Test drove a 996...

[Porschekid]

I finally got to test drive a 2000 Carrera C2 that I have been eyeing up over the weekend. The car had 49k miles on it but really felt more like 20k miles. I took it on a little back-road near the lot and couldn't believe the power and throttle response on it. My Boxster feels fast once it gets moving but from a stand still this thing feels like the front end is raising up and the tail end is going to kick out. I buried first and second and was doing about 80 in no time. It was at that time when the lot attendant riding with me said "Please don't kill me."

I actually got pulled over on the test drive but luckily not for speeding... the cop said we were leaving a parking lot that just had an alarm go off but I think he was just making sure the car wasn't stolen, etc. Kinda tells me how high profile these cars must be. Braking and shifting feels about the same as in the Boxster. The steering feels similar but a little heavier. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any good twisties to really test it's capabilities.

I am contemplating getting the car because it seems like a good deal ($15k over my trade-in of a same year Boxster with comparable mileage). I may need to take my Boxster out with the top down again before making any final descision though. Plus I need a couple months to get my financing in order so I hope it doesn't sell anytime soon. Here is the car to anyone who didn't see my last post... http://www.midnightracing.com/mra/W620448porsche911c2.htm

If only the Boxster had this kind of power I wouldn't have this problem. But I guess the 2007 Boxster S's will have similar power.

[CJ_Boxster]

I remember you posting pictures of this car awhile back. Im glad you've given it a good review because i will be in the market for one in acouple years. Whats the asking price of that 996?

[Porschekid]

Originally Posted by CJ_Boxster

I remember you posting pictures of this car awhile back. Im glad you've given it a good review because i will be in the market for one in acouple years. Whats the asking price of that 996?

$35,000 which is about the best i've seen for a decent mileage 911. I can't imagine it taking too much more of a depreciation hit in the next few years either. I would definately get a PPI before buying it though. I also loved the Litronics... if I decide to keep the Boxster I may need to get a set.

[Perfectlap]

I've simply never been impressed with the power in any of the non-gt2/gt3/Turbo 996's (Nothing like getting into a 500+ HP Corvette or similar). And pendulus cornering is well pendulus.

Not that this is your motivation but, I would never consider a standard 996 as "trading up". Maybe its fullfiling some sort of childhood fascination with the 911 legend but from a DRIVER'S point of view, its "trading down" for a bit more power. 0-60 times are marginally better between a 986S and a C2. And the standard 996s are not holding value particularly well. The higher end 911's are doing much better but even the 996 Turbo with a true GT1 dry sump engine can be found for under $60K all over the internet. Kind of amazing that a genuine exotic that can be parked next to a Ferrari can be had for less than the price of new fully decked ouut CaymanS or BoxsterS. Porsches are simply not holding value like they used to.

This car looks nice but you will miss the wind in your hair on the open highway. And you won't be any better off in the snow. Get a C4 if your going to a coupe.

[Bavarian Motorist]

You forgot the most important part.


THE EXHAUST NOTE!

[Porschekid]

I understand power is all relative. My old modded Altima felt much faster than in stock form. My Boxster felt very fast compared to that. And the 911 feels fast now. I guess it's all in what type of power you have experienced. I did come across a 2002 996 turbo in the $50k's although it was a tiptronic... If this car passes me by maybe i'll hold off until I can afford a car like that. And I will admit that the childhood 911 fascination does come into play. Snow isn't a factor because I have an A4 Quattro.

[Perfectlap]

no matter how much power you get into you'll get "used to it". Kind of dangerous condition. That's what I loved about my puny 1.8 Miata. It was a tuna can and when you were doing 70 you felt your speed, you respected it.
The 911 has more than enough power for high performance driving as does any Boxster. I think you have to evaluate what factors other than power will make you happy. The I prefer the styling of the (2002-2004) 911 to the Boxsters and that's a big motivation for many. Scratch that itch if you feel it because well maintained Boxsters will always be available for even better prices.

[1JB]

I liked this car when you first posted and still do. Beautiful car with low mileage. See what you can negotiate them down to and go for it.