996 Turbo - after 18 years what next?

[tracer.smart]

I’ve owned my manual 2001 996 Turbo for 18 years. It’s been maintained regardless of cost, all the big horrible jobs and more are done, and it’s now, well, part of the family. Many road-trips, many memories.

These days it only comes out a few times a year for a proper drive. It’s a third car - 958 Turbo and 981Boxster S are the other two, both PDK. I still love it, but I’m wondering whether it’s time for a change.

Part of the appeal of the 996 Turbo has always been its manual, visceral character. It brings out a very committed style of driving in me. Hugely enjoyable, but it somehow makes every drive feel intense rather than just going for a drive. Leptons feel normal in this car, manual seems to encourage it.

I’m increasingly tempted by something I can enjoy at a slightly more relaxed pace, but has the ‘hold-on’ capability when I feel like it, and might therefore use more often.

So, assuming the next one stays for another 18 years, what used 10-ish year old motor replaces it without regret?

1. 991.1 Carrera S PDK - broadly the same performance as the 996 Turbo on paper.

Or

2. 991 Turbo PDK - the obvious successor, but possibly even more car than you can realistically enjoy on the road.

Anyone made either move? More importantly, did you regret selling the 996?

Here’s the old girl setting off for Megaphonics earlier this summer:

Edited by tracer.smart on Sunday 30th August 22:10

[mr pg]

I've had a 996 turbo, 981CS and currently a 991.1 turbo S cab.
The 991 is a step up performance wise on the 996, and the interior design/quality/seats miles better.
However, my favourite of those is the 981! It's such a great all rounder, and more practical in terms of luggage as it's much easier easy loading a rear boot rather than rear seats.
We got the 991 as we now have a dog, but if you don't need rear seats I'd be looking at a 718 GT4.

[simonsti]

I had a 996 turbo for 12 years, only sold due to house purchase.

I would look at a 991 carrera T, manual with buckets.

[WCZ]

a T will feel a bit slow imo

there's not much in the 911 range that has the character of the 996 turbo imo

i'm honestly not sure what to suggest!

[Slippydiff]

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/litchfi...

Speak to Ian, he'll give you a T that'll make a 996 Turbo feel pedestrian.
For sure it'll lose something in the engagement and tactility stakes, but it's make an effortlessly quick touring car.

Alternatively, get Ruf's Bilstein PSS 9/10 based suspension kit, the your car mapped to 490-500hp and get it converted from 4WD to 2WD. = The best of both worlds.

Oh, and best upgrade the front brake calipers and discs, if you haven't already done so

[mollytherocker]

A 991 GTS might fit the bill?

[_Rodders_]

Surely going newer 911 is going to make the leptons both easier to achieve and more boring.

[IMI A]

I think a 991.1 GTS and a turbo s a good shout but personally I'd hang on to the 996 turbo its more fun. Also maybe worth looking at a sorted 12c at £75k I think they are a steal.

[WCZ]

IMI A said:

I think a 991.1 GTS and a turbo s a good shout but personally I'd hang on to the 996 turbo its more fun. Also maybe worth looking at a sorted 12c at £75k I think they are a steal.

good shout, there's nothing as good value for money as mclaren in handling/performance/looks tbh

[Steve H]

Running costs on a McLaren can be a bit scary I think, 991 is a great car but a huge chunk compared to a 996.

997 turbo would probably be the closest you can get to civilised upgrade while still keeping some of the character of the 996 but they can be a money pit unless they have been obsessively kept on top of.

If the 996 well sorted and maintained, and not needed other than when you fancy using it, I would be keeping it.