insurance for P-Car that is a Turbo. But the cars are really fun to drive. They are very forgiving if you make a mistake in handling. Be aware also of the cost of maintenance on type vehicle.

I think it's "too much car" for the OP. A tamer (yet very rewarding) car that happens to cost much less would be a Boxster. I'd rather see less power/performance, more safety, and handling that still rivals most other cars while giving the owner a real, Porsche experience. In my opinion, the Boxster would be a better choice for the OP.

Buy it and never look back!

Turbo's are solid and sounds like a reasonable price for the mileage and age - but I would also look at the insurance on a modified car like that and make sure you understand the maintenance costs on common items that fail at that sort of age. That sort of car is probably a speeding ticket magnet - especially if you are young. I would look at a Boxster S with CPO at that sort of price range - you're probably less likely to do something stupid in it, good car to start autocross and DE with (unless you are already a pro), still get the porsche experience - but more manageable, a bit cheaper to run and insure - and a good way to start a lifetime of Porsche ownership.

Thanks everyone for all the replies! Sounds like most people seem to think its the way to go and its the way I'm leaning as well. In response to TargaToo's questions I don't have kids or a wife so it's just me. I currently have a 2001 Honda Accord that I would probably hold on to as my "Daily Driver". As far as tracking it, I don't currently have plans to do such but I won't say I would never do it either, if the opportunity presented itself. I've already looked into the insurance aspect and the 996 Turbo is a whopping 5 dollars more a month as opposed to a 2009 Cayman, and 1 dollar more then a Cayman S. Needless to say the insurance difference isnt an issue. My biggest worry is that this car could get me in trouble. I have a pretty good driving record (1 speeding ticket and 1 fender bender) but with this much power I'm afraid I could go broke from the tickets or worse, lose control and wreck something I just spent my life savings on. I have no desire to get a Boxster (as some have suggested) but the Caymans do appeal to me. My dilemma really comes down to is it worth spending the same amount of money on a newer Cayman because it might save me money in the form of repairs, tickets, possible accidents, etc.. or should i just bite the bullet and run with the turbo? With it being just me I don't normally have an issue throwing about 1k in the bank each month, do you all feel this would be enough to easily perform most of the required maintenance and upkeep I might expect on a car like this? From what I have read the 996's are extremely reliable and my mechanic seems to feel I would actually end up spending more to keep the Cayman running then the 996. Do you all agree? If so it seems like I should go for the 996 and just be careful until I feel comfortable with all that power. I have to admit, It puts a smile on my face just thinking about being the proud owner of a 996TT by next week! Thanks again to everyone who has responded!

I vote for the Turbo over the Cayman. If you were my kid I would suggest you buy a house first and then a lesser sports car a little later. but since you aren't get the Turbo and a matching tatoo.

Here are some pictures because everyone here seems to love them!

It could get you in trouble in a few ways. The engines on the turbo cars are very robust and have been proven on the track for years. I'd feel better if the car wasn't chipped. You sound like you are going to "blow your wad" on this car and if the turbos decide to give up, that could be a hell of a bill. Remember, this is a 10 year old car. Regardless of your dads initial impressions of the car it may take some $$ to get it exactly how you want it. My vote would be for the newest CPO'd Cayman S that you can afford. Reach for the DFI powered cars with a warranty and enjoy. That Turbo does look great though, the interior color is awful but the exterior is fantastic. Looks like that car has had some substantial suspension work as well. Do your due diligence with any car you buy and learn all you can about it before you throw down the cash. good luck.

Soverystout thanks for the input! That is exactly what I am a bit afraid of. I do have a bit of insurance as the mechanic who is a good friend of my dads and actually races Porsches has worked on this car for the past 6 years and did a PPI on it already. He says the only issue he found was the ignition switch, which has been replaced. I think a Cayman S would be great but the 09's with the DFI in S trim are running about 48k right now so I would likely have to settle for a base Cayman which are still about 42. With prices like that would you still suggest the Cayman or should I get the turbo and hold on to that extra 5k+ to get the turbo "how I want"?

Sorry but I wouldn't buy a chipped turbo with aftermarket suspension. I'd rather spend my money on something unmolested or at least only lightly modified.

You'd probably want to make sure the coolant lines have been welded in place as that has been a weak spot for the turbo 996. If not any the lines come out that could be a big ouch. Also to have it done will run you about $2k. If I were you I'd buy the newest cayman "s" cpo as previously mentioned and not put all my money in the car. Your still young and interest rates are very low so id personally out half down and finance the rest. Keep the other half and invest or for a rainy day. Good luck. You'll enjoy any Porsche you buy... They are fun to drive. Owning one gets a bit expensive especially if the mod bug hits you. You're 25 so I'm sure itll hot you to as it has me and i'm much older.

+1 for the Turbo having a bulletproof engine and it sounds to be well set up. The PPI is a plus. This beast versus a Boxster? No contest. Get the Turbo!!

Good points have been made, but it comes down to this: would you really recommend a Cayman over a 996TT? I didn't think so. Now go buy it, but watch the power until you get used to it.

As someone in roughly the same life position as you when I bought my first Porsche, my advice to you would be to ask yourself "do I really need this much car?" By the sounds of it (read: making a few assumptions based on your posts so far), you like and appreciate nice cars but you're not really that much of an "enthusiast" at the end of the day. I'm guessing the main reason you're looking at a 996 Turbo is because 1) of some influence from your father, 2) it's a good deal for a nice car from someone you can trust and 3) prestige factor of having a 911 Turbo. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those three things, I just think you're trying to buy a chainsaw when all you need is a pick ax. Buying the car itself might be no problem for you, but bear in mind that while these cars are known for being very reliable, when something does go wrong, it gets very expensive very quickly. In my opinion, for someone like you I would recommend against the Turbo and suggest you look at the naturally aspirated models. You'll save yourself $10k-$20k and you'll still have a nice 996. Also, that extra money would be much better saved/invested at our age, but I'll spare you that argument.

Thanks to all of you for all of your thoughtful advice, it is greatly appreciated. I've decided to go ahead and make a trip to check it out in person this weekend! I'll keep you all posted on my progress, and if I come home in it I'll be sure to post some pics

Some of his money would be well-spent on a high performance driving school, like Skip Barber, etc. He's coming out of a Honda Accord and moving into a high performance Porsche - I think that's too big a jump, hence, my recommendation for the driving school.

Find a really nice mk2 C4S, plenty of power, great Turbo wide body looks plenty of power, save some up front money, no loan. My $.02

If it's as good as it sounds from the mechanic, and looks from the pictures, I would jump on it. Good value in the high 30s for a decent mileage 996TT. I looked at Caymans, 996 c2, c4s, tt, and 997c2s on my search too, and decided on a 996 c2 (did not find a 996TT that looks as clean at that pricepoint). I wouldn't worry about it being "too much car," as long as you're smart about it and aren't wreckless. And if you are wreckless then you'll prob destroy any sportscar you jump in anyway regardless of power.

Turbo..why the debate ? I think your Dad's gonna hog it and you'll be driving the 944 anyhow

I'd go for TT but keep this in mind......

They are both great cars so I would recommend driving both models and buying the one that turns you on the most. After all thats what these cars are all about. Good luck...

+1 on the TT - also +1 on driving school or some DE days. I bought my first 911 at 26 and never had any regrets - respect the car's power - and drive it like its meant to be driven

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I received a promotion flyer from porsche stating that you can get 0% financing on all 2008 and newer porsches until the end of july(i believe). Get a cayman s, exactly how you want it, put half of the money down and finance the rest. I think you can get up to 48 months with no interest on used porsches! The economy is not doing well......

Soverystout, I'll look into that, thanks! Also, I've been doing some research on the mods that have already been added and this is what I found. It appears they had an EVOM package deal put on it that upgraded the ECU Software, the MAF, and Intake. Anyone have any thoughts on this particular package and its reliability? Link(Scroll down to the 996TT Page, its the 2nd Package): http://evomsit.com/Porsche_MAIN_TURBO_App_Guide.htm

I love nice cars, owned them since I was younger than you. I also have 3 sons all older than you. I can't answer your question until I know more. I assume you're making good money. Will you in a year, 3 years, 10 years? What's your net worth? How much in investments, savings besides what's allotted for your car? Do you own a home? Have a garage?

When I read your original post, my first thought was that it's a car best suited for a middle-aged ****** than a twentysomething professional. But seeing the photos, I admit it's not as outlandish as I expected, in fact it looks rather good as 996s go, and the turbo's engine's reputation is certainly sterling compared to the M96. However I would be quite concerned about the modifications to the engine and suspension. I would certainly want to see for myself how it drives on typical streets and in typical traffic...how punishingly stiff are the ride and handling? Can it negotiate driveways, potholes and speed-bumps without leaving bits of itself behind? Does the engine run well even at low revs? Can a girl carry on a meaningful conversation with you when the motor is running, and will she want to ride in it a second time? Will its exhaust awaken everyone in your neighbourhood when you come home late at night? Things like those. I don't necessarily see why you think your only alternative is to go down to a Cayman. In fact I guarantee you if you buy one, you will regret it every time you see a Carrera. For $38-40 you should be able to find a well-optioned low-mileage '05 C2 base, and perhaps even an '06 with a bit more mileage and/or fewer options. Those are 997 bodies BTW. Do have a look at one, as many people prefer their exterior and interior styling. IMO the only reason to look at a 996 is cost, and I would not pay more than $20-25K for one. Have the LN IMS bearing installed if it worries you. In the end, buy the car that buoys your spirits. After all, if that weren't the prime criterion, why even bother with anything else? In that Honda you've already got safe, reliable transportation with excellent resale value.

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Frankly, the only reason to own a car with this kind of power is to take it to the track, at least on occassion. You can still enjoy getting groceries in a tight, powerful car but if you're thinking that you can explore the capabilities of this car on public roads, you're nuts. It can only be done in a controlled environment with proper instruction. And I'd say that to anyone here too.

I'd be all over that car like white on rice.