Pre or post facelift - what do you think?

Considering chopping in the Boxster in a few months now that there'll be a flood of used cars on the market thanks to the new 997. I'm now considering my childhood dream of a 911. Car will be essentially a weekend indulgence (very occasional track trip), so looking for a manual with sports chassis, sport seats, PSE, PSM, 18" Sport Designs at the least. My budget will be on the cusp of the '02 facelift. I actually think the pre 02 car look better - the later one looks a bit gawky to me. However, knowing Porsche's uncanny knack of relentlessly improving each new model, what are the advantages of the new car, and are they worth the extra 7 grand or so the OPC's seem to be chargning for the facelift? Love to hear your views (including the new 987 "S" vs used 996 debate.....).

Hi Dapster, I actually agree with you about the facelft looks, but it is worth extra over the last of the 3.4's & will offer good re-sale. If you are considering OPC prices for a 3.4 why not shop privately & get a 3.6 for the same price. I know it's more hassle to go private but there is a lot to choose from out there & you can then get your chosen steed checked over at an OPC. get yourself a buyers guide & your away! Best of luck 2002 MY - The new "˜facelift' model was introduced . This had a number of new upgrades 1) A more aggressive looking front and rear-end, with aero-dynamic improvements that were claimed to further reduce lift , along with new clear teardrop shaped front lights (same look as the Turbo) to further distance the 911 from the Boxster. 2) Porsches variacam plus technology was added to an enlarged 3.6 litre engine. This gave an additional 20bhp (to just under 320 bhp) but more importantly, greatly increased the mid range flexibility of the car. In- gear thrust felt MUCH better and more deep chested than before. 3) The exhaust system was further "˜tweaked' to improve the volume and quality of sound inside and outside the car. 4) Inside the 996 gained a glove box for the first time, plus twin cup holders and the interior plastics were further upgraded. 5) The OBC (on board computer) became standard equipment and the in speedo dial layout was changed to accommodate the OBC centrally with a smaller (some would say this was a negative step) digital speedo to the left. 6) A "˜smaller' "˜sports style' steering wheel became standard equipment. 5)The facelift also incorporated further improvements to both crash protection & body shell rigidity.

I reckon the facelift model, If there's only 7k difference between the two then it's got to be the face lift, as i have heard of some pre face lifts in the low 30k mark. If you could stretch it, then i would go for the C4S, i think it will stand much better over the next year or two, and on top of that, i think it's got to be one of the most complete 911 packges ever, with sports chasis and turbo brakes as standard it was a joy to drive when i had mine. And if you ever hear the sports exhaust, it will be love at first sight/sound !! G.

Thanks for the comments guys. Just popped to the library (ie WH Smiths) and helpfully, 911 and Porsche World have got an article featuring pre vs post facelift, plus a 996 buyers guide! How cool is that? Bought a copy but haven't read the article yet. Additionally "Used Car Buyer" featured a C4S in it and said that it was indeed, the most complete 911 ever. Sadly, I haven't seen one for less than 60k at the OPC and that's about 10 over budget. Spoke to the OPC this morning. The proof of the pudding is in the driving so they are lining up pre and post cars for me to try next week (thought I'd ask them to sort a TT, GT3, GT2, Carrera GT and the boss's wife as well, but thought that may be royally taking the mick...). The 7k difference if for a pre and post f/l 2002 car with same spec and miles. Obviously pre f/l cars that are older than that may be a lot cheaper. Plan B is to go for a much cheaper pre f/l car and use the money saved as a deposit for a 997 or C4S next year.

I've had both and agree with everything above. The 3.6 'facelift' is definitely better. Lots of individual improvements that really do combine to improve the overall integrity and dynamics of the car. Of course you get what you pay for. £40k would buy a very nice 3.4, but the 3.6s start at around £45k. Mind you, it is still good value for a real Porsche, with new 997s averaging £70k. Although there may appear to be quite a few 996s around, getting one that meets your exact spec. may take time. Good luck

Hi Dapster I was faced with the same decision about 6 months ago. I too preferred the appearance of the older looking Pre facelift model although was really trying to see if I could sneak a facelift model into my budget. In the end I decided to get a model with exactly "everything" I wanted on my wish list.......Aerokit, Sport Designs, PSM, PSE, PCM, Sports Seats, Sound Pack etc etc . To do this meant I got one of the last 2001 models before the facelift. It cost me £45K for a fully loaded, mint , low mileage example whereas it was at least £50K for a relatively basic spec'd facelift example. After 4 months of ownership I havent regretted the decision at all, infact it has further consolidated my decision being the right one for me. BTW : Its my car thats featured in the buyers guide this month you refer to!

Facelift car every time! What is your budget I have a July 2002 for sale @ £45K that I have had from new. Lots of extras cost £64K.

Hi Sptel 45 is bang on the money but unfortunately I'm not going to be changing for another 6 months or so while new house/new job situation settles down a bit. I can see from the 997 forum that you will probably need to get shot of yours pretty soon. Out of interest, what is the spec and, if you don't mind saying, what are the OPC trade in vs private sale figues? F/l cars at the OPC with a good spec are around 50k+.

I drove that car recently - along with the editor of said mag. Indeed, I was shocked at it's superb handling and manners - much better on the limit than the GT3 I also got to drive. It stuck to the road like "u no what" to a blanket, but felt remote from the road in many ways. Awesome ? - How could it not be. Universally "perfect" - not at all. (just my opinion) Good luck with your quest

Quite right Steve. The most tactile 911s are all 2wd.