agodofgame

Alright guys,, here it goes. Ive wanted a 911 since I was 12. And have finally come to the point where I can afford a used one. I just got out of college and have been driving my POS for like 5 years now and finally landed my first good job with a solid paycheck. A guy I know well who knows the family happens to be selling his '01 911. It has some stuff like an aero kit etc.. but is mostly in stock config with less than 40,000 miles. He wanted 25k for it but for me he would cut me a deal. Heres the dilemma. Everyone I know, who doesnt have a 911 has told me that these cars are problematic, cost too much for repairs and are not a realistic everyday driver. I on the other hand believe it to be a very well crafted piece of machinery that if taken care of will last a long time. SO my question to you guys is A) should I get it?,, B) are the 01 911's reliable and worth the money? C) will this car if properly maintained (mobil 1 etc) last me a while. Anyway, its a slick looking one black on black garaged etc.. And of course I would have it checked out by a porsche guy I know of in town.. thanks in advance,, I am 22 and single,, I want to build up some equity, get a 911, build my wealth up before getting married etc...Not that it matters but I like the thought of being a bachelor and having my 911 along with me.

911vet

Hello,

Welcome to the world of Porsches.

I suggest you post on the 996 forum instead of the 911 forum. There's quite a big difference between an air/oil cooled 911 and a 2001 water-cooled 996 like you're considering.

So, if you're not familiar with Rennlist, look to the left and you'll see the list of Rennlist Forums. Choose Water Cooled, then 996 --- that will get you to the forum for the car you are considering. I think you'll get better advice there.

Good luck!

Peter Zimmermann

I also humbly suggest that you pick up a copy (Amazon.com is the best choice) of the 8th Edition of my book (my signature). I devote about 12 pages to the 996 years, and the rest of the book's 200 pages will give you a good thumbnail regarding the rest of 911 development!

911vet

Yeah, definitely get Pete's book. It's the single best resource for info on these cars. I read it cover-to-cover before I purchased my 911 and I still refer to it today. It will give you an idea of what to look for and what to expect after you own one.

And you'll be happy to know that unlike Pete's signature, the book does not contain bizarro political propaganda.

To answer one of your questions... there are a lot of 911s out there being used as daily drivers. These cars are extremely well-built machines. I can't speak much on the 996, but the 911 has been a very dependable. I would not describe it as "problematic" at all. As far as expensive repairs... I've owned Hondas, Toyotas, BMWs, VWs, and Porsches. I can't say the German cars have been as cheap to own as the Japanese ones, but I will submit this: If you like to work on your own car, then get a Porsche! It's a dream to work on compared to every other car I've owned.

If you aren't going to do any of your own maintenance/work, then you will have budget for repairs. But that's now true of Honda and Toyos too. I'm not sure any new car is "cheap" to repair. They have become highly technical and specialized. The systems get more and more complex. (that's one reason I love my old 911)

My 87 has 126K miles on it. I drive it on the track. I drive it on the street. I take vacations in it. I consider it very dependable.

Do some research so you know what you're getting into. But all those people telling you that a Porsche is not suited for a daily driver... how many of them own one? I doubt they do.

theiceman

.. i would never own a Porsche M96 engine that has that IMS.....

I'm just sayin'........

wellcraft290

I will keep my mouth shut but go to the 996 forum and read away. I chose a 964 was cheaper then the 25k and I love the reliability of it. Took it to maine 800 plus miles then to CT this weekend about 250 miles round trip. I love the car and feel I can drive anywhere in it.

racer

Some things you might want to consider/look into
1) Check with your ins. co
2) will you be garaging it or will it be on the street?
3) Should a catastrophic failure occur, say like complete engine failure, could you afford to fix it?
4) They make fine daily drivers... but will you be driving it in the snow? You'll want a set of 4 snows when its time.

Todd951968

The Boxsters and 911 Carreras 996 (and perhaps even the newer ones) all scare me for various reasons you'll find in their respective forums. With their prices finally coming down, they may be less risky if something bad happens and hou have to replace an engine. But, I would definitely budget for a worst case scenario if you proceed. I would fee more comfortable owning a newer Porsche if it had a good warranty. Then, I'd probably try to sell it (at a loss) when the warranty expired.

theiceman

google "IMS failure " .....

Brett San Diego

Um, when you get a couple of minutes. Open up your engine and look at what's driving the oil pump and cam shafts.

Brett

Nine11

To me, just starting out and trying to 'build equity' doesn't go well with owning a Porsche. They will be more expensive to run, buy, maintain etc...so it's a matter of how much/how fast you want to build equity.

I wanted a 911 since I was in elementary school. I waited until I got my base/foundation set up; meaning a house, steady income, savings, companies, and a family. I know what my family running costs are, I know how much I save, I know how much disposable income I have for 'stuff'....

I don't fix my own car, but will start learning the basics and try to do things myself. So I have to have a war chest filled in case I need it. Porsche cars are not cheap. Wonderful cars and full of character...but you got to pay to play.

theiceman

oops .. Brain moving faster than fingers ...... fixed .....

PS I heard the next GEN 911 engine will have no IMS at all .....

rusnak

I just want to say "congratulations" on the great new job, and I can totally relate to wanting a 911 since you were a little kid.