dgmattingley

Greetings from a newbie who recently got clearance from his wife to fulfill his dream of owning a Porsche. Honestly, I'm a novice who finally has the time and money to pursue driving a sports car as a hobby. Interested in thoughts on what to buy.

I've got about $35k to play with. This will be a weekend car (that will occassionally be pressed into commuting), and I'd like to get into AutoX in the near future.

Currently I'm leaning towards a 993 because I just think it looks the best inside and out, and because it seems the least daunting to tinker with. The Cayman is my next choice and my wife's preference (warranty!), with the 996 still not ruled out.



Don

helmet155

Cayman

MrRoboto

Mines for sale

Safemoney

Mine's for sale...I would say it depends what you're looking for. Cayman's have more new technology and they are a mid engine car rather than rear engine. May have less depreciation on a 993 - maybe not, but they sure are a blast to drive.

I can tell you right now...mine gets more heads turning than ANY Cayman. I drive by the Porsche dealership everyday and people drool.

murfysflaw

on the 993 side here, so it's hard not to say 993.... I love mine. However, the Caymans are nice and I wouldn't mind having one in the garage. Between the 3, I'd go either 993 or Cayman over the 996, but that's just a personal preference thing... I don't have anything against the 996s and you can certainly pick one up on the cheap lately. Heck... even some 997s are getting into the territory.

centerpunch

What about a 997?

This one sold for $35K
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=320337973500

jimq

Cayman S

SKM

Caymans are great cars - mid-engine, great handling, fast enough, modern, etc. However there remain issues with Cayman, Boxster and 996/997 engines self-destructing due to the intermediate shaft and other failures. The fact that Porsche redesigned the engines for the new 997, Caymans, and Boxster to eliminate the intermediate shaft seems to indicate they know it was a design flaw that could not be corrected. A local dealer here has replaced hundreds of engines in these models. Once you are out of warranty, it could be expensive.

Like you, I was considering the same cars and decided on a 993 for now. Technicians told me they rarely see an air-cooled engine fail, except perhaps for a missed shift over rev. Once the Cayman with the new engine becomes a 3-4 year old used car for $30K-ish, I might buy one.

SC2993

Have you driven either of the examples that you are considering? Each has its own feel, just depends on what is important to you. Great wife to give you the go ahead on your 1st Porsche! Rennlist is the right place to ask any question about either of the cars.

Of course I am biased, I vote the 993 with the Cayman coming in 2nd place.

jimbo3

For AX, a slight nod to the Cayman S. OTOH, I hear that near-mint, well-maintained, low mileage 993's with prefered mods are now being given away for $8K to $10K less than your budget. For all purposes other than AX, the 993 would be preferable.

ga993

With $35K, I would hunt for a 997. Otherwise, 993.

b5audia4

Cayman if you want new and with a warranty.

993 if you want fun, minimal depreciation, and classic 911 feel & look.

996 if you want lots of depreciation! But might be bang for the buck now since so many out there.

bart1

Since you say it's not a DD and you have both the time and money to view it as a hobby, I would say 993. Do a lot of reading before you buy. Be aware that there some expensive maintenance procedures on 993s that might be looming (valve guide wear for one). I would advise buying one of the well maintained and desirably modded ones from here. The 993 will hold it's value better than any of the others mentioned, so you might not lose as much if you decide it's not for you.

-Bart

race911

I'd buy something nice below 100% of your budget, and have a bit left over to fix/modify the things you'll undoubtedly want to do. Is it worth scratching the bottom of the 997s? Going with a 2.7L Cayman?

ilko

996TT