looking to buy a 996 should i ?

david106 · Dec 16, 2010

I have joined this forum with a view to buying either a 996 or a boxster .
I have been keeping an eye on secondhand values and they are getting within my price range.
as for age I will looking around the 2001/2002 for a 996 or a bit newer if i go for a boxster.

What do i need to look out for and which is the best model to have. budget is upto £15kish

ashley · Dec 16, 2010

if it were me with that budget I'd go for a boxster, had both and a great introduction to porsche ownership. Once bitten you're sure to be looking to trade up before to long which ever way you go.

david106 · Dec 16, 2010

What would be your engine choice in the boxster

DivineE · Dec 16, 2010

Drive one of each at your budget. I drove a Boxster S not that long ago and was shocked by just how much I loved it, I'd love to drive one at a track day or similar. Saying that, the repair costs are going to be very similar so now the prices are comparable the lower depreciation (if any) is going to make the 996 a more sensible choice to spend money maintaining.

Regards,

Ben

david106 · Dec 16, 2010

I've read a few horror stories regarding the 996 engine
What do i need to look out for

thirteeneast · Dec 16, 2010

The 996 engine is alright as long as you don't get one that was made by Porsche.

Make sure the AOS,RMS & definatly the IMS have been changed if not budget for doing so.

david106 · Dec 18, 2010

I was thinking the same but didnt want to say anything with me being a newbie

barleymagrew · Dec 19, 2010

Hi there,
How do you find the MPG on your new 996?

andrew symms · Dec 19, 2010

ORIGINAL: barleymagrew

Hi there,
How do you find the MPG on your new 996?

Should be able to acheive 28-32mpg on a run, but more like 8-12mpg on the track

If you are worried about mpg, a porsche is not for you[

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Buy it, drive it, enjoy it and visit the the petrol station reasonably often!

Mark Elder · Dec 19, 2010

ORIGINAL: thirteeneast

The 996 engine is alright as long as you don't get one that was made by Porsche.

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I guess you mean it is best to have one that has failed and then been re-built by an independent specialist!

David - the % of engines that fail is very very small and, in any case, the 996 and the Boxster both have the same engine with the same fault (if you can call it a fault in such a fantastic piece of kit). Indeed same engine in the 997 and 987 too (only the Gen2 has the completely new engine).

GallivanS · Dec 19, 2010

Go for the 996 with the facelift and 3.6 engine, you will never look back and the smile will stay on your face forever. I agree on the mpg, I managed 28mpg to Le Mans this year and did not hang around on the motorways! Go for the 996!!!!