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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHWould you recommend a 996?
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Replace 48k and 68k
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Leading evidence: 'Replace 48k and 68k' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend 02-04 996 c4s' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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I use the car as a daily driver in winter with snow tires.
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Used MB roadsters are stylish, fun when the road is straight, and ride more luxuriously.
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Suggestion
You probably won't need it, but it would be irresponsible to own a car like this without understanding that at any time it can present you with a five figure repair bill.
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Suggestion
RMS was leaking, dealer replaced, I brought my own clutch kit for them to install while they were performing the RMS replacement (bought the clutch kit from Sunset for dirt cheap) and my bill from the dealer?
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Okay so a friend of mine really likes my car and with the prices of the 996 she's even that much more interested. Question is, if you were to recommend a Porsche, would it be the 996?
Purpose? Budget? Model?
All things being equal, get the most current Porsche you can afford.
The 996 is a great car, for what it is. But it is not the perfect vehicle for everyone - although it is a great fit for most.
-td
I would say it is terrific bang for the buck and the variety of prices, years, and models should make it an easy decesion for your friend...just find the one you like by driving a few, and be sure to get a PPI.
Yeah, funny that the last advice I gave was to buy the best one she could afford.
My guess is she's looking for a fun car, regular but not daily, driver but with style
996 great car but not for everyone. Best your friend decides what she wants and needs from a car and then look over the Porsche models and find the car that best meets her needs/wants.
Could be a 996. Coupe or cab or a targa. Then a basic Carrera or S or 4S or even a Turbo.
She might find a Boxster, base or S, or even a Cayman base or S more to her tastes/need and wants. (I should even mention a Cayenne or even a Panamera to be unbiased.) All are great cars though all are different in various ways.
Your friend in a very enviable position to be starting out with the whole of the Porsche line in front of her awaiting her decision.
Sincerely,
Macster.
A prerequisite to owning any Porsche (or other previously expensive off-warranty car) is instant availability of about $10-15k in cash. You probably won't need it, but it would be irresponsible to own a car like this without understanding that at any time it can present you with a five figure repair bill.
Good point Jon, but hey Macster, isn't there something about friends don't let friends drive Boxters? Seriously, a Boxter might be on the list too but I think she needs room to carry the clubs.....
I would consider mine to be high maintenance....
not from a "maintenance" standpoint, but from a "taking care of it" standpoint... hell just washing it has become such a spectacle that the neighbors all line up the lawn chairs and watch in amazement at the event. 3 or 4 buckets, the foamer, spressure washer, leaf blower and assortmant of rags and towels that covers the rainbow. Then there are a host of "products" and aplicators that fills an antire tool caddy!
There are plenty of things to keep busy doing and if someone just want to have fun, I would let them know there is work to be done too...
Not saying yes or no, just saying, and not everyone gets all worked up over their cars.. we dont know any though
When you post such a question of the 996 forum what do you expect for an answer?
All Porsche prices, like all car prices, are diving with the economy. If the buyer can swing it, go and take advantage of that situation. You can really get a lot of Porsche today for the money.
I would highly recommend an 02-04 996 C4S. You get a lot more for a small premium over the rear drive 996.
The C4S comes fully loaded; has full leather, and more importantly the turbo brakes, sport suspension and the wide body. I also love all wheel drive. I use the car as a daily driver in winter with snow tires.
I would only buy a car with complete service records which to me is more important than mileage. In other words I would rather buy a higher mileage car with complete service records than a lower mileage car that's been sitting with no records.
The higher mileage car will be cheaper and you will have less things to fix.
My 02 996 C4S has 64k miles and has never had a problem. I have complete service records from day one and it runs perfect, never had RMS, etc.
In my opinion the more you drive a car the better it runs.
Glenn
Having recently purchases a 03 996, I can tell you that I absolutely love the car but I am
in love
with:
THE CPO WARRANTY!!!
RMS was leaking, dealer replaced, I brought my own clutch kit for them to install while they were performing the RMS replacement (bought the clutch kit from Sunset for dirt cheap) and my bill from the dealer? $0
I agree, buying this car without some type of warranty is jsut a risky proposition. Did I mention I love the CPO warranty?
I smell a can of worms after that comment...
I wouldn't recommend a 996,unless you can D.I.Y. all the normal stuff, oil change,spark plugs and such. My Dad's 01' c2 only had 35k when he got it. Now has 42k after year of ownership.....bad coolant tank, screws near variocam keeps leaking...over and over...keep in mind this car is babied more then any other car I've seen.
That being said my 99' 986 and 01' 986 S, between almost 20k put on between them,tons of wreckless driving,5 trips across CA...all I've had bad happen is a very very small coolant leak from the center radiator hose and the driver side from wheel bearing went out.
I don't know your friend but she would definitely look absolutely stunning in a 2002 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. I recommend the seal grey ones with the blue tops. They are all the rage and what everybody is talking about from the runways of Milan to the water coolers in Wilkes Barre, PA! Now if only she could find someone selling one. . .
DISCLAIMER: I have a conflict of interest.
First, go with the Carrera. I've had a Boxster S, nice car, but now a Carrera guy. Secondly, there are some basic questions: 1.2 or 4 wheel drive? Snowy winters? maybe a 4 wheel drive 2 Manual or Tiptronic: is she able to shift gears? Tiptronic S (later years, has paddle shifters which make it more fun to drive). 3. Coupe or Cab? is weather nice year around for a convertible top? winters can be tough on fabric tops, will need hardtop. 4. Engine? Turbo? Lot of car and good prices now. Buy the latest newest model she can afford, Porsches ( in my opinion) get better as they get newer ( 993 owners will hate me). As far as the golf clubs go, there is really no room in the back seat for a full set of clubs, I have to take out my drivers (too long) so that the rest will fit in the back seat area. Always look for some sort of warranty and buy one if not available. Happy Shopping! Jg (04 C4S, Tip, Cab..love it!)
Well actually some opinions from folks who are experienced and can provide a subjective view. Ya can't know it until you own it...sorta...
As for the Boxter stuff...darn glad I have friends here....
She's convinced I think and it's time to go shopping. Thanks for the opinions.... and as for me, yeah, I'd recommend it as well, great value, 02 or newer, no tip, Cab or not, isn't a big deal but C2-C4 is bigger but here in Calgary winter driving is out as they don't plow the side streets so navigation is impossible...
Only thing I would add is that you pay a premium for a 911 to get a supreme sports car. To me, that cost is worth it because I absoluteley love to drive, love to feel the road through the wheel, love to hear the engine at full throttle, love taking exit ramps at supreme speed, etc.
The 911 does this better than anything near it's price range, but I'm not sure everyone defines "fun" drive in that way. There are cars easier on the backside, have more room, are cheaper to maintain, and still meet many people's definition of "fun" and stylish.
For example, a 350Z cab might be all some need to meet these requirements, and they can be had with much less financial sacrifice. Used MB roadsters are stylish, fun when the road is straight, and ride more luxuriously.
For me (and I assume many others here) the 911 is all there is. Nothing compares. However, for people without that bug, it may not be the best choice.
Just my 2 cents.
going to be contrary here.
I love my car don't get me wrong, but the big but is in the butt, nothing can ruin the ownership experience more then having the engine let go.
Love the styling of the 996 in some respects over the newer cars, to much bling in the new ones, however the engines (so far) have improved.
Hold out for something newer, Cayman or Boxter, nice cars or better yet the 997.2
Like others have stated if you do go the 996 route have that 15k ready just in case, reman motor or not.
just my 0.02, let the flames begin.
The 996 being very affordable to purchase these days is a double edged sword. On the one hand the 911 world is open to a whole new group of people that wouldn't normally be able to afford them. That's a good thing in my mind. On the other side is the cost to own a 911, and this version of the 911 in particular. If you can do some of your own maintenance the cost isn't normally so bad, but if you have to take it in for everything it's expensive under the best of circumstances.
If your car has issues, it can be a horribly expensive car to own. For someone who today can only afford an older model 996 or maybe a 996 in general, I'd say you should at least look at other cars that are more reliable and less expensive to repair. If cost was not an issue, I'd say get a 996TT or a 997.2.
I don't save a pile of cash in a "996 blown engine fund". If it lets go, I'll park it for a while and buy a cheap commuter until I get it fixed.
If the main reason for not buying a 996 is fear of the remote chance of a catastrophic engine failure, then you're better off buying something else for the peace of mind anyway. I don't lose any sleep worrying about this issue.
Drive mine every day and believe the more you drive them, the fewer issues. Great every day car. Best I've ever driven in the snow including all the SUV's with all weather tires. Have a CPO warranty on mine but will keep it afterwards unless I talk myself into a DD 996TT.
Mine has been quite reliable. Routine things like oil changes are expensive unless you do them yourself, but overall it hasn't been bad.
For comparison (yes, I do keep these kinds of records):
Since it was new, my C4S has averaged 2,858 miles between service appointments. The average cost of these service appointments is $338.45. It has been in for service 28 times since it was new.
Since our Cayenne was new, it has averaged 2,613 miles between service appointments. The average cost of these service appointments is $148.65. It has been in for service 16 times since it was new.
I don't golf but I think my 02 Boxster's rear trunk could carry a set of clubs.
My 02 Boxster has more cargo room than my 03 Turbo. Does this mean the Boxster's more Porsche than my Turbo?
Seriously, you shouldn't try to let your own bias, justified or not, play a role in your advising your friend.
Let her look over the cars and make up her own mind. I'm sure she's capable of doing that.
Sincerely,
Macster.
My car went 80,000 miles and this is what I had to fix besides regular maintenance:
water pump leaked - at 60k
ignition coils cracked - 50 k
2- horns got water logged due to poor placement design - 13 k
clutch throwout bearing failed - 50 k
2- catalytic converters failed - 38k and 68k
3 -RMS repairs - 60k, 68k and 79k
3 -IMS repairs - 60k, 68k, 79k
Cup holder mechanism failed - 40k
Electric seat failed - 40k
oil filler tube leak- 48k
2 - O2 sensors replaced - 48k and 68K
I would not buy a 996 without a warranty in place.......... go with 997.2 if you want a newer Porsche........my repairs ONLY would have cost at least $20,000 over 5 years of driving..........but had CPO.....sold car after warranty was out..
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