Is 40 over the hill ?

The next time my Porsche comes out of the garage it is highly likely that it will go over the 40k mark on the odometer. This feels like a real landmark and a sign that it is 'over the hill' and should be traded in for a newer model as you would do a wife [ ] Am I being paranoid? Should I keep the old girl who is still in very good condition, does exactly what I want every weekend, costs me very little to run other than some new shoes every so often and only requires servicing on an annual basis - or should I upgrade to something younger? Is there life after 40 ?

I think that depends on how you view the vehicle. Is it something you want to retain as a valued asset or is the asset the enjoyment. If you continue to enjoy it and it's not costing thousands to keep on the road then keep it. Plus it's nearly spring you'll be able to get the roof down soon for some spring sun..

In the next issue of 911 & Porsche World there is, apparently, going to be an article on a 911 Club Sport. One owner - 400,000 miles!

As iam 40 next year I feel comments like this just raise my anxiety[ ] The only issue you will have is its coming up to the 48k service and new clutch. However once these are paid for you will hopefully have years more of driving. If you wish to change give it about 6mths until they have sorted out the recall problems out.

I went through same thought process 3 years ago with my (early) 996C2....decided that the benefit of changing to a newer 'same car' with cosmetic improvements was not worth the financial penalty or the hassle. The car ran well and was loaded with extras , ie about £75k list when new. I had saved up a £25k depreciation fund to cover upgrade, and probably needed another £10k to throw into getting the same spec. Since deciding to stick, have had trouble free motoring for over 5 years and now 72k miles on clock. Its probably worth not very much now to anyone else ...but no problemo ! My experience is that the 996 is like the earlier cars in being able to soak up big miles , but is a lot more civilised for everyday motoring , handling is still 'sports car' but travelling is more 'GT'. Changing at 40k miles would be driven by second hand values as the market always wants low mileage showroom condition etc and this is signalled by low trade in offers from OPCs and traders in general when you are selling with over 40k on the clock. Nothing new there , and it would be even more an issue if it was a Ferrari that you were selling rather than a 911. My advice, I reckon the best reason for change is when a different model really grabs you....I would always be loyal to Porsche , but prepared to have a fling with a DB9 or a Lambo Gallardo [ ] if I could hide the 'much more than £75k' price from the missus.

Graham I once had a car that i decided to change as the miles were getting on the high side but it was a really good car. The newer model was more up to date more extras and looked better but it just was not the same. So since then i have decided to keep a car if it is reliable and cost effective and one i enjoy because a change over can cost a lot of money and not get you anywhere. However same old thing if there is a newer model and you Really want it then i guess you have to go for it. Anyway 40.000 Miles, means yours is just run in doesn't it? Phil

"This feels like a real landmark and a sign that it is 'over the hill' and should be traded in for a newer model as you would do a wife " Graham -is this just to convince the wife, as in "The Forum says....." [ ] If so, of course!!!

Interesting point this, I had heard somewhere that the G50 Gearbox needs 40K to "run in" - of course urban legends are made of such stuff, but to the point made by Graham, I think 40K miles is low for such a thoroughly competent car as the 996. I'd wager that it would probably see multiples of that amount, and still run very well. I'd suggest you get some more "silver bits" to fool yourself it's a new car.

Used to be the case the 40k for a Porsche was nothing, a 20k engine was nicely run in but that was when 250 bhp was considered "enough". They were the air-cooleds of course and it does seem the 996 engine is not as solid. Bad news travels but it does seem a combination of RMS and cylinder liner failures is blotting their copybook big time. Makes an extended warranty if you can get it mandatory in my view. Can't help thinking that stretching the power of the flat 6 to 345 bhp now is over-doing it. Maybe there is a limit to how much a 40+ year old design can be developed.