Questions about owning a 996 before I sell myself up the riv

er.... I have a few hopefully really quick questions that I cant really find in one place, so thought I'd stick a post on.... In no particulalry order. 1) Would you get the porsche warrantly on an early facelift C2? How much will this cost (including the OPC check) 2) Whats my realistic yearly bill for tyres/servicing? (I will be doing around 8k I think) 3) My daughter will be jsut under 2 when (if) I get it, is there a seat she will safely fit in, and how long will she be able to fit in the back for? 4) Can I park it on the street/at tescos without it being abused? my BMW gets ripped to shreds whenever I take it anywhere, something I've never expereienced with another car 5) I've been fortunate enough to have a 997 for 24 hours, anyone know how the 996 compares? 6) How much am I likely to lose in depreciation a month (the reason I ask this is I work for a large car retailer, and get to buy cars at stand in value) 7) Are they a practical proposition? We will have a second car, but this will be the main family car for a while. Note, the 997 was fine really size wise. 8) SHould I jsut buy one and stop bloody analysing? Thanks in advance peeps Michael

Re: Questions about owning a 996 before I sell myself up the If I am not mistaken, a 2001 car can be warrantied for 3 more years with an OPC. Warranty around £895 per set, but all depends how you drive, and not sure about the OPC check. I think tyres will be around £600- £800 a year, but I may be wrong. Also, I have been told that when cluth and flywheel goes, its around £1300, this is not covered by warranty. Servicing http://opc.cmwinteractive.com/servicepricing911996.asp?opc=13 If you are getting an early 996, then servicing will be every year or 12k, as opposed to 2 years for 2004 cars onwards http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb08gStDiyE Just buy one mate !! No doubt 997 may be newer/faster, but I am sure you wont hear many ppl complain about the 996 JayK

Don't worry about it just buy the best one you can and enjoy.

Just do it. Warranty is £895 and IMHO well worth it. These are reliable high performance sports cars, but they are still high performance sports cars, if something breaks it tends to be expensive and the warranty gives you piece of mind. The 111 point check is as far as I remember £180. However once you have a warranty as long as an OPC does the annual service you can just renew your warranty every year. Tyres - Depends how you drive. Some people will do two years at 8k a year so approx £350 a year plus pads. Others will go through back tyres a lot faster and brakes. Size wise 996 is almost identical to the 997 the only place where there is variation is between 2 and 4 wheel drive models. Car seats, there are a variety available and I think you will 10-12 years before she starts to complain about the space in the back. How the car gets treated very much depends where you live. I have never had any problems and take my 911 quite a lot of places, but there are places I just will not take it, if that makes sense. Depreciation is a difficult one, at that age it is more about the mileage. *K a year is reasonable.

911's are very practical sportscars, but they are not ideal family cars to be fair. Access to the back is quite tight, and there is not a vast amount of luggage room once you've got the buggy etc in. Saying that, name me another pukka sports GT you could even consider! Make sure the second car is something that you can easily get bits and bobs into. You might even consider a Targa- the opening rear hatch gives it an extra dimension of practicality, and my daughter loved mine with the roof open. Porsches do sometimes bring out the worst in people- be sensible about where you leave it and it should be fine, but if it is going to really concern you this will detract from the ownership experience- just use it, enjoy it, and cross each bridge as you come to it. I've done 11k commuting miles in mine now, the tyres look like they've got lots of wear left.

Just get one and join the club Michael

There are obvious pit falls, I have been subject of some abuse but it wouldn't put me off. You won't have any problems with the kids, my wife can sit comfortably in the back. I've also had a six foot tall mate in the back for a short drive and he found it okish. Enjoy!

most folk go through this before buying a 911 i think. i certinally did, but once you've done it you realise just how good these cars are and end up wondering what took you so long to get one :roll: go get one, get a warranty if you want and enjoy. bet you start looking for excuses to just go for a drive again

Just go for it I've had mine 8 months, done 15,000 miles & just had a complete new set of rubber (tyres that is :wink: ) 1st fronts, 2nd rears. Its my daily drive for work, my leisure drive and my track drive (5 so far) I have a Mamas & Papas child seat fitted and my two year old loves it and laughs when i accelerate quick! I will probably renew the warrenty when due for the added piece of mind. It's also introduced me to alot of new friends via clubs, meets and other events. Get stuck in and enjoy too !

I think you are all right! I think the decision is simple, older 996 and a prayer, newer 996 and warranty. Hell, if I cant afford it hopefully it wont depreciate more than the payments....

Just make sure you get a sports exhaust!!!...if you do, you'll never want to get out of it! The sound on full chat is..... spine tingling (IMO) Peops on here can give you all the diff options. Dont worry if your chosen Porker hasn't got one on they can be fitted easily afterwards.

Just out of curiosity how much is it for a PSE bought and fitted? Cheers JayK

well there you go michael.... now go do what i told you to do months ago!

I'm a natural born worrier about money! Ruth isnt though, so I'll get her to buy it!

About £1500 inc the switch.