View on purchase, 40th anniv v 6TT v C4S

Hi All - I've recently been looking at the 996 anniversary model and would be interested in views on how it compares to similarly priced 2nd hand 996's (£40-50k range), specifically the TT (albeit older) and C4S. I guess these 3 cars represent a spectrum of driving experiences, but as they all fall within general budget then they all form part of my thinking. I havent driven any of them yet (have drives arranged for next week) but the spec of the 40th indicates quite a focused drive, with LSD, sports suspension, and LSD... does this make it more agile/wieldy than the heavier 4wd models ? Also, how much difference to a C4S / C2 does the X51 power upgrade offer in the real world :?: Having checked out a 40th yesterday at an OPC I was impressed with the higher quality leather used and general ambience compared to other 996's and wonder if this, combined with the rarity of the model (150 in the uk apparantly) will translate to stronger residuals than the C4S, which this car is pricing most comparably with... or on the flip side is this likely to be considered just a heavily optioned C2 with nice paint, thus eroding the price premium over a similar age 996C2 over time ? Cheers

from a driving perspective TT or C4S. TT is good value right now. Rarity, anniversary + combines C4S good looks. so, nice trio to consider but would go for C4S for best of driving and aesthetics + fairly low depreciation.

Thanks for the input - sounds like you prefer the the turbo chassis of the C4S over the -10mm suspension + LSD of the 40th. I guess the 4S provides more stability and traction... altho personally, because th 4S is just such a popular choice, at least here in London, the 40th appeals that bit more to me The TT does seem good value and clearly people are rapidly recognising this...

Ignoring the GT models, I'd consider the following based on budget: 35k --> 3.6 996 C2 40k --> C4S 45k --> TT (early MY) 50k --> TTx50 (late MY) The Anniversary is just a fully optioned 996C2 with the X51 power pack. If the cost of the Anniversary is in C4S/TT territory, ask yourself how much you really want to pay a premium for the 'nicer leather'. You can get the regular leather to be nicer than the 'nicer leather' through the use of some Gliptone or Lexol. Re the X51 on the C2, reality is that you will rarely feel the extra performance of the power pack, and I wouldn't pay a big premium for it. The C4S is a great car, but a standard C2 is a purer 911 experience. (weight/2wd/etc) If your budget allows, the TT is worth every penny of the premium over the C2. Imho you really are getting 10-15k more car/performance/presence over the regular C2.

Hi ZeroH - welcome to the forum. Polar Express is a bit of a guru re 996 issues (not to mention a bit of a driver too hence his preference for the Turbo I'd say) and I couldn't have put what he says better myself but there you have a realistic (balanced?) view of all of your options. Me, I am a bit vain would be very tempted to go for the Anniversary model as it has all the options and would be fairly easy to sell on afterwards. If you have never had a 911, then you'll never appreciate the extra power of the Turbo over the normally aspirated models. At the moment, my 996 is plenty fast for me, no doubt in the future I will go after something a bit more powerful and hopefully appreciate the extra oomph in doing so. All IMO of course. ~ Maxie

Bit inconsistent that - how come the TT's 4wd is not lacking the "purer experience" too?:roll:

:lol: I forgot to mention Maxie's steed: the Targa! I love the Targa as an all round car for high days and sunny days, especially when not going 10/10ths. My personal pref is actually for any narrow body 2wd 911, especially the 3.6 C2. It's an amazing buy for 35k. But my real choice would be to either spend 35k on a 3.6C2 or make the next jump to a 50k TTx50 budget permitting. I don't see a justification for a regular 2wd 996 at 40k in today's market.

The standard 2wd 911 offers an amazing balance of power/balance/drivability. All Turbo 911s (every generation since the 3.0) are in a league of their own: they are luxo-techfest-dragsters designed for power/comfort/speed and offer a very different experience compared to the traditional relatively lightweight NA 911. Both concepts are brilliant, but quite different in ethos and execution.

Cut the crap and drive them all! Let your mind do the choosing. Personally I'd go for the 4S, the best car I've owned, this is including the one I'm driving now!

You've changed your tune Damian I thought you said the "3" was the best.

Did I? ***** too many brain cells have been destroyed this weekend. They are both good but the 4S is that better all round car

I certainly would not pay the premium for the 40th Anni version. As an everday all rounder then the C4S or the 996tt depending on your preference concerning turbo charged cars has to be the choice. I love my 996tt but after a year with it I have got very used to the power. It is easy to drive and "sometimes" end up doing ridiculous speeds without even thinking about it.The 4wd cars are amazing in the wet and nothing can beat them. If however you are looking for a weekend play thing and have no need for rear seats then a GT3 is the sensible option. Mmmm White 997 GT3 8) Must resist

A TT is still just a C4S with a turbo (& less pretty) :wink:

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