Thinking about a 997

[Theredtr6]

Hi,
New to this forum, and seeking some words of wisdom....A car enthusiast I'm in a position where I can afford to spend 30-40K on a 911. I had originally wanted a 993 and actually still do (advertised on the 993 section) however am rapidly becoming more and more disillusioned with the choice out there...I think its more a matter of coming to terms with the fact that this is an old car and I'm maybe a little too picky and perhaps my expectations are unrealistic....So any car that seems to be credible low mileage is being being pitched at high money from the dealers and in fact I see Autobahn advertising a 4s with 50K miles from £40k !!! .....I'm reluctant to consider paying this amount of money for a 993 and everywhere I read says that 'never been a better time to but a porsche given the recession etc etc...' What is the general opinion on what I could potentially pay to get a private buy on a 2006 ish 997 C2S say under 20K miles with good options ie how close to £40K and is this a no brainer wrt cash loss over the next few years in relation to a 993? Appreciate there are many variables just wanted to see opinions of long term porsche owners ....Welcome your thoughts....Thanks

 

[dereksharpuk]

Read Oct 08 issue of 911 & Porsche World. Good comparison between 993 C4S and 996 C4S.

I love the looks of the 993 and can only dream of the type of depreciation that 993 enjoys.

But

I hate:

The lack of toys
The terrible driving position
The fact that it is less reliable
The higher running costs (fuel and service)
The rattles.

However, a long term cost comparison between the two will come down in favour of the 993 because of depreciation. The 993 is the better investment.

 

[Theredtr6]

Thanks for the responses guys...I think I continue on the 993 track ...at least for a little while longer

 

[Mark Elder]

Steve,
How long have you been looking? Took me 18 months to find mine - was well worth the wait.

Mark

 

[Theredtr6]

Mark,

I have been looking for about 3months, have travelled some miles and to be honest I'm getting a little worn out ....so coming to the point where if its not precisely what I'm looking for then I'm just not going to bother, however having said that have also given consideration to a 997 but they are still a tad too pricey for me....

18months eh...thats patience..


Steve

 

[Dylan1]

18 months is incredible!!!
however even given the current credit gloom i suspect thats how long you`ll have to wait for a really super hi spec low miles 997c2s that cost 80k new

 

[Mark Elder]

I have to admit I was a bit picky at the start of the search, and, living in Scotland, meant I was having to fit the inspections in around business trips (mostly) which meant I was not exactly getting to the good ones quickly. That said, I adjusted my spec as I learned more and I think I got a car that was better as a result of gaining more knowledge over time.

Ironically I'd just given up being picky and decided I'd better relax several constraints to get one, when a dealer called me and said "how does this one sound...." and it was exactly what I wanted. So I was lucky. Although that was at 15 months in to the search and it took another 3 months to get my hands on it because the owner who was selling to the dealer changed his mind a few times!

I've done 18K miles in it since then and it has not missed a beat (touch wood!)

 

[Theredtr6]

Thanks for the thoughts Mark, I'm located in Buckinghamshire so not too far away from most Porsche specialists but I suspect the car and price I'm looking for is likely to come from a private sale....

Must learn patience.....