996 c4s

[no golf clubs at all]

My thoughts have been turning to a new car for some time, my thoughts go from the sublime 911, to the ridiculous Toyota iq,

My childhood dream has been to get in a 911, yes even the water-cooled 996.

I have been gathering information and background on the 911 range for about 2 years now and reckon I know a lot of the pitfalls and what to expect in terms of costs. So, today I tootled over to get into a 2003 C4S, wide-bodied with 66,000 on the clock and full opc history(but the last stamp by a specialist), a lot of work has already been done rms, coils and brakes recently. There is a folder of receipts and a good deal of knowledge on it's history.

Have to say I took here out and she really did wow me in terms of punch and acceleration. I was howeveer rather disconcerted by the lightness on the front and how the brakes felt, far from positive, I think you have to get used to both.

The car at 22k is probably at the top of my range and wouldn't allow me to get any kind of contingency fund should it go belly up....the Porsche forums are littered with sad and sorry tales of cracked cylinders, rebuilds and huge bills. I think I am being paranoid though and may well yet go get a detailed pre purchase inspection done and see what it reveals.



I did expect to be disappointed when i went back into my gti.....funnily enough I wasnt!!! It actually felt safer!  

Would be interested in any comments good or bad from your own experiences around this car....

[Mako V12V]

I had Porsches for 15 years...2x 944's, a 911(993) and a 911(997)GT3.
Really enjoyed the cars and ownership experience.

Everyone should own a 911 at some point in their lives!!

[MAT ED30]

This is the one I was buying it had just had over 20k+ spent on ie new engine,intercoolers and fans and lots more

Awesome car but you need to make sure you get some kind of cover with it as if it goes pop your fooked big time. A tuned up c2 was better to drive as it had full tekart suspension fitted and was a joy to thrash

[no golf clubs at all]

Have to say it is tempting

[Poverty]

What about a 996 turbo any horror stories with them?

[h4rdy]

I wouldn't think twice if after I had it checked over everything was ok.

But I am Porsche mad and could own now but will wait until kids are a bit older.

Lush go for it.

[Geoffcarragh]

you seem to have done your homework and obviously really want it = go for it and enjoy.

i plan on doing the same in a few years.

best of luck with it!

[Nasir]

What about a Cayman?

[no golf clubs at all]

^^^ cayman is a good call. Though I really need the illusion of 4 seats for my wife lol.

S'alot of dosh, my insurance doubles, petrol about the same, tyres double, maintenance goes through the roof .....

I'm thinking yes but not this one as I fear the worst and it's top of my range, perhaps a 15-17k c2, allowing me money to rebuild the engine if required.

Only downside on this one I see with this one is a cracked rear light that will cost, wait for it......£400 to replace!

Hartech have a lovely c2 all warrantied and ready to go at 20k but tbh it doesn't stir my loins like the one above.

I love my gti though, feel like I'm cheating on her or something 

[tony_danza]

A C2S is the pick of the bunch, better to drive, cheaper to buy/run... but there's no such thing as a cheap Porsche!

Do it. You can always sell it if life changes.

[MAT ED30]

I am with mike on this one c2s drives the best and don't get auto as it's not got the same control of the manuel box and short shift kit makes a massive change too

[Hurdy]

I still prefer the 993 C2S. Last of the "brick built sh!thouses"

They hold their money better and look better than the 996 too.

http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1554790.htm

[MAT ED30]

The aircooled engine is awesome 

[csman]

Do it! As long as you buy a well historied car these cars are strong and reliable.  A lot of internet chat about engine failures etc. can give a distorted picture.  I have been running 987,997s,997 4S cab for 6 years with no major issues.  3 freinds of mine have 986 boxster and two 996 C4S's (one cab one coupe) and again no major problems.  Cars are different feel to GTI and there is a lot more to explore in terms of handling than a GTI so i wouldn't compare as they different experiences.

Running costs will be significantly more than GTI but some would say these are supercars but they do not costs supercar money to run (less than a sporty BMW IMHO)

Porsche lent me this for 24Hr test drive a few weeks back .  VERY nice, very quick and launch control is somthing else , but lots of £££££

[tony_danza]

Oh, if we're talking old skool - then a 964 is the way to go. Depreciation proof awesome cars for MK5 money. Massive tuning scene in Germany too, so good parts aren't that expensive.

My friend Sean's is currently for sale, it's in first class order and a proper horizon attack weapon! Link


This is my mate Norm's. Currently having a full cage and being upgraded to RS spec.