Will it ruin me ?

[robwils]

Seriously looking into getting my first porsche.
Searched a few years ago to get a 944 for a hobby but never found a good one.
Looking at a 997 for 30k ish but not too much more.
Plan to use it most days to commute as it's only 8 miles away so mileage wouldn't rack up too much.

Is it likely to ruin me financially to run it - services tyres etc.
just wondering what sort of monthly figure I should bank to cover on going costs. Realise there will be differences and have heard stories about serious engine problems or is that 996 only ?

Is 4wd a lot more to look after than 2wd

Would love to go to a meet to talk to a few owners so will look out for one.

Any advice appreciated, very nervous about spending the cash tbh.

 

[Ekona]

Budget for around £1K a year for servicing
£1K for tyres
Fuel at 25mpg
And either go warranty or keep a slush fund of £10K in case you have a dodgy engine (or save a little more and just get a gen2 and don't worry about it)

997.1s don't like a lot of short journeys due to cooling issues with the block, worth considering given your intended use. Wouldn't bother me a jot, mind.

 

[robwils]

What year is gen 2 or how do I know ?
Thanks for other info

 

[Dylan1]

I would try and stretch to £35k and a gen 2 if I was you
I suspect it might be cheaper in the long run
All the best

 

[wolfy689]

Hi

I have had my gen1 c4s now 4years, in that time aside from tyres and servicing not spent a penny!! However the costs per year when you factor in service every two years and warranty per year without the Porsche assist in my case average at £2k this figure does not allow for insurance tax or the depreciation.

Cheers JP

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: robwils

What year is gen 2 or how do I know ?
Thanks for other info

They came in late 2008 with PDK gearbox option, "S" power up to 385 (Carrera 350) and the DFI engine. A lot of late 2008 Gen 1s available but, as mentioned above, if you can find the money the Gen 2 is a much better car all round. You won't get one for £30k at the moment but between £35k -£40k there are a number.
I don't think many cars really appreciate just an 8 mile journey every day so you would need to give it some longer runs. Which is always a pleasure....[]

 

[dirkjandevos]

I have a 2009 C4S, Gen 2, had it for about 1.5 years and do a very similar 8 mile run to work every day, it gets up to temperature and seems generally happy though I do try to take it on a longer drive when I can...took it skiing in switzerland a couple of months ago which was excellent! It actually seemed to consume less fuel after that as well... this could be entirely in my head but I'm using as part justification for driving it around Europe.

I get nowhere near 25mpg on short runs btw, assume you'll be getting around 16 if you're in traffic. On longer highway trips it is surprising how good the economy is though (relatively speaking). I have a set of winter tyres and summers and just replaced the rear tyres. A major service is about 1.3k but that's only needed once every 4 years. Minor service in between but it's not annual... so far no issues (apart from a new battery which given the price I assume has platinum components). The Porsche warranty is great peace of mind though, you don't want to be stuck with the bill if something major decided to crap out...

4WD shouldn't cost more than a 2WD in maintenance really, unless I'm missing something...service prices are the same in any case.

Shouldn't ruin you but it's a performance car with performance car prices (although waaay less than a DB9 or something like that which I'm now thankful I didn't go for)

 

[Chris_in_the_UK]

I think some of your numbers are bit OTT Dan to be honest.

Some shopping around and use of a decent independent will keep things a bit tighter.

The supposed cooling issues are nothing to do with short journeys.

ORIGINAL: Ekona

Budget for around £1K a year for servicing
£1K for tyres
Fuel at 25mpg
And either go warranty or keep a slush fund of £10K in case you have a dodgy engine (or save a little more and just get a gen2 and don't worry about it)

997.1s don't like a lot of short journeys due to cooling issues with the block, worth considering given your intended use. Wouldn't bother me a jot, mind.

 

[Grimes]

I've had my 997 gen1 c2 for 3 years now. Bought from Porsche. Paid over the odds but very very low mileage and warranty etc.
I was really scared too back them as I really can't afford one but......
I drive 8 miles a day very day and then 80 miles once a week then one big trip a month around the country. 25mpg since I had it
Rear tyres every 18 months, front every 2 years
I've extended the warranty which gives security but it means that you have to go to an opc for everything. Expensive.
I wouldn't believe all the scaremongering about the gen1 gen2 stuff. Nothing has ever gone wrong on mine but a fuse.
Best thing I ever did. Thoroughly recommend it. Just do it. Good luck.

Chris

 

[waxman]

I agree I think you will be fine if you go to a good independent for a gen 1 at this budget
Personally I would have the bores checked for scoring and a report run on any over revs for peace of mind
Good luck!

 

[Lancerlot]

Cars, beautiful women and drink can be the ruination of any man, but wouldn't the world be a lot worse place without them? [8D]

Regards,

Clive. []

 

[markiii]

question is Clive, whats cost you more over the years?

 

[unclewinks]

Cars and Tanya for me[]

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: Lancerlot

Cars, beautiful women and drink can be the ruination of any man, but wouldn't the world be a lot worse place without them? [8D]

Regards,

Clive. []

I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.

George Best

 

[Frenchy]

Get one they are great ! get a low temp thermostat fitted if you are only doing short runs (get one anyway) an hour to do you are handy with the spanners, or £250 plus vat at most indy's, the stat is available for £45 ish.....................just done mine.