911 Buyers remorse

[jeffm]

The interesting question would be, would I have felt the same way if I purchased the 996 cab? That would have at least offered me the open air experience. However, for the most part, I prefer the lines of he 996 coupe over the cab. There are nice looking ones like Jacabean's, but I was trying to keep my budget at $20k as to keep both cars, at least for a while.

There are two more maintenance items (suspension related) I will have addressed prior to listing the car. This will also give me more time to drive the 996, not to mention the state of GA is slow at issuing the updated title...

In the meantime, I will also do my homework and try the 987 Box/Cay, just in case. I want to keep my next car for at least 3-4 yrs, as this is getting expensive without much enjoyment.

[Perfectlap]

There are roadsters. There are mid engine roadsters. And there are convertibles.

Just my opinion, but a Carrera, of any year, is the last car I would make into convertible.
It made its name as a small sports coupe. Not as a convertible and not as a grand touring.
You really have to be a convertible guy to like a Carrera with the roof hacked off.
First of all you have to be okay with frankly decapitating the iconic shape of the Carrera.
Second, you've compromised the handling to a certain degree. You made this compromise to achieve a top down experience that's already available with the only actual roadster Porsche makes (that doesn't cost either $300K (CGT) or $800k (918)). So really to like a Cabriolet you still have to be a grand touring fan, and one that's not demanding about handling. I can see someone who never drove a Boxster and went straight into a Cabriolet being happy with it. But once you've driven the Boxster day in and day out you can't forget that experience every time you turn the wheel.

[jeffm]

*update*

Listed the 911 approximately 3 weeks ago. Sold it to the 2nd interested party, but received a ton of calls. The guy actually lives up and Canada, flew down to ATL and drove the car home!
Great buyer, as he even paid upfront for some service work and wired me the money, in full, two days prior to picking it up.

Live and learn, as I found out the hard way that was just not the car for me. Happy to be back driving the Box again! Is a 987 Boxster S or Cayman in my future....who knows?

[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.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by jeffm

Is a 987 Boxster S or Cayman in my future....who knows?

Hold out for a Boxster Spyder. This is the last great non-GT3/2, NA engined Porsche made.

Low COG. check.
MID. check.
RWD. check.
MT. check.
non-xbox steering. check.
low weight. check.
head-turning. check.
550 history. check.
non-981/991 pricing. check.

how many checks do you need for crying out loud..

[Deserion]

I've never owned a 911, but I've driven them.

I only prefer my 986 over my dad's 964 due to better A/C and simpler roof operation. The 964, to me, is damn fun to drive.

He has his 911 and also access to my mom's 987 Boxster. He prefers the 911 (probably because it's more old-school and simpler).

[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.

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by thstone

You want driver involvement, excitement, and more feedback than a person can withstand? Buy a 964 RS clone like this one that I drove. Driving heaven.

A 964 clone RS?

Is it cloned from a base 964 or something else?

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by jb92563

A 964 clone RS?

Is it cloned from a base 964 or something else?

They are based off the 964, mainly stripping weight / options and beefing up suspension and rubber........RSAmerica.net: What is an RS America

Thstone is right, they are incredible to drive and the raw feedback is other worldly.

For me I wanted the modern conveniences yet the old school feel which IMO the 993 fills that need perfectly. I just washed it this morning lol, it had been months.



The 997 is much faster and more comfortable though, no debating that.

[HolmaN]

I actually consider selling my 986 for another car. The 996 has been on my mind for a while, but I'm not quite sure if I'd like to stay in the porsche family any longer. I've never really been a porsche fan, but I bought a 986, fell in love and the story goes on. I do however feel like I rather have a car with more comfort, maybe a e-class mercedes, or a w/e. I can't decide, and that's pissing me off at the moment.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by jb92563

A 964 clone RS?

A few years ago I dropped by my indy and he had two of them in the shop. But not clones, the real deal. Both black. I had to sneak into one of them to get a feel for the driver position. Put it this way, if the engine were in the middle and it was white, the Boxster would be long gone. And it certainly wouldn't be a garage queen. I think my indy said that particular owner could get about $30K back then.
Those prices wre doable. But at these prices I'd go with a clone.

[Porsche9]

Could not agree more on the 963/993. Drivers experience does not compare. Makes the 986 feel numb.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

Could not agree more on the 963/993. Drivers experience does not compare. Makes the 986 feel numb.

I don't know about that. I'd say more so the 964 but not really the 993. The 993 to me does not feel like all the 911 and 964 I've driven before as far as feedback and sharpness.
Obvious engine differences aside, to me a 993 feels more like a 996 with the correct wheel base. The car that the 996 should have continued to be when they switched to water-cooled engines, if they were going to dump the 964.
But I think the 964 should have been developed instead of going the grand touring/plusher router that began with the 993.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I don't know about that. I'd say more so the 964 but not really the 993. The 993 to me does not feel like all the 911 and 964 I've driven before as far as feedback and sharpness.
Obvious engine differences aside, to me a 993 feels more like a 996 with the correct wheel base. The car that the 996 should have continued to be when they switched to water-cooled engines, if they were going to dump the 964.
But I think the 964 should have been developed instead of going the grand touring/plusher router that began with the 993.

It is amusing to watch, you feel compelled to reply / comment a novel on everything 911 related and school everybody and their brother (including those who've owned several) regarding their unique characteristics by series. Have you actually ever owned one? I ask in all seriousness.

[fatmike]

Originally Posted by coreseller

They are based off the 964, mainly stripping weight / options and beefing up suspension and rubber........RSAmerica.net: What is an RS America

Thstone is right, they are incredible to drive and the raw feedback is other worldly.

For me I wanted the modern conveniences yet the old school feel which IMO the 993 fills that need perfectly. I just washed it this morning lol, it had been months.



The 997 is much faster and more comfortable though, no debating that.

Coreseller - Those are some sweet wheels!


/

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by coreseller

It is amusing to watch, you feel compelled to reply / comment a novel on everything 911 related and school everybody and their brother (including those who've owned several) regarding their unique characteristics by series. Have you actually ever owned one? I ask in all seriousness.

First of all sorry if I offended your 993 by preferring the 964. My mistake (but be advised that this is not an uncommon view it seems).
As to your question on ownership, you see I'm lucky coreseller I don't have to buy them because I can drive them whenever I wish, well if I ask nicely.. and on some nights I don't have to ask at all since I'm not a drinking person. A pretty darn good tradeoff on a night out I think. I've easily driven more types of Carreras than I have driven Boxsters (which only number two Boxsters including my own).
So if anything I have more first-hand perspective on Carreras than 986's-- the very point of Porsche9's statement that the 'driver experience' in one car does not compare with the others. You must have read it as "ownership experience". And If you take exception to arguging against Porsche9's point to be "schooling" him, then you are mistaken. It's simply voicing the other side of the argument.

And by the way, to my understanding Jeremy Clarkson has never owned a Carrera. Someone should tell him to shut up about Porsches already.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

First of all sorry if I offended your 993 by preferring the 964. My mistake (but be advised that this is not an uncommon view it seems).
As to your question on ownership, you see I'm lucky coreseller I don't have to buy them because I can drive them whenever I wish, well if I ask nicely.. and on some nights I don't have to ask at all since I'm not a drinking person. A pretty darn good tradeoff on a night out I think. I've easily driven more types of Carreras than I have driven Boxsters (which only number two Boxsters including my own).
So if anything I have more first-hand perspective on Carreras than 986's-- the very point of Porsche9's statement that the 'driver experience' in one car does not compare with the others. You must have read it as "ownership experience". And If you take exception to arguging against Porsche9's point to be "schooling" him, then you are mistaken. It's simply voicing the other side of the argument.

And by the way, to my understanding Jeremy Clarkson has never owned a Carrera. Someone should tell him to shut up about Porsches already.

And that would be a "No". It only took almost 200 words (hence the "novel" comment).

Secondly, you didn't offend me nor do I take exception with anything. I am not interested in your or others approval in what I drive / purchase; my money / my choice.

Lastly, Jeremy Clarkson is in the entertainment business and a large part of his popularity is that he continually acts and talks like an ass. Not that it matters but he has indeed flip flopped on the 911 more than once.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by fatmike

Coreseller - Those are some sweet wheels!


/

Thanks Mike. It was between those and BBS LM's, Johnny Danger talked me out of the LM's and now I'm glad he did.........

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I don't know about that. I'd say more so the 964 but not really the 993. The 993 to me does not feel like all the 911 and 964 I've driven before as far as feedback and sharpness.
Obvious engine differences aside, to me a 993 feels more like a 996 with the correct wheel base. The car that the 996 should have continued to be when they switched to water-cooled engines, if they were going to dump the 964.
But I think the 964 should have been developed instead of going the grand touring/plusher router that began with the 993.

I haven't owned a 993 but have driven several all of which were modified and likely coloring my opinion. Even mine was modded (ECU mod, full dual outlet catless exhaust and a coil over suspension) making it a more visceral experience.

In the end for me the 964/993 are more of a true driver's cars and directly not comparable to the newer Porsche sports cars/GTs (based on having driven 986/987/996/997). I guess that is one of the reason the air cooled cars are appreciating in value.