Good Bye 996

[thstone]

After almost two years, I sold my 996 last weekend. Bought it for $10K (see http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/44227-986-wrecked-got-996-today.html) and sold slightly less.

The buyer was a good friend who is the ex-editor of Petrolicious.com. Odds are very, very high that he will be writing or filming a story featuring his new 996 sometime in the next few months.

Though it has more miles on it, the car is in substantially better shape than when I bought it. Still has the original IMS bearing (knock on wood). It could use a set of new shocks but otherwise is in very good running order.

I really enjoyed the 996 but since I bought the 78 911 SC, the 996 sits in the driveway undriven and somewhat unloved. It was time for someone else to enjoy this car and time for me to start looking for my next Porsche experience.

[BIGJake111]

The pertrolicious guys are the absolute best! The tone of motoring they capture is the tone we should all have. Always liked the story and color of your budget 996, glad to know it is going to a good home.

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by thstone

After almost two years, I sold my 996 last weekend. Bought it for $10K (see http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/44227-986-wrecked-got-996-today.html) and sold slightly less.

The buyer was a good friend who is the ex-editor of Petrolicious.com. Odds are very, very high that he will be writing or filming a story featuring his new 996 sometime in the next few months.

Though it has more miles on it, the car is in substantially better shape than when I bought it. Still has the original IMS bearing (knock on wood). It could use a set of new shocks but otherwise is in very good running order.

I really enjoyed the 996 but since I bought the 78 911 SC, the 996 sits in the driveway undriven and somewhat unloved. It was time for someone else to enjoy this car and time for me to start looking for my next Porsche experience.

You sold that for less then $10k? What a deal he got!

[thstone]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

You sold that for less then $10k? What a deal he got!

Not really as much of a steal as you might think. Blue Book was $7,500. 996's sell for a dime a dozen just like Boxster's - especially high mileage cars. Don't believe the listing prices and don't believe the forums; 996's are selling at 99-Cent store prices.

And just like a Boxster (which it is!), the cost isn't in the purchase price, the real cost is keeping things fixed. Look at the list of items that I repaired - if I paid a shop to do all of that work, it would have been close to 50% of the value of the car. And it still needs $2,000 in shocks and suspension re-fresh parts + whatever else might come up. And at nearly 150K miles, that engine won't last forever.

[biglimited]

Nice too se someone going back to old school from newer generation! One friend of mine keeps saying that older 911 look as old toilets I should show him this thread and shut him up.. Permanently

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by thstone

Not really as much of a steal as you might think. Blue Book was $7,500. 996's sell for a dime a dozen just like Boxster's - especially high mileage cars. Don't believe the listing prices and don't believe the forums; 996's are selling at 99-Cent store prices.

And just like a Boxster (which it is!), the cost isn't in the purchase price, the real cost is keeping things fixed. Look at the list of items that I repaired - if I paid a shop to do all of that work, it would have been close to 50% of the value of the car. And it still needs $2,000 in shocks and suspension re-fresh parts + whatever else might come up. And at nearly 150K miles, that engine won't last forever.

While the old cars hold their value and may even go up maintainance costs isn't any better. Doing a proper air cooled engine rebuild is not for the faint at heart. These cars are getting really old and need almost constant attention to keep in good running condition.

I for one am looking forward to the 987/997s to sell for 99 cents store prices.

Enjoy your Carrera. Even though they are money sucks they are a hell of a lot of fun and offer an experience that really does not exist anywhere else especially compared to new Porsche's.

[woodsman]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

You sold that for less then $10k? What a deal he got!

You don't think that's a lemon?

[jacabean]

no chance i will part with my 996 anytime soon. these cars are such a great deal . with A PSS9 suspension this car is great fun also .

[woodsman]

Originally Posted by jacabean

no chance i will part with my 996 anytime soon. these cars are such a great deal . with A PSS9 suspension this car is great fun also .

The aero kit greatly improves it's looks. Life's too short to drive ordinary cars...
So that's aero 1 on a 2001?

[jacabean]

Originally Posted by woodsman

The aero kit greatly improves it's looks. Life's too short to drive ordinary cars...
So that's aero 1 on a 2001?

that is correct . The 996 is a good looking car with the correct upgrades . It is also amazing how much faster the 3.4 is than the 3.2 .

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by jacabean

no chance i will part with my 996 anytime soon. these cars are such a great deal . with A PSS9 suspension this car is great fun also .

Excellent car!

If rear engine is your thing, I believe time will show the 996 to be one of the best Porsches in the second hand market. The engine does not require rebuilding as a regular part of long-term ownership, the car is reliable, durable under the right conditions, there are no rust issues, the car is practical in hot climates (as the AC works) as well as in cold weather climates (just slap on some winters). For weekend warriors its a faster car than most can handle at 10/10's and can put a mortal within mere seconds of a pro. A few mods like you've done will make it look like $70K car to the average person. If the odomter goes up another 10K miles...who cares, the re-sale isn't a barrier to enjoyment. If you put it in a wall at your next DE, there are literal thousands waiting to take its place. What's missing here? Nothing.

p.s.
997's will become $10K cars before you know it. The production numbers for all these water-cooled cars are just too high for the used car buyer to absorb.
There are some great deals in Porsche world coming our way. If a 997 C4S with only 30K miles can probably be negotiated down to $23k then it's only a matter of time..

[jacabean]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Excellent car!

If rear engine is your thing, I believe time will show the 996 to be one of the best Porsches in the second hand market. The engine does not require rebuilding as a regular part of long-term ownership, the car is reliable, durable under the right conditions, there are no rust issues, the car is practical in hot climates (as the AC works) as well as in cold weather climates (just slap on some winters). For weekend warriors its a faster car than most can handle at 10/10's and can put a mortal within mere seconds of a pro. A few mods like you've done will make it look like $70K car to the average person. If the odomter goes up another 10K miles...who cares, the re-sale isn't a barrier to enjoyment. If you put it in a wall at your next DE, there are literal thousands waiting to take its place. What's missing here? Nothing.

p.s.
997's will become $10K cars before you know it. The production numbers for all these water-cooled cars are just too high for the used car buyer to absorb.
There are some great deals in Porsche world coming our way. If a 997 C4S with only 30K miles can probably be negotiated down to $23k then it's only a matter of time..

interesting point of view . I think it will be some time before we see cheap 997 cars . nice 996 examples such as the C4S are still north of 30K . The 997 cars seem to be much more solid and have a more desirable look as well .

check out the list of mods. the P.O. did along with a new LN IMS bearing (double row) , clutch and water pump just before i bought the car.

1. Champion motor sports 19" RG5B wheels
2. PSS9 coil overs , corner balanced
3. Front and rear gt3 sway bars with tarrett drop links
4. Suncoast headers
5. Fabspeed X pipe with 200 cell cats.
6 Porsche PSE mufflers
7. Evo motorsports intake
8. IPD plenum
9. Softronic ecu tune
10. B&M short shifter with Techart knob
11. Dectane LED tail lamps

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Excellent car!

If rear engine is your thing, I believe time will show the 996 to be one of the best Porsches in the second hand market. The engine does not require rebuilding as a regular part of long-term ownership, the car is reliable, durable under the right conditions, there are no rust issues, the car is practical in hot climates (as the AC works) as well as in cold weather climates (just slap on some winters). For weekend warriors its a faster car than most can handle at 10/10's and can put a mortal within mere seconds of a pro. A few mods like you've done will make it look like $70K car to the average person. If the odomter goes up another 10K miles...who cares, the re-sale isn't a barrier to enjoyment. If you put it in a wall at your next DE, there are literal thousands waiting to take its place. What's missing here? Nothing.

p.s.
997's will become $10K cars before you know it. The production numbers for all these water-cooled cars are just too high for the used car buyer to absorb.
There are some great deals in Porsche world coming our way. If a 997 C4S with only 30K miles can probably be negotiated down to $23k then it's only a matter of time..

996's are nice cars but to say they are in the same league desirability or value wise to a 997 is a joke. Your example of 997 pricing is for a Flood Car with a Rebuilt Title also..............

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

997's will become $10K cars before you know it. The production numbers for all these water-cooled cars are just too high for the used car buyer to absorb.
There are some great deals in Porsche world coming our way. If a 997 C4S with only 30K miles can probably be negotiated down to $23k then it's only a matter of time..

By the same token, a $35K Panamera with 85K miles is only 2-3 years away... Porsche Panamera 4DR 64K miles $47K | eBay

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by woodsman

You don't think that's a lemon?

Not at all. The repairs he did are pretty much standard maintenance.

I do know someone who like to makes a lot of sour post.

Such a beautiful car, hard to believe the value is so low.

[KRAM36]

Work of Art!

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by thstone

After almost two years, I sold my 996 last weekend. Bought it for $10K (see http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/44227-986-wrecked-got-996-today.html) and sold slightly less.

The buyer was a good friend who is the ex-editor of Petrolicious.com. Odds are very, very high that he will be writing or filming a story featuring his new 996 sometime in the next few months.

Though it has more miles on it, the car is in substantially better shape than when I bought it. Still has the original IMS bearing (knock on wood). It could use a set of new shocks but otherwise is in very good running order.

I really enjoyed the 996 but since I bought the 78 911 SC, the 996 sits in the driveway undriven and somewhat unloved. It was time for someone else to enjoy this car and time for me to start looking for my next Porsche experience.

Sorry to hear that Tom ;/

Next time you have a car that becomes 'unloved', think positively mate... just burry the damn thing lolll





Source: Underground Home Parking Solutions

[coreseller]

Curious to hear your opinion of the 996 vs. your air cooled 911 Tom. Totally different animals I know but why did you choose to keep the SC vs. the 996?

[patssle]

Originally Posted by coreseller

Curious to hear your opinion of the 996 vs. your air cooled 911 Tom. Totally different animals I know but why did you choose to keep the SC vs. the 996?

I have both a 914-6 (3.0L) and my Boxster - the old air-cooled is just more of a thrill to drive than the Boxster. Sure the B has more power and modern features...but the 914 just puts a smile on my face that the B can't match. It's light, nimble, and unassisted when driving. Plus a whole lot easier to work on. My Boxster feels disposable...I can go get a 911, Cayman, or another Boxster and have a similar car. NOTHING is like my 914.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by coreseller

Curious to hear your opinion of the 996 vs. your air cooled 911 Tom. Totally different animals I know but why did you choose to keep the SC vs. the 996?

Apples vs BBQ pulled pork. They are so different, its not even a fruit vs fruit comparison!

The 996 is modern, fast, and very capable. In performance terms, it beats the crap out of almost all air cooled 911's. The 996 is comfortable, fairly reliable, and looks good.

The SC is a throwback to the Golden Age of Porsche. While the performance is close to an early base Boxster, the driving experience is incredibly involving because very little is filtered; the steering is manual and in corners it seems you can feel individual rocks and creases in the cement; there is no ABS or traction control or PASM, so your foot that has to modulate the brake and throttle properly; the suspension is comfortable but not plush; and the gear shifter is long and uncertain. All of this makes for an incredibly exciting drive!

At the same time, I can see why some of this experience was filtered out over the ensuring years. The SC is not particularly luxurious nor is it a comfortable long distance cruiser. It was designed and built to be a sports car for driving fast and not much more.

In many ways, this single purpose focus has been lost over the many years as sports cars have come to be many more things than just sporting and must meet many more needs than just to be driven fast. I'm not saying that comfort and luxury are bad things - I like a well appointed, comfortable, fast car as much as anyone.

But what I am saying, is that the SC represents a Porsche from a time when a sports car wasn't expected to be luxurious or comfortable. The cars were expected to be drivers cars and that meant that trade-offs had to be made and owners were expected to understand and appreciate those trade-offs.

And right now, that is the kind of sports car that I want to drive. If I need a more comfortable and luxurious car, I have a couple of BMW's to choose from already in the driveway.

With all of that being said, if I had to own only one car, it would still be a 986 Boxster. The Boxster has more "sports car" in its DNA than the 996 and its reasonably comfortable. Its almost the perfect trade off of a modern sports car for an owner who lives a modern life.