Looks like I might just be ready

Hi all, looks like it is almost time for me to take my first step in to the Porsche world. I'm looking at an early 996 purely because the prices are very attractive now. Just wondering if anyone has any tips on the early ones and if you know of any tidy examples for sale as well I am half considering a 993, but seeing as how it will probably be my only car and I do about 200-300 miles a week, just thought the creature comforts of the 996 might be the way to go, but it is definitely not set in stone

The 996 can be a terrific car. I know, I'm on my second. However, if this is your first Porsche, you want to use it as daily transport and your budget is c.£25k + (ish), then I would recommend seeking out a really nice Boxster 'S'.

any particular reason for that? it would have to be the 911 or else it would mean saving more etc etc really don't want to go down the boxter route although I did enjoy driving one for about a week... when i do buy, I intend to take it for an OPC inspection and get the warranty from Porsche as well

If you get an OPC inspection and subsequent warranty, then you can't go far wrong. The warranty now covers replacement of the RMS, (Rear Main Seal) which you may have already read about. The warranty is about £725 which isn't cheap, but promotes restful sleep. If at all possible, try and source a car with a FPMDSH or at least a comprehensive service history with a reputable independent. If you get hold of a copy of 911 & Porsche world, and look in the 'back issues' listing, there was a 996 buyers guide in a past issue which you should be able to obtain a copy of.

For the same budget you would be able to buy a much newer and lower mileage Boxster. And, I think you will find, there will be a bigger choice of good used Boxster 'S's We've always had a 996 and a Boxster and I don't necessarily consider one to be better than the other. The 996 has the benefit of useable rear seats (if you have kids) and feels more of a GT. The Boxster 'S' is one of the world's best roadsters and is terrific fun. Quality and engineering on both are the same. If I had a budget of up to £30k, and had to have one Porsche for every day use, I would choose a really good late, low mileage, well spec'd 986'S', without hesitation. Or, I might stretch to a brand new OPC supplied 987 2.7

Oliver, I did just that by changing my 996 C4 for a BOXSTER 'S', although I did enjoy the BOXSTER 'S' it was not for me after 6 months of use and weet back to a 996 C2 with sports pack, etc. I will never go back to the BOXSTER even though they are a great roadster. Mark

I was in the same situation as you a year or so ago. I was looking for a 993 and the money went up and up as i started to look at cars ended up buying a late 98 996 C4 with low millage and 1 owner, got the colour i wanted and Full opc history these points were very important to me, there are a lot of them out there that have not been looked after to well so this reflects in the price. So to get the car you want have a opc inspection before doing a deal and if all looks good then you can take out the warranty even if it is only for the first year to see how the car is. Boxster is a great car and i had an S for 3 days as a loaner and realy enjoyed it but think you will be making the right decision to by a good 996. Happy hunting. Phil

yes, somehow the boxster does not appeal to me the way a 911 does. I do like the 993 a lot, but then after reading threads on the forum and from general common sense, the 996 would prove to be a better daily driver (993 owners please do not flame). anyway, I'm going to Singapore (where I am originally from) for a holiday and will look around there for one to import, this is my other opiton. The cars in Singapore are generally very well looked after and relatively low mileage so who knows what might happen. Frankly, if I can find a car that is relatively cheap, I don't mind having to change some parts. Suspension, engine overhaul etc...of course the price would have to reflect the work that has to be done. I feel that some tweeks and modification (all subtle of course) is part of the fun of owning a car like this. But then, that's just me, others may like them just the way they are...

Someone once told me that Porsches were expensive in Singapore....does that just apply to new ones ? I can endorse the 996 as a good daily driver , early ones are a bargain price compared to late aircooled 911s.

yup, a brand new 911 would cost in the region os £200k in singapore.