Cheaper than 993?

[Jarama Beige]

I read somewhere that early 996 Carreras are far cheaper than late 993 cars (some not even a year apart).

I understand this happens because of 993's superior looks, desirability, and the fact it's the exact same dimensions (windscreen etc) as the 1963 model, and it the fruit of 30 years of development. And that early 996s had Boxster interior complete with exact same fascia (especially in Cabriolet form) with interchangeable parts.

But honestly, the market isn't just Porsche nuts, is it? So why do older, less practical (smaller boot), harder to drive cars start at £25k and you can pick a water-cooled 996 up for just £13k?



Although I am very fond of the good old 993, I am interested in buying a 996.
Any buying advice for the future (good 6 years at least) purchase of that car? I seriously don't mind Tiptronic or any 'impure' things, and my requirements for power are very low?

 

[jon grindall]

Tristan,
If you're looking for a 996, mine is about to be offered through Pistonheads. It is fairly pure, though - no cissy traction control or 4 wheel drive nonsense. If you might be interested send me a pm and I'll send you photos/ details.
Jon

 

[gresley]

You have partly answered your own q. however I would add

1. Aircooled therefore true to Porsche vision.

2. Last of "traditionally" built 911s ( though opinions vary! ).

3. Sound they make.

4. Quirkiness of handling etc.

5. Far less of them.

6. The unfortunate reputation that the early 996s gained for unreliability ( perhaps unjustifiably ).

I thinj that people tend to buy 993s for the experience ( and the soul ) rather than for an every day car which I would suggest the 996 would do better .

Just my view of course.

Andrew W.

 

[jdpef356]

Note your second post is a 996 seller - does that tell you something?[8|]

No rush for the 993 owners to post for sale even though the cars demand higher prices![]

 

[Mark Elder]

If you want a 996 you should be really happy about this.

I started my 911 search looking for (expecting to buy) a 996, but as I learned more I decided that (for the role I wanted the car to perform) the 993 was a better car for me (and at the time the 996 was more expensive than 993 so that also meant I could afford to look for a "really good" one, rather than a "good" 996). They really do perform different roles. So if the 996 is right for you then feel really pleased there are plenty to choose from!

Good luck with your search - it's a fantastic car for current prices.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

ORIGINAL: Jarama Beige

.....I understand this happens because of 993's superior looks, desirability.........

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I think that an early 996, complete with original headlights, looks far more sleek than a 993, especially with 18" wheels and sports suspension.

Thing is, you are comparing apples with pears. They are two different cars. One is the final development of a 1960's design, and the other is a complete new model from the ground up.

The 996 is bigger, lighter, stiffer, more powerful, and very different to drive. I would never knock the 993, and enjoyed mine immensly as a daily driver for two years, but you need to drive both to appreciate the difference, and I would say go with what you want, and not with what anyone else tells you.

The reason for the difference in price is simple. The 996 is a volume produced car. If they only built it in the same numbers as the 993, the company would probably have died long ago.

 

[Jarama Beige]

Right, thanks guys.

I appreciate the feedback.

And it's amazing how many cars one has to drive to really get their purpose.

Even the current 997. From the purist Carrera S to the Grand Touring-focused Targa 4S - they are so, so different within one model, let alone different models.

I read about someone who actually regarded the 993 as 'impure' because one couldn't see the end of each headlight kink on the front from the interior 'how Ferry Porsche liked it' (993 was more sleek than 964).

And while offers seem tempting, it will take at least 6 years or more for me (I am 16 right now; killed off my 924 dream already) to grow up in insurance and financial terms enough to a 996. And even then, I really won't be picky with Tiptronics, 4-wheel drives, Cabriolets, whatever - it's just the general feel of a Porsche and feeling that I would be driving something that at the time was world-class and fulfilled expectations of the most demanding drivers.
Going for a 'very good' 968 or 928 GTS (very, very different car, again) could also be a good option.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

LOL! I think we all missed the "(good 6 years at least)"

Tristan, in 6 years you may well be able to get yourrself into an early 997. Keep up the asirations, and enjoy it when you achieve them.

 

[Gary C]

ORIGINAL: Jarama Beige

I read somewhere that early 996 Carreras are far cheaper than late 993 cars (some not even a year apart).

I understand this happens because of 993's superior looks, desirability,

There's your answer, more people wanting a car = higher price
(Just look at the price of an original 2.7RS !, could you honestly say thats a better Car than a 997GT2 ?)
and thats really what its about.

ORIGINAL: Jarama Beige

But honestly, the market isn't just Porsche nuts, is it? So why do older, less practical (smaller boot), harder to drive cars start at £25k and you can pick a water-cooled 996 up for just £13k?

I see your point, why do none Porsche 'experts' not snap up the 996's ?, Cost of ownership always affects second hand prices and some indications of the first series of watercooled engine problems must affect the 996 prices, however the 993 has some record of serious rust around the windscreen to balance this.
You can argue its really down to the none Porsche nuts who, just because the 996 had the same lights as the cheaper boxter, don't want a 996 just because of the cheapend image.

ORIGINAL: Jarama Beige
Although I am very fond of the good old 993, I am interested in buying a 996.
Any buying advice for the future (good 6 years at least) purchase of that car? I seriously don't mind Tiptronic or any 'impure' things, and my requirements for power are very low?

I would not let my 3.2 go because it feels so special, so different. Even the fact that the switches are plastered all over the dash, some not even labelled, some not even fitted straight makes it feel as if its from a different world. Its kenwood mixer noise, its reputation for biting back, the sheer physical effort of driving.

The 993 I believe still retains a tiny bit of this 'oddness' or 'quirkyness', while the 996 feels more like a normal car, not so special (despite generally being faster).

The 996's seem to be the bargin of the '911' world at the moment (though really, they stopped being 911's after the 1989 3.2 carrera []) and I am very tempted to add a carrera 2 to the garage too.

 

[Trackrod996]

I may as well add my two bobs worth, having owned a 3.2 Carrera (alright, I know not the model we're referring to) until about 4 years ago, which was, apart from the absolutely crap 915 gearbox, a truly wonderful experience every time I used it. 70,000 miles, full history, guards red, leather, sun-roof - and I couldn't give it away! This at a time when prices were supposedly rock solid, and I let it go for £8,500.
Fast forward to last summer, when on impulse, and without doing any checks on the pro's and cons of 996's, I purchased a 1999, 92,000 miler C4 cabriolet. I knew nothing of the 996's suposedly poor reputation, but figured that if it had any problems, there was every chance that they had been sorted by the 2 previous owners over the highish mileage, and I do have enormous faith in the Porsche brand.
It is, without doubt, in every aspect, a fantastic car, and even allowing for development of the air-cooled models over the years, an incredible improvement. What I can't get my head around though, is that if a 10 year old car is this good, what can the new ones be like.

 

[Dylan1]

"what can the new ones be like"


my experience is that they are in a different league-997 series a huge improvement over 996(imho)

however i would not think of selling my beautiful 993.altho not anywhere near as user freindly as a 997
my cunning plan is to add a 997 TT when the funds allow and run both...just hope linda doesnt read this thread[]

 

[blease]

My experience is similar to TrackRods. I loved my '84 Carrera and would buy it back if I could (where are you B816 RLN??) but my 996 cab is just such a great and adaptable vehicle.
What really blows my mind is seeing Boxster prices dip below 5k. Now THAT would make an excellent track day toy. Lighten it up (who needs a soft top), lob on some big wheels and brakes, fit some recaros and have fun!