996 vs 986 running costs from those who have owned both

[Boxster_S_girl]

So, I searched on this and other sites and found some info, but not specifically my question.

I want to hear about how the 986 compares to the 996 with regard to running costs from those who have owned both, on cars that are now nearly two decades old from a strictly objective, dollars and cents perspective.

I hope this doesn't turn into a thread of: which handles better, or rides better, or looks better.

I'm curious because, beyond the subjective, I can't imagine they differ much. Both are completely mechanically identical with essentially the same issues. On the used market, they're separated by about $10,000 for like-condition. Maybe things like insurance and rear tires might differ (assuming equal wheel diameter)... While I know the "Porsche tax" is real, is there a "911 tax", a premium in 996 over 986 running costs?

Thanks everyone!

[edit; I should add "aside from engine replacement". I know there's a very wide spread in used engine prices from the 2.5 through the 3.6, if your motor decides to give up the ghost. So, for the sake of this discussion, let's not factor that "worst case" scenario...]

[edc]

986 2.7 vs 996 C4S running costs http://www.boxa.net/forum/index.php?/topic/63649-costs-986-27-vs-996-c4s/#comment-767815

[Boxster_S_girl]

Unfortunately, I don't have permission...

Originally Posted by edc

986 2.7 vs 996 C4S running costs http://www.boxa.net/forum/index.php?/topic/63649-costs-986-27-vs-996-c4s/#comment-767815

[thstone]

The 996 is somewhat more expensive.

Although many parts between the 986 and 996 are common, I found that the parts that weren't common not only had the Porsche brand markup but also a "911" markup. The reasoning that I heard was, "everyone knows that 911 prices are skyrocketing, so parts prices also have to go up".

Well, except for the fact that 996's aren't appreciating, but that didn't stop the parts sellers from trying to charge more.

I'm sure that someone will mention that the 996 will use more fuel (worse mileage) but that was irrelevant to ownership for me.

Also, and this might be peculiar to only me, but I went thru rear tires like they were made of ice cream on a hot summer day. With 300+hp on tap, it was hard to not use the throttle as it was intended to be used and that meant that I never got more than 4,000 miles from a set of rear tires. For me, that was the price of having fun.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Boxster_S_girl

Unfortunately, I don't have permission...

You have to sign up for an account. Fairly common for some forums and it is reasonably quick and easy to do.

[Quadcammer]

Id wager they would be fairly similar. Obviously if your motor has a catastrophic failure, this will be quite a bit cheaper on a 986

[achillies]

I owned a 996 from 07-10 and had zero issues...1 window regulator and normal maint. My cuurent 03 986S I have had for just a year but again no issues other than maint. I have found both cars to be almost Honda like in their reliability.

[Porsche9]

Own both and running costs is almost identical. The 996 uses a bit more fuel and tires are a bit more due to them being larger. Call this the cost of more horsepower. The other item that was a bit more was the labor on doing the clutch/AOS/IMS due to it requiring a few more hours of Labor.

If you are contemplating between a 996 and 986 with all things being equal the maintenance cost difference is not material in my opinion.

[Boxster_S_girl]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

If you are contemplating between a 996 and 986 with all things being equal the maintenance cost difference is not material in my opinion.

Ah! Exactly the sort of feedback I'm looking for.

Thanks all for the thoughtful responses! :dance: