NeilT

So I'm looking at selling my STI9 early next year and replacing with either an Audi RS4 (which I love but my Mrs isnt so keen on) or a 911 (996, non-turbo, 2003-2004 ish).

Not having test driven a 911 (yet, to avoid temptation) I'm wondering if anyone here either owns one or has owned one and if so give me any pointers from an owners perspective on rough cost of running and servicing and general opinion.

thanks

Neil

NACRO

I'm running a 996 Turbo 2003 and so far it's cost me nothing other than a small fortune in insurance (£1300) and fuel (approx 19-24mpg average).
This is over 4K miles and 3 months so early days yet. I imagine a new set of N rated tyres are going to be needed shortly for which I've budgeted 150-170 a corner fitted.
Normal running costs on a 996 seem to be very reasonable when you consider what sort of car it is.

NeilT

thanks. Exactly what I was hoping. Did you buy yours privately or from a dealer? The prices seem to be all over the place at the moment for 911s

Neil

NACRO

Mine's LHD and bought direct from the dealer in Germany via mobile.de. I paid several thousand pounds less than you would for a UK model.

What I would say is be very careful buying a pre-facelift 996 which I think is around the 2002 model year. The earlier cars have well documented problems with build quality and RMS failures (take a look on google).

Whatever car you go for bargain hard and don't believe any of the BS the dealers will spout about provenence or their inflexibility over the deal. If you can get it an OPC warranty/inspection is worth the cash for peace of mind.

These guys come recommended but aren't cheap.

Stirlings The Low Mileage Porsche Specialists

NACRO

I should have added go and test drive a few as a matter of priority before making your mind up.
Mainly because you might find you don't like the sort of drive the 911 offers (unlikely but possible- they are weird if you aren't used to them) and also because like me you might find it hard not to leave a deposit on the first car you drive without doing your homework first.

They really are one of the finest cars available and it's a privilege to own one but then again I would say that wouldn't I?

Andy M3

My dad has a 996 forsale Porsche : 3.4 Carrera 4 Cabriolet Manual

It's one of the first 996's. It has wanted for nothing and always been maintained at the dealer, but it is still relatively cheap to run.

Costs tend to be the N rated tyres, which are essential. Also there are periodic additional service requirements such as, removing the front bumper to clean out all the air ducts? A good few hours work and comes around every 5 years or so. Vario cam seals can start to seap and need changing at a reasonable cost. If you have spent any time at watching 996's at track days etc you may know that they struggle to keep coolant too.

To drive, even the 3.4, is fantastic. What seems like maximum torque from tickover it feels very responsive through the rev range. Performance wise the C4 cab can still perform on a par with E46 M3's & B5 RS4's - but due to the long gearing they don't seem that fast? As for fuel consumption the weighty C4 cab manages around 25mpg on Tesco 99.

Of all the 'performance' cars I have driven, I personally found the 911 the most difficult to get to know. I guess in turn you will find it all the more rewarding to drive as you are constantly exploring limits.

I think you will enjoy Porsche ownership; best of luck with it

RRH

lovely

Allan

iTrader: (1)

Hoping to get myself into a 993 at some point, the comments about N rated tyres are interesting. My understanding is that this signifies that the tyre was specifically developed for the car, although in the case of the 993 development was stopped in 2001.

How hard is it to come by N rated tyres, and are they really necessary ?

Allan

NACRO

Porsche tyres, tires information and advice

Read that.

Blademaster

Audi every time.

I have driven 911 RS 1974 (Ltd edition on 60), 1996 RS, 2 x 996 and 997 GT3. Some on the track too.

No room for anything, cant make em corner without filling my pants, and everyone looks at you as if you have a small dick.

I think its like learning to drink whiskey for the first time, hard to aquire the taste without getting pi**ed and making an **** of yourself.

You can either drive em or you cant. (respect to anyone who can).

Audi for me, ultimate street sleeper.

If you want a scary noisy two seater without scaffolding in the back, save a few thousand and get a TVR.

Either way, 911's are a quality motor that has earned resect of the industry, just take a few on test drive before buying to make sure you like it.

996 factory suspension upgrade classed as a 'sport chassis' is best described a dangerous on wet bumpy roads. Avoid it (according to 2 owners I know). Some cars have been devalued in the used market because of it. My friend sent his back to the factory after 3 weeks (and he has owned dozens) because it was so bad. They are set up for the track, I drove it but didnt feel it was any worse that anyother I had tried.

Recommend the Porsche Centre Solihull or Nick Whale Sportscars. They have plenty of good quality cars. Nick races one in the historic rally series. (owns both dealerships)

In short, either car you buy makes me green with envy.

Get an AUDI.

Allan

iTrader: (1)

Bakerman

Earlier this year I was involved in the sale of a 2003 C4S and trust me there is plenty mark up at the dealers and they always have margin to play with. I was always underwhelmed by the experience, OK as a machine that went from here to there quickly and safely it excelled but as driving pleasure on the road not for me, the car was far too competant for my liking. Make sure you drive one to see if you get on with it.

The car I helped sell hadn't been used much and consequently suffered particularly the brakes. Make sure you buy one that has been used regularly rather than mothballed.