Possible Volvo to Porsche convert

Okay guys I have been heavily into Volvo's for quite some time however I have been itching to buy a Porsche. The time frame would be in the next year and I'd be considering a 2004-2005 911 Carerra/S, Targa or Carerra 4/S or perhaps a 2006 Cayman S. My question comes into play regarding maintainence on these vehicles. I have had wonderful luck and service through the 5 CPO vehicles I've purchased through Volvo for my mom, girlfriend, girlfriend's mother and myself. People talk about the horror stories regarding the price of the Porsche's on upkeep. What realistically can I expect if I purchase a CPO car or one under warranty with an extended warranty? P.S. I drive a 2004 Volvo S60R.

Service costs are on par with any Euro car - and you can choose dealer or indy for your service options Can't see it being any different than your Volvo - other than it's a sports car, way more fun, so you'll do more miles!

First of all, haven't you heard the commercial "my wife drives a volvo" ??? That said, go for the Porsche. Service/parts are like cdodkin said, just like any European car. That just means you pay a little more for better engineering.

I'll only add that there is often some confusion between warranty and maintenance plans. Some manufacturers have blurred that line in recent years with plans including no maintenance costs during the warranty period. Just be aware that you will still have maintenance costs during the warranty period of your Porsche.

I have a Volvo V70 T5 that I use for a daily driver, so be prepared to spend a bit more when it comes to service - if you use the dealer. I've also been fortunate to not spend a lot on repairs in 7 years of ownership (Volvo -ABS module, $840). If you buy, try for a CPO car. Go ahead and make the jump, you won't regret it.

Good move from Ford - oh sorry I mean Volvo - to Porsche, the driving experience is not comparable - you'll love it! In my opinion you need to expect repairs and service to be more expensive on the P car than on the Volvo. One driver for this is beside the brand premium that a rear engine is more difficult to access than a front engine, so if you e.g. need to change a callant expansion tank, you'll pay 4 hours labor, just because they need to lower the engine to get the old tank out and the new one in. There's much written about typical 996 problems like RMS, ... other cars have other issues. However, sport car engines in general are more exposed to problems than regular street car engines. Just because as higher the hp per liter output, as higher the stress on the engine and parts, so keep in mind that Porsche has quite a high output on their 3.4, 3.6 or 3.8 liter engines.

Not really a maintenance item, but be aware that tire costs will be much much higher. Rear tires wear very quickly and are very expensive to replace. It is definitely worth the cost of wearing them out. Predictably, the more fun you have, the more quickly they wear.

+1 If you find a good indy shop, the P may be cheaper. Save the tires.....the rears last a season for me.... JB

So if the car was a CPO or had an extended warranty what wouldn't it typically cover? You guys speak of the expensive engine repairs but wouldn't that be covered under CPO or warranty? As for maintainence, that normally runs for Volvo's about $400 bucks. What's the typical maintainence costs on a Porsche? Regarding tires, currently I am paying about $300 per tire on my car currently. Are the tires for the Porsche especially the rears that mcuh more expensive?

The tires are a little more expensive $350 - $400, but the real factor is that they don't last as long. I have yet to wear out any, but the numbers I have seen posted here range from 10K to 20K on the rears. Fronts apparently last twice as long.

Oh heck that's not too bad. My tires on my Volvo are Michelin PS2's and I go through a set of them in about 20K currently. Also I have to replace them all at the same time due to the AWD unfortunately.

Slowrey - how do you like the S60R? I may be looking at 4 door sedans soon and was thinking CPO Volvo, as a matter of fact.

Tires - I have just worn mine down, and they lasted for 40k km and 3 full track days :-)

BlackCab996, I love the Volvo S60R. It's truly a great undestated car. I wish I could keep it and buy a Porsche however it looks like I will have to sell it to help finance a Porsche.

I've had my experience with the S60 Race cars. It's not underestimated at all, the S60 STCC car is about 1,5s slower than a GT3 CUP on a ~1:20 track. Now that's not slow for a FWD saloon... However, if you're going more sporty than the R model, a Porsche would suit you very nicely. -- If you're looking at it in a financial perspective, have a look at older 911's. Such as a 993. Their prices are almost rock solid.

just paid ~$900 for 30k mile service (i rationalize it in the interest of resale value). no big deal, but the one increased cost i didn't anticipate coming was gas consumption/cost. i'm lucky if i can get close to 300 miles to a tank where i'd get on avg 100 miles more in my bmw's (comparable driving habits and tank size). so, i'm filling up quite a bit more-- but, again, i don't mind cuz i absolutely love the car. go for it! btw, i bought my p-car intending it to be the "second" car, but i quickly decided to make it my daily driver (selling previous DD). put approximately 5k miles in 2 months.

If under warrantee, I would not worry about it. My experience a 911 is about 2X's cost of Volvo repairs when out of warrantee. Personally would not purchase a newer 911 without a factory warrantee. For me, paying the extra maintenance and repairs is worth the enjoyment. As I really enjoy the car, and when it breaks down, or needs repair, it is OK. Here is something Robin put together for a 993. He did much of the work himself. http://p-car.com/temp/993service.htm

I own both a Porsche 996C4 Cab and a Volvo S60 2.4T. The Porsche drives better, handles bumps corners etc... better but it will cost you about 25% more when it comes to maintenance but note the interval for maintenance is less frequent than the Volvo. If I had to pick one it would be the Porsche unless I had to carry 3 or more adults frequently. As usual it comes down to what is important to you. If you get the Porsche you will LOVE it! Best of Luck

I'm still on the hunt for a buyer for my car and/or a 997 or a great deal on a 996.

I drive both a C4S and a Volvo S80 T6. Talk about night and day driving ambiance. Anyway, the question was on maintenance. Both cars have essentially been bullet-proof. Regular maintenance done at the dealership cost about the same. I know I buck the trend by saying this, but I would not hesitate to buy either car WITHOUT extended warranty.

Porsche IS different.... you just need to own it to really appreciate it.....but i think your upkeep is going to be a little more then your volvo... but well worth it....