911 996 Which Colours

Always wanted a 911 since I was a kid. Now in a position to buy one. Which colours are the best for resale or what colours to avoid. Looking at a 99-2001 models.

Same as any modern car: Silver, Black, Grey, Midnight Blue. People will tell you avoid Guards Red, Speed Yellow, White (are there are white 996's over here, never seen one?) and Greens!

Hi Steve, As Alan mentioned, the usual suspects are popular of which you'll probably see the following variants:- Blue 1) cobalt blue (light blue) 2) ocean blue (medium blue) 3) midnight blue (deep blue) Silver 1) arctic silver (standard silver) 2) polar silver (blue tinge) 3) meridian silver (beige tinge) Black 1) black (flat uniform) 2) basalt black (metallic) Grey 1) seal grey Common colours u may wish to avoid are arena red(maroon) guards red (flat red) speed yellow (banana yellow) white (flat white) rain forest green (deep green) and orient red (pinky red) You may also wish to avoid a savannah interior (beige) as its a bit of a marmite colour. Having said all that I had no difficulty at all selling my previous Arena Red Boxster with Savannah interior! You are buying your dream car, buy what makes you happy, if its an unpopular colour combination then haggle more and be prepared to sell for less too. Swings and roundabouts IMO. Good luck Steve

Don't forget to add Iris Blue to the list of "blues" (although you only rarely see it). Richard will have a comment to make about Savannah interiors. [ ]

How about "Zenith Blue" to add to the list. I had a nice 996 cab in this colour.

Not all colours were available in all model years. There is a list of what was available, and when, in the FAQ section (available to PCGB Members only). Here is a link to the list, for the benefit of non-members: >CLICK HERE< (pdf format). Personally, I say go for what appeals to you, because when you sell it will appeal to someone else. I wish I had been bolder and gone for Guards Red. Nothing subbtle about it, and I think the 996 looks brilliant in that colour - especially with an aerokit. Also, it's different - I think you would have a job to find one. As for interiors, I do like Savannah - it makes the car feel much lighter and roomier inside than boring black. I've heard all the nappy-poo jokes, and I don't care - I like it! Guards Red and Savannah - what a combo! Mmmmm. That, and Turbo on the engine lid - perfect!

Hi Steve, Some good advice here on what colours to buy and which ones to avoid. Since you are buying secondhand , in theory, it may save you many thousands of pounds if you buy a Guards Red or a Banana Yellow car. Take a look at the prices of 996's and actually see how much you can save by buying a non conformist colour and I think you may well find that the price differentials are so slight to make little difference. When it comes to resale time for you, there are people out there that do not want to follow the pack, just the same as the first time buyers of the Red, Yellow and White cars, so you will be able to sell it on with no trouble. If you do buy a Banana coloured car, you may have to sell it for a few pounds lower and take solace in the fact that you saved many thousands when you bought it[ ] Do not be put off by the 'Colour Scaremongers'. Buy the colour that takes your fancy and drive the car, not the colour.

Just to throw this into the mix: got to admit, Speed Yellow, ok [ ]

highly recommended as very rarely see others. and anyway, only girls choose cars based on colour don't they?

lots of useful advice here .personally,when i achieved the dream and got a 911 I bought an arctic silver one ,which was nice ,but not "my"choice-i ordered my next porsche new and in the colour I wanted-atlas grey-and as a result feel much happier with it.when i persuade linda the 997TT is "go"it will be in the colour i/we(!) want-if you can find the colour you would choose yourself on a used one then you will obviously save a lot!![ ]

Thanks for all your replies, very useful. Has anyone seen Meridian Silver? Found a car I quiet like. Havent seen it in the flesh yet.

Take a look here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=269468 . Open the <Members Cars Pt 1> link, and take a look at Rodney's and John's cars, which are Meridian I believe.

Certainly is! When I bought it, I ended up with the choice of three cars which were appropriate. The other two were Arctic silver. Nothing wrong with that at all but it seems that every other 996 out there is Arctic. Meridian is a very slightly darker silver which appears very slightly gold (did someone say beige?) in certain lights. Beats Arctic by a mile (but I would say that). The photos on here just look like a slightly greyer Arctic and don't do it justice. If I were to order a 997 (fat chance), I'd specify Meridian. If I were to order a GT3 (even fatter chance), I'd seriously consider being bolder.

Like Steve Harris I'm finally taking the plunge and looking at a 2000 996 Carrera. Are there any key specifications a model has to have to make it a good example? This one doesn't have a CD player or satnav for example but its got a great history, is unmarked and low mileage at 49k. I had a new 2001 M5 with no satnav/tv and it made it harder to sell. Andy

The old PCM1 Satnav you would get in a 2000 car is relatively useless these days - no maps available, and an outdated system. The good news is that it is relatively easy to fit an aftermarket system to a 2000 car - a lot easier than the later MOST (fibre optic) systems. Buy based on the condition of the car - you can retrofit some of the goodies afterwards.

I agree with Richard about that. PCM1, whilst it's nice in that it provides readout for mpg, etc. and a telephone (which can be useful, albeit only occasionally), the map provides little more than a pretty decoration. The tape unit doesn't have any of the usual refinements (e.g. rewind) and, besides, I guess that it's only very rarely that anybody plays tapes nowadays. The CD is good in that it takes six discs (preloaded in the luggage compartment), but I guess that it won't be long before docking for iPods, or similar, is pretty much standard, so shortly to be superceded (i.e. already being superceded). Fitting an aftermarket system is the way to go so it shouldn't be much of an issue buying a car without the Porsche system installed. There are several on here with experience of choosing and fitting an aftermarket unit so help is at hand. Personally I'd be keen to go for litronic headlights, sunroof, heated seats (not vital but a nice touch), and probably a PSE (but you can add this yourself). The mileage is encouraging (not too low to indicate insufficient use and not too high to suggest it's been worked hard). Overall, condition and mileage are the deciders.

Hi chaps. Thanks for the info and keep it coming! Just driven it and its VERY tight and good. Can you point me to somewhere I can get a decent (Porsche?) upgrade of the music system to include CD? I'll be using a separate satnav with it so can play MP3 and it gives telephone capability via bluetooth. I've understood your messages about buying based on condition (and it meets that) but are there any other features, whether I need them or not, that would affect resale or the price I should pay? Stuff that might have been optional extras when it was new and so on. It's listed at 26,995 but I'm not giving him that. Any ideas? Will it fall much over the next few years? Andy

If you are going to use a portable satnav, then you could probably add a CD changer to the existing unit. Many UK cars are prepped for it anyway, with the changer cable and mount. Look for option 441 on the Vehicle Identification label. Otherwise, a more modern Becker unit will match the interior best (Porsche use Becker radios). If you go for an all-in-one take a look at the Pioneer AVIC D3BTI which has been talked about extensively here, and chuck away the TomTom! The options list is as long as your arm - it's all about personal preference. You can add OBC, Cruise, Rain Sensors, HID lights at reasonable cost if the car you are looking at doesn't have them. Stuff like M030 sports suspension, 18" wheels etc are expensive to add afterwards, and depending on how you use the car may or may not be desirable - so the same will apply when you want to sell it. I beg do differ about heated seats - I've got them, and never use them. Maybe in a cabriolet they may be useful, but I can honestly say that my ar*e is seldom cold! Now if they had something for cold fingers or ears on a frosty morning that might be worth having! [ ] [ ] If you are going to keep the car for a couple of years, you'll find that depreciation will happen - just slower than most.

Richard - If you spec' heated seats on an Audi, you get a heated steering wheel too. Maybe an RS6? [ ]

You should try living in the frozen north! It's been between -5 and -7 C lately round here...and heated seats make it so much more bearable! I tend to have them on full to start with (get some heat into my creaking back - too many 'bike accidents!) then knock them back to the mid setting, tilt the sunroof....and enjoy the drive. Maybe a Cayenne would fit the bill for cold fingers, with their heated steering wheel! Back to the original topic... I say buy what colour you like and don't think about the depreciation. I buy a car for me, not for the next buyer...hence Speed Yellow!

Meridian Silver 996 C2 Cab purchased yesterday, deposit left and having the 111PC at Porsche on Saturday. It is a 2000 (X Reg) with 44k on the clock, Full Dealer History (Same Dealer from new), Heated Seats, Becker Amp, Hardtop, Turbo wheels, Blue Hood and seats, Two keys, Tracker, Wind Stop, etc..... It is very good condition. What would be a good price? What will the 111PC tell me, do they report back on Brakes, tyres etc.... Thks Steve

Thanks again guys. One more thing. So to recap its a 2000, Silver, W reg 996 with 49k and a relatively low spec by the look of it. No CD, 17" wheels and not much in the way of obvious toys from my inexperienced observation. It is however unmarked inside and out with a good looking service record and drives beautifully. Its manual not tiptronic, which I prefer, but what's the general preference on that? Any comments on price? Its a small specialist dealer of prestige cars and they want 26,995. Can I get it checked over by a Porsche dealer or some other appropriate expert for a reasonable sum? A

Andy If you have no experience of buying Porsches, definitely get it checked over by an OPC or indy. The OPC 111-point check varies in price, depending on where you go, but is around £150. I believe Cambridge don't charge if you take the warranty. Did you look at the buyers checklist >HERE< ? It gives some starting points as to what to look for prior to arranging an inspection. Seasoned sellers will expect an independent inspection - if they refuse, walk away. As for price - you get what you pay for. I've seen 2000 cars under £20k, but I doubt if they are any good. The price you are quoting seems slightly on the high side to me, so maybe they have left some room for negotiation. The manual vs. tiptronic debate will go on forever. As I understand it, roughly equal amounts of tip/man cars are sold these days, so it shouldn't be an issue either way.

Steve Congratulations! Sounds nice - let's have some pictures when you can. The 111-point checklist and warranty booklet is available to PCGB members on the FAQ page (which you won't see as a non-member). (Hint: Just another benefit of membership!) If you promise not to tell anyone where you got it, click >HERE< . No real idea on price. £26000ish? Shoot me if I'm way off.

Thanks for that, bang on the money which I am glad. What is the cost to become a member by the way?

i wouldve said aim for £25k in current market and time of yr(just my 2p worth)

Interesting post and just to add that the car you pick is a personal thing For me the usual silvers, blacks, blues, grey etc are a bit 'Thats what everyone has' so I have a Lagoon green metalic which in sunlight looks stunning. It has a blue shimmer to it. Along with black interior. I also actually like a low spec car as it means a more pure drive. The only real worth while mentioning option on mine is sports suspension and as such i have never missed PSM. Anyway thats just my thoughts to demonstrate not everyone thinks the same. I think the most important thing is to find a car that has been well looked after, service history etc, receipts for work etc. Mine took me over a year to find after looking at some very good examples along the way, but my 1 owner C2 3.6 has never let me down and has been almost faultless since owning (Just three coil packs, a limit switch and a high and low tone horn) Steve [ ]

Just click the "Join PCGB" link at the top of any page of the forum for details. £66 for the first year I believe, and £56 thereafter. Worth it for the forum alone, but also other benefits like 10% off parts from many (but not all) OPCs - see the pinned thread at the top of the 996 forum main page.

Blimy Richard you and I must meet up for a beer one day!! I love the Ocean Blue. In different light it takes on pearlesant colours... of purples greens and well just looks great!! I just had it detailed and the Swissvax ummm the expensive wax which has given it a depth of colour that is gorgeous! Oddles of Carnuba in it. Better than Zymol I am now thinking! Seriously! I like the Savannah too..... Hmmmm I just think its not the usual colour you see so it takes a little getting used to! I would have rethought my likes and dislikes too .. av tad! A red 911 has always appealed. Looks great I think. Silver !! Oh lordy nooooooooooooo.............. just yet another silver car .. yawn! Hmmm isn't that a tad expensive for such a "base" car??? Especially as everyone eeps saying the market is slow!!

Hi Richard - I agree with your colour thoughts. I took the plunge and just bought a Guards Red 996 and I think it looks just great. It was't in fact the colour I had in mind, but when I turned the corner and saw it against all the silvers, blues and blacks it just stood out. Haven't had a red car since a Mark 1 Golf GTI in the early eighties - but am absolutely delighted with this one. And... in this appalling weather it is so much 'cleaner' than my previous Basalt Black - family not quite as convinced as I, but such is life. Full black leather interior is a tad sombre, but sets off the red nicely and wears well. I am in Maidenhead area too - we could perhaps grab a coffee/pint some time... All the best Des

Steve, Regarding colour I would sit back and think what you really like and if there is any hint of a conservative reservation about a bold colour such as gaurds red or speed yellow that takes your eye then take the plunge and buy it! I'd be confident to say this with the 911's over the Boxsters but this is only my opinion, I'm sure there will be those that think differently! After all if your buying a 911 why blend in with all the silver cars in the car park, shout about it! With regard to resale there will always be someone who wants to be bold and with the right car interior and condition you will hold the reins as the seller.I Personally I'd keep with a dark interior, black/metropole leather whatever colour you choose. I'm speaking from experience, I bought a beautiful example C4S in arctic silver but I have to admit I liked the speed yellow but wasn't brave enough at the time. Other considerations would be any mods you intend to add eg the gaurds red looks wicked with the spoiler on, it sets it off far more than silver imho. Also silver is one of the easiest colours to keep clean-that said it is the least rewarding to zymol ie the colour offers the least depth of shine but hides minor surface scratches that the darker colours will readily advertise. The louder colours look great, you pay yer money etc, good luck in whatever you choose!

Steve, Realised you've bought now but I will just add the following for anyone else facing the same dilema- when I was first looking my local indie advised me to stay away from zenith and ocean blue stating that the paint in these colours suffered excessively badly on the bumpers both front and rear. He also advised me unless I specifically wanted satnav to opt for a car without. The reasons he gave for this was the satnav technology moves on so quickly that it is a feature that soon "ages" a car like a 996 as opposed to one without "aging goodies". I hope you are pleased with your buy and enjoy it!

That's a very nice colour [ ]

I agree totally, black interiors are so dark. I love my savannah interior and it took me ages to find one, all the 996's seem to be Silver and black interior

Not mine [ ]

Nor mine - natural leather, an acquired taste but to my eyes adds a touch of luxury.

I had numerous colours.... a 944S2 in Guards Red. a Boxster in Meridian Metalic Silver ( sorry - its a hint of pink - not beige ) a Boxster S in Lagoon Green.. ( coupled with savanah interior ) and now a 996C4 in Vesuvious Gray with dark gray leather interior. I have to admit - the C4 is the nicest colour I've seen... Sports design wheels and no kits on it.. Looks very pure and original... The idea of a GT3 kit used to appeal to me, but now I think they just look like anorexic cars [ ]

Not sure if this colour has hit Europe or the UK yet but here in Dubai the latest trend is 'Matt Black' ! I have seen a new 997 Turbo and a Cayenne on the road and not sure on it myself. They looked like stealth fighter jets. Maybe it is something to do with avoiding the radar systems on the roads here ? It doesnt only seem like Porsche who have adopted this colour as I also saw a brand new Range Rover Sport this evening in the same colour.

The attachment is my new pride and joy by the way. Will try to get a picture of the stealths !

I've seen a F360 in matt black. Absolute beast. I think it's a great colour.

[:'(] [:'(] [:'(] [:'(] [:'(] [:'(] [:'(] [:'(] [:'(] [:'(] [:'(] (Marmite again! [ ] [ ])