Considering a Porsche, but which one?? Educate me...

[GTR LUST]

Hi,

I currently know practically nothing about them, but see there are differnt engine sizes and some are turbocharged.

I've willing to spend up to £14 k, so what year & engine should I look into for the best performance for my money?

Thanks for the advise,

Paul

[KeithRobinson]

Depends what you want it for? If its a toy then i'd hunt for a good 964. If its a daily driver then a C2 or C4 996 would be my choice.

Keith

[spikeyhead]

If you want sweet handling, and don't need the little rear seats, then go for a Boxster. £14k will get you a facelift S

[Daveeoo]

996 or 964 based on whether it will be your daily drive or a second car. I had the same dilemma around 9 months ago and decided on the 964. Once i started looking i realised my budget was easily smashed by Geniuine well cared for examples which I am so glad i waited for as it has been a pleasure to own. I've used it as my second car only though. I tend to loose interest in cars very quickly and move on but this beauty has got me well and truly hooked for the long run. I rolled her out from the winter nap yesterday and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, from firing it into action, waiting in a que to fill it up with overpriced fuel and even struggling with fitting in all my weekend luggage - love it.

I have a soft spot for the 996, but I do see many of them on the road the closer to London I get... Both a great choice for that kind of money ...

[C350]

I hope to have a similar dilemma soon. The 996 looks amazing value at the moment but I have a decent daily driver and I'm concerned the 996 isn't special enough compared to something like a 964 or Carrera 3.2.

Can you get kids in the back of a 964?

[Steve Richo]

Defo go for 964

[ras62]

Best performance for this money is a 996 C2 Mk2. Best P car for this money is a rather more controversial question.

[ninjacost]

small children yes

C350 said:

I hope to have a similar dilemma soon. The 996 looks amazing value at the moment but I have a decent daily driver and I'm concerned the 996 isn't special enough compared to something like a 964 or Carrera 3.2.

Can you get kids in the back of a 964?

[DiscoColin]

My heart says 964, but my head says that you should look for a 987 3.2 Boxster S for that money. Not as raw as the 964, but a lot of car for the cash. Very different prospects though, and you will need to drive to decide.

[monthefish]

C350 said:

I hope to have a similar dilemma soon. The 996 looks amazing value at the moment but I have a decent daily driver and I'm concerned the 996 isn't special enough compared to something like a 964 or Carrera 3.2.

EVERY 911 is special. Don't let anyone tell you different. The older ones just have a more classic/ retro feel to them as you'd expect, which some cite as a plus, others think is a negative. Each their own.

[rlw]

How much can you put aside for annual running costs. A 964 will be expensive if serviced, properly, annually and there will be more annoying bits going wrong than on a 996 - for the money you have to spend that is - with the later car being designed to cost less to run (obvious big issues notwithstanding...). For my money, I would look for the nicest Boxster 3.2s I could find.

[D1ckie]

Is the 964 the car from the film Bad Boys?

[SEE YA]

First thing, is it a daily or a weekend car? Running cost each model is not the same. Kids soon outgrown a 911 rear seats that is for sure. Mine are near that age, already five and nine years old.

A 3.2 Carrera or a 964 or even a Boxster both around your type of money.
If you can go for a test drive, in the model you like maybe?
Just buy the best you can for the money you have, have some back up money in case of a big bill or two. These cars are old 911's so things get worn out and need replacing in time. You drive you pay either way.
Also are you handy with a set of spanners etc, this will keep the cost down.
I do most of the work on mine, however a service is done by a Porsche Tech chap at very good rates. I have just replaced the shocks, and a few other bits at the weekend.

Edited by SEE YA on Monday 16th April 09:06

[Magna]

D1ckie said:

Is the 964 the car from the film Bad Boys?

It is but that's the 3.6 turbo version. They are completely different beasts to the std 964 careers which is c£16k.

The turbo is wide bodied and has the big rear spoiler, full leather interior and different wheels, brakes, engine etc.

The turbo goes for c£60k although you can get a 3.3 turbo which looks the same except for the calipers and wheels for c£35k

[FisiP1]

I would say a 987(2005 onwards) Boxster, either 2.7 or 3.2(3.4 if in budget). That money might just about get you into a cayman(essentially a coupe version of the boxster with some minor differences), but unless you can push the budget a little you'd probably get a much fresher Boxster for the same money.

An older 996 generation 911 Carrera is also in budget, which has rear seats and is slightly more powerful in a straight line.

Boxster/Cayman engine is in the middle, which means neutral and predictable handling characteristics and shedloads of grip. It is often said the mid-engined Porsches flatter their drivers skill, they are very easy to drive at the limit.

911 engine is obviously at the back. this is no great significance for everyday driving, but when pushing on can reveal some interesting handling characteristics not found on any other road car. 911 is generally regarded as more of a challenge to drive well at the limit, which can be good or bad depending on your preference.

Lots of people suggesting 964, but if you don't fully understand the foibles associated with 911 handling(esp. of that generation) before jumping in it may not be what you are looking for.

Edited by FisiP1 on Monday 16th April 09:03

[Fat Albert]

Have a look at the 968 too, can be used every day as well as fun weekend hooner

I find that 2 kids (12 & 9) fit nicely in the front and rear passenger seats (with the front pax seat pulled forward a bit), and the dog behind me...

[D1ckie]

Magna said:

It is but that's the 3.6 turbo version. They are completely different beasts to the std 964 careers which is c£16k.

The turbo is wide bodied and has the big rear spoiler, full leather interior and different wheels, brakes, engine etc.

The turbo goes for c£60k although you can get a 3.3 turbo which looks the same except for the calipers and wheels for c£35k

thanks - i better start looking

[Ian_UK1]

A left-field alternative could be a 928 - fantastic motors and £14k buys you one of the best at the moment.

Edit: This one's sold, but it will give you an idea of what you can get for the money. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3752683.htm

Edited by Ian_UK1 on Monday 16th April 16:48

[Masher964]

If £14k is the top budget, don't spend it all on the car. Porsches are fantastic cars but you may well be looking at a 20 year old 911 or a higher mileage boxter. If something goes wrong early into ownership and you don't have £1000 to put it right it can really taint ownership.

Personally I bought a 964 for exactly your budget and after a couple of grand spent it became a really nice car (not tempting fate!) and a further chunk on new suspension has turned it into a wonderful machine. A 968 really tempted me and still will if the right one comes along for a track day tool.

Drive lots, choose wisely, have fun.

[C350]

I ran a 968CS for 3 years an for a lot of that it was a daily driver. It is an awesome car with loads of torque and excellent predictable handling. However, even with a De Cat it had no soul and can't match the sound of a flat six (or the looks of a 911) To the OP I suggest driving a few different models and see what suits your needs the best.