I need some clarity of thought.

The lease on my 540i was up a few months ago, I'm ready to buy another car. I originally planned to get an X5 or used M5 and keep the 964, but now I've had an epiphany:

I sell the 964, drop that money on TOP of what I would have spent on a new car (40k or so), drive my wife's old Jeep when necessary, and presto, 2003 Carrera 4S!

I've tossed this around for a week or so, and I just can't decide. I'd love to have a P-car that I can have as more a daily driver - why limit the fun to weekends? - but I love, LOVE, the 964. Had it out for a drive again today with the top down, and does life get any better?

But then again, the 4S is one of the best looking 911's ever IMHO, and when you have a chance to drive one of the world's great cars, shouldn't you?

Any food for thought would be appreciated!

 

Go the M5 route, i did and haven't looked back - except to check for the Police!!!!.

The power of the M5 compliments the Porsche so well. The only thing i notice is the BMW is so effortless with the power/ gearbox/clutch that the Porsche needs just that little more effort but is so rewarding.

I suppose my real reason for not going for one single expensive/newer car is i just couldn't see myself selling the 965 ever. I gather you feel the same about you 964 Rick.

 

Hmm - unfortunately, you've already shot down my main reason for not wanting a 996 : they're fairly ugly cars in my opinion. Now 993s.............

But - you do realise that you could use the 964 as a daily driver don't you?

 

The 964 is a perfect part time/weekend car, but wouldn't work as a daily driver.

I'm 6'6", and the 964 is suprisingly comfortable, but legroom starts to get to me after a little while. The 996 has much more legroom.

Also, I drop my two kids off at school in the morning. My cab has only 2 seats.

Also, the A/C just went on me again - summer in So Cal is no time to be without air. Also, it's loud as hell. Also, no cupholder. And claustrophobic with the top up. Other than that, it's the perfect daily driver!

The reality here is that the 996 would make a much better daily driver, but I cannot imagine it would offer the same purity of experience my open top cab does. The thing is so...freaking...fun to drive, so perfectly suited to a southern California summer evening, so magical with the kids, so appreciated by other classic Porsche owners, so....

...You see my delimma.

 

Yes, but its such a nice dilemma....

 

Just the thing I can't get over with the 996 is how I still get it and the Boxster confused from the front. Although I do agree the 4s is one of the best looking versions.

 

It surely is a luxury problem but I also agree the 4S is superb, I drove behind one for several miles a couple of days ago and I only watched her behind, luckily I was alone in the car

 

I do like the headlight changes they made to the 996 starting in '01 or '02 but if I had the $$ I'd be hard pressed to get a 996 over a 993. But hey, to each his own and you've got to decide which one would make a better daily driver if that's what you're going to do with it.
OK I've got it; get the 996 and keep the 964!

c

 

I love the looks of the C4S. Even with everything negative I have said about the 996 engine and tranny ... that C4S is a beauty.

Go for it! Make sure you have warranty left on the car and if possible get it from a Porsche dealer with some extended Porsche warranty. For peace of mind.

Post photos of your new baby when you get it.

 

I contemplated a 2001 996 a week ago and concluded that my raw, edgy 964 is much more fun -- especially with the g pipe! If I had a long, daily commute, the 996 would have won out.

Doc
'90 C2 Cab

 

why not just buy an early 996 and keep the 964 - the prices are in the gutter right now and you could easily pick up a nice one for less than 40K
That's what i did.

 

Before the rose tinted glasses cloud right over check out the potential ,big buck problems with early 996. Gearbox failure ( no parts available ) , Rear main seal failure, cylinder liners slipping -motors replaced if under warranty etc ,etc.
If it hasnt got a BIG dealer warranty stay away.

All this from a $100,000 car ! If it was a Toyota the designer would hang himself !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geoff

 

I can imagine the conversation with the wife.

Me: "I'm buying a newer Porsche."
Her: "I know, you've been talking about it for weeks."
Me: "Well, we're keeping the old one."
Her: "Say again?"
Me: "You heard right. We're keeping the old one, the Jeep, and adding another Porsche."
Her: "Uhhh..... hell no."


Actually, I had an epiphany in the parking lot today - when I left for home, there was a C4S parked next to the C2 (destiny), and I chatted with a buddy for a while while they were parked next to each other. They really are like apples and oranges, almost completely different animals.

I have to say, however, that the 964 more than held her own. She's a classic, and I have an excellent example. Much more distinctive, and with the top down, a real sweet peach. (did I just say that?).

I like the classic Porsche community too - have you ever noticed that 996 drivers rarely wave, but the air cooled guys almost always life a hand?

 

Just say NO to the 996. Look for a sweeeet 993 . . . perhaps a 993TT?

Scott

 

Now we're talking! There's one (TT) on ebay right now for $58K with 57K miles.

c