Is a 996 a worthy replacement?

[thboxster]

Jolly folks of the 996 persuasion I need some help and guidance.

As some of you will have seen on a post under the 993 register

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=312130

I'm in a dilemma with being a seat short in my Boxster S. No matter how hard I try, legally, I can only get 2 persons in it. So maybe by relinquishing my extra boot, at the rear, I could get something with 2 extra seats already on-board.

I'm familiar with the general layout of a 996 as I used to own a 986, but I'm interested in peoples opinions on the 996.

Good points, bad points, 2, 2S, etc, should I bother looking at one, etc, etc.

It would have to be a Cab as I'm sure I would miss that aspect, not that this year is much to go by.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Dylan1]

keep the box,get a people carrier[]
seriously 996 cab is fine but check the threads on child seats first

 

[thboxster]

Yes, been following the child seat thread and as luck would have it we've just got a Maxi-Cosi so should be OK.

As for a people carrier, I bought a big Volvo for my wife to address that situation but I really can't turn up to a concours in it, i'd loose points for not having a club sticker in the window[].

 

[Mark Elder]

Tony,
This is going to be an interesting thread because most people I see asking about a 993/996 decision come from not knowing Porsche. It would be really interesting to get a Boxster driver's considered view on the 993/996 debate (have you yet driven them both?)

Although it's still down to personal taste (no right and wrong) - just many people coming into the decision don't have the experience before it like you have. Although I recognise you have the third of option of "keep the Box"...

 

[thboxster]

In all fairness this is my starting point.

It has only come about this week due to getting sight of our Regions 2008 preliminary calendar and noticing that I'm shackled as to what I can attend. Well, I say shackled but I can attend all of them as long as I take no more than one other member of my family.

We've been discussing an event in September and decided that I'll drive the Box, my wife can follow in the Porsche support vehicle (Volvo), with son firmly strapped in and at the other end we'll converge and arrive together. Not an ideal solution, but I'm not the first to do it.

As for testing them, I'm having a look round and I'll be booking myself in with my local OPC very soon to start the real acid test. I'm interested in what I'll find but also apprehensive as any other vehicle has got a lot to live up to if it's going to take the place of my Boxster.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Tony,

If you want comparisons between the 993 and 996 as well as the 986 and 996 then have a look at the member's cars reports.

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=239829

It will detail a few owners experiences of the transition.
You won't be dissapointed!

 

[adrian996]

Hi Tony. I've had my C2 996 (MY 06/2003) for just over two years now. I must admit that I've nothing to compare it to as I've never driven or owned any other Porsche - apart from a Cayman that OPC lent me. The car really does seat four adults - but I wouldn't be so sure about the cab version...? One passed me the other day with two kids in the back and - well it looked like they were sitting on their legs! They definitely didn't have their belts on and looked as though they were sitting a lot higher than the driver and passenger - nice!
I'm 6 foot tall and someone can quite easily get into the back seat behind me without me having my nose on the screen. I have a tilt and slid sunroof - so (although not quite a cab) it does sort of have the benefit of both cars - come to think of it, have you considered a Targa? They really do have the best of both worlds.
I'm getting a 997 soon - so if you like the sound of an immaculate Seal Grey coupe with 19k miles give me a shout - it'll definitely be sold privately, as I'm not giving any OPC 6 to 7 grand for the sake of placing an ad in Auto Trader!!
All the best. Adrian.

 

[Dylan1]

as one of my friends said some 20 yrs ago when we all bouight volvos for the wife[]
ive just got the car you promise yourself you`ll never buy!!
theyve got a lot better since then of course[]


adrian-were they 4 midgets-my sons started sqwuaking when they got past 5ft7[]

 

[deadloss]

Hi guys,

I'm a regular reader of the forum, just don't post very often (don't seem to be able to find the time to continue "conversations"), but couldn't resist joining in on this one! I recently switched from Boxtser S (987) to an 04 plate 996 C2. I love it to bits! The fact that we've had a rubbish summer has helped with the transition to a coupe though. I bought my first Porsche in 1993, an '89 944 S2, and have been hooked ever since. I moved on from the 944 S2 to an '88 911 Carrera Sport, then a '90 964 targa. I was soon seduced by the Boxster and the thought of owning a brand new Porsche rather than pre-owned, so went through a 2.5 Boxster, then an early Boxster S and then March last year a new (987) Boxster S. Why have I now gone back to a 911?

That's a really difficult question to answer - at the end of the day they are both very different cars, and it all comes down to personal choice. You need to drive them and see what suits best at any given time. I wouldn't rule out buying a Boxster again in the future... my wife finds my inability to make a decision very frustrating! I put it down to the fact that Porsche make fantastic cars and it is really difficult to choose between them!

However, it is a privilege to be in the position of having to make these sort of choices...

 

[Grant]

If you like the Boxster S you will love the 996! Budget is a factor in what to suggest from the extensive range of watercooled beauties!
My pick of the bunch would be tin tops rather than cabs, you'll enjoy the change & the extra rigidity it bring to the party!
C2 with sports pack
C4S
C2 20th anniversary
The 993 is a great car, but it is over 10 years old & things have moved on, having said this it would appeal if you like a retro/classic appeal to your cars, IMO the 996 has all its angles covered with an added dose of extra practicality, useability, comfort, safety (etc etc) & more modern feel..........PROVIDING, you find one with 030 sports suspension & sports exhaust, otherwise the standard 993 has the edge as drivers car, but put those two options on the 996 & you get a win win! Ok depreciation will be higher but running costs should be lower!
My mrs has a 986 Boxster S & it is the best value Porker in the range, I love it, but a tin top C2 is on a higher level from a driving interaction point of view, you will love it.... only 1 thing left to do get deciding which slice of 996 you prefer[]!

 

[C4S al]

Hi thboxtser,

I have driven several boxsters, 993's, 996's and 997's. Here is a summary of my thoughts: all budget related!!! Also I would go for Coupe over rag tops. However there is also the Targa 4S to complicate further!!

1. 997GT3. Raw, incredible power and really a purist machine. Really in my opinion some serious track day experience, tuition and performance days are needed to really appreciate this beast.

2. 997TT. My future upgrade. The technology is leading edge, 2X2 same ability to transport my family as the car I have now. Safe with 4WD. A compromise of power and safety.

3. 996C4S. Present vehical. Again in my opinion, the best looking of the 996 range. As I have a young family I wanted the 4WD safety. My baby daughter has been in a rear facing seat and now front facing seat in the back no problems. My step son is 13 so with my wife all 4 of us with quinny zap and bag of clothes comfortably drive 2.5 hours visiting my brother and 5 hours with only one stop to my parents. Also Porsche need to market their PSE better!!! The rumble through the car actually put my daughter to sleep, amazing she would commence the first 5 mins crying then sleep solidly. Had it switchable so i could turn it off for her but no need!

4.993C2S. Overall there is a strong affiliation to the last of the 993 aircooled. If you are going this route then the rear wheel drive S option is the one. (Not contradicting myself, just putting what I would have in my dream garage with my thoughts). However the down side, as has been stated, is that they really are looking dated on the inside.

My mate is really into boxster's and I have driven several but just cannot get on with them. Not knocking them as with any car it is not really a process of objective analysis and rational thought it is what rocks your boat.

Whatever you do enjoy the search and test drive as many variants to get the feel.

Regards Alan.

 

[blease]

I have a 98 996 Cab. I have driven my mates Boxster S of similar vintage. If your ideal would be to be able to extend your Boxster to be able to seat 4 and by doing so rebalance the car to give it more driver feel and better power to boot, would you hestitate? Because this is just what you would be getting in a 996 Cab. For me, the Boxster is just a bit too anodyne, a bit characterless. Going the 996 route, whilst not as charismatic as the aircooled cars, redresses quite a bit of this problem.

Whilst I prefer my old 3.2 Carrera (character in spades) I am amazed at what my 996 can be - soft boulevard cruiser, continent munching GT or balls out track day car. Just do it!

 

[grant_goulding]

I have had my 996 cab for over two years coming from a 996 coupe before. Once you are used to the extra noise it really is a fine car. No creaks or rattles and certainly better built than pre 2002 models. It handles well but not as well as the coupe however my 18 year son has sat in the back for trips in excess of 20 miles. Sure it has less room but made by the wind in the hair and smile factor. I really must sell it now as I do need a boot but what to replace it with? Some one make me an offer

 

[marcus a]

Buy a BMW 330d saloon, this will sort out your boot problem. Don't worry about high mileage ones, the 3 litre diesel will run for ever and return 50 mpg. If you buy one with high miles they're really cheap and well built too, so there is NO reason at all to sell your 996, it's a wonderful car, keep it and enjoy it for those sunny days!
This is what I do and it's a great combination with a 996 and although I've had mine from new it's now done well over 100k miles and runs like a dream. It's great particularly for all those business miles, filled it up the other day and although they only have a 65 litre tank it registered 735 miles till empty, who said fuel was expensive.

 

[rob.kellock]

I agree, or a tidy 5 series for probably even less money. My pal's 530d has now done 175000 miles and save for a few extra stone chips is as tidy as my 65000 mile 523i. Petrol ones are even cheaper and mine averages 32mpg and has done over 40mpg on a gentle run. Drives like a bus compared to the 996 but helps remind you how special the Porsche is every time you get back in it. And you can leave it anywhere without getting too hung up about it!

 

[marcus a]

Totally agree about reminding you of how good the Porsche is, it feels a special event every drive whereas the BMW can only be described as a form of transport, albeit a very good and frugal one. It took me a while to get what a 911 was all about, it's hard to describe the driving experience but as a pure drivers car I wouldn't have anything else. It's horses for courses but I'd say the combination enhances my love for the 911 even further.
Maybe this combination is only common to Prestonians Rob, I'll look out for you.

 

[Dylan1]

down here there are several of us with 330d sport tourers as everyday load/mile luggers to complement the fun porsches -works well for us as well-a great combo imho[]

 

[rob.kellock]

ORIGINAL: marcus a

Maybe this combination is only common to Prestonians Rob, I'll look out for you.

Apparently not! Porsche reg starts PK51... Bee-Em may as well be invisible...

 

[marcus a]

don't worry you will hear me coming