Collin Chapin

Hey everyone,

I have wanted a Porsche 911 for as long as I can remember. It's at the point where I don't even exactly remember why, I just know that the last 15 years of my life i've made it my goal.

I've arrived at the decision making point sooner than I expected and I feel unprepared.

I always told myself i'd get a "911 Turbo" but the reality of the situation is that i'm looking to spend around $50-65,000 and I want to make the best decision I can.

I'm curious as to what may be the cost disadvantages to owning a Turbo vs a 4/4S ... etc

From what I see, it appears that i'll be able to afford a 2001-2003 Turbo or 2001-2007 4/4S with the mileage under 60k.

Thanks in advance for any input
Collin

JonSnow83

If you are looking at 996 and 997 cars, might wanna research in the water cooled forums. Best advice is to drive both and see what you like better. Generally, the naturally aspirated car will be easier on costs long term.

Hunt3R

This is the Air/Oil cooled section, for the real 911's. You're looking for the watercoolers in the 996 & 997 sections.

P.S. - If you have to get a 996, go for the turbo.

bhmkv

I would post this in the water cooled section. This is older air cooled section. 98 and back. Best of luck.

JonSnow83

If you can swing $64k, there's one of the best looking 997 turbos I've seen in the classifieds right now.

race911

Go drive a variety and you'll figure out which appeals to you most. If you overthink annual maintenance and all the other "what ifs" you'll just lose a bunch of sleep. None of them really cost that much to operate.

Maybe you'll totally shift gears and end up wanting one of the old, crude models we discuss in this specific forum. (Oddity in today's white hot market is that my old '73 is probably worth double what the 550HP 996 Turbo is.) If so, pop back in for specific advice on the 911s up to '89.

Ultimately, sounds like you've got enough in your budget to consider a wide variety of models. Take your time, and only buy Blue Chip that pass an extensive, independent PPI from an independent Porsche specialist (NOT dealer).

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Collin,

My best advice to you is:

1) Do your due-diligence about all the cars you are considering. Informed & educated people make good decisions, others not so much. A PPI by competent and honest an independent shop is a must.

2) Avoid (at ALL costs) the "regular" 997 N/A cars and consider the 996 Turbo's or any GT-3; the latter cars are really well done since they have totally different drivetrains. The former is a long story and complex to post here.

mooty

2) Avoid (at ALL costs) the 997 N/A cars and consider the 996 Turbo's; the latter cars are really well done since they have totally different drivetrains. The former is a long story and complex to post here.

997gt3/rs are also N/A cars. but i think they are every bit as good as if not better than air cooled cars.

Collin Chapin

Thank you everyone for the advice, especially considering I didn't even post in the correct forum (oops!).

Honestly my dream car would be an older model but currently i'm looking at this as my DD so living in Connecticut I will want AWD.

I'm sure i'll be back at some point and it's nice to know everyone is so helpful.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Yessir,..I stand corrected on that!! GT-3's share the same powertrain as the TT cars and are solid vehicles.

Amber Gramps

Also avoid the N/A 996 for the IMS issues they have.

Collin Chapin

IMS issues? I did a little big of Googling but do you mind clarifying?

500

IMS = Intermediate shaft

I would not avoid outright, but be aware. Yes, the M96 motor is not Porsche's best, but the internet does distort things. There are a number of good updates for the M96 IMS. I have an air cooled 911 and a Boxster S with the infamous IMS (which, is being replaced this month before the CPO ends). The Boxster S is 10 years old now and has been perfectly reliable for me and the PO. If you find a good 996, it can be a good DD for little money (including the IMS update). That said, if you can spend 65K I would be looking at a good 996 turbo or a GT3.

Wachuko

Go for the newest (and best condition) 997 Turbo that you can find in your budget... and don't look back. Send us a photo of your smile as you drive it... you will have that smile every time you change into 3rd gear and floor it... time will seem to go faster... everything around you will look like standing still or going backwards...

Wachuko

Anything normally aspirated will have to be 2006 and up (best if 2009 an newer). But really, with that budget, go Twin Turbo... a no brainer...