John McM

Bought the Turbo 3.6 when I was a few months short of 40 and 10 years later it's time to add another car.

I toyed with the thought of an Aston Martin, but put that aside when I realized I want a DD.

Choices are down to 996 Turbo, 996 C4S, and Cayman S. They are all in the same price range.

For some reason the C4S pushes my buttons more than the Turbo or the Cayman. It seems a more cohesive design.

Some of you here may have experience with these cars so I thought I would post here. BTW this is to complement the Turbo 3.6 not compete with it.

chsu74

What year Cayman S? The new 9A1 engine or the M96? If it is the M96 engine in the Cayman S, then 996Turbo. If not, then I would go for the Cayman S because it will be different than your current 964T.

RaceCarDriver

Just sold my 996 C4S and bought an 08 CS. had the 996 for 6yrs, very reliable.

I like to autocross so the mid engime Cayman S is better for that.

Both are great cars, the Cayman would be a better daily driver because it is newer, also more trunk space and better gas mileage

If you buy a 996, buy on condition, not mileage, only buy a car with all the service records from day one. That is why i prefer buying privately.

I looked at about 10 996's before buying mine. I paid extra for it even though it was higher mileage but it was in the best mechanical condition. I'm glad i did, never had any problems in 6 years.

Cayman S is great, might come down to whether you like mid engine or rear engine cars best

John McM

2006 Cayman S so M96 engine. Need to sit in the car to see how my 6' 4" frame will fit. I fit snugly in the Turbo 3.6 so figure cars with an upright screen and no sunroof would be best.

John McM

Two choices with 996 C4S right now. Both just out of long term ownership I.e. 7+ years. One with 30,000 miles and the other at 45,000 miles. Actually a bit concerned about long term low mileage as owners tend to go slack on maintenance because they're not using them.

peterC2S

Hi John - are you looking in NZ? Seem to be a good choice of either 4S or TTs at the moment - none seem to be moving for some reason. I'm surprised at how close in price they are given the performance difference? As a DD, and given you already have the 3.6T for fun times I'd probably run with the 4S.

Pete

John McM

Hi Pete, yes I'm looking in NZ. I think the TTs are well priced, especially when you look at the equivalent British market but their slow movement reflects their lack of emotional appeal. It's not a pretty car and I think you'd buy because it was a bargain, not because you want to wander down to the garage to admire it.

The C4S cars are far more attractive and they know it. The English market suggests these should be high $50k not high $60k.

I'm leaning towards the C4S. I like the Dunedin one, but it's a long haul and Dealers may not be negotiable. I'm not paying $70k for that car.

Cheers
John

MFuller

I recommend a '65 Shelby GT-350...and you can actually work on it, I do.

SPDADCT

I cant imagine a 65 Shelby as a Daily Driver, but sounds like a good toy for the garage.

John McM

Not to mention rare as rocking horse scat in Right Hand Drive. The market is deciding for me right now as only two cars fit the bill. It will either be an '02 C4S or an '01 TT. Both Tiptronic. I think the purity of the C4S design will win over. I don't need two cars that do the same thing and the Turbo 3.6 isn't going anywhere any time soon.

peterC2S

John - any reason you're not considering a 964 or 993 as a DD? That silver tip 993 has been around a while - very original, good miles and slots neatly under the 4S on price. I'm set on a 964 personally but have been going through the same thought process as you - just don't have the luxury of a 3.6T already sitting in the garage to complicate the process!

Pete

John McM

Pete, I did look at a couple of 964s, but I'm not keen on 250 hp automatics and the manual cars are few and far between. Also, for some reason that period had some very questionable interior colours. Add the points that I know will need doing e.g. Wishbones and it all comes down to a value judgment. I have the hairiest, most beautiful 964 model sitting in my garage. Sports seats and a black interior add to its allure. Any other 964 will find it hard to measure up.

A good manual 964 will cost NZD 40,000 and I'm targeting NZD 60,000 for a 320 hp car that is 10 years more advanced. Just seems a better option. As for the 993, nice cars but similar issues on the way and I want some modern technology.

peterC2S

"I have the hairiest, most beautiful 964 model sitting in my garage"

Amen to that!!

Knight

I would lean towards the Cayman S, seems like a perfect daily driver IMO.

It's compact, nimble, fun to drive and like someone stated great gas mileage too.

It just has a bit more of the raw p-car feeling vs the 996 generation. The sound of the mid engine right behind your ears is great!

TT Surgeon

I had a 996c4s and a 997tt. The c4s is one of the best looking Porsche cars ever. But the m96 engine is junk. I would not own one off warranty, which they all are now.
I'd go 996tt.