911 Buyers remorse

[woodsman]

Originally Posted by jeffm

Thinking about it more, I like the size, relative simplicity and convertible top of the Boxster. After driving the 996 around again today, I do wish for slightly more power from the 986. Not that I need it to drag race a minivan, but for those times of lane changes, on ramp merging, etc...the extra horsepower would be nice.

Again, with my 986 @ 86k miles the question becomes, do I spend the money to refurbish the seats, replace top with glass window, upgrade the 16" wheels and tires, add aero side skirts and install the 996 GT3 bumper I have sitting in my basement? If so, I'm at least another $6,000 into the car. Of course add back the $16k I would sell the 996 for and I'm still on top. Or, do I spend an additional $10k and go the 987 route?

Bottom line is I feel the 2 seat roadster is my personal choice even though I wanted to like the 996.

May I suggest, test-driving until you've found IT? You may find the 987 too heavy and cush, or....
Like an artist, at these painful times, we must push on into the darkness of our longing and not-knowing, searching for 'our beloved'... To the journey then! We are with you during you dark moments my dear friend...and know that even 'the world's most interesting man' has walked these lonely steps before you...

[RaisedOnPorsches]

Originally Posted by jeffm

Again, with my 986 @ 86k miles the question becomes, do I spend the money to refurbish the seats, replace top with glass window, upgrade the 16" wheels and tires, add aero side skirts and install the 996 GT3 bumper I have sitting in my basement? If so, I'm at least another $6,000 into the car. Of course add back the $16k I would sell the 996 for and I'm still on top. Or, do I spend an additional $10k and go the 987 route?

Bottom line is I feel the 2 seat roadster is my personal choice even though I wanted to like the 996.

You're right where I was with my 986 (82k miles) and looking at either invest money in upgrades or switch to a new car. That said, it looks like the roadster is right for you. I am a little confused, do you still have your 986 AND the 996, or did you have to sell it to make the move to the 996?

If you still have it, I'd stick with it. You know the car and its history. You can take your upgrades/repairs at a comfortable pace and appreciate the improvement that each one adds step by step.

If you sold it and want to replace it, do some test driving in all the variations (986, 986s, 987, 987 cayman (possibly)) as woodman recommends and figure out what works for you. Its a buyers market in the water-cooled Porsche world right now. Maybe you can talk ChuckW into selling his 986 after all.

[jeffm]

Originally Posted by RaisedOnPorsches

You're right where I was with my 986 (82k miles) and looking at either invest money in upgrades or switch to a new car. That said, it looks like the roadster is right for you. I am a little confused, do you still have your 986 AND the 996, or did you have to sell it to make the move to the 996?



If you still have it, I'd stick with it. You know the car and its history. You can take your upgrades/repairs at a comfortable pace and appreciate the improvement that each one adds step by step.



If you sold it and want to replace it, do some test driving in all the variations (986, 986s, 987, 987 cayman (possibly)) as woodman recommends and figure out what works for you. Its a buyers market in the water-cooled Porsche world right now. Maybe you can talk ChuckW into selling his 986 after all.

Yes, in fact I have both sitting in the garage right now. Probably the most prudent step would be to first sell the 996. I've pretty much made up my mind that this is not the car for me. I was thinking of putting it up on craigslist for what I paid for it ($16k range) for a quick sale. This is actually a good deal as I've just dumped $2500 in maintenance. It stinks to lose out, but I should have done more due diligence instead of being blinded by the 911 bug.

This would allow me to still enjoy the 986 and then leisurely shop around for a 987. I'm not convinced that the 987 is the car for me, but after driving the 996 I crave a bit more power. I would consider a 986S, but for the cost differential to "upgrade" makes more sense to go with the newer car.

[RaisedOnPorsches]

Originally Posted by jeffm

This would allow me to still enjoy the 986 and then leisurely shop around for a 987. I'm not convinced that the 987 is the car for me, but after driving the 996 I crave a bit more power. I would consider a 986S, but for the cost differential to "upgrade" makes more sense to go with the newer car.

For the price of the 996, I'm sure the folks at LN Engineering could help you with your HP itch. Drop in a 3.6L 996 motor with IMSB retrofit and you'd be hot to trot! :dance:

More seriously, I understand your frustration. I don't like the 996. I also don't like the 987 (Boxster Spyder aside). It was very difficult for me to find something in the $20-30k range that was a Porsche and satisfied my wants/needs. I got very lucky finding a 993 in that price point, but in doing so I lost that roadster experience.

Good luck figuring this all out for yourself!

[jacabean]

i would not be so quick to sell the 996 . just like the 986 it will need a little work to get a better set up . i have had my 996 cab. for 6 months now and it grows on you . You have been spoiled by the boxsters mid engined layout . I have come to the conclusion that the boxster is more fun and handles better not to say the 996 is bad or anything. it's different for sure . i'm thinking when the time is right the 987 S DI would be the car to aspire too after the 986 .