Help! I might buy a 996!

akwaugh · Aug 25, 2011

I need your help folks. I'm seriously contemplating the acquisition of a lovely 996 C4S with very low miles, toys and history.
My beloved Boxster will have to go.

Can someone please try to dissuade me from the inevitable??

Or should I keep my hand in my pocket and go for a new(ish) Boxster or Cayman?

Robin M · Aug 25, 2011

You cannot be dissuaded from the inevitable! Puting a heart and head spin on it you are only here once so go with what you think will give you the most fun/pleasure/enjoyment - thats heart, or go for the one that depreciates least - thats head. You may find the answer is the same!

don alexander · Aug 25, 2011

Bought a low mileage 2002 C4S approx 3 years ago. Never regretted it, and have had very few problems with the car. I am sure you will not regret your decision if you decide to take the plunge.

akwaugh · Aug 25, 2011

Thanks for your comments chaps, appreciated.

Just back from a test drive and my hand remains firmly on my wallet, sadly. It's a lovely car, superbly presented and nice to drive, but it isn't setting my pulse racing and I cannot figure out why. To be sure it's a complete (and interesting) departure from my two current toys, the Boxster 2.7 and the Audi A3 3.2Q (quicker than the Boxster!), but I suppose the question must be - am I really wanting to go backwards in years rather than forwards?

Clearly I'm not sure. Perhaps - if the car is still there in a week or so (I'm away on hols tomorrow) then I might be more committed. There's a lot of choice out there and I want to make the best one I can.

Black80XSA · Aug 25, 2011

I had the same feelings about 'back dating' after moving to the 987 series. for me the Boxster is just so much more practical with its twin boots.

John H · Aug 25, 2011

ORIGINAL: akwaugh
but I suppose the question must be - am I really wanting to go backwards in years rather than forwards?

It may be more that you don't want to go back in technology and design, rather than years! (searches for flameproof suit at this point)

I went from an older 911 (964 Carrera 2) to a 2.7 Cayman and have never regretted the move. While I still miss some of the charisma of the 911, there is no doubt (to me at least) that the mid-engined platform is far superior from a driving point of view. The problem is that the the 911 still commands a very appealing image, and that is probably what is drawing you to it, yet I never find them as appealing to drive. I've driven lots of modern 911's, including turbos and GT3's, but none of them feel as "right" to me as my humble Cayman does.

Might I suggest you try a gen 2 Cayman or Cayman S, perhaps even one with PDK, before you decide. Oh and by the way, Edinburgh OPC are about to put a Cayman R on the road as a demo car in September. [

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dhossack · Aug 25, 2011

Try the Turbo, I did after trying everything else and have never looked back. Had mine now for 4 years and just back from Oulton Park yesterday, the car was driven the 250 miles there, did 6hrs on track and driven back without missing a beat.
Good luck.

harry · Aug 26, 2011

ORIGINAL: akwaugh

Thanks for your comments chaps, appreciated.

Just back from a test drive and my hand remains firmly on my wallet, sadly. It's a lovely car, superbly presented and nice to drive, but it isn't setting my pulse racing and I cannot figure out why. To be sure it's a complete (and interesting) departure from my two current toys, the Boxster 2.7 and the Audi A3 3.2Q (quicker than the Boxster!), but I suppose the question must be - am I really wanting to go backwards in years rather than forwards?

Clearly I'm not sure. Perhaps - if the car is still there in a week or so (I'm away on hols tomorrow) then I might be more committed. There's a lot of choice out there and I want to make the best one I can.

You would if you tried the 993

chfs911 · Aug 28, 2011

964 RS is what you need Andy! Forget cast iron kettles.

akwaugh · Aug 29, 2011

Thanks Charles. Know any going cheap then? One careful owner maybe?

I'm going to revisit the C4S if it's still there but I'll probably end up going with a 3.4 something. Then again I have been looking at Turbos. Always promised myself one - ever since the day I bought Autocar in 1976 (I think) with a silver 3.0 Turbo on the front page. Fired the imagination that did.