Buying my first Porsche soon.
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Buying my first Porsche soon.
I have been looking at a couple of different cars.
951(turbo), 968, and Boxster...for those of you that can see the financial jump from a 951 to a Boxster, I understand.
First off, I am a pretty big guy (think football and not Fat Bastard)...I have driven the 968 and Boxster, and seemed more comfortable in the Boxter, but I'm going to give the 968 another try.
Can anyone tell me if there is any more "room" in a 951 over a 968...also, I am wondering what a turbo conversion on a 968 would cost. I really like the styling and lines of the 968 over the 951...but I am very undecided at this point.
I'm hoping some wisdom and educated opinions will be of help in making a decision.
Thanks!
-Jeff
951(turbo), 968, and Boxster...for those of you that can see the financial jump from a 951 to a Boxster, I understand.
First off, I am a pretty big guy (think football and not Fat Bastard)...I have driven the 968 and Boxster, and seemed more comfortable in the Boxter, but I'm going to give the 968 another try.
Can anyone tell me if there is any more "room" in a 951 over a 968...also, I am wondering what a turbo conversion on a 968 would cost. I really like the styling and lines of the 968 over the 951...but I am very undecided at this point.
I'm hoping some wisdom and educated opinions will be of help in making a decision.
Thanks!
-Jeff
Last edited by littlejt1; 08-30-2004 at 11:49 AM.
#3
Nerd Herder
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Best way to fit- drive them all- each has it's own characteristics and personal space. The 944/951 is close to a 968- best off to get some real "seat time" in each in order to suit your personal tastes.
My 6'7" brother is comfortable in a 944 with the sunroof in, but the helmet touches the sunroof- it depends on what your purpose of the vehicle is.
Welcome to Rennlist!
My 6'7" brother is comfortable in a 944 with the sunroof in, but the helmet touches the sunroof- it depends on what your purpose of the vehicle is.
Welcome to Rennlist!
#4
Jane Bond 007
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
You HAVE to experience boost! Make your mind up from there As for the interior room in the 968 vs 951; interior-wise they're basically the same car. If you were blind-floded when you got in, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. However, that's from observation. I've never driven a 968. Try'em out and see what you think!
#5
Race Car
ok, first things first - you have to learn how to spell correctly
it's PORSCHE and BOXSTER
now, go get yourself a turbo or 968
it's PORSCHE and BOXSTER
now, go get yourself a turbo or 968
#6
Racer
Thread Starter
Spell check.
Thanks to all for this, sometimes I type too fast and miss keys...
I do know how to spell both Porsche and Boxster...despite my humble upbringings in Arkansas! LOL!
I do know how to spell both Porsche and Boxster...despite my humble upbringings in Arkansas! LOL!
#7
Nerd Herder
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I almost forgot.. A lot depends on how much wrenching you will be willing to do yourself.
Labor can kill you on a 951/968 unless YOU ARE the labor source.. Boxsters may be covered under warranties..
Labor can kill you on a 951/968 unless YOU ARE the labor source.. Boxsters may be covered under warranties..
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#8
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
IF you can do your own wrenching, there isn't much to be afraid of here. Just get a good example of whatever you decide on. Since you mentioned you're big guy, have you looked at the 928? It has it's good points and bad, but there is precious little that can beat a 951 for upgrades and fun. I'm 6'1" and have no problems in mine, even with a helmet on. A racing seat can give a bit more headroom. Drive some examples before you make up the mind.
#9
Burning Brakes
personally i like the 944s and 968s better then the boxter. I own a 944 n/a and have driven a 951 (944 turbo) and 986 (Boxter). I think the 944s are better driving cars. From my point of view the 986 has more of a go cart like feel wich personally i do not like so much but the 944s feel like real driver's cars that hande very well and the Turbo feels faster then a Boxter (not sure of the actual numbers but thnk the 951 is faster). If I were you i would go for the 951 or 986 but the best way to decide for yourself is to just drive them all and see which one you like the best.
Oh yea and welcome to the list.
Oh yea and welcome to the list.
#10
Burning Brakes
Jeff - welcome to Rennlist
Daily driver or weekend fun car ? I'm fortunate that I have another car for bad weather driving but there are quite a few here that drive their Porsches everyday.
The expenses of maintenance and repairs should not be overlooked or underbudgeted.
In the Chicago papers, I have recently seen a few 944 Turbos with low miles (55-65K) for $9K-11K - that is reasonable for a car without issues. Of course you can spend less or more with cars needing work or higher miles. The 944 Turbo cars are the best performance bang for the buck. Always look for a car with decent maintenace history, otherwise you have to assume that the work was not done.
Whatever car you buy, get an independent 944-qualified shop to perform a pre-purchase inspection and an independent qualified body shop to perform a pre-purchase inspection looking for bodywork repairs.
Get a copy of the buying guide articles published in Excellence magazine every year about the cars youre considering.
Let us know where youre located - drive whatever cars youre thinking about to get a feel for room etc. Some of these cars have optional 'sports seats' which have tighter fit side bolsters. My '89 944 Turbo's optional sports seats feel tighter than the standard fabric or leather seats.
There is a weath of experience here on Rennlist - now would be a good time to join.
Daily driver or weekend fun car ? I'm fortunate that I have another car for bad weather driving but there are quite a few here that drive their Porsches everyday.
The expenses of maintenance and repairs should not be overlooked or underbudgeted.
In the Chicago papers, I have recently seen a few 944 Turbos with low miles (55-65K) for $9K-11K - that is reasonable for a car without issues. Of course you can spend less or more with cars needing work or higher miles. The 944 Turbo cars are the best performance bang for the buck. Always look for a car with decent maintenace history, otherwise you have to assume that the work was not done.
Whatever car you buy, get an independent 944-qualified shop to perform a pre-purchase inspection and an independent qualified body shop to perform a pre-purchase inspection looking for bodywork repairs.
Get a copy of the buying guide articles published in Excellence magazine every year about the cars youre considering.
Let us know where youre located - drive whatever cars youre thinking about to get a feel for room etc. Some of these cars have optional 'sports seats' which have tighter fit side bolsters. My '89 944 Turbo's optional sports seats feel tighter than the standard fabric or leather seats.
There is a weath of experience here on Rennlist - now would be a good time to join.
#11
Nordschleife Master
Get a pre-purchase inspection by an independant mechanic who really knows the marque, or you could be in for a world of pain. That $150 or whatever will be repaid in the lower price you negotiate once you know all the car's flaws.
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks again for all the advice!! I'm looking forward to it soon! I do plan to do most of the wrenching myself...my only wish is that I had a lot more space to work on cars!! (Much to my wife's distain!!)
I'll just keep on drivin' until I find one that "feels" right!
Great group here, I'll be looking forward to picking everyone's brain!
-JL
I'll just keep on drivin' until I find one that "feels" right!
Great group here, I'll be looking forward to picking everyone's brain!
-JL
#13
Racer
Thread Starter
Drove a 951 finally...
Thanks to everyone's advice I finally drove a 951 this weekend...all the "rumors" about "boost" are true....PURE JOY!!!
I'll be purchasing soon!!! Thanks again to all!
-Jeff
I'll be purchasing soon!!! Thanks again to all!
-Jeff