Suppose you wanted a 996 coupe as a DD. No need for "S", AWD, etc, just a basic car. Suppose buying moderate miles (50-80k), plan to wear it out. What are the main pitfalls of these cars? Thanks! Like this more of less. $25k target: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-PORSCHE-911-CARRERA-6SPD-SUNROOF-LEATHER-79K-MILES-TEXAS-DIRECT-AUTO-/400378279914?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5d3867b7ea
Do yourself a favor. Drive a 996 back to back with a 993, and then decide which you want. Just judging by your car preference, I think you'll really like the 993. (Or, you can't be a 2002 guy and prefer a 996 over a 993.) Matt
Lot of fun for the $$. As always, get a PPI. Main pitfalls are IMS, RMS and D-Chunk. Google will get you more results, and hysteria, than you can take in. I had a Boxster S from the era and it was a very reliable DD.
As stated above, just get a PPI and rock it. Probably no need to worry about IMS at that mileage as most of the failures occur well before then. My Cayman S had an M96 engine and gave me absolutely no problems. I was considering a 996 as a daily before I bought my 944. I drove quite a few and they really are nice cars with good build quality (aside from the interior, but I don't really care that much about that). The headlights are, um, interesting...but again, it's a good car so no big deal. I eventually gave up because I just couldn't find THE right car. Lots of cabrios out there, but I don't want to daily drive a cabrio.
Yeah, I had a 997 once but I changed the oil, got distracted, forgot to put oil back in for about 40 miles...had to move that one down the road....
I have one as a DD. Bought with 40k on it. Great car for a DD. Could not go any better for the money or my needs.
I don't remember if it's the 2000 or 2001, but the 996 C4 of that year is constantly praised for its handling -- even the steering! If you give any weight at all to the opinions of other diehards and the Porsche-obsessed at Exce11ence, then that car is the best [non-Mezger] DD 996. And it's a relative bargain.
What he said. A base 993 coupe probably isn't much more expensive than a 996 -- much more of the classic German bank vault build quality, and air-cooled simplicity. The only reason I'd specifically go 996 is if you want a cabriolet -- the 2002-on 996s got the glass window and other improvements. Whichever one you get, definitely put oil in it before driving.
LOL, aint' that the truth! that said, better safe than sorry. Dean, you might be able to do IMS/RMS yourself as cheap insurance. if so might as well do clutch and flywheel at the same time and happy motoring! I agree about the above re: the 993 as well, but it's to the point where a 993 is almost 2x as much money now.
from what I've seen, comparing solid drivers between base 993 and base 996: low $20's for the 996, mid $30's for the 993. correct me if I'm wrong....
You're not wrong. And there's a good reason why the 993s are more money. And they'll be even more money when it comes time to sell. Matt
That's what I ran into. Comparable mileage and condition usually came out to a +\- 10k difference. Lots of solid driver 996s in the low-mid 20s
I agree, 993 is a better long term investment. but $20k for a modern(ish) water cooled Porsche! that's a bargain. if you look at it as a disposable item it's hard to pass up.
It's a car. It's not limited, not special, just a great car. There's no better car for the price. Buy it, use it, service it, enjoy it.
Just did a quick search on cars.com and you're not wrong. 996s keep falling; 993s seem to be holding their own at this point.
993's are quite strong price wise, with lower mileage cars (30K or so) solidly in the $35K to $45K range. If that were the budget I'd go 996 Turbo.
I think you can still get a decent, but perhaps higher mileage, 993 for not a lot more. Please do drive both. The 993 has so much more wonderfulness in an old school way. The 996 just feels built within a budget, and not an authentic 911 in comparison. If you love the 996, go with it. But I honestly think the 993 is so much better. Good luck with whatever you decide!
I won't love the 996. I didn't love my 997. Do you think a 993 can stand up to real DD duty? You know I'm an old car guy, but I need a DD.
Agreed. '01 C4 cab. was my first p-car and it set the stage for me. Best DD car I've ever known. Only thing is I have read that there can be some costly issues - something about the block possibly overheating / I really don't know more than that. Supposedly the turbo engines were "more " bullet proof. Good luck...
Dale, This is what I'm trying to say. You're right. You won't love either the 997, much less the 996. The 993 is absolutely a reliable and lovable daily driver. I drove my '96 C4S for years as a daily driver. I got a Mercedes CL63, which is fantastic, but also kept the 993. Get your tuckus into a 993 and drive it. You'll love it. Matt P.S. Have you driven one?
Yes, when they were new I drove one, maybe 1995. Borrowed car, a little nervous. Oh, I'm not Dale, that's the accountant in Texas who hates doctors but likes to be referred to as "doctor" as in "DrTax" or "DrWho".
I'm sorry. I got confused by the "Purgatory" location and the highly evocative "Internet Poseur" Full Name. I apologize if I called you "Dale". I'm sure I meant to call you something else. Best regards, Matt