Noob, Looking for 996, but have questions.

I'd like to start off by saying this seems like a great forum with a lot of information. But I can tell I am in the minority for income level and age, lol. I'm 24, and just sold my house, so have some spare cash that I can afford to spend. About $25,000 USD to be exact. I have been looking and for about 25k that puts me in a 99 with between 60k and 80k miles. Now normally that mileage wouldn't scare me away from a buying a car, but Porsche isn't cheap to repair, and honestly if something major came up it would probably force the car to be parked till the next year. I could afford ~2000 in repairs/maintenance a year. The car will be my evening/weekend car and probably see 10k miles a year. I am an electrician by trade so I have my work truck when needed. I was originally looking for a C5 Corvette, but well they are kinda boring and I have always wanted a Porsche, would actually love a late 80's early 90s 911 turbo, but they dont fall into my price range, and are probably more to keep running. I just want to make sure that owning this car wont put me in the poor house by nickel and dimeing me to death. after two years of having the car I will sell it for a newer one, maybe even an S if I can afford it. Being in Canada I can buy out of the states, drive it for 2 years and sell it for maybe even more then I paid 2 years prior. The local Porsche dealer treated my like *** when I went in there, I rolled up in a 06 CTS-V and I still had to approach a sales person, and he just gave me attitude like I couldn't afford to even be looking at the cars. So the less I need them to do the better. The next nearest dealership is 3 hours away. And being 24 I have a feeling I would have a similar experience. I'm just rambling now, but if anyone has a nice 996 for sale in the 25k range, let me know And maybe let me know things I should know about the car too, Thanks.

Before you pull the trigger on a Porsche, have you considered your other options with the 25k? You and I are not that far off in age. I recently came to the conclusion that even in your 20s we need to think about where our money goes. The 25k you spend up front is just the beginning. Once the mods begin its hard to stop. If you already have a solid financial plan then disregard my post. But if you don't have a plan, it might be worth exploring your options before jumping into a 911. Just a thought.

Well I have somewhat of a plan. I walked away from selling my house with $103700. After paying down misc debt I have 81000 left, and owe Zero dollars. 31k went into retirement. Leaving me with 50k for a down payment on my new place. Although I am thinking about just renting, as its cheaper and I dont believe the market will jump enough in the next 5 years to make it worth my while. The 25k is actually based off how much I would pay monthly over 5 years for the car. Knowing in 2 years I'll sell the car. If I rent that 50k will go into a savings GIC or something. So with rent and my monthly payments and insurance etc, it will still only be ~50% of my income. My plan is to not mod my first one. As I really want an S.

If you went with a Boxster you could find a much better/newer/less mileage (perhaps even cpo) car for that money. I have an 03 Boxster and my 99 996. I love driving the Boxster, it is a classic sports car. You and your pocket would not regret it.

Not a fan of verts, makes the car look funny IMO. I was looking and can get an 01/02 Boxster S with 50k miles for ~25k. And from what I can tell the Boxster S performance would be about that of the 996 Carrera. But the Boxster is still a vert. I am sure there is a hard top available though. Although I have never seen a picture of a Boxster with a hard top. But the sexy smooth lines of the Carrera is pretty hard to beat. Its one of those things where I think if I got the boxster I would be "settling" and I would hate to end up regretting it. I really do wish I could test drive both back to back, but the snobs at the dealership here think just because I am young I can't afford the car, and they want me to put down 2k non refundable deposit (credit at the dealship) just to test drive, which is BS!

The Boxster S is an awesome car, I only sold one because I want to have some back seats. Maybe you can find a local member who will let you check out their cars

The 966 has a back seat? I'm in Edmonton Alberta, don't see many Porsche's on the road. I do see a guy driving a silver/graphite boxster sometimes, and even in -15 he will have the top down.

I have had very good experience with my current Porsche's. Knock on wood I have not had any real issues with either car. However, as other have mentioned the mod bug can be expensive. Additionally, regular wear items are not cheap (for example a good set of tires will run north of $1k). Think carefully about blowing your whole budget on a high mileage used car (of any make) with little left over for repairs and maintenance. Good Luck.

i wouldn't do it.

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Well tires are a non issue really, as any performance car I look at tires will be 1000+. I get actual cost on the rubber, and free mounting from my buddies shop too. The mod bug... I know that one well from my Camaro Days. The first summer will be easy not to mod, its that winter that I might have a problem with. But I am hoping to buy a sled, so that should keep me busy. I would say the first summer if I need to buy tires right off, and then do the brakes, I should be fine, just as long as I dont need to replace all the belts, hoses, rad, etc etc all in the same summer. I am good with a wrench though, so I am hoping that can save me money on any potential repairs. But I really dont know what kind of repairs I would be looking at with that milage. I just happened upon "mfletch" car, its rebuilt, but looks to be perfectly done, 50k miles. And seems like most everything that would need replacing is brand new.

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Yep, big enough to comfortably accomodate two very small cats, or two very tiny children!

Do it. Fun has a value.

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lol, I cant remember the last time I had someone in the back seat of my Jeep even. So I guess it doesnt matter either way. But at least I can throw my gym bag in there even with a passanger. lol

The back seat in a P-car is sized to hold all your extra money...for mods!!!

Hey Jeff. I'm in Edmonton too and P-carless until spring. You would be hard pressed to find a US 996 for $25k once you factor in transportation, 6.1% duty, GST, import fees, etc. There are no good deals on Porsches in Canada according to my research although I haven't been looking at older Boxsters. Vancouver prices are better than ours though. I think you really are in Boxster territory at $25K. Another $5K might make a big difference on what you could get. ps The local dealer has been good to me when I go there but I am 20 years older than you and might look like I have money. It's a big mistake in this province to judge people's finances by their age or dress. I would love to buy something their but a $15-20K premium is a tough one!

Take your time, find a suitable car and don't worry about people who can't spot a potential buyer. You sound like you know what you want....you only go around once. When it's right just pull the trigger on a P car that's right for you price wise.

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I started out by looking at Boxsters, then decided to pull up my pants and buy a big boy car. I ended up getting a 996. A year later I'm very glad I decided to spend the extra money. You seem to be in a remarkably similar situation to many--it appears that you do indeed HAVE the money, but aren't sure about spending it. I was in that boat, too, and finally just made myself do it. I haven't regretted it for a minute--in fact, my SO told me the other day that she thinks we made a great purchase.

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I Head to Lake Havasu for march and april every year, so was planning on just flying into what ever city has the car I want and then driving home when I am done, save me 1400 bucks by not needing a rental car when there. GST will only be 5% when I bring it back, if I buy befor I am ready to head to the states it will just sit in storage. I actually have the lined up loan for 29,000 CDN. Since I dont know what the dollar will do I am treating it as an even dollar. On a 25k car that will give me the 2600 GST/Duty the 85 dollar RIV fee, and the 100 dollar AC tax, and then cover gas and hotels while driving it back. Just assumed most on here would be American so just left that out, however I assumed wrong and should have explained. I could push the car to 26,000 and still be ok. There are a good number of 1999 966's for sale in the 27-28k range with ~50k miles. And I think thats the kind of car I will go for. I called one dealer and had his $28,995 car down to 24,500 out the door if I paid with a bankdraft. But its burgundy, probably the least favorite color for me, so I am still looking. And ya judging how much money someone have by age or what they wear or drive is a HUGE mistake in Alberta. But Porsche, BMW, Infinity and Land Rover still make the assumption that young guys are a waste of their time. MB is nice though, they aint stupid. lol I have a couple friends in brand new benz with like 22" wheels. I went and looked at a Boxster and 966 side by side last night, and the 966 lines are just perfect, I would definitely be kicking myself if I got anything other then the 966. And your right, I do have the money, its just hard to spend it. I just got out of a way to long bad relationship, she actually made me sell my MINT 96 SS, it only had 12k miles on it . I have no idea why I let her make me sell it. But its time for a car that I want again. Driving always puts a smile on my face. While I dont care what others think about what I drive it does cross my mind, once I am ready to start dating I would hate for some girl to be with me, or think differently of my just because of the car, although I will have no problem using the car to get me some chick for just a night :P Its kinda funny, because my truck will be worth more then the 966. lol

You are still looking at 6.1% duty for cars not made in NA. I would love for someone to prove me wrong on this one! ps If you are going to exchange money into US go to Custom House http://www.customhouse.com/company/c...America.asp#CA and tell them you are shopping around. You will get a better rate than the bank. I love Arizona! Lake Havasu gets screaming hot but should be nice in the spring.

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Oh i know its 6.1% for Germany. Its 6.3% out of Japan. This 966 will be my 4th car out of the states. 5% GST, 6.1% duty. 11.1% of 25k is $2775 I'll be exchanging through my parents company so only pay 0.45%, But I will check out the fees on Custom House, I believe they are downtown right? Havasu in March is a bit cool, I wear a wetsuit when wake boarding. but its hot outside. Or feels hot to me, lol, locals are sometimes in sweaters when I am in shorts and flip flops. April is nice, end of april is getting a bit hot for me. But march is the best because its spring break and the area is filled with hot college chicks wearing almost nothing. I wish I could move to AZ, Phoenix actually. But its tough, I can get a work visa pretty easy once I get my Master ticket though. so 2 more years.

Jeff, sorry you missed my car. I highly recommend the 996...that's why I had two. I have seen some pretty nice ones in your price range. If you do some of the work yourself, it is every bit as affordable as a BMW or Mercedes. Try ebay, and cars.com, in addition to autotrader. Good luck.