NEW & NEEDING UPGRADE ADVISE

Hello, I'm new to the board, I thought I'd introduce myself and ask your unbiased opinion. (Ok you may have a slight bias). I'm at 10 years with my 968 and I'm still very happy with it, but it will soon be time to part company. My dilema is what to get next. I want another 10 years of satisfaction. The choices are new/used Cayman S, late 996, '05 997 or new BMW 335 coupe. I've driven all but the 997 and all are good choices, but each has it's shortcomings. The 997 is hard on the wallet. The 997/996 both have the potential for serious $$ engine problems. The 997 perhaps less so. The cayman S is the best handling car I've driven, but I can't squeeze my wife AND kid in, should i need to pick them both up. The BMW is really comfy and fast, but I wonder if I would be missing that P-car handling a year down the road. Should I be worried about loosing the motor in a 996? That really scares me. New Cayman or BMW seems like the safest route, but then this forum is not about Volvos owners is it. Your advise is appreciated. This is a big long term decision, so fire away.

I got a 95 993 and it was supper clean and did not want to track it, but I wanted to start tracking So I got a good deal on a m3 and went to the track. Me personally I did not like the BMW, I missed the p right away...It is a great car but not for me I like the feel of the 911 style, so I sold it after 6 months, i wanted another 993 but the cost for that old of a car IMHO is ridiculous... So I started to look for the 996 ( I have 4 kids so I wanted the back seat as well) I got 02 996 (I like the changes at this year) and I have done two track days....the car is awesome...the $$$ you can get one now. I can put a new motor in and still be less than if I bought the car 1.5 years ago which is the time I bought the M3 Hope this helps Jerry

You need seats - that rules out Cayman. Money matters - that rules out a 997. You're left with a 996 v. 335i. I have dual citizenship, myself, so I understand the appeal of each, but they are different worlds. Get yourself a nice, late-model CPO 996 until the kid gets too big. Then you can switch to BMW sport sedans until the kid goes to college.

test drive is the key... I would get a clean 996!

My advice: don't overstretch your budget to get a 997, the Cayman sounds too small for you, and the BMW is...<looks over shoulder> a really nice econobox with lot of motor. That leaves the 996. Go find a clean one with a warranty and enjoy!

Ok, thanks. I read about a guy on here that searched for a 996 that had the motor already replaced by porsche. I like that idea, but where do you look, cars.com, auto trader? I havn't seen anyone advertising that the car has a new motor. The service manager at Rusnak in Pasadena has been a source of info, but I suspect there is a better way to cast a bigger net than calling all the service managers in the area. My kid is already 140 Lbs, but he doesn't mind squeezing in the back of a 911. I don't think many teens really mind it for short rides, which is all I need. Heck, I fit in the back, and I'm 6', (but on the skinny side). Ok, I'll take any good methods of looking for a good 996/7.

A clean 996 with warranty gets my vote.

yep, that was me. Buying a "predetonated grenade" definitely cuts down the number of cars you can look at, and limits how picky you can be re: condition/options, but I sleep pretty well at night. Awhile back there was a guy on this site who replaced his engine and was looking to sell it. Anyone remember who it was, I think it was silver (yeah that narrows it down)???? Become a member and there is a for sale thread only available to members.

If you go to autotrader and key word search "new engine" with 1999+ 911. A few should pop up...

So Galeriehughie, how did you find yours? Auto trader search with keyword "new engine"? (Yea, Silver is apparently alot faster than other colors).

996 turbo. Great deals to be had now.

Whatever p-car you get, only buy a Tip if you have very thick skin. CP

Buy certified and then you have no worries about the engine or anything else for at least two years. The only problem is that you will normally pay top dollar for a certified car from a dealer. If you can't find certified, consider an older 996 - a 1999 or maybe 2000. You can find something really nice for less than $30 grand from a private party. Trade in value on a 996 stinks right now and there lots of sellers who found out what the dealers are offering on trade in. So you buy a nice 99 or 00 for just above trade in value, and even if you have to buy a motor you will still be less than buying a slightly newer certified car. And realisitically the odds of having to do the motor are slim. You can buy some really nice 996's for less than $25,000. I know mine is nice and I would be very lucky to get $20,000 on a trade. I thought about trading in when the warranty is up in February but it would cost me at least 20,000 and my car to get back into a certified car. I would rather roll the dice and keep the money and bet that my engine doesn't blow up on me. Even if it does I will still be cash ahead. I just picked my car up today at the dealer and we discussed this scenario. Both the service manager and my salesmen agreed it would not make sense to move up to a 2003 or 2004 based upon the above. Trade in values are just too low right now. Your situation is different but the strategy may work for you the same way if you find the right older car. You just have to play hard ball on the price with some poor guy who was just told by the dealer his car is worth a whole lot less than he thought.

968PORSCHE Welcome to Rennlist. Nice looking 968! I have a very nice 2004 C2 for sale for $44,000 with 45,100 miles on it. Check out the link to the Classified Ad 2004 C2

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I have a 996 and a 335i. I drive the 996 everyday and let the wife drive the 335. I don't like the way it feels, especially after driving my P. Maybe "like" isn't the right word, more like "enjoy." I don't enjoy driving it, even though I do like it for what it is. In the Bimmer, everything feels too assisted. It's not like driving the car, more like suggesting what the car should do, and then the car does it for you. But, when we go to Costco, I like the 335 -td Buy Tim's car!

it's not like your only choice is to go CPO or no warranty. Look in to aftermarket warranties. I have a 2002 Carrera Coupe with a warranty by www.warrantydirect.com . it is 4 year 75,000 miles (twice as long as CPO) and covers the same things with no deductible. I have had to have them pay out on an RMS and expansion tank repair with no troubles. Andy

The depreciation that's still ahead for 997s is going to amount to far more money than a new motor would cost, even if you ended up being a victim of that unlikely event. Your choice is between money you know you're going to lose and money there's a slim chance you're going to lose, and two cars that aren't exactly a mile apart in performance. I'd go for a well optioned, well loved 996. Your sedan years will come soon enough.

Buyer beware. Porsche CPO is the best. http://www.startribune.com/business/12387251.html

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This is just one company. There are good ones out there. I recommend you buy one directly from a company that you investigate, not purchase through a dealer that receives kickbacks. CPO is very good and in my experience warrantydirect.com has been very good..

get a GT3 and leave the kid at home. :-). I would buy another 996 C 2002-2004 without hesitation. Needs to have a CPO. The engines are great but if if tracked a lot with proper speed, the motor will be oil starved during the event. I do not know what impact that would have but expect in the long run could be vulnerable to issues. Take the time to make the decision that is right for you. Mine were: 325,M3,C2, GT3. Do not know what is next. Used Bush car???

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Just one company - correct. Company covered ONLY 137,000 vehicles.

Ok, I'm thinking of staying in the fold now. Tim's car looks great, nice options, but gray is not my favorite interior. The deviating carpeting almost makes up for it though. The idea of buying a warranty from direct.com is something that really adds a whole new perspective I hadn't really considered. I was leary of buying from a lexus dealer, but perhaps that opens up the possibilities. Thanks for the ideas. I was curious about how many of you bought from the P dealer vs private or other brand dealer? Anyone care to check in on that. I have seen some affordable GT3's but I think I'v had enough low production model issues already. Yours certainly looks sweet, love it in Red!

Bought mine from a dealer. What will you use the car for? Is it a daily driver or a weekend toy? Do you have a daily driver that can accommodate the family? The 944/968 really has a lot of room for a family. I had scores of 944s, but they are in a different ballpark when it comes to reliability compared to the stout 911s. I can't really say what is right for you because there are so many factors to be considered. Hell, I am not even sure I understand what I want and need, but my GT3 is the best ride I have ever owned, yet that doesn't mean it is right for you. If you do switch rides, get the newest car you can afford in the best condition you can find. I can say that if you are expecting another 10 years of ownership, don't cheap out today and pay for it later for the next 9 years. Get it right the first time is really the least expensive way to go. Grenading a motor is probably a low probability. I would not get too wrapped up in that fear. A CPO is a great comfort blanket, so go for it if you can get it. Oh, by the way, the GT3 is probably the most bullet-proof 911 ever made. However, they are not for the faint of heart. They are harsher than a stock 911, the clutch is about 3 times heavier, they rattle (at times), and lack back seats altogether. However, they scream when driven and really are the best 911 to roll out the factory door if you are a driver.

Keep your 968 or get a 02 or newer 996 !

I bought and prefer to buy from a private seller (and get a PPI) because I can size up the previous owner when meeting them. I bought my 996 from another fellow enthusiast and therefore I knew it had been cared for, serviced, etc. I don't trust dealerships. But that's just me.