mrsullivan

Yes its water-cooled and lacks the character of our 993s.... but geez, this is almost enough to make me switch to the dark side. I have seen several of these, 2004 models, with less than 10k miles on them for approx. $65k.

Consider that this 996 has 345 horsepower, rear wheel drive, upgraded turbo-look front bumper, side aero skirts, special wheels, and all kinds of special interior goodies.

Here is one with less than 3k miles listed at $67k:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...en&cardist=532

rcwelch

Doesn't that price give you a hint of things to come....

mrsullivan

the price reflects over supply and under-demand of 996s...

dont get me wrong, I have never been a big fan of the 996, paricularly the plain C2... but the added HP (60hp more than our cars), exterior treatments and interior goodies make the 40th anniv model interesting... most of them stickered in the 90s less than a year ago... its just crazy to me that you can pick one up now perfrect condition little to no mileage in the $60s...

texas911

I took a long hard look at the 40th when I ordered my 997. It was steeply discounted even when new, but they sat in the dealer lots for a long time because they were very expensive, same price as the upcoming 997s.

Now that they've come down in price, they are looking pretty good. It's finished in GT Silver which is a costly option and are numbered editions. So down the road they might be "collectible".

The model I liken it to is the 911 Speedster of the late 80's. They sat on dealer lots for a long time too, but are now popular models.

vjd3

Interesting comparison to the Speedster ... also interesting to note that the 1989 Speedster, which was based on the venerable 3.2 Carrera G-50 platform, has remained prized, while the 964 Speedster is less collectible. Neither the 94 964 "Jubilee" widebody C2 the 964 America Roadster nor the "911" 35th anniversary special edition of the 996 seem to have held onto their values particularly well. The 964 RS America still does well. Makes you wonder how truly collectible any 996 variant might be down the road, especially since they were based on the base 996, unlike the original Speedster which was a Turbo-bodied car with the raked windshield.

I think the 2004 40th is a fine car, but I wouldn't look at is a potential collector's investment, just a highly optioned 996 with some extra HP.

Vic
95 C4

mrsullivan

agree with Vic... I am not sure that it will ever be collectible, but on more practical terms, pretty compelling -- almost same HP as the new 997S, GT Silver, comes pretty much fully loaded, full warranty, $30k less... of course, it doesnt look as good (understatement)

Berkley

PCNA had to pick up around a $20,000 discount for the dealers to sell them when new....per a friend who owns a Porsche store....Frankly I was not paying attention at that time as I had no interest...so I don't remember whether he said off of MSRP or his dealer cost....it seems I was offered a new one for around $70,000 or less......no future as a priceholder IMHO

Edward

$65K could get you one nice 993TT. Now comparing these two really is no comparison ...IMHO of course

Edward

Monique

There is one for sale near me: Porker dealer wants Euros 155K

My $0.02: the 993 is more "traditional" than any 996. 40 anniversary or not!

rockwoodfarm

It seems a decent value as a daily driver. IMO it's an asthetically challanged vehicle with very nice mehanicals. I don't drive my 993 every day but I wouldn't hesitate to pile the miles onto a 996, how much more could it depreciate?

Steve 96C4S

Tha shape of the body does nothing for me, doesn't tug at my heartstrings, but the value of that car is excellent. So, if it's calling to you, or smiling at you (it doesn't smile at me in the least, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder) - go for it! It certainly has "got it all".

Let us know what you do. I'm betting you don't buy it in the end. It's hard to give up a nice 993 like yours!

Steve

Zed.

But why give up a 993 to drive a 40th anniv. everyday? BTW, its a much nicer car quality-wise and driveability-wise than the 993. Take if from someone who drives both often. And geez, it is FAST with 345 hp. . No comparison there either.

Alon

If it's any indication, I just sold my 40 Jahre Carrera with less than 12,000 KM on the clock to buy a 1997 C2S. That car was my third 996 (with other previous 911s but never a 993) and it was an incredible car to own but as per my other posts, I described it as the world's fastest and best Civic. Don't get me wrong, it's a great and fast car and yes, they are going for good prices and you get a lot of car for the money but it definitely lacks the character or value retention of any 993 (especially the S-series of the 993).

For me, it was all about owning a car with character, in the sound, the driving experience and yes, the look. I tracked the 996s in the past and will track the C2S and I have no doubt that the 40 Jahre is faster but at this point, I don't care about that compared to the "feeling" that the 993 offers. Besides, I could always supercharge the 993 if I find that I need much more power.

What can I say, if you get it, you'll find it to be quiet, comfortable and fast as hell but you'll always yern for a 993 in the end.

I hope this helps.

Zed.

Civic is harsh. The 40th out powers, accelerates and out corners my C4S with euro M030 suspension and euro TT sway bars. The 993 feels real sluggish in comparison whereas the 996 is crazy fast. With PSE (just installed) the sound of a later 996 is smilar to the RSR mufflered 993 but louder.
I'm not trying to sell anything here, just lending opinion from one who has experience driving both cars alot.
I was just at the dealer. Sorry the 997 doesnt do it for me. No offense intended but somewhat of a poseur in the looks department bewteen 993 and 996. I hope it grows on me as they mod the exterior with time. Then again it took me a while to warm to the 996 until I saw the 40th version that took the best of 996 turbo nose, GT3 rockers, sport suspension, hard back heated sports seats etc and that bigger motor.
Enjoy your new car and please give us a driving progress report.

Alon

OK, Civic is too harsh. I didn't mean that as a put-down to the beautiful and hugely fast car that it is. To me, it was very easy to drive, very comfortable (not too many negatives so far) but not as involving as an older 911 and for me at least, the 993 (especially in S-form) is the perfect blend of old and new. I did miss the funny little quirks associated with older Porsches when I owned the 996s and yes, mine had the PSE (phenominal and the way it should be from factory) but still, I always missed that "old-Porsche" feeling everytime I drove it.

If money was no issue, I'd have both or perhaps the following:

1973 Carrera RS Lightweight clone (who the hell wants a real one and have to worry about it all the time),
1989 930 (with open exhaust for flame-throwing of course),
1992 964 based Carrera RS (I love 'em),
1997/1998 Carrera 2S,
40 Jahre for daily driving

For me, I save a bundle of cash getting out of my 40 Jahre and into a great C2S with cash left over for my next project, a 904 replica (as soon as I can source a body and chassis).