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YOUR RESEARCHLiving in Kuwait, need some more info/advice on a Carrera.
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I also found a 2007 Cayman S in my price range, but I fear I run into the same problem with the S2000 in that I lose just that much more space to put stuff like groceries/luggage, what have you.
Living in Kuwait, need some more info/advice on a Carrera.
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Over the years, having owned 8 used 911s, I rarely got "stuck" anywhere.
Living in Kuwait, need some more info/advice on a Carrera.
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Living in Kuwait, need some more info/advice on a Carrera.
Clean inside and out
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Both cars are clean inside and out, with the Porsche having a small tear on the driver's seat(not a big deal).
Living in Kuwait, need some more info/advice on a Carrera.
Run mobil 5w-50 oil -- not a typo
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Consider running Mobil 5w-50 oil -- not a typo for 15w-50 oil -- to give the engine a bit more of a safety margin on the warmer days...
Living in Kuwait, need some more info/advice on a Carrera.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I also found a 2007 Cayman S in my price range, but I fear I run into the same problem with the S2000 in that I lose just that much more space to put stuff like groceries/luggage, what have you.
Living in Kuwait, need some more info/advice on a Carrera.
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Hey guys, I've just joined because I figured this place would be the best place to get some advice.
As the title states, I'm living in Kuwait, and plan on staying here for at least 5 years, possibly up to 7. After about 5 months of waiting, I've finally got my driver's license and I'm looking for a car. Here's my dilemma: I'm stuck between a 2008 Honda S2000, and a 2004 Porsche Carrera Coupe.
Now I understand this being a Porsche forum, there's an inherent bias, but I'd like to try to leave that at the door for now. If we can, I may end up being a happy Porsche owner.
Here's the details on both cars before I compare them:
Porsche Carrera(2004):
-It's the regular Carrera model, nothing special.
-It has 77,000 km (roughly 47,000 miles) on it.
-Tiptronic transmission.
-One previous owner who just wanted to get another car. (The Kuwaitis here tend to buy a car then get bored and get something else)
Honda S2000(2008):
-6 speed manual
-Convertible (which is my first time driving one, holy crap that's exhilarating during these cooler months here)
-118,000 km (roughly 73,000 miles) on it.
Both cars are clean inside and out, with the Porsche having a small tear on the driver's seat(not a big deal). Both engines sound great, no weird noises. Both cars, during my test drives, handled and drove phenomenally. I felt glued to the road. So after I drove the Porsche, I was torn, and I still am trying to figure out what I want. I plan on using this car as a daily driver to get to and from work (roughly 45-50km drive, all highway style driving).
Pros of the Carrera:
-Great throttle response
-2 seats in the back for (uncomfortably) seating 2 people or holding more groceries/luggage/etc.
-Lower mileage compared to the S2000
-It's a Porsche...(duh)
Pros of the S2000:
-Convertible, so much fun to drive
-Manual transmission; there's something just so joyful in clicking through the gears.
-Higher mileage than the Porsche, but 4 years newer.
The reason I came here is because I've heard differing opinions on the Porsche handling the Middle Eastern heat during the summer. Seeing as this is a 996-gen Carrera, I do at least know that it's water-cooled instead of air, like the previous generations. But I don't know much more about it. I'm already fairly up to speed on the Honda, so I know how it can handle the heat. I'd just like to get a few opinions on whether it's worth it or not to get the Porsche.
I would like to add that there is shaded parking wherever I intend to go/live. And there are Porsches all over the place (way too many rich Kuwaitis
) Any other questions, I'd be glad to ask them, and I appreciate in advance and help I can get.
Thanks,
Greg
Porsche. Heat is not an issue, so if that's your only concern, problem solved. A 2004 Porsche tip is a modern car that can handle the heat. It has 3 radiators if that makes you feel better.
Zero issues with Porsches in ME heat.
I've driven convertibles here in the summer and it's no fun at all; if I had to drive the car in the summer I certainly wouldn't buy one.
I'll probably let the thread continue until I wake up tomorrow for work, but it's sounding like I might go with the Porsche. If nothing else, a slight bit more practicality while still having a car I can enjoy out here for my stay.
Your car is first and foremost, daily transportation. Don't know much about Kuwait. Do you have a long commute to/from work? Is there an independent Porsche mechanic nearby? Over the years, having owned 8 used 911s, I rarely got "stuck" anywhere. However, on many occasions, I've had to leave the car at my indie mechanic for a full day or more service. Mine have all had "loaners" so I was not stuck at the mechanics while the car was being worked on.
Japanese cars such as an S2000 are typically very reliable. I've read that this car is a very high end performer and relatively small displacement engine - so you have to wind the "whee" out of the engine to get good performance.
Neither car will win any awards for "practicality" - ability to haul stuff.
If I lived in Kuwait, I'd probably want a more practical car as an every day driver (say any Honda sedan - with a great air conditioning system) with the sports car as a weekend toy.
As to cost, I'd plan on spending at least $1000/year on maintenance on the 911, maybe more. Re the S2000, it would depend upon the service history of the car.
Good luck on your decision.
1. How big of a guy are you? IIRC, the S2000 is a snug fit. On a test drive, that's easy to overlook, but it can get old quickly.
2. Exterior colors: if one of them is the color you like and the other one isn't, get the one in the color you want. The first and last thing you see every time you drive that car is the color.
3. Both of these cars are near the bottom of their depreciation curves, so you can sell and likely get most of your money back and switch if you change your mind.
4. Check shop rates for repairs. If the rich Arabs are driving Porsches and the not-so-rich ex-pats are driving Hondas, there may be a significant difference.
5. Assuming you don't have kids to haul around, and all else being equal, I think I'd go for the Honda due to the transmission. That being said, there is something about driving a Porsche and you'll probably always have some envy to deal with every time you see one in your Honda.
@porschemikeandnancy
Yes, I understand that the practicality aspect compared to what I could have is lacking a bit. If I only planned to be out here for a year or two years, I'd get some Malibu or Lancer and call it a day. But I'm gonna be here for a while (5 to 7 years), so I want something I can enjoy when I go to work (45-50km trip).
@kcattorney I'm 5'7", stocky build, so the seats felt fine, and the s2000 was a tad snug, but nothing I'm not used to.
I also planned on (next year, when I'm financially comfortable) buying some cheapo 1000KD ($3300) SUV like a Mitsubishi Pajero in the event I need to haul a bunch of people or things.
The biggest problem I have with the S2000 is that unless you are at the top of the rev range they aren't terribly fun to drive, but driving around near the redline isn't super fun either. I think a 911 has a better balanced nature in that regard.
Which 'normal person' drives around near the red line??? I don't think he drives to work via a race track. lol
Anyway, although you never asked. I would advice you to get a Manual
coupe
911 996 in a hot country. I have the cab and when going slowly or stopped it can get pretty uncomfortable sitting in the blazing sun for any length of time. With the top down, the air conditioning doesn't do anything to Alleviate the situation. That's my 2 pence worth for what it's worth.
Yeah, the Carrera in question is a plain ol' Coupe, with the 5-speed tiptronic. A/C works well in both cars.
I also found a 2007 Cayman S in my price range, but I fear I run into the same problem with the S2000 in that I lose just that much more space to put stuff like groceries/luggage, what have you.
Given your location I'd consider the car that has the best service available. While you can do some servicing yourself, with the Porsche -- I have no idea about the Honda -- some things require special tools/equipment. And parts could be hard to come by. The car could be laid up a long time waiting for parts.
I would thus tend to lean towards the Honda, though having never driven one, I really can't comment on how it would be to use as a daily driver. However, a co-worker commutes around 30 miles each way to work in one and loves the car. Seems to be a reliable car, too.
I assume the Honda has an adequate A/C system? I can't imagine driving around in that area with the top down all the time. The few times I have been through the southwest US in the summer time I wish I had had two tops on the car. It was very hot.
Right, people don't. Which is why the S2000 can be a bad choice as a daily driver.
Maybe stop huffing so much WD-40 and start with the reading comprehension.
I think many people have a very strange view of the Middle East, I don't think that I spend any more time waiting on parts than anyone else.
http://www.porsche.com/middle-east/_...-01-23-opening
My view is based upon my remembering posts by others in that general region who were having problems with parts deliveries. And this was after the dealership you posted a link about opening.
In the OP's case if he believes or better yet knows getting parts won't be a problem then that removes one concern I would have selecting the Porsche over the Honda.
I think this has helped to make my decision. I'm still willing to hear more testimonies/advice, but I'm thinking I'm gonna go with the Porsche. There are Porsche dealers here, and I work with a Kuwaiti Air Force guy who drives Porsches all the time and knows where to get the service done.
The S2000, overall, was the more fun experience. That convertible with the top down was amazing. However, the slightly cramped space, and only having a small trunk to put items in might be an issue. The Porsche is also (as someone also pointed out) more fun through all RPM ranges, not just the high ones, and it has that back seating area to put more stuff.
I appreciate the info about the overheat concerns I had and general info. Especially you, mcbit, who actually lives here in the ME and can shed some light.
The only time any of my cars has been off road waiting for parts when I had the engine rebuilt in the 996tt.
Not sure about q8 but we also have some top class indies in the UAE.
Hey Greg,
First of all, every Porsche is a special car. I know that both cars you are looking at have a lot to offer, but the 996 is a true drivers car and you will not be disappointed if you choose it. You will most likely spend more (maybe a lot more) on maintenance but it is well worth it. I can't wait to turn the key in my car every day and it always puts a big smile on my face. The other benefit of owning a Porsche is the camaraderie of other Porsche owners. Join the Porsche club and you will learn a lot about this awesome car and meet some great people!
I would look at the Cayman S if it is a 6speed vs the tip C2. Roads there in ME is great with no traffic so no need for a tip and you are looking at another car for hauling stuff anyway.
I lived in Saudi from 83-94.
Yeah the Caymans I'm finding are all automatics. These Kuwaitis really don't like sticks. And @m3driver, it's not that bad here. The buildings may look run down, but you have everything here you need, and most of the time you can have it delivered straight to your door.
I've decided on the Carrera for sure now. I'm waiting for a few more days for my money to get from the states to my Kuwaiti account. I should have it by around Sunday or Monday when the banks open back up. I even got the seller to fix the tear in the driver's side seat at no charge.
I'm just getting more and more excited to drive it finally!
Not a show stopper but be aware the Porsche windshields appear to be easily pitted. I've encountered a few small dust/sand storms in my drives across the southwest USA in my Boxster and even a brief encounter with one of these -- which were just hundreds of yards, if that much, wide -- had my Boxster's windshield badly pitted.
The windshield was still serviceable afterwards but I really noticed the additional pitting. Under some conditions the windshield looks like it has tiny diamond sparklers in it.
As for heat both of my cars have been in scorching heat: 116F for the Boxster, 118F/119F for the Turbo; and neither had any problems. I suspect the cooling system of this 996 you are considering is better than that in my Boxster, too.
Consider running Mobil 5w-50 oil -- not a typo for 15w-50 oil -- to give the engine a bit more of a safety margin on the warmer days...
