1st 911 - thoughts on this one?
Discussion
Going around in circles whether to get a boxster or 911 cab. I am specifically after a cabriolet and need a tip for my wife to be able to drive it. It's not going to be a track car so a manual is not a deal breaker for me.
I'm looking for a pre-2000 car in good condition, ideally with sensible miles and original as possible. This one has caught my eye and would appreciate thoughts from people who actually know what they are talking about.
It needs ambers as I believe it would have come with these as standard? Am trying to arrange a viewing over xmas so I can check out the usual stuff and look at the history.
MOT history shows it's not gone far in the last few years which is not ideal but other than that it looks pretty clean
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I'm looking for a pre-2000 car in good condition, ideally with sensible miles and original as possible. This one has caught my eye and would appreciate thoughts from people who actually know what they are talking about.
It needs ambers as I believe it would have come with these as standard? Am trying to arrange a viewing over xmas so I can check out the usual stuff and look at the history.
MOT history shows it's not gone far in the last few years which is not ideal but other than that it looks pretty clean
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
So many things to look at and think about, well worth trying to get underneath the car.
The ambers were only OEM on 98 model year cars I believe so I think this is on correct lights.
Does it have the original IMS? If so, have the seals been removed to increase oil flow? How is tickover? Any ticking noises? Oil leaks? State of RMS?
What condition are the air con condensors and radiators particularly given the lack of grills on the front? How are the aircon pipes beneath the car?
What are the suspension bushes like? Original engine mounts? How rusty are the brake lines? What state are the brake calipers? Where else is their rust?
The ambers were only OEM on 98 model year cars I believe so I think this is on correct lights.
Does it have the original IMS? If so, have the seals been removed to increase oil flow? How is tickover? Any ticking noises? Oil leaks? State of RMS?
What condition are the air con condensors and radiators particularly given the lack of grills on the front? How are the aircon pipes beneath the car?
What are the suspension bushes like? Original engine mounts? How rusty are the brake lines? What state are the brake calipers? Where else is their rust?
This will be my first owned Porsche although I have driven a few in the past.
I actually like that interior which was a surprise, makes a refreshing change to black or navy, but yet to,see it in the flesh which could be different
I have the budget for a newer car, but would prefer something that is dropping towards retro/modern classic status and I prefer the front end of the earlier cars to the post 02 ones. From my searching too it would appear that the engines in the pre-2000 cars are potentially more robust.
I was after anyone's thoughts on this particular car, it seems to have been at the dealer for a while, but has lower mileage than similar priced cars. If the interior is putting off the average buyer that could be a good bargaining point for me
I'd rather a clean and tidy standard example, than something more abused just because it has a black interior.
It also doesn't have those hideous rear parking sensors that some of the earlier cars have
I actually like that interior which was a surprise, makes a refreshing change to black or navy, but yet to,see it in the flesh which could be different
I have the budget for a newer car, but would prefer something that is dropping towards retro/modern classic status and I prefer the front end of the earlier cars to the post 02 ones. From my searching too it would appear that the engines in the pre-2000 cars are potentially more robust.
I was after anyone's thoughts on this particular car, it seems to have been at the dealer for a while, but has lower mileage than similar priced cars. If the interior is putting off the average buyer that could be a good bargaining point for me
I'd rather a clean and tidy standard example, than something more abused just because it has a black interior.
It also doesn't have those hideous rear parking sensors that some of the earlier cars have
I actually quite like some of the coloured interiors now too, although Nephrite Green always just made me laugh.
The most valuable 996s are manual C2 coupes in popular (for some boring) colours, so as this car ticks none of those boxes you should indeed be a popular buyer with the salesman. Bear in mind that it may be hard to shift later on but everything goes eventually and if it's the right car for you then why not? Definitely worth a haggle though.
To add to the above list, exhausts are a bugger to get off if needed as the bolts tend to rust in the manifold.
Definitely worth a haggle.
The most valuable 996s are manual C2 coupes in popular (for some boring) colours, so as this car ticks none of those boxes you should indeed be a popular buyer with the salesman. Bear in mind that it may be hard to shift later on but everything goes eventually and if it's the right car for you then why not? Definitely worth a haggle though.
To add to the above list, exhausts are a bugger to get off if needed as the bolts tend to rust in the manifold.
Definitely worth a haggle.
Inspection is a must, really; that's an 18-year-old car, after all, so it could be hiding all manner of issues.
I hope that's just a shadow above the nearside exhaust and not soot. If the latter, the bores are scored to hell (tips are more prone to this).
Optimistic price for this time of year; must be plenty of haggling room there.
Nice to see someone who wants something 'different', though.
I hope that's just a shadow above the nearside exhaust and not soot. If the latter, the bores are scored to hell (tips are more prone to this).
Optimistic price for this time of year; must be plenty of haggling room there.
Nice to see someone who wants something 'different', though.
I'm hoping its shadow too - the car looks to have been well polished so I would hope they didn't leave soot behind but will be checking!!
I'm not going to be tracking it, don't want a coupe and will be using it as my daily, albeit less than 8k a year and not Lewis Hamilton so a manual C2 coupe leaves me cold personally. Each to their own though and if that helps me get a good car then that's a positive for me.
I've seen the green interior as well, but it was all green and a bit too much for me - I think the black in this one breaks it up - and let's face it why be boring and get resales
silver/black to please the next owner.....
I'm not going to be tracking it, don't want a coupe and will be using it as my daily, albeit less than 8k a year and not Lewis Hamilton so a manual C2 coupe leaves me cold personally. Each to their own though and if that helps me get a good car then that's a positive for me.
I've seen the green interior as well, but it was all green and a bit too much for me - I think the black in this one breaks it up - and let's face it why be boring and get resales
silver/black to please the next owner.....
It would have had ambers by the way.
I have had both cars and I would get a boxster for what you want no contest.
The 996 doesnt really feel much different when you are in it and the boxster S is a great car for peanuts money.
This car is 5 years younger, same inside and half the price
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I have had both cars and I would get a boxster for what you want no contest.
The 996 doesnt really feel much different when you are in it and the boxster S is a great car for peanuts money.
This car is 5 years younger, same inside and half the price
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I do like that interior! Although I would add a 3-spoke sport steering wheel. At the same time I'd get a paddle shift conversion (Edition9, see other current threads).
If a 996 Convertible is what you want, go for it!
That said I also may add that for less money you could choose from several 987.1 Tiptronics, or £1k more would get you into a 2.9 987.2 PDK car. Much newer and much better car no doubt! This is where my money would go, as I prefer a 2-seat roadster to a 4-seat convertible when it comes to open top motoring. But again, if your heart is set on a 996 convertible....
If a 996 Convertible is what you want, go for it!
That said I also may add that for less money you could choose from several 987.1 Tiptronics, or £1k more would get you into a 2.9 987.2 PDK car. Much newer and much better car no doubt! This is where my money would go, as I prefer a 2-seat roadster to a 4-seat convertible when it comes to open top motoring. But again, if your heart is set on a 996 convertible....
You guys aren't helping
I've been flip-flopping between boxster and 911 for the last few weeks. While I appreciate the boxster may be a better convertible and newer for the same money, its not a 911. If i'm going to buy my first porsche, i would rather it be a 911
I farted around a few years ago when you could pick up pre-89 targas for £8k and never took the plunge - those cars are now well out of budget!
My thoughts on this particular car, compared to the boxster - its an early 996, its getting near the bottom of the depreciation curve, has the more robust dual row bearings, less likely to engine bork, has sensible miles on it so if i add another 20k its still going to be a low mileage 911 and looks very well cared for (from the photos admittedly). I prefer the front of the early cars over the pre-05 models - and i can't afford an 05 cab!
On the negative, its a Tip Cab 996 with a red interior - which according to PH is the antichrist of 911's and will take me 90million years to sell
Whereas a boxster is still dropping in price (if buying at the same price as the 911) - its not a 911, but will have similar running costs and unless i go for the 2.7 is even more risky for engine bork.
There are a few 2.9's with PDK dropping near to this price, but they tend to have 90k+ miles so am thinking that they are going to need more refreshing of components soon which all adds to the ownership cost.
I would like to think this next car is going to be a keeper (i.e. over 2 years) as my car history tends to see me swapping out on average in less than a year - hence why this time i'm trying to take my time and get the right car -rather than just buying the car in front of me like an excited kid in a sweet shop.
I know i'm making this more difficult than it needs to be
I've been flip-flopping between boxster and 911 for the last few weeks. While I appreciate the boxster may be a better convertible and newer for the same money, its not a 911. If i'm going to buy my first porsche, i would rather it be a 911
I farted around a few years ago when you could pick up pre-89 targas for £8k and never took the plunge - those cars are now well out of budget!
My thoughts on this particular car, compared to the boxster - its an early 996, its getting near the bottom of the depreciation curve, has the more robust dual row bearings, less likely to engine bork, has sensible miles on it so if i add another 20k its still going to be a low mileage 911 and looks very well cared for (from the photos admittedly). I prefer the front of the early cars over the pre-05 models - and i can't afford an 05 cab!
On the negative, its a Tip Cab 996 with a red interior - which according to PH is the antichrist of 911's and will take me 90million years to sell
Whereas a boxster is still dropping in price (if buying at the same price as the 911) - its not a 911, but will have similar running costs and unless i go for the 2.7 is even more risky for engine bork.
There are a few 2.9's with PDK dropping near to this price, but they tend to have 90k+ miles so am thinking that they are going to need more refreshing of components soon which all adds to the ownership cost.
I would like to think this next car is going to be a keeper (i.e. over 2 years) as my car history tends to see me swapping out on average in less than a year - hence why this time i'm trying to take my time and get the right car -rather than just buying the car in front of me like an excited kid in a sweet shop.
I know i'm making this more difficult than it needs to be
Edited by mattman on Monday 18th December 09:39
mattman said:
You guys aren't helping
I've been flip-flopping between boxster and 911 for the last few weeks. While I appreciate the boxster may be a better convertible and newer for the same money, its not a 911. If i'm going to buy my first porsche, i would rather it be a 911
I farted around a few years ago when you could pick up pre-89 targas for £8k and never took the plunge - those cars are now well out of budget!
My thoughts on this particular car, compared to the boxster - its an early 996, its getting near the bottom of the depreciation curve, has the more robust dual row bearings, less likely to engine bork, has sensible miles on it so if i add another 20k its still going to be a low mileage 911 and looks very well cared for (from the photos admittedly). I prefer the front of the early cars over the pre-05 models - and i can't afford an 05 cab!
On the negative, its a Tip Cab 996 with a red interior - why according to PH is the antichrist of 911's and will take me 90million years to sell
Whereas a boxster is still dropping in price (if buying at the same price as the 911) - its not a 911, but will have similar running costs and unless i go for the 2.7 is even more risky for engine bork.
There are a few 2.9's with PDK dropping near to this price, but they tend to have 90k+ miles so am thinking that they are going to need more refreshing of components soon which all adds to the ownership cost.
I would like to think this next car is going to be a keeper (i.e. over 2 years) as my car history tends to see me swapping out on average in less than a year - hence why this time i'm trying to take my time and get the right car -rather than just buying the car in front of me like an excited kid in a sweet shop.
I know i'm making this more difficult than it needs to be
You seem to have made your mind up so just get the 911 it appears to be what you really want I've been flip-flopping between boxster and 911 for the last few weeks. While I appreciate the boxster may be a better convertible and newer for the same money, its not a 911. If i'm going to buy my first porsche, i would rather it be a 911
I farted around a few years ago when you could pick up pre-89 targas for £8k and never took the plunge - those cars are now well out of budget!
My thoughts on this particular car, compared to the boxster - its an early 996, its getting near the bottom of the depreciation curve, has the more robust dual row bearings, less likely to engine bork, has sensible miles on it so if i add another 20k its still going to be a low mileage 911 and looks very well cared for (from the photos admittedly). I prefer the front of the early cars over the pre-05 models - and i can't afford an 05 cab!
On the negative, its a Tip Cab 996 with a red interior - why according to PH is the antichrist of 911's and will take me 90million years to sell
Whereas a boxster is still dropping in price (if buying at the same price as the 911) - its not a 911, but will have similar running costs and unless i go for the 2.7 is even more risky for engine bork.
There are a few 2.9's with PDK dropping near to this price, but they tend to have 90k+ miles so am thinking that they are going to need more refreshing of components soon which all adds to the ownership cost.
I would like to think this next car is going to be a keeper (i.e. over 2 years) as my car history tends to see me swapping out on average in less than a year - hence why this time i'm trying to take my time and get the right car -rather than just buying the car in front of me like an excited kid in a sweet shop.
I know i'm making this more difficult than it needs to be
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