Is your 996 a "forever" car?

This is something I've been thinking about recently and since I had a new Cayman for the last 24 hours it made it even more confusing! Do you all think of your 996 as a forever car? In other words is it a car you will keep as long as you can? I didn't think so when I first bought mine and considered it a car I would just use as a stepping stone to something better. But with the number of miles I have on it and the fact that 996 values are not all that great it seems to make sense just to keep it forever. The fact is that our cars are unlike anything before or after them. The older ones are not as ideal daily drivers and are probably worth too much to use them all that often. The newer ones are more advanced, expensive, and might be full of goodies you don't need for a great driving experience. The way I look at it is this way, my car is probably worth $15k MAYBE as a trade-in. What other car can I get for that money which provides me with the same experiences? And even if the engine blows up let's say for $20k I have essentially a brand new car which will arguably last longer than the first time around. Now that doesn't mean I won't have other Porsches in the garage but with this one being paid for and still providing a lot of entertainment for little investment - it seems like it will be around for a long time. Now for my disclaimer - I can take all of this back if I run across a hell of a deal on another car and need to trade mine in for it!

I'll keep mine until I can't get in or out of it. If it ever needs a rebuild of the M96 I'll probably do it too

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Same here.

Same here!!

The longest I've owned a car is 8 years and that is my toyota MR2 which was my dream car in high school, still have it btw. The second longest was my E46 M3 for almost 5 years and was traded in for my C4S. Ive had about 22 other cars through out the years. To me ,cars are toys and I am always looking at buying the next best car that I can afford when the time is right. Thus, it's only a matter of time until I move on from the 996 line to the 997 line and hopefully one day to the 991

Well, I have been thinking that I need to locate a 12 step program for Porsche ownership. I bought my 04 C2 in the fall of 2007 as a CPO car; I was able to pay for it outright and I thought that I would "trade up" after the CPO expired. I purchased my 04 C4S in the fall of 2011, I had debated on trading in the C2 and adding the cash I would put out for the C4S on 997.2, but the quest for a C4S had been going on for awhile and in the end I chose to stick with the 996 series. I then considered selling the C2 to put some cash back in the bank, but irrationality won out and since both cars were paid for, what the heck, might as well keep them. It makes no sense for me to keep both cars, I have yet to return to work, (conscious decision to spend quality time with my wife and to truly be here for her as we deal with her illness) and I have to discipline myself to exercise both cars on a regular basis. Properly caring for these cars is not an inexpensive proposition and it would only make sense that I sell the C2. But, every time I drive it I end up deciding to keep it for just a little bit longer. So for now, Yes - I think at least one 996 will be here for life.

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This is pretty much my outlook on my car. If something else comes along that [I feel] can provide me the same ratio of fun/cool factor/value as the 996, then I might make a move. Otherwise, I see no need find a new toy.

I'll be selling shortly.

I guess the question would be: What else would I get? I did pass a new Carrera S today that got my interest. But, I know it's not the same. We'll see. Since I've gotten older, I realize the louder and more bold the pronouncement, the greater the likelihood I will do the exact opposite. TC

This is an interesting question and it's one that I've thought about quite a bit recently. I bought my 2002 C4S in late 2008 and it has been my daily driver since then. I paid cash for it, so I've never had a car payment. I've worked over the years to modify it exactly to my liking. It's my favorite car that I've owned. That being said, I've had my eye on a few newer 911s recently for a few reasons. First of all, my car has ~133K miles on the clock and it seems to require maintenance more frequently than ever. It never seems to leave the shop for less than $1,000. I'm beginning to get to the point where I'm wondering if I'd rather be spending my money on a newer car as opposed to maintenance and repairs. Secondly, I've been considering a cabriolet for my next purchase. Finally, I'd really like a turbo up in the altitude where I live. I will really consider one. I drive my car all year, and I really prefer AWD cars. This rules out many choices that I would have otherwise. I'm pretty much set on either another C4S or a turbo. I've looked at several 997.2 C4S cars that were nice. I've also looked at a few 997.1 and 997.2 turbos that were nice. I have yet to find one that has the combination of colors and options that I want. Additionally, I view the 997 as an incremental improvement to the 996. When I'm test driving them, I can't help but think: is this really that much better than my 996 C4S? Is it enough of an improvement to part with ~$70K? My current thinking is that I'll wait until my boys are out of college, which is in 3 years. I'm currently paying two college tuitions, and that's not easy. Once that's finished, I'm really considering ordering a brand new 991 C4S, equipped exactly the way that I want. Don't get me wrong - if the "perfect" 997.2 C4S or turbo came along, I would be very tempted to buy it and I might pull the trigger. Until now, I haven't found that car...

Totally a forever car for me! Waited 25 years to own it and it still makes me feel like a kid every time I drive it. One day when I think it needs refreshing, the motor with be treated with an overbore and other goodies from LN and then we will really surprise some newer 911's that think they are all that!!! Pete

Ya it's like girlfriend , plan on forever for the first year. The second year not so sure. Then something in better shape with a nicer exterior comes along . Seriously I love my car but once it's paid off I may use the credit and cash from sale for a 997 or turbo

Unless I can get a turbo

My 996 is going to have to break it off with me for things to not work out. I'm in this relationship for the long haul.

like to think its a long haul thing, then I think i should stretch to a 997 GT3, then I drive it home on a nice evening and think what a great car it is and why would I need to change it. 996 ownership for me is a little bipolar Clearly I should keep it as a 40th AE is for sure the next 2.7 RS

I think Dennis identified the qualifier for me: would I put another $60-70k into an "upgraded" car? Not likely at this point.

Forever? Not sure. A long time? Certainly. When I need a fix for something new, there's always a mod to be done. This year, it was new wheels. Next year, an aero kit perhaps?

Yes and no. Bought my first sports car in 1970 never kept anything longer than two years until I purchased a Honda S2000 in 2001. Kept that for a decade. Shopped 911's many times over the years but never pulled the trigger on one because I felt other choices offered more bang for the buck. Finally at 60 I figured if I was ever going to own a 911 it better be now. If this car doesn't bore me (unlikely) or become a money pit it may be my last "fun" car. On the other hand I'll admit to looking at Cayman S's recently.

Mines a keeper for sure. Even if I won the targa in the PCA Raffle. I hope to be still driving it when I am in my 90th year which is a short 17 years from now. I saw a scary thing today. An old geezer got out of his car. Could barely walk and his hands were shaking faster than a Jack Russels tail. He should not be allowed behind the wheel of any vehicle. Not even a motorized wheel chair.

No because I want a 996 Turbo!!

Currently in the market for a 997.1 Its about to be 3 years that I've owned my 996 and boy has the market changed. I am having trouble finding anything that interests me. My extended warranty is up at the end of June, so that is my time frame. The 996 has been awesome, but we just got my wife a brand new MB GLK and I have the bug for something newer. I drove my buddy's 997.1 for a few days over the winter and really liked it. I even considered leasing a Jag F-type for 36 months, then see where the 997.2 Turbo market is. Confused at the moment but the hunt is always half the fun!

Keeper.

Funny thing I mentioned before that I had a Cayman loaner for 24 hours because my car was getting some work done. That car was gorgeous, modern, handled great, and got a lot of positive attention. But in order for me to get into a new one I'd have to shell out at least $45k after selling mine. So now the question is, is a fancy touchscreen and warranty worth that price? Not sure... And if we're talking 997 or 991 then the difference in price could be even greater. Of course if something comes along that I fall in love with then all bets are off because then I'll no longer be rational. But my old car is still doing what it does best and does so without breaking the bank. (fingers crossed! )

Love the car and no intention of getting rid of it anytime soon but there will be a GT3 or Turbo in my future. Now my 86 is probably a forever car, having owned it 20 years already.

I certainly hope I have the car for at least 3 years (longest I've had a car was 26 months or so, had a 36 mth lease that got bought out for another Jeep) anyways, I would love to keep this car till I'm very old and hand it down (in great mechanical order) to my children or grand children when the time comes, 23 btw so no kids yet. I thought I would keep my 86' 944 turbo 'forever' but she is for sale (not hard selling/marketing it though).

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Oh that's funny! Not the old geezer driving when he shouldn't be; the narrative is funny .........My 996 a keeper? I'd like to think so especially since I feel lucky to have a real nice 40 AE. But.......as someone alluded to earlier there's always another pretty girl in the crowd and I sure do like the 991. But for now......yes, it's a keeper.

i'm on the same boat,,some days i said,,if the engine break i'll fix it,,another day,um,expend 20k on a old car,,so far i love mine,,but is always the maybe,,the other day i saw one,same color combination,same options but 2009 ,right price,i made the call,unfortunately or fortunately was sold before i could make an offer,,so who knows

When every high schooler has one, when I get sick of being beat by every family mobile, when magnetic shocks along with active engine mounts come standard along with liberal use of lightweight composites to bring the weight below 996 levels while meeting nhsta safety specs, when it can do under 3s and get 50mpg, and finally if it can come in under what the current 996 pricing is. So in other words, slim chance.

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Very true, can't get much and a well maintained Porsche means every day is a great drive. Same here, my C4S will get 4.0 nickies I bought a Turbo anyways but still keeping the C4S. I enjoy the Turbo but the C4S is a better more economical daily driver, my Turbo is transformed into a street tolerable track oriented beast and for a 13 year old car with track suspension and hp mods it can keep up to a lot of new stuff out there but at much less the price. I bought my 02 C4S in 2003, Every new model that comes out is further from what a sports car should be. The only thing impressing me these days are the Boxsters and Caymans but they are under powered and that is the main reason I wouldn't buy one. Future doesn't look bright with the way the new 911 is going and if I buy new it may be a Corvette or if BMW comes out with the Vision concept that would be the direction I would be going. Both my Turbo and C4S are keepers.

Six years ago, I sold my '97 993 coupe (my second 993) because I wanted (lusted?) a cabrio with a removable hardtop. I eventually found a really nice '99 equipped exactly as I wanted. Once in awhile, usually after watching 993 prices bump up even further, I miss my '97, but then I jump into my cabrio and marvel what great cars the 996s really are. No regrets...will keep it "forever". relinuca Porsches Forever

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You can't win the targa because I'm going to win it! If I do, then I might consider turning the 996 into a track car...

I'll have owned my C2 for 8 years this Sept. and currently have no immediate plans to change rides, but you never know when the mood may strike for a newer Porsche or even something else that might come along. I've had a mild interest in a '65 Mustang fastback in Wimbledon white for awhile now, but it would have to be with upgraded suspension, brakes, motor etc. similar to one I saw recently in Road and Track. I could be happy with another 911 , Cayman or a Boxster just as well. I still really enjoy driving my '99 C2, but it isn't a forever car for me.

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No way, that targa is mine baby.

Forever is long time. Considering I have a 3.8, its hard to justify moving into a 997S. I cant swing a 997.2 GT3 or RS at the moment and not sure if I would be comfortable tracking such an expensive machine. For now I'm enjoying the extra torque and no car payments. There may be a Cayenne GTS added in the next year for a change of pace.

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Well put. Mine is a keeper as well. There comes a point with a car as special as this, after you have made all of the necessary (and unnecessary) upgrades and repairs where it truly becomes yours. Even many other 996s wouldn't fit me as well. With a 54 inch sport coat, sport seats are a non starter for me. My car has the comfort seats with power, heat, lumbar, and supple leather. Match that with factory PSE (which will be enhanced someday by the Fabspeed x cat pipe) and I have the perfect car for me. And it's paid for....

Newer cars are very tempting with all the newer technology but at the end of the day all Porsche are fun. The 996 has become great value/buy for what it offers and comes down to is the 997 worth the extra $? Having been to the new Porsche side and back to old school, I've been happier with old school. Although the newer and for the most part more reliable Porsches is always nice too haha.

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They have, here it is http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...revealed-video

I guess my plate says it all "ITS IT"... Note: My Avatar is pre-permanent plates.

I'll keep my car for the foreseeable future. I bought it 2+ years ago for $55K (996 TT x50 Cab), though its sticker was $162K only 8 years prior. Maybe in 8 years, the new 991 TT (0-60 in 2.9s) will be under $65K, and I may move to that. I'm not in a hurry. It's a wonderful car.

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I am talking about this one here http://www.autoblog.com/2014/05/14/b...deos-official/ The technology in the BMW Vision Gran Turismo is just as impressive as its uncompromising design. A powerful three-litre six-cylinder inline engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers a maximum power of 404 kW/541 HP between 6,200 rpm and 7,300 rpm. Its peak torque of 680 Nm/499 ft-lb is developed at just 1,900 rpm. A sequential six-speed transmission, operated by gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, distributes engine power to the driven rear axle.The outstanding performance characteristics of the BMW Vision Gran Turismo, which weighs only 1,180 kilograms, include perfect 50:50 axle load distribution.

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Ahhh I thought you were talking about the Vision Hybrid concept turned i8. That fricken car is sweeeett!

This is a great thread. I bought my car outright in '05, and simply love it! It has taken a few years to get it set up the way I want it and I am passionate about taking it to the track. It was never intended to be a "forever car." It still has way more talent than I, and plenty of capability...however, I lust after a Gen 2 997 GT3 (I do not like the welding/pinning of the coolant pipes aspect, the clutch and flywheel problems and the dreaded centerlock issues are major, major drawback). Correct me, if I am wrong please, but the GT3s (Metzger's) have lightweight connecting rods and I haven't seen too many (if any) high mileage and I am watching to see about ridiculous prices for rebuilds, and if they are a "maintenance item." Not only are the machines expensive but the consumables are more expensive, too. As for the RS's OMG, those wide hips........... If things go as planned a GT3 and possibly an RS could be in the not too, too distant future. Once the new 991 RS comes out we will have to watch the GT3 and RS pricing, which right now is totally insane. If it continues skyward, as blasphemous as it sounds, the new Z/28 or the New Z06 will need to be seriously looked at, as they have plenty of capability a tremendous price/performance factor. Just can't get past their traditional target market. Porsche marketing and their pricing structure is on crack and I am not so sure I can or will want to continue paying nosebleed prices for parts and "upgrades." In the meantime, my little C2 with 46K mileage is running like a champ, as long as it doesn't let me down, I will continue to drive it like it was engineered to be driven!!!!!

My 40th is a "forever car" to me. Infact all my current toys 40th, Audi TT, Nissan Hardbody mini truck and my recently added BMW e30 TC Baur 318i. These are all my personal favorites from when I started driving. They aren't the fastest, prettiest, most expensive or wanted, but they satisfy every one of my needs. I have a couple more on the list that will add to my "dull to others" collection.

Forever is a difficult concept in car passions, Always knowing there is another

Another 996, less miles, no swirl marks that's never been slept in at Sebring and Daytona,

I've had many cars over the years...none have been "concours" examples. ALL have been fun. Started in 70's with the Hemi Cuda...been car-broke ever since. lol What I like about true "car guys" is they are not snobs...and are willing to get dirty with their car. While I'm new to the 996, I see "The Force" is strong with you 996 guys. I like it here.

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The brand snobs left long ago so all you have here are those of us who actually like these cars.

Two of my great regrets, back in the late '70s selling my '62 Morgan + 4 RHD in BRG and my rigid frame Harley shovel head digger and watching both being driven off by their new owners and thinking I had no idea how cool both looked in motion. Don't want to experience that again so I'm keeping my '04 C4s cab.

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If there is one car I regret selling, it would be my 1992 BMW E30 M-Technic II Full Package. I bought this car from an unnkowing seller for $3000, ended up selling it for $9500 two years later. This car is rarer than an E30 M3, only 700 total made, 172 in Brilliant Rot and even had the optional hard top. It had the full M-Technic body kit, M-tech suspension and full leather interior with tri-color cloth seats. Had it for 2 years and only put 600 miles on it. Sold it because I wanted something new.

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Nice! I had the mtech2 appearance package version and also regretted it. Not as rare but still a cool car. Saving my e30m3 for my sons college fund. My friend actually has 2 genuine mtech2 grey imports. He might be willing to part with one of them.

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Sweet! Glad to see another bimmer enthusiast on the board. I also had a 91 M-Tech appearance package. Always wanted an E30 M3, I think I'm good for now on any new toys but if I get the itch I will let you know, thanks!

will keep my GT2 forever, (hopefully another 50+ years)....why 'upgrade' to something newer that does all the driving for you and leaves out the driver connection? Cheers,

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Easy for you to say

I tend to keep my cars a long time probably because I am cheap - I always buy good cars and take pretty good care of them but when they get old they don't have much value. So I keep them - I have only had my 996 for a short time but I have spent a lot of money to make it the way I want so I don't plan on selling it ever, that could change if I have a lot of issues with it. I have a 99 Volvo v70xc with 165k that I keep repairing long after I should have let it go but it is still good for skiing or for hauling the dog around. I have a 1996 land cruiser with 225k on it and have only spent about $300 in maintenance in the last 5 years

For starters, my 986 is so modified I would feel guilty making anyone else it's owner. My 996 C4 is also a forever car. I was looking for AWD, manual trans, decent mpg, and fun to own/drive. It checks all the boxes. I really don't like the 997 look...too big, and the front, for me, is ugly. The 991 looks good, but still is too big and un-involved. I am intrigued by the air cooled cars, but I can't see one as a DD.

I say that my "new to me Porsche" is my forever Porsche. But that happened 27 times now :-)

No plans to sell it ever, unless it implodes. Or, if I win the lottery. (Which won't happen since I don't buy tickets. Mathematically, the odds of winning are nearly identical whether or not you buy a ticket.).

I've got an E30 convertible that I bought in 1999. Every time I think about selling it, I take it out for a top-down drive and it reminds me how wonderful a little car it really is - reliable, nice looking, cheap & easy to maintain. Plus, I'd probably only get $3,000 for it. So, I'll keep it. The 996 C4 Aero is such a cool looking car at such a reasonable price, I think it's headed for the same status.

I'm still undecided. I am 44 years old and think I have had 45 cars or so. I bought my 40thAE because I was curious about the 996 and 911 in general. It's for sale now here, but I'm not pushing hard to sell it. If it goes, I'll be ok, but it am having a hard time with it and deep down kind of hope nobody will make a deal with me on it. If I don't sell it this summer, there is a good chance it will be staying for a very long time. To me, it has the right about of technology and rawness. To move up to a 997 it would have to be a GTS or maybe a turbo. The car grows on my every time I drive it!

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Have gone through the same thing with mine. When she's all cleaned up... and you remember paid off, and you know the history... It's really hard to let them go. I think my 40AE will be a forever car... But she sure won't get lonely.

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+1 Lately I've been thinking that maybe its time to start "restoring" my 996 because in 4 years it will be 20 years old "Historic". It runs well now; however, as of late I hardly drive it so I might as well begin its transition from DD to garage queen.

I bought her 01 C4 new for her when we were young (yay internet bubble!) as the 911 was her dream car as a kid. She daily drove it for years, but it's done more sitting than driving for the last half of its life. Even still there is no way she will sell it. Every now and then she makes noises about a new one, but while the financial arguments don't get through to her telling her she'll have to let her car go ends the discussion for a few months. I don't expect it, but if the IMS lets go before we replace it with the next clutch I know we'll put a new engine in it (though it will probably sit for awhile). She'll have that car until she or it are beyond repair.

1958 got my first ride in a Porsche (Speedster) - totally cool for a Jr. High schooler 1993 bought my first Porsche: 911SC Targa. Kept it until the #2 cylinder let go (at 375,000+ miles) 2012 Replaced the SC with a 2002 996. I fully intend on keeping it until it hits 375,000. It's a fantastic GT car. Every once in a while, someone asks me if it is a new model which give me a grin. I use it as a daily driver and last year took a 5500 mile road trip. Yes, I could get a newer car, but the amount of $$ I would have to pay would be hard to justify for the incremental improvement(s) in performance. Disclaimer : if I ever won a lottery, I would get a newer one (of course, that requires me to buy lottery tickets which I don't do as I consider them a tax on the mathematically ignorant)

163,000mi and counting.. drive it every day, rain... sleet.... or snow. Everything else I've ever driven just isn't as fun. 01 black c2 coupe

It would/will be if I can reconcile all the screwy electrical issues!

I bought my '00 C2 in '07, when it had 17k miles on it. It now has 26k miles, and has been a weekend driver/garage queen. Makes ZERO financial sense to sell it for half of what I paid, and get another garage queen - so, she's a keeper! Just what Porsche NA wants to hear!

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Lets be serious, none of these cars make financial sense. Everyone of my cars is a keeper for life. Once you hit the slippery slope its over. My 996 is a great car...my favorite to drive on short distances since its heavily modified and it beats me up but it is awesome on the track. Love the way it handles, Love the way it looks with the aero kit; love working on it, love the color, just needs more power. My other cars are great too as someone stated will never see the track due to their value....and thus....not as fun. The 996 is the most under rated 911 and the best buy by far.

So true. I just bought an "end of days" apocalypse truck for my wife who is a closet prepper. lol - just what I need, a '94 GMC K2500 Suburban sporting the 7.4L big block. Now I have 5 cars again. Derp. Gonna keep it too...just like all the others. lol

My hope is to keep my 01 C2 for about three years, put about 15-20k miles on it and sell it in order to get a 996 Turbo, 997.2 C2S or 996 GT3. Let's see how the recent career change goes and if income gets to the point where I can afford the upgrade. If I can't afford anything better than I'll probably keep it. The only hard thing will be if I end up not having the funds to upgrade the sports car and end up selling my 2006 330 and buying an 07-12 335 because the 335 is about as fast as the 996. I like the sports car to be faster than the DD and even though the 996 outhandles the E90 BMWs the acceleration is about the same and the turbocharged E90s have WAY more low end torque and feel faster.

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There are at least two BMWs at every stoplight here which is what keeps me from going that direction. I prefer to have something a little more unique which is why I cringe when I hear about Porsche's goals for sales in the future since I'd rather have something most others do not.

P car man for life.....the rest....are just cars....this is a Ride!

For a while I had another 98 M3 and an 01 Boxster S. The overall performance level was similar but the Boxster was more fun to drive and I tended to let the M3 sit for a long time while mostly driving the Boxster. After that I had an M3 and a 540 at the same time and tended to ignore the 540 and drive the M3 because it handled better and the two had similar power. I definitely prefer better handling cars but it's hard to have the same passion for the sports car when the more comfortable luxo-ride is almost as fast in a straight line. Unfortunately I don't get the chance to drive on fun twisty roads as often as I would like but being able merge quickly into traffic off of a ramp or simply get to 60 quickly off of a stop light are opportunities which while less fun are more plentiful in my area.

996 forever, but I want one of these too...can I have both ?

Yes, for the time being.

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Shame they ever moved away from that styling. Iconic and beautiful. Picked up an Audi D3 S8 for when I need to carry more than two people. Another blast of a car that somehow manages to reinforce how terrific the 996 is.