thinking of buying a 911

[cu57ard]

i currently own a tvr.. but am finding myself increasing drawn or should i say attracted to, porsche. I had a look in the sales and have spotted anice 996 (2001) model with a red interior.. what should i look for in a porsche?

[domster]

If you are after 996 buying guide or ownership experiences, search these forums. The sensationalists always bring up the RMS (rear main seal) issue but compared to the reliabilty issues and costs involved with TVRs, there really isn't much to worry about. Best advice is to make sure 1) you get the car inspected by a Porsche tech (as they may identify thousands of pounds of work that needs doing, and you won't) and 2) get a warranty if you can't afford for a major component to go. The major bits like engine and box are available at reasonable cost at breakers so I wouldn't panic that much.

[cu57ard]

so if i don't buy privately can you reccommend good dealers/ service centres or do you stick with porsche?

[domster]

like with tvr, there are good and bad independent dealers; too long a list to detail and naming and shaming rules mean you can't be too explicit anyway

basically, find a car you like and then get an inspection on that car, like with buying privately (or kidknap a tech for the day and take them with you), and check the terms of the dealer's warranty

for a 996, I'd go to ww.rsjsportscars.co.uk - just my personal choice

regards
domster

[radron]

Hi mate

I bought mine from Cridfords who are a specialist in Surrey they were very nice people. Paragon & 911 Virgins also seem to be well known. Get your hands on Porsche Post from Porsche Club GB and you'll find a good selection of specialists as well as the main dealers.

I bought a 996 after much investigation into 993's and 964's. I bought mine with a warranty (included in the price) and I was assured that it will cover the major items if they should fail.

After reading all the blurb I went for the one I liked the most ignoring the hairy fisted opinions on air cooled, headlights, tiptronic, cabriolets etc.

I love it and that as far as I can see is all that matters :-)

Good luck with the purchase.

[nick997]

go for it, you won't regret it. i'm on my 3rd 911. generally speaking they are bullit-proof. my first was a 1989 3.2 carrera. did two trips to scotland in it. my 2nd was a 993, and now a 997Scab. any 911 is huge fun, tho the earlier ones sound better.

[cu57ard]

thanks chaps, i'll arrange a test drive... performance wise, which is the best for lazy torque, driving round town compared to motorways, are they a very balanced performer? or are they very different to a V8? carrera gt2/3, turbo? which one, don't believe i want 4wd.

[domster]

they're fine as standard, torquey enough

for real performance (coming from a TVR), you really need GT3/2 or Turbo

for absolute character (where TVRs often win) I'd say the GT3 does it for me; I find the normal 996s really quite boring in comparison, excellent cars tho' they may be

[cu57ard]

does the GT3 require that spoiler? i fear that it spoils the car a little... have they only been making the gt3 since 2000?

[domster]

cu57ard said:

does the GT3 require that spoiler? i fear that it spoils the car a little... have they only been making the gt3 since 2000?

The GT3 was introduced in 1999. The spoiler creates downforce and isn't just for show, so it would be a little foolhardy to remove it then drive as the maker intended. The GT3 Mk1 and Mk2 came with different styles of spoiler. You may prefer the earlier one. (Or the later one!). A GT3 would look very odd without it and resale value would be affected. If you prefer simpler lines, a 996 C2 on nice rims may suffice.

Rgds
Dom

[cu57ard]

yaeh i like the c2 more but as you rightly stated i am coming from tvr... what about the turbo and lag?

[domster]

Not much lag on the turbo from my limited experience. Maybe the turbo boys can comment.

Rgds
Dom