What Next After 996 Turbo?
Discussion
Hi I'm looking for some suggestions, what to go for next. I currently have a very well sorted 996 Turbo Tip, lightly tuned (1bar boost, Kline exhaust) and I also have the paddle conversion to make the gear changes more interactive. Its a great car and I've really enjoyed the 5 years I've had it, but I think its time for a change. I want to go back to a manual and NA engine.
I live in the NE Scotland so all our best roads are B roads along with lots of pot holes and poor surfaces. So this rules out anything too wide as I don't want to spend all my time slowing down for oncoming cars (not that theres that many). I'm happy to go for something older or newer and less power, I just want a car I'll have great fun enjoying driving and getting the most out of. (I do find my 996 turbo can be really fast and can't I exploit that full power very often, but does help with those overtakes). I also want something that can soak up the poor road conditions but still handle as when I go out I'm usually out for the full day, which rules out anything too firm (unless I change the suspension)
So what to go for next ?.
cheers
Jer
I live in the NE Scotland so all our best roads are B roads along with lots of pot holes and poor surfaces. So this rules out anything too wide as I don't want to spend all my time slowing down for oncoming cars (not that theres that many). I'm happy to go for something older or newer and less power, I just want a car I'll have great fun enjoying driving and getting the most out of. (I do find my 996 turbo can be really fast and can't I exploit that full power very often, but does help with those overtakes). I also want something that can soak up the poor road conditions but still handle as when I go out I'm usually out for the full day, which rules out anything too firm (unless I change the suspension)
So what to go for next ?.
cheers
Jer
I went from a 996 Turbo to GTR which was light and day an improvement in terms of power and handling. But the GTR doesn’t meet your requirements.
Many more years later I now have a GR Yaris which does fit your requirements and is incredibly fun down B-roads. The GR reviews are good but it’s only when you drive one you’ll understand how fun it is
Oh, and welcome to your first post. 5 years of lurking
Many more years later I now have a GR Yaris which does fit your requirements and is incredibly fun down B-roads. The GR reviews are good but it’s only when you drive one you’ll understand how fun it is
Oh, and welcome to your first post. 5 years of lurking
I recently bought a mk4 MX5 as a fun car to leave stationed at my place in the Highlands. It's a fantastic little package and well suited to the roads up here.
I also have an R8 which I drive up here sometimes. The suspension is plenty compliant enough, and there's decent ground clearance, but width wise it's more at home on the A than the B roads - no issues with the likes of Bealach na Ba, but not quite so at home on something like the B869 to Drumbeg and Lochinver.
I also have an R8 which I drive up here sometimes. The suspension is plenty compliant enough, and there's decent ground clearance, but width wise it's more at home on the A than the B roads - no issues with the likes of Bealach na Ba, but not quite so at home on something like the B869 to Drumbeg and Lochinver.
RPM Techik CSR'ed 996 Mk1 or 2 C2 manual (with special attention paid to suspension) or the same to a 997.1 or 2 C2 S. If the 996 or the Gen 1 997, a full Hartech engine rebuild is key to addressing the bore-scoring, D-chunking and IMS bearing issues.
Mk1 or 2 996 GT3 with factory fresh stock suspension (or some decent aftermarket coilovers, custom built (ie valved AND sprung specifically for road use)
Mk1 or 2 996 GT3 with factory fresh stock suspension (or some decent aftermarket coilovers, custom built (ie valved AND sprung specifically for road use)
Owned a 996T for 4 1/2 years and then had a 981 Cayman S for 6 years.
It's the 981 I miss most (also owned a 964 and 996C2). The power on the turbo (standard) was lovely but the 981 did everything I needed. It was better for long tours all round, with the exception of lacking torque in comparison, most noticed on alpine climbs.
A Cayman R, 981/718 S/GTS are well worth considering.
It's the 981 I miss most (also owned a 964 and 996C2). The power on the turbo (standard) was lovely but the 981 did everything I needed. It was better for long tours all round, with the exception of lacking torque in comparison, most noticed on alpine climbs.
A Cayman R, 981/718 S/GTS are well worth considering.
Good question and interested to hear people’s thoughts. I quite want to try something non-Porsche and while the Alpine and Lotus get good reviews, I have friends who have had both and they’ve been riddled with issues and poor dealer service. Residuals have also fallen through the floor and the dealers won’t buy cars back for stock or take as a p/x. Would be good to hear how you find them from a practical perspective, it’s almost a given they will be good to drive.
Edited by blackmamba on Tuesday 26th December 12:47
TVR Tuscan is a good 996T contemporary.
I’ve owned a Tuscan for 10 years and I’m borrowing a mates 996X50 atm.
The 996 is clearly a better car in every way, be under no illusion, but the TVR is a very different beast to pedal and really fun. Very different, but also similar. Get one setup for comfort and they’re pussycats
. (Ish)
I’ve owned a Tuscan for 10 years and I’m borrowing a mates 996X50 atm.
The 996 is clearly a better car in every way, be under no illusion, but the TVR is a very different beast to pedal and really fun. Very different, but also similar. Get one setup for comfort and they’re pussycats
. (Ish)blackmamba said:
Good question and interested to hear people’s thoughts. I quite want to try something non-Porsche and while the Alpine and Lotus get good reviews, I have friends who have had both and they’ve been riddled with issues and poor dealer service. Residuals have also fallen through the floor and the dealers won’t buy cars back for stock or take as a p/x. Would be good to hear how you find them from a practical perspective, it’s almost a given they will be good to drive.
Firstly, residuals of everything have taken a bath recently, up until this problem the market for Alpine's has been reasonably solid but I have no knowledge of the Lotus market but always believed those to be strong residually based on the low numbers.Edited by blackmamba on Tuesday 26th December 12:47
My car, albeit I've only owned it 7 months, has had no issues in my 7k miles, a recent 2.5k Euro trip included and two good friends own them and also have has no issues, one of these is an early 2018 car too.
My local dealer gave me a good cash price to buy in a few weeks back but since the market's taken a dive, may rescind this offer and refuse to bid at the moment, but understandable in the middle of winter and interest rates where they are.
On a practical point, the interior is lacking in storage bins etc which can be a pain, but luggage space is better than expected with two boots and easily accomodates squishy travel bags. Genuinely comfortable over long distances as a recent Euro trip demonstrated, 160'sh on the Autobahn so plenty quick and 35mpg all day. Downsides are the auto box, nothing wrong with it but I'd much rather have a manual version, exhaust note ain't great but bearable. I also have a McLaren 600, but highly rate the Alpine, as a better, more usable alternative on UK roads and not too fast either.
Thanks for all the great suggestions, plenty to think about. I never thought much about a hot hatch, I'm sure the GR Yaris or Clio would be great tools for those B-roads and give most sports cars a run for their money. The Alpine does look good but they have a turbo engine and PDK, I do want to go for NA and manual.
I did think about the Lotus Evora 400 and the R8 and would be up their on my list, also the F-type, however they are all quite wide, over 1.9m. (not sure if thats with mirrors in or out ?).
One thing I forgot to mention, I have a double garage, but it has two single doors just to make getting in and out challenging.
I suppose I am familiar with the 996 and the similar 997 and as suggested by Slippydiff if I could get hold of one with a full Hartech engine rebuild (or one needing a rebuild) and some properly sorted suspension I could have an ideal car. I must admit I've also been looking at the 996 GT3 and wondering if they are worth the money, would they give the ultimate driving fix - I'm sure they're perfect for a Sunday blast, but would they be a bit too much if your out all day or away for a weekend up in the Highlands ?.
An obvious choice would be a Cayman and they do seem to fit the bill as well, although I do hear a lot about the tall 2nd gear, great gearbox but your in 2nd most of the time ? - is that what its like in the real world ?. (then you go down the which model, 981 Cayman S/GTS, GT4 or the newer GTS-4.0 )
I did think about the Lotus Evora 400 and the R8 and would be up their on my list, also the F-type, however they are all quite wide, over 1.9m. (not sure if thats with mirrors in or out ?).
One thing I forgot to mention, I have a double garage, but it has two single doors just to make getting in and out challenging.
I suppose I am familiar with the 996 and the similar 997 and as suggested by Slippydiff if I could get hold of one with a full Hartech engine rebuild (or one needing a rebuild) and some properly sorted suspension I could have an ideal car. I must admit I've also been looking at the 996 GT3 and wondering if they are worth the money, would they give the ultimate driving fix - I'm sure they're perfect for a Sunday blast, but would they be a bit too much if your out all day or away for a weekend up in the Highlands ?.
An obvious choice would be a Cayman and they do seem to fit the bill as well, although I do hear a lot about the tall 2nd gear, great gearbox but your in 2nd most of the time ? - is that what its like in the real world ?. (then you go down the which model, 981 Cayman S/GTS, GT4 or the newer GTS-4.0 )
Jer Cameron said:
An obvious choice would be a Cayman and they do seem to fit the bill as well, although I do hear a lot about the tall 2nd gear, great gearbox but your in 2nd most of the time ? - is that what its like in the real world ?. (then you go down the which model, 981 Cayman S/GTS, GT4 or the newer GTS-4.0 )
Here's your answer.... Also Hedgeman and James44 like their Mk4 MX5's, showing up their more expensive stable mates at times, its just I'm not sure they would feel that special to me when I was out and about in one - this would be my only fun car.
Then at the lower end of the Cayman scale there's also the Cayman 987.2. I do like my Porsche but my next car doesn't have to be one, its just seems they have a few more options that are on the smaller size (unlike the newer 991/992). AM Vantage ?.
Help....
Then at the lower end of the Cayman scale there's also the Cayman 987.2. I do like my Porsche but my next car doesn't have to be one, its just seems they have a few more options that are on the smaller size (unlike the newer 991/992). AM Vantage ?.
Help....
Jer Cameron said:
Thanks for all the great suggestions, plenty to think about. I never thought much about a hot hatch, I'm sure the GR Yaris or Clio would be great tools for those B-roads and give most sports cars a run for their money. The Alpine does look good but they have a turbo engine and PDK, I do want to go for NA and manual.
I did think about the Lotus Evora 400 and the R8 and would be up their on my list, also the F-type, however they are all quite wide, over 1.9m. (not sure if thats with mirrors in or out ?).
One thing I forgot to mention, I have a double garage, but it has two single doors just to make getting in and out challenging.
I suppose I am familiar with the 996 and the similar 997 and as suggested by Slippydiff if I could get hold of one with a full Hartech engine rebuild (or one needing a rebuild) and some properly sorted suspension I could have an ideal car. I must admit I've also been looking at the 996 GT3 and wondering if they are worth the money, would they give the ultimate driving fix - I'm sure they're perfect for a Sunday blast, but would they be a bit too much if your out all day or away for a weekend up in the Highlands ?.
An obvious choice would be a Cayman and they do seem to fit the bill as well, although I do hear a lot about the tall 2nd gear, great gearbox but your in 2nd most of the time ? - is that what its like in the real world ?. (then you go down the which model, 981 Cayman S/GTS, GT4 or the newer GTS-4.0 )
No bad choices really, I also have a 996 GT3 but most of the time a grab the Clio keys these days. On a B road they are just so good it’s almost ridiculous. Also you can use all of the gears and all of the performance. Enjoy whatever you choose.I did think about the Lotus Evora 400 and the R8 and would be up their on my list, also the F-type, however they are all quite wide, over 1.9m. (not sure if thats with mirrors in or out ?).
One thing I forgot to mention, I have a double garage, but it has two single doors just to make getting in and out challenging.
I suppose I am familiar with the 996 and the similar 997 and as suggested by Slippydiff if I could get hold of one with a full Hartech engine rebuild (or one needing a rebuild) and some properly sorted suspension I could have an ideal car. I must admit I've also been looking at the 996 GT3 and wondering if they are worth the money, would they give the ultimate driving fix - I'm sure they're perfect for a Sunday blast, but would they be a bit too much if your out all day or away for a weekend up in the Highlands ?.
An obvious choice would be a Cayman and they do seem to fit the bill as well, although I do hear a lot about the tall 2nd gear, great gearbox but your in 2nd most of the time ? - is that what its like in the real world ?. (then you go down the which model, 981 Cayman S/GTS, GT4 or the newer GTS-4.0 )
Cheers
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