Too Young to drive a 996?!?

Hi ppl, I am about to make my first purchase of a pre-owned 996 coupe. However, at the age of 25, I am not sure if it is too young to drive a 996. Can someone plz give me some input....and how much I should expect from insurance. Thx. JACK

nah.. 25's not too young, I was 23.. some say if you drive a 911 too soon, you'll have nothing to look forward to in the future.. well, there are lots more!! ferrari's, turbo's..etc

If you have the financial means to do it, DO IT. Life is too short too prevent yourself from doing things that you enjoy, just so you have something to look foreward to in the future.

Hey Jack, interesting you should ask this question. I bought my 01 996 at the ripe old age of 23. I think at first you will feel wierd. I did. Then after a while its not SUCH a big deal anymore. Id say go for it. I was a little "embarrased" at first but after a while you forget about it. Good luck Dave. P.S. Ill be 25 in June

Well I feel old now... I did not get my 996 till I was 27. It can be a bit awkward at first, but enjoy the car and keep things in perspective. Anything and anyone can be insured... it just depends on how much you want to spend.

Well, life is too short... buy what U can!!! I'm now 24, driving a 996 C2, this is my 2nd Porsche & I'm on the waiting list of the GT3.....hehe Those ppl who would say if you drive a 911 too soon, you'll have nothing to look forward to in the future are the 1s who can't afford & jealous other ppl drives Porsche or any other great cars!!!

I feel too young to own one, and I'm 36!

Im only 21 and just got my first 996 2 months ago and 2nd on the waiting list for the GT3. There is nothing wrong with owning a 911 while youre young. Just make sure youre getting it for the right reasons and you are positive you can handle the car.

My son was 17 when I introduced him to my Porsche 928S which became his daily driver, I got him a '02 Carrera C2 coupe on Sept 2001 when he was 22 as his graduation present. "Life is too short, it should be enjoyed to its fullest" Bocky '02 Carrera C2 coupe (son's)

I suddenly feel really old.... I'm 33 and am expecting delivery of my '03 C4S. I'm also selling my '98 Dinan M3 Convertible. That was a great car to me but it seems that local high school kids are all I see driving that type of car now. Funny but at the age of 17 there was no way in hell I could afford a car like that. I also purchased an '03 Mercedes CLK430 convertible. What a great little car. Once you have a drop top it's hard to get out of your blood. As far as age is concerned, I agree that if you can afford the car and are not living outside your means, go for it. You do only live once. Robert

Once you get your license, you are old enough. Be prepared for "Is that your dad's car?" or "Did your dad buy that car for you?" questions. Also, I am 38 but do look really young and I get the looks from people like "He probably lives in it". The fact is I own a house, married with 2 kids and I thought it was the right time to have 2 P-cars in my garage!

I had to wait until I was 40 to get my first 911! I guess I am a late bloomer. If you are 25 and able to get a 911 and it is within your means, go for it. I wish I had one when I was 25. The only thing is that I may have driven a little too fast at that age. Get the car and go to the PDE to learn about the vehicle and what it can do and how to do it safely. Life is short, live now. Let us know what it is like with the girls when you are 25 and have a 996!

wow, what a bunch of rich kids. i probably could have afforded to purchase my first brand new 996 porsche many years ago, but did some investing in realestate first, and a few ducati's, and a couple muscle cars, etc. but i don't think i could have popped $90k when i was just out of college. did you guys have to ask someone for the money, or do you just tell the trustee to cut a check?

Dealers are offering great lease deals as well so it may be easier to get into a 996 now more than ever before.

technically speaking, finances aside, how ready are you, at 25, to be able to respect power under your foot. not that i have really lost deliquency myself, but i really can tell my senses have improved to the safer side. waz

For myself I purchased my 996 because my Audi just was not up to track use. Now that Ive been instructing at DE for a while now and go nearly every month...it was time to get something more capable...just because someone is young dosent mean they dont know how to drive. I always get the strangest looks from my students when I intorduce myself...I wonder why? lol

im 20 and just got my 2003 C4S. loving every moment of it.

Jackmac, The mere fact that you are asking tells me that you will be a capable 996 owner. Remember, it is not about age but simple maturity. Most twenty-somethings driving around in pimped out H2s, Escalade's, and Denali's don't understand this whatsoever. In my view, that's part of why Porsche ownership is special.

Ill jump in here again. I really do believe that it takes a certain level of maturity to own this car at such a young age. I look at my friends and the majority of them have not graduate college and are still bong hit riping children. At twenty three I was director of operations for a hugh staffing company, married, home owner, and 996 owner. I still hang out with my same friends, i run all around the country following my favorite band (PHISH-154 shows and still counting), yet I still work 50+hours a week and have to deal with issues most 30-40 year old never dream of. I do work in a family businness (MOM's) and most would say thats easy, but the reality is that twice as much is expected of me and I get half as much positive reinforcement as the 100 or so people i manage. I think it is all about a level of maturity. It doesnt mean that there is a "age limit" or requirement to be ready for something like this its all about where you are mentally and obviously financialy. You seem like you have your head on staright so enjoy it. I think I will either be rewarding myself a new GT-3 or cayenne turbo for my 25th P.S. As someone previously mentoned, Porsche is offering ome vey attractive lease programs which are making it easier foryounger people to afford. I pay 892 a month which is very "reasonable"

You know what, dont look at what other people say that are around you. I was looking into a Boxster or a 993, but i like the late 944 interior soo much better. (i would shut-up about it for a new targa though...) Anyways, it doesnt make me any better than anyone else. I always find time Porsche no matter what the financial situation, its what i desire. It doesnt matter if you have 100k Porsche or a 20k Porsche, people are still gonna look at you because of your age and talk. If it makes you happy, go for it completely. I hear my friends all the time "Tony and his Porsche..." like im soo above it all. Get real. (what friends huh!) People dont understand these cars. I cant wait til i get my second one! Just overlook it and downshift away!

I got my 996 a month after turning 24 (with my own credit!) - it was the craziest yet best decision I ever made. Amazingly, insurance is cheaper than my M3 for the same coverage. Get used to all the looks and stares =) OT, I think it's awesome that most Porsche owners give the friendly wave/nod when they see a fellow P-car on the road. I never got that with M cars.

So many young P-car drivers! America is indeed a great country!

I'm 28 and got a 996 Turbo when I was 27. Hell no you are not too young. Get one and enjoy it! PS I felt VERY old when I bought a Jag XKR at 25 tho... </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by jackmac: <strong>Hi ppl, I am about to make my first purchase of a pre-owned 996 coupe. However, at the age of 25, I am not sure if it is too young to drive a 996. Can someone plz give me some input....and how much I should expect from insurance. Thx. JACK</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">

Bought my 996TT when I was 23. I know 2 other 996TT owners who are barely 21. My other friend is only 28 and he owns Z8, F360 F1 Spider, M5, Murcielago, mini S. Honestly, 996 is nothing in LA. Its everywhere. I think you'll be more happier if you keep your NSX turbo than get a 996. But 996TT is another story. <img src="http://ns2.namaeserver.com/~wi6/ferrari/DSC00009.JPG" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://ns2.namaeserver.com/~wi6/murcielago/002/DSC00001.JPG" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://ns2.namaeserver.com/~wi6/murcielago/002/DSC00018.JPG" alt=" - " />

I don't think that your driving skills necessarily improve just by growing older - especially when it comes to driving a sportscar at it's limits. If you attend to a few driver's training days, you will be able to handle critical situations much better than most folks on the streets who never face comparable situations until it's too late to train for them and an accident is the inevitable consequence. My personal opinion is that those young drivers who feel urged ro race their souped up economy cars on the streets are much more likely to get involved in serious accidents than those who can and want to afford a real sportscar early on. I am even younger than the starter of this thread and my personal experience is that I simply don't feel like I have to prove anything to anyone trying to challenge me at a stoplight or in traffic when I'm sitting in a nice Ferrari or Porsche. I haven't been involved in any accident yet (*knocks on wood*) and I feel like I can very well respect the power under my foot despite my age. <img border="0" alt="[byebye]" title="" src="graemlins/wave.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by topdaytrader: [QB]My other friend is only 28 and he owns Z8, F360 F1 Spider, M5, Murcielago, mini S. Honestly, 996 is nothing in LA.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Dude, no offense but tell your friend to upgrade into a better home. I'm sure he can afford it. Those cars just don't look right in that neighborhood.

Man I feel old and I'm only 28. You know, it is way too easy for young adults to obtain credit these days. I hope these youngsters understand the difference between being able to afford a car and being able to afford car payments. Two very different different things. Often times, people extend themselves a little too far especially here in SoCal. I will never understand those who are willing to spend so much of their net income on car payments. I think it's crazy, but if it brings you that much happiness than by all means go for it. Remember, you only live once.

spectra can you please email pics of your 02 with the gt3 aerokit ? [email removed]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by kyopo: <strong>Dude, no offense but tell your friend to upgrade into a better home. I'm sure he can afford it. Those cars just don't look right in that neighborhood.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I thought the exact same thing when looking at the pics but I felt it was a bit rude to say that . Now that the neighborhood has been mentioned - is that a surveillance camera or a sentry gun mounted just above the garage door <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> ?

Topdaytrader, Your friend looks like he is the man! Just curious, from the pictures, it looks like he only has a two car garage. How does he decide which cars sleep inside and which sleep outside? I am guessing that the Ferrari and the Lambo sleep inside...Personally, I would not be comfortable leaving anything but that Mini outdoors! Nonetheless, that is a problem I would LOVE to have!

My friend is one of those dot com multi millionaire. I'm sure he can afford a bigger house, but how he spend his money its not really my business.

as i said earlier, i invested in a few homes, among other things, before i purchased my first new 996. seeing that beautiful group of automotive art parked in front of that hovel makes it look like a drug dealer's "crib".

Waz *yes am hitting redline more often, spank me!* technically speaking, finances aside, how ready are you, at 25, to be able to respect power under your foot. not that i have really lost deliquency myself, but i really can tell my senses have improved to the safer side. waz ???????? Which of your two posts is your "considered opinion"?

You guys are funny about the house and neighborhood comments. My friend and I were just looking at the photos and we said the same thing before reading the rest of the posts. Don't get me wrong, I like my toys too, but the cars didn't fit the neighborhood

You're definitely not too young to be driving a p-car, the younger the better! I bought my first p-car (2000 C2) at age 21 which was one month ago and i'm loving every bit of it. However, I've only driven the car a few times cause of the damn weather. I look at it the same way as some others do... You only live once, and I'm going to do the most living I can with as much as I can. Good luck with your purchase. -jon

When I first saw those photos, it reminded me of a trip that I took with a friend of mine from graduate school. He was born and raised near Mexico City in a small village. I traveled around Mexico with him and we actually went to his friend's house--it looked just like that one. This guy sold highend automobiles at "discount" prices to wealthy individuals from Mexico City. I asked this guy how discounted were they. . .let's just say that these cars probably started life as someone else's prized toys--if you catch my drift. DotCom Millionaire--yeah, okay!

Yeah seriously... what's up with having $1 million worth of cars and parking them in a $300k home? I especially like the shot of the Lambo with two ****mobiles parked across the street

Tell your buddy I will trade his Lambo for my house. It does look alot nicer than his. All in fun...seriously, how your buddy chooses to spend his money is his biz. Who knows, this might only be his "winter" home.

My take on the original question. If I were your age right now with the money to get a 996, I'd really have make sure that there wasn't a better place for my investment over the next two to four years. Unless you have so much money that it doesn't matter, it might be better to get something really fun (a 911 SC for $20K for example) and invest the rest in something that will help set you up for an even brighter future...

Thx a lot guys, I really apprecaite all your input. As Gary[topdaytrader] mentioned, I do drive a 93 NSX at the moment. However, espcially here in California, driving my car has triggered many unwanted atttention. After I test-drove a 996 couple weeks ago...I really fell in love with the car, and I decided to replace my NSX with a 996 coupe. Thx all for not making me feel too young. JACK

Put some Pics up of your new ride when you get it.

I'm 23, and I just got my first Porsche last week - a 996TT. I think that if you can afford one, it does not matter how young or old you are. FYI, I in L.A & My insurance is $1300 every 6 months.

Not too young at all. Life is sure and if you have the means and the time is right take advantage of the moment. I am 30 myself and this is my second P car. got my first a beuty of an black 1996 turbo back in the early 90's right after high school. haven't looked back since adn enjoyed every moment.

TopDayTrader, Your friend is very fortunate to be able to have so many dream cars - the Murcielago is definitely my favorite. I think it's awesome that someone so young can have so many great cars. I know that if I could afford to, I'd do the same thing!

TrojanMan, You said you live in LA and pay 1300 for your insurance!?! Wow, let me know what insurance company it is...Sounds like a pretty good deal to me...thx. JACK

Man am I old. I was 56 when I got mine. But I feel much younger now.

Age doesn't really matter, maturity does. Even in a Porsche with 'only' 300hp you can get yourself into alot of trouble.. take some drivers ed courses.. Now I want to know is, how, at 21 can you afford a M5, A6, & 996 GT3?! Wow.. Must have done well for yourself. SpectraG, I saw you driving down 1st ave last week, nice looking ride!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Carl Jarrett: <strong>Age doesn't really matter, maturity does. Even in a Porsche with 'only' 300hp you can get yourself into alot of trouble.. take some drivers ed courses.. Now I want to know is, how, at 21 can you afford a M5, A6, & 996 GT3?! Wow.. Must have done well for yourself. SpectraG, I saw you driving down 1st ave last week, nice looking ride!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Thanks, but i sold that car two weeks ago.. it must be the new owner you saw... but it is still a sweet-looking car...

Well I just bought a 99' black Boxster (was 19, just turned 20). In about a year, I'll be looking to trade up to a 993TT, maybe a 360 (if things go well <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> . When your young (we have P plates here, you have to have them for 3 years before a full license, and the earliest you can have that is at 20, I got my car license at 18) the cops do harass you a bit. I've been pulled over a few times already, with them asking if it's my car (always their first Q). That's with only a boxster. I'd hate to think what it'll be like in a 996 or 360. As for insurance, I'm not covered for theft or damage to my car. No-one will cover me (it was $25k AU, 15kUS for a 94' NSX valued at 60kAU/37kUS).

Don't worry about age. I am 26 and getting ready to pull the trigger on a 01 or 02 996 TT. I also have and E55 with a monster system and no one has ever bothered me about it. Just don't drive around thinking your cooler than everyone else. You only live once and you can't take it with you. P.S. I thought the same thing about the nice cars and average house, it's pretty humorous that everyone thought the same thing.

So how in the hell can you guys that are 21-25 afford these cars???? I am only 23 and couldn't imagine being able to buy a $80k-$180k car...

Far, Far Too Young, Jack... Give it to me and I'll hold it until you're a bit older!!!! If you asked the question, you're old enough to handle the responsibility! Way to go, Jack! Jim (envious, but still likes his "real" porsche!) <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

I was 23 when I bought my first. Now I'm an old fart with the Big 4-0 looming large in June Who cares about the stereotypes. If you are young, everybody says you're a rich kid, if you're my age, it's mid-life crisis. You only live once & I sure have enjoyed the last 16+ years of P-car ownership!

I'd admire a 25 year old in a Civic Type-R or a Seat Leon Cupra-R rather than in a 355, GT3 or Lambo... Then there are the subies, evo's and gtr's which i guess portray the transition stage to maturity.. More toys for the boys.. I guess a 996, Murc or a modena is suitable for a mid-30 kind of guy rather.. My opinion, Waz (35 yrs) 996 C2

Maybe a bit out of line, but here goes anyway... I think we're all fortunate to be able to have these great cars. Bottom line, we've worked hard to acheive what we have (atleaset most of us have) and what the heck? You can't take it with you... If you run into people that have a problem with what you've got because your either to young or to old or too skinny or too short or.... Just remember, you can't please everyone all the time. Impatiently waiting for the arrival of my C4S....

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by groberts: <strong>as i said earlier, i invested in a few homes, among other things, before i purchased my first new 996. seeing that beautiful group of automotive art parked in front of that hovel makes it look like a drug dealer's "crib".</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">LOL! But in all seriousness, so long as you are responsible when driving the car...go for it. At the end of the day, there are a lot of cheaper cars that can reach the same speeds, so the fact that its a Porsche should not scare you off. Having said that, I would really have to admit that my order of priorities nowadays would be a bit more along the lines of nice house first, family (assuming you have them), and then car...but thats just me (unfortunately I no longer remember what it is like to be twenty something...though no doubt my priorities then may have been somewhat along the lines of car first)...

I got my first one at 22 with no mregrets whatsoever. &lt;No wife no children to support. &lt;Just pure enjoyment. &lt;just dont hurt yourself because it isn{t a video game as it feels when you are behind the wheel. for the record, i am now 24 .

Hey, you know the old saying: "It’s better to be ENVIED then PITIED." Buy what you can afford and have fun.

Hell yes; you're too dang young to be driving a car anywhere near that nice. Why, when I was your age, we kids had to drive old Plymouths built before the war (WWII that is, son). I was dang lucky too; mine had both a radio and a heater. We didn't have no Porsches. In fact, nobody had Porsches. Haven't you noticed how the whole modern western world has gone to hell in a hand basket since Porsches came out? No, I guess not. Well, I'm tellin' ya; all them German cars are so fun to drive they oughta be banned. I'm tellin' ya, them Germans are trying to take over the world again, but this time they're sneaking up on us. Dang young whipper snappers. Bah! Hamburg!

Well put Jim.

I'd rather be invaded by Germans.. waz <img border="0" alt="[icon501]" title="" src="graemlins/icon501.gif" />

It's not age. It's personality. I don't envy the 19/20/21 yr olds driving 996TTs. I am happy for them, so long as they appreciate the car. I perhaps envy those who are more successful financially than me, at my age, AND possess a true knowledge and respect for thier car. Those, young or old, who drive a german exotic, and don't know jack about the car, those people I pity, not envy. As far as experience guys, it's a shame to see a young person destroy ANY P-car, regardless of age (of the car), because of inexperience behind the wheel. That said, I'd rather see a 996 trashed, because they still make 'em, than see a rare 993 Turbo S or 930 crashed.

I am 19 and I've been driving my 2002 C4 cab for like 5 months and the reason i tinted my car glass is because i hate it when people stare at me .. and saying in their minds " this kid owns a Porsche " it just make me uncomfortable and not enjoying driving it at all