Mongo

After a long debate between a Boxster and a 968, I've decided to continue life with the 4 cylinder, front engined bretheren. A 968 looks like the next choice as a daily driver for me as my 944 gathers more miles, squeaks and all the sounds that make the car aged.

I'd like to hear from the 968 owners out there about their experiences with their cars. I'm aware of the ring and pinion failure on these cars, but would like to know around what mileage do they actually fail at? R&P's are no stranger to me since I've already dealt with the 944's achilles heel in the drivetrain.

I'm in no rush to buy one soon, so the more I save, the better chances I have on finding a well-sorted car with documented history, maintenance and pampering

Van

May I ask why you've ruled out the Boxster? That would be my choice over a 968?

Reimu

Because the 968 is pure win. I can't go outside without seeing a rich businessman's wife driving around in a boxster.

Now the boxster S...

jpk

I bought my car at 78k miles with a bad pinion bearing. I don't have any idea how long it was driven like that, but the bearing wasn't too horible when it came out.
It doesn't affect all cars; from what I can gather on the forums, maybee 20% or so.
Another issue of contention is the variocam pads/timing chain. Mine still sounds fine, but some people have had failures around the 100k mark. I'm tempted to open the head cover and have a look over the winter just for peace of mind, even though my mechanic assures me I'll hear the chain rattling around well before it fails.

potent951turbo

Good Choice! 968 > Boxster

Mongo

I have experience working on the front engined series. I also like the idea of having a hatch that can fit a lot cargo and I can even fold the rear seats down. The engine is more solid, and has less issues than the 1998 Boxsters I was looking at. Although, I haven't seen many porousity issues on those cars...

Stephenwz968

I've had 4 968's-3 cabs and a coupe. The coupe is awesome for daily driving, it can really move when you need it to, the 6th gear is great for cruising on the highway (well, that's in the cab too) and as with the 944 you can fit a ton of stuff in the back. The only reason I'm selling my coupe is to fund the new speed yellow cab, and I've actually got my daily driver on the block as well, and I would gladly daily drive my coupe.

Steve

76 911s

Good choice with the 968. The 968 isn't a car you see everyday; its the best of the NA's, much like the 993 S is the best of aircooled 911's. For me, the horrible hard plastic interior of the Boxster/996's was what sealed the deal for the 968. That and the fact that mine was driven by a 105 pound woman for the last 15 years....the seats really show it. As much as I love my 951, the 968 is a nice change of pace; you don't feel like hustling it. Go find a nice one, you won't regret it.

saxman

I compared a boxster with the 968 when in my search for a p car.

They're no where near the same honestly. The boxster is a nice car, but it doesn't have the uniqueness of the 968. It doesn't have the same character, etc. While I liked it, and it certainly does do some things better, it didn't drive around in my dreams at night and such. I just didn't feel the same pull towards it that I did the 968.

They're both great cars, and performance wise, they both have their advantages and disadvantages towards the other.


Pinion gear failure on these cars is a hit or miss sort of thing. Isn't really dependent on any sort of mileage or other condition.

DMB14

968 > Boxster. Get a 968 Cab if you want to feel the wind in your hair.

boost feen

968's get 30 plus MPG on the highway with exhaust and K&N filter mod's! Try that with the Boxter!

saxman

I just wish I could get 30 mpg in the city

FRporscheman

I average 17mpg... either with airbox or cone. Maybe I have a lead foot. I always feel like hustling it! I don't care what some of you 951 people say, the 968 is still a quick car. I don't pussyfoot around the throttle, I open it up every day.

As a daily driver, the 968 is very comparable to the 944, with some exceptions. It has more power so it is easier to do a lot of things, like pass. The larger rear bumper provides more space for the spare, therefore the bulge in the trunk carpet is 90% gone, and you get more trunk space. The clock under the radio is annoying - you can't see it when the shifter is in 3rd or 5th. The smaller cubby is annoying. It is very annoying when you have to close the hatch, and you can't just grab the wing (it's a no-no) - on a 944 you can just grab the rubber spoiler.

luckett

I think something is not right with your car. I easily get 20+ mpg and I'm pretty aggressive with the throttle. And when I drove your car it didn't seem to have the power it should.

76 911s

Totally agree with the clock. You must have a lead foot. You're right, the 968 is in no way slow, but it has a completely different character to the 951. I just find it more relaxing to the nature of the 951. Prodding the throttle doesn't reward you with the boost of a turbo, but the torque curve is so broad that you really don't need to rev it too much.