Very excited-now I know what I want: 2000 tip! Who knew?

Well, thanks for helping me so far in my decision making process on getting a newer 911. The 88 911 is now gone for almost 2 weeks now, and I finally drove a 5700 mi Porsche executive driven demo, 996 2001 Tip C2 today, at Tischer in Silver Spring MD. I only went there to drive a tip to rule it out, or so I thought. It had a MSRP of $83,900 and they wanted $61,900 non-negotiable. They said they are losing money at that dollar amount. They also said that the warranty would start when I bought it, rather than 2 years ago! So in effect, it would start out like a new car warranty, 4 yr - 50k. I was surprised how much nicer the black leather interior was than the grey on the 2000 I drove last week. It had heated seats, full leather (sumptuous!!!) Technic pack, litronic, 18" turbo look wheels, 3 spoke leather wheel, PSM, Porsche crest in headrest (the bomb!), and stainless steel exhaust pipes. I wasn't awfully impressed when I first saw it, but 10 seconds later I REALLY looked at it and I liked what I saw! Nice rear, nice wheels, decent front, not TOO bland a side angle from the front looking back - all in all, pretty decent. Does that mean it's FINALLY grown on me? I think so! Granted, it pales in looks compared to a 97 C4S, but so what, right? The 996 is reliable, pretty darn good looking, great A/C and temp controls, better back seat for our 8 year old, more modest and liveable a color compared to the speed yellow 2000 car I was looking at, more comfortable, BUT it was a Tipronic. Lame -right? WRONG! I couldn't believe how sweet it was. Imagine, using those paddle thingies to shift up and down, even in automatic mode. I was VERY impressed, so much so that I will probably only look for a tip now, and will PROBABLY nix the idea of getting that $52,500 97 C4S. You just know something's right when it hits you. My little test drive was great. I sit in awful traffic all day in Rockville Md and the tip will be a godsend to my sore, screwed up back. The salesmen was with Porsche since 82 and had an 85 911. The only problem w/the car was that it was too expensive ($61,500) and I need to be around $50-52.5k plus taxes. If anyone is interested in a sweet car - this one is it! I dealt with Ara Euredjian (no affiliation). I begged my wife on the phone from the dealer to let me slide on the $9000 price diffential on our agreed deal, I pleaded, I offered to sell some of my mutual funds from before we got married, what I thought was my "own" money, but she wasn't buying it. I can't blame her. I DID tell her I wouldn't go over $52500 and would try to keep a purchase closer to $50k. Maybe I can pick one up at the Manheim High-line auction, now that I know EXACTLY what I want. If anyone knows of a 2000 Silver with Black full leather tip 996, for around $47-52k, PLEASE let me know. Would love to get a 996 C4, but am open to a C2. They DID build 2000 C4 tiptronics, didn't they? You all are amazing. I hope I didn't let down the die hard 993 fans. It would be foolish of me to not get the car that I want, really want, just because the 993 C4S LOOKS better. I'll tell you, looks aren't everything! The 996 has won me over big time. Time to scour the car websites again. Happy New Year, Steve <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Very entertaining post. Go for it.

Steve, Dude, relax and take a step back for a minute and be sure this is what you want, I see you jonezing (sp)all over the place here and the 993 board . Personally I think the 996 IS the right choice over an older, out of warranty 993 ( I like 993s as much as anyone). I would look at 6 speed cars myself as there is more driver involvement and increased fun to drive factor- but that's just me. You may also consider cars with M030 sport suspensions and factory sports exhaust, these really transform the car into something very close or as visceral as the 993 experience IMO. The exhaust isn't really that big a deal as it can easily be added after the purchase- either factory or aftermarket. Good luck with your 996! <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

Steve, you won't be disappointed with a TipS, and if you stay with a 996 C2 and save the money...that is unless you track the car. Narrowbodies RULE....TipS rules.

Thanks, Doug. Yeah - I've at least picked a color combo I can live with (silver w/black full leather). Now that I'm set on a 996, my choices have narrowed (no longer having to look for a 993 C4S) and I have some peace. You have a point about the 6 speed. Another Rennlister emailed me that the tip isn't near the same system as the one in the SMG M3 or other highline cars, so I might have to rethink that. In a 15 minute test drive in a new Tiptronic car, it "all seemed good". Maybe I just jumped the gun on that idea. Perhaps I need to drive a 6 speed again to be sure. I do tend to get sidetracked quickly. Steve

I am 53 years of age. Bad back. I would go with the 6 speed. Never owned an automatic, never well. The clutch never really bothered my back. Very light, not heavy. I pick up my car tonight with the new suspension. M030, springs, shocks, and sway bars front and rear. Never had a ride in one. Thanks to everyones comments, its sounds right to me. Good luck in your search. My car is artic silver with blk. interior and all the goodies. I would only sell for a twin turbo. My advice is don't drive one, or you will want one, and so much for your 52,000 budget, and wife.