Hold or sell??

So my 996.2 is 4,000 miles away from hitting 100K miles. I have about 50K miles on a Porsche remanufactured engine that's a M96-05 engine. I still love my car. Apart from the leather looking really scuffed on the driver's side seat bolster, the car is pretty well sorted. However, I am really itching for something new. I still enjoy daily driving her, but I have about a $55K budget to get something new and here are my options: 2010 Panamera Turbo 2013 991 Carrera (basic) 2011 Mercedes CL63 AMG I realize all of the above 3 are completely different cars from the 996....but I'm no longer tracking the car, I just want something reasonably reliable, fun to drive and comfortable as a daily driver....and want some extra room in the rear seats for the growing kids. Thoughts? Keep? or change, and if I change over, which one?

None of the above: For a fun to drive daily driver, save yourself $20k or so and buy a used E Class Mercedes. The Panamera will be very expensive to maintain. Few of them around so few can service them well - and you don't want to be forced to use the dealer - (double the estimated cost). Same with the Mercedes CL63 AMG - although most indie Mercedes shops should be able to service this. Last, there is not that significant amount of difference between the 996 you have and the 991. Why spend that money. Put it aside for your kids education and drive the wheels off the 996 - you'll probably get another 150,000 miles out of it.

If it were me, I would sell the 996 before it hits the 100K mark as that number seems to put off many potential buyers. The 991 sounds like an intriguing upgrade. I've got to disagree with porschemikeandnancy that there is not a significant difference between a 996 and a 991. They are a whole different generation of 911 and I think you might like it. The Panamera doesn't thrill me much, though I believe they are a good and very capable car. A modern Mercedes still scares me as I think about past reliability problems I've encountered and heard about. Maybe this is all different now.... Interesting options you've listed. Get the one that you think you will own the longest as that probably means good reliability, good usability, and more timeless aging.

If you get the CL get a bulletproof warranty. I bought an 08 CL550 in 2012 from carmax and bought a fidelity platinum warranty at Costco. 45 days later I heard a buzzing sound so took the car to fletcher jones. They saw small shavings in the bottom of the transmission. Ended up replacing the entire thing to the tune of just under $15,000. An AMG would've been worse. Other small things added up as well, I think by the time I sold it the warranty receipts added up to $21,000 or so. Other than that it was comfortable, reliable, and just oozed presence (the AMG offers all that X2 and more). Driving a CL makes a statement, and I would definitely buy another (in AMG form). Of the cars on your list that would be my choice.

Why not spend some of your $$ on a few upgrades to your 996 and make it even more fun to drive every day. It's an amazing sports car, especially with some personalized aftermarket mods like exhaust, suspension, aerokit. Suspension is next on my list. If you sell a car you really love... you're gonna regret it!

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+1 They're a LOT different.

Why C63 and not a CLA45 AMG have one im the family it's brilliant!

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Sounds like he doesn't want a FWD Chrysler Why not a 996tt?

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Well played, +996tt

Keep the 996. Buy low, sell high. The 100,000 mile psychological marker only matters in the short term. Right now, selling a 996 isnt exactly selling high. Consider buying a used Mini Cooper S for $8,000 as a beater (yes, a beater for a beater). They are more fun than anything (even the 996) and can carry the same amount of stuff. But, If you must scratch that itch and spend the $50k, I would... 996 TT 2017 Boxster/Cayman 2005+ Bentley Arnage T (hey, gas is cheap again)

Why get a a stripper 991? For $55k you can get a nice 997.2, a near perfect 996TT, or a decent 997TT that might need a thing or two or have higher miles. Alternatively $55k would easily get you some new seats with a little left over for a 4.0 from Jake I can't speak to the Merc as they just don't do it for me (OK. The AMG wagon does it for me ) and the couple of loaners I've had haven't made me any more interested. I want to like the Panny, but every time I'm close I see it from the wrong angle again and get put off. The lack of trunk space and a bench seat in the back also hurt it's chances at replacing our aging 3 series.

I know depreciation can hit hard in this case but I would go with the stripper 991. It'll offer the equivalent of the 996 experience but with a few additional modern conveniences. It should be more comfortable than the 996 so ideal for a daily driver and again you get to retain the old car's character with the new one. Not a bad position to be in as you seem to have good choices ahead of you.

Reliable daily driver and growing kids? Toyota Camry.

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The 911 is great for growing kids. It encourages them to get outside and be active so they don't get fat and can still fit in it to go for rides

+1 for the 996tt Given your budget, you can get a very nice 996tt and it gives you a totally different car from the NA 996. Plus, you will get price appreciation vs depreciation.

997 4S.

How about a comfortable family car and a used Boxster or Cayman?

So a small wrinkle to the decision making process - Dealer called me this morning to tell me the hardtop I ordered months ago finally arrived Had it fitted with new screw on mounts and I feel like it has transformed the car - much more headroom and much more elegant lines Saw a 2010 Panamera Turbo whilst there and I'm going to ask if they can cpo the car If so I may buy it end of the week regardless

Btw dealer tech said Panamera turbo is pretty bullet proof

I still say save your $55k. That money, invested for the long term in, say, an S&P index fund - will be worth $250k in 20 years.

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He could be dead in 20 years too. Gotta enjoy life while you can Yes I agree with the general assessment of making sure one is financially sound both now and in the future before spending that kind of money on a car, especially a used one. If he already has that in order, however, have fun with what you have while you can.

To the OP: I've been a lifelong car nut. I made a list the other day and discovered I've bought/owned then sold over 70 cars including 7 911s (oh and one 912 a '68). For most of those years we maintained a home in New Hampshire in addition to one in Mass. As NH has no sales tax, I would register each new car in NH. About 10 of these well used cars were for my three kids. Let's see: An '80 mustang, a '98 Mitsubishi Eclipse, a '78 Mercedes Benz 300e (European model - wow was that fast!), a Ford Fairmont, a VW bug, a Mazda 626, a Toyota Coupe, etc. All of these cars other than on-going maintenance - were sold for at least what I paid for them. In all these cars, except for the new ones I purchased for my wife (at least 10 Honda Accords, and now probably 6 BMW 3 series - all leased) Other than the wife's new cars, I always made money (that is not losing money) on the used cars I bought. I'd "buy them right, fix them up, keep them a year or two, then sell them". For example, my 911 before my current 996, was a '95 993 cabriolet. I definitely sold that too early. I paid about $20k for it, drove it for 7 years, sold it for $19.5k about 18 months ago. If I still owned it today, I'd probably get at least $25k for it. I relate this information to you to say watch your money. Yeah, you have to live in the present, but the future has a nasty way of sneaking up on you. I've been retired now for almost 15 years and I got to drive a great number of very interesting cars without significant expense. I simply can't understand someone paying almost $100k for a new car that in 5 years would be worth maybe half of that. Old New England Proverb: "buy it old, make it new, wear it out, do without". Yankee frugality.

I was at the Bonham auction in Scottsdale a couple of weeks ago and saw a near-perfect 2010 Panamera Turbo S with about 1K miles sell for $58,000. It belonged to a museum that was turning some inventory. Someone got a good deal!

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Well for us it was because we had the money (and being 25 at the time, less sense of the future but it's worked out) and having a 911 was her dream car. Buying new let her get the car as close to how she wanted it as Porsche would let us. At the time a moderately spec'd 4 year old 993 was selling for about the same price as a stripper 996 so it looked like it would have held its value better than it did. It didn't and such is life, but we've enjoyed every one of the 70k miles and 80k depreciation. We, obviously, didn't take the depreciation hit since it was always intended to be a life time car. I agree in general though. It boggles my mind that people flip new cars every 2-4 years and even worse when they start complaining about depreciation

My boss has a Panamera GTS and that thing is a beast. Love it. I imagine the turbo would be pretty similar.

I have owned an incredible amount of cars in the past 12 years..... Reading this thread a few cars pop into my mind -997.2 Carerra S (My personal preference, but also a car on my wishlist after my 996.2 is done) -BMW M3 (Sedan) -Audi S4 (Tune and Pulley) 400 WHP -CTS-V

991 C4S for 55k is where I would be looking; Second choice is a Pano.

Interesting post. I keep thinking about selling the '99 and getting something more practical like the Panamera, but it sure is nice not having a car payment.

I'd also post in the 991 forum and Panny forum, as lots of them have owned 996's.

Thanks guys I'm skipping 997's because it's the same interior volume and I need something that will accommodate growing kids. Both my wife and I are tall - so consequently kids are tall too 991 C4 or Panamera Turbo are the two alternatives at this point - but I may wait till the second generation arrives to see price depression and get a 2012 Panamera turbo at the same price With respect to money I guess whilst I appreciate many of your comments regarding how to save and spend - it is somewhat dependent on each person's overall financial situation and whilst I could actually comfortably buy a brand new Panamera Turbo - I thought I was actually being frugal by limiting myself to $55k and buying used !! lol Man - the new hardtop is amazing - can't believe I waited this long - best $2k mod I spent ever !!

Sounds like the new hardtop has renewed the experience for your 996. Maybe this will keep the itch at bay long enough for you to hold off making a decision yet. Of course the only input I have for you is to take your time and drive as many of the potential choices as possible. Also I have to ask: I see you've own/owned an E60. Why not take a look at a F10 M5 down the road?

I was given the opportunity to drive a 2015 Panamera S e-Hybrid for 3 days from the dealer and did some extensive driving in all kinds of conditions (city, snow, rain, highway.) Overall, a nice car. I'm not made of money, so I didn't pull the trigger on this one, but if I ever had a family and wanted a nice family hauler, I'd get a Panamera. My only gripe was the trunk space, or lack of. I was able to throw in some camera tri-pods and a set of golf clubs, and with some Tetris skills, a road bike frame and a set of carbon wheels.

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Hi - yes I have to update my profile - we sold the E60 years ago. I have looked at the F10 M5 pre-owned - wonderful car, but seriously no competition to the Panamera Turbo. Arguably a prettier car, but something about the Panamera Turbo just gets me. Anyway, I think you are right - I am going to wait till the summer when the new Panamera comes out and try to score a 2012 Turbo - the hardtop arrival today helps It's almost like the Porsche gods said "hey wait...just check your car out with this new top"

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For those that are made of money, I think the new FF looks fantastic.

"I just want something reasonably reliable, fun to drive and comfortable as a daily driver....and want some extra room in the rear seats for the growing kids." BMW - M3? BMW 435i coupe? I own a 2002 996 and a 2011 BMW 328xi M Sport - I've got to say the BMW is a very satisfying driver's car. It really is. The Porsche is faster than the 328xi and corners better, but if you move up to a BMW 435i that takes care of the acceleration factor.

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really? You can prove that? It could be worth $10k. nothing is guaranteed, especially with these markets.

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You seem to have the twin to my car! Lapis blue with savannah beige? I love my hardtop and keep it on except for Spring and Fall. It really does transform the car. I got mine used though for $400 If you don't already have one, invest in a winch so that when you do want to remove and store it you can do it without the wife helping you. I just back my car into the garage and can remove/install the top in seconds.

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If you are so thrilled with the hardtop (nice, indeed!), perhaps you have been wanting a Coup� all along.

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The looks of the Panamera is "controversial" to put it politely. I personally enjoy the slight awkwardness of it over comparable cars in the segments like the F10, any of the big Mercs or A/S/RS7 Audi offerings. Buy what stirs your soul and tugs at your heart; I was looking pretty seriously into a couple of other options before buying my 996.2 but I always came back to the kid feeling I got whenever I look at my 911. The E90 M3 would have been more practical. The E60 M5 would have been more ballistic. But neither one made me feel like a 12 year old every time I step into one and I enjoy that.

No affiliation. Used 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo