911 Buyers remorse

[jeffm]

Originally Posted by Ckrikos

Wow, you really didn't like it. I'm glad you were able to sell it quick. I hope you didn't lose much money. I sold my boxster for a turbo and pinch myself every time I see the car, but sometimes think I should have just purchased a c4s as the turbo is truly a beast and more car than I will ever use. The 996's I drove didn't feel much faster than my boxster but the turbo is like you hit a warp drive button and you just take off. Also I may have purchased a cab instead of a coup. I have no regrets on the 996 though as now I have 4 seats and the kids love driving with me.

Yeah, it was quick but I made up my mind in short time. I did drive a few others prior to purchase (so I have no excuse), but it was the "loaner" 997 I happened upon, and took home for a weekend, that sealed the 996's fate. After driving the 997 it was obvious the leap in comfort/technology and overall ride experience. It was also an S model so the power between the two was significant. It wasn't in the turbo league, but I felt cheated when I went back and drove the 996. That's what I get for buying an early build base model, I guess.

I had actually made up my mind to buy the 997 and trade in the 996 and 986, but in the end I wasn't happy with the 997's PPI. I never had an emotional attachment to the 996 and selling it was an easy decision. I had both the 996 and 986 the entire time and always went back to drive the 986. It was always the Boxster I wanted to drive.

Did I lose much money...I'm afraid to even calculate the entire amount. In the end I had the initial maintenance (vacuum/AOS leak, motor mounts, and misc parts), shipping, tax and the slight loss on resale. Probably $4,000, but lesson learned. I still have some misc parts I purchased for replacement items (led taillights, black leather interior panels, accordion spoiler shroud, etc...) so I can recoup a little.

So, I'm back and happy to drive the Boxster again without the 996 monkey on my back. I drove a few 987 Boxster's, but don't consider that an upgrade or a better car. I actually prefer the 986 styling. Now the Cayman is a different story and love the styling. I've driven a few and really like it and plan to drive an S this week. Will definitely take my time this go around. I still have the OE GT3 front number, so maybe I'll have that refinished and that will satisfy my addiction for now.

[coreseller]

The 997, especially the 997.2 S is an exceptional car, big improvement over the 996. If you (jeffm) are anything like me, the act of driving a 996 was different but not really any sort of upgrade (unless TT) since it felt pretty much exactly like the Boxster sitting in it with more or less identical interiors and hood / fenders and view out of cockpit.

Coincidental for me I got a call yesterday morning from a good friend who is a dealer and was eying an '02 base Box at auction, he knew little about them and wanted me to look it over and drive it. 106k, 5 speed, new top, silver paint in Exc. Condition along with arrow straight body, interior in pretty good shape too, he got it for $7900. The car has a couple of small issues but I just kept looking at it amazed at the value these things are nowadays.

For me at least, I would never consider selling my 993 and getting another 986 (or 996 for that matter). Values aside, I just like the 993 driving experience much better. Keep looking Jeff, you now have the benefit of hindsight before making your next decision.