Need Help! 944S vs. 996!
05-19-2018 | 09:26 AM
#1
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
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From: Detroit
Need Help! 944S vs. 996!
Hello All! I would like to apologize in advance if this is not an appropriate forum for this thread! This is my first post here though I have been reading posts on Rennlist for about 6 months. I greatly appreciate the effort that all the active members put to keep this community going!
General Introduction: I'm an automotive engineer, with not a lot of wrenching experience, but decent enough understanding and determination to commit to a car. I am not primarily concerned about the value of the car. I intend to keep it for long. I love 944s and 996s, more so cause they are just enough to empty my pockets. I am only interested in the coupes. I am looking to buy a DD with about 6000 mi of driving per year, with maybe one long trip of a 1000mi. I intend to do all service myself, even the IMS, RMS issue on the 996. I would like to gather advice from all the Porsche enthusiasts to help me purchase my first Porsche. My current thoughts are about $13-$14k on the car + $2-$3k reservoir for repairs. My primary concern is the cylinder scoring on the 996 as I am from the Mid-West. What would be the best car to buy in my situation considering that I am willing to spend about $3k more per year on maintenance? The big picture is to keep a mechanically sound car as long as it lasts.
Thank you for your time you all,
-AM
General Introduction: I'm an automotive engineer, with not a lot of wrenching experience, but decent enough understanding and determination to commit to a car. I am not primarily concerned about the value of the car. I intend to keep it for long. I love 944s and 996s, more so cause they are just enough to empty my pockets. I am only interested in the coupes. I am looking to buy a DD with about 6000 mi of driving per year, with maybe one long trip of a 1000mi. I intend to do all service myself, even the IMS, RMS issue on the 996. I would like to gather advice from all the Porsche enthusiasts to help me purchase my first Porsche. My current thoughts are about $13-$14k on the car + $2-$3k reservoir for repairs. My primary concern is the cylinder scoring on the 996 as I am from the Mid-West. What would be the best car to buy in my situation considering that I am willing to spend about $3k more per year on maintenance? The big picture is to keep a mechanically sound car as long as it lasts.
Thank you for your time you all,
-AM
Last edited by amosalik; 05-20-2018 at 05:45 AM.
05-19-2018 | 09:43 AM
#2
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,050
Likes: 1,781
From: Chicago, IL
Cylinder scoring is just one issue you may or may not face. There are many things that can empty the pocket book. Either car you buy will require maintenance and repairs, but the 996 might be a hair more in that price range of $13k - it’s a bit low for this car. Either one is fine.
BTW, do you need rear seats? If not, I like an early Boxster S. They are mostly a 911, but a bit simpler and quite a bit cheaper, and they handle quite well.
BTW, do you need rear seats? If not, I like an early Boxster S. They are mostly a 911, but a bit simpler and quite a bit cheaper, and they handle quite well.
05-19-2018 | 10:25 AM
#3
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 730
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From: Nashville, TN
FAR more valuable than any advice found online will be had if you go drive each model car you're contemplating. The 944 and 911 are wildly different cars.
I had a 944 turbo many years ago and a 911 now and you'd either want one or the other.
Front engine vs rear engine. 4cyl vs 6cyl. Big difference in performance. Big difference in cost of ownership. All that you an mull over AFTER you drive each.
Once you've done that, you'll be in a far better place to debate the merits of each.
Good luck and happy hunting.
I had a 944 turbo many years ago and a 911 now and you'd either want one or the other.
Front engine vs rear engine. 4cyl vs 6cyl. Big difference in performance. Big difference in cost of ownership. All that you an mull over AFTER you drive each.
Once you've done that, you'll be in a far better place to debate the merits of each.
Good luck and happy hunting.
05-19-2018 | 11:02 AM
#4
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,821
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From: Wilbur by the Sea, FL
You couldn't pay me enough to DD my 951.....you just get tired driving that car. The 996 on the other hand is just so nice and you are relaxed when you reach your destinations. I think your wants and your budget don't line up, but there is no doubt that I would go with a 996 over a 944. If you got a NA 944 I think you would be vastly disappointed in the power, and if you got a 944 turbo, you would want to spend $$$ to make it faster. They just don't have much power in the stock form. The 996 is perfect.
05-19-2018 | 11:35 AM
#5
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,417
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From: VT USA
I’ve had both a 87 944s and two 996 coupes. They’re both okay in their own way, the 944 is nicely balanced and fun to drive, but the 996 is a completely different league of car in terms of power, handling, driving dynamics, and connectedness to the driving experience. Given the choice I’d pick a 996 every time.
I think your purchase budget may be on the low side, but if you can swing a little more up front, you can likely swing a decent example.
The best advice I can give you (and repeat from countless others) is to drive them both, get a pre purchase inspection, and buy the best example you can afford.
I think your purchase budget may be on the low side, but if you can swing a little more up front, you can likely swing a decent example.
The best advice I can give you (and repeat from countless others) is to drive them both, get a pre purchase inspection, and buy the best example you can afford.
Last edited by cds72911; 05-19-2018 at 02:21 PM.
05-19-2018 | 07:07 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 44
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From: Detroit
Thank you all! I will book test drives with these cars next week. I do need rear seats. For that added practicality and storage, just in case.
- How much of a stretch would be needed in the budget for a 996? And how much stretch in for repairs? I do understand that each car is different and If I don't do a PPI, I may buy a lemon, but in general.
- Also, what mileage range should I look for?
- I have read to buy the newest model that I can afford with the lowest mileage, but if I do find a good example in higher 180k mi, would it be worth investing into?
- Also, if I find a good example of a first model year car, would it worth investing into?
05-19-2018 | 07:19 PM
#7
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 289
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Thank you all! I will book test drives with these cars next week. I do need rear seats. For that added practicality and storage, just in case.
- How much of a stretch would be needed in the budget for a 996? And how much stretch in for repairs? I do understand that each car is different and If I don't do a PPI, I may buy a lemon, but in general.
- Also, what mileage range should I look for?
- I have read to buy the newest model that I can afford with the lowest mileage, but if I do find a good example in higher 180k mi, would it be worth investing into?
- Also, if I find a good example of a first model year car, would it worth investing into?
Having read all posts, I'd strongly suggest a Boxster (98-2003 or so). Two trunks give it plenty of storage, rear seats in the 911 are pretty useless (my wife and I both drive cars that have no/useless rear seats and it works out) unless you have tiny people around. Boxster replacement engines can be had for abt 3k if bad things would happen and the cars can be picked up for under 10k in decent shape.
For a 996 factor in 5k for the first year (just to be safe).
Hope that helps.
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05-19-2018 | 07:38 PM
#8
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Detroit
Having read all posts, I'd strongly suggest a Boxster (98-2003 or so). Two trunks give it plenty of storage, rear seats in the 911 are pretty useless (my wife and I both drive cars that have no/useless rear seats and it works out) unless you have tiny people around. Boxster replacement engines can be had for abt 3k if bad things would happen and the cars can be picked up for under 10k in decent shape.
For a 996 factor in 5k for the first year (just to be safe).
Hope that helps.
Thanks,
AM
05-19-2018 | 07:58 PM
#9
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 730
Likes: 117
From: Nashville, TN
I think you’ll get all kinds of opinions on mileage but in my mind the sweet spot for mileage is around 60k. They will be priced a lot lower then low mileage cars and at the same time be proven to be good cars that have stood the test of time and mileage and at the same time been used, which the lack thereof is pretty hard on a car. Don’t get me wrong, higher mileage cars are fine too, but you will need to factor in more $$ on the backside for replacement parts as higher mileage cars will need more things replaced. At 60k, you either spend more on a car that’s had all the needed wear items replaced at that mileage (which is significant) or buy one for a lot less that needs these repairs and do them yourself. Personally, I wouldn’t get into a 996 unless I had $20k to throw at it. Either all that up front for a car that needs nothing or $15k for the purchase of a needy car with $5k in the kitty to get it back to spec.
05-19-2018 | 08:01 PM
#11
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 44
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From: Detroit
I think you’ll get all kinds of opinions on mileage but in my mind the sweet spot for mileage is around 60k. They will be priced a lot lower then low mileage cars and at the same time be proven to be good cars that have stood the test of time and mileage and at the same time been used, which the lack thereof is pretty hard on a car. Don’t get me wrong, higher mileage cars are fine too, but you will need to factor in more $$ on the backside for replacement parts as higher mileage cars will need more things replaced. At 60k, you either spend more on a car that’s had all the needed wear items replaced at that mileage (which is significant) or buy one for a lot less that needs these repairs and do them yourself. Personally, I wouldn’t get into a 996 unless I had $20k to throw at it. Either all that up front for a car that needs nothing or $15k for the purchase of a needy car with $5k in the kitty to get it back to spec.
05-19-2018 | 08:05 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 44
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From: Detroit
I do not mind paying 5k for the first year. I am prepared to have no life outside the garage. I just want to understand the economics to keep this beauty running, tight as a drum. Thank you so much for your input.
05-19-2018 | 09:14 PM
#13
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,032
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From: midwest...near the ocean
996 ftw
great cars for the money, likely easier to get parts for
more return should the situ arrive where it had to be sold
buy a running car, buy the best version you can get so you drive it and not work on it
there's a nice '99 coupe in the classifieds for 19USD in Canada
https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...l-hardtop.html
looks up to date, on paper the only thing that appears to not been addressed
is the suspension
at 89k miles there will be plenty enough maintenance
great cars for the money, likely easier to get parts for
more return should the situ arrive where it had to be sold
buy a running car, buy the best version you can get so you drive it and not work on it
there's a nice '99 coupe in the classifieds for 19USD in Canada
https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...l-hardtop.html
looks up to date, on paper the only thing that appears to not been addressed
is the suspension
at 89k miles there will be plenty enough maintenance
05-19-2018 | 10:05 PM
#14
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5,416
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From: Richmond, TX
I’ve owned my 2002 996 with 54K miles since August 2017 and I’ve been daily driving it.
I’ve spent very little on maintenance.
Maybe $70 on a control arm, under $650 on a windshield, and around $270 on oil and filters.
But ive spent a bunch on mods.
Repairs:
Mods:
Appearance
Engine Performance
Suspension Performance
Safety
Other
I’ve spent very little on maintenance.
Maybe $70 on a control arm, under $650 on a windshield, and around $270 on oil and filters.
But ive spent a bunch on mods.
Repairs:
- Windshield $633 (Safelite) Appointment scheduled for 10/6/17 rescheduled for 10/20 Rescheduled for 10/27
- Control Arm $68
- GBox 2nd gear popout detent
Mods:
Appearance
- Aspherical mirrors
- Headlight Covers Andrew Kwon moderncla6@gmail.com
- Tow Hook License Plate Bracket
- FunctionFirst Classic Shift ****
- Redline Shift Boot
- 911 Emblem in black
Engine Performance
- GT3 throttle body
- Ben’s plenum
- Fabspeed air intake
- GT3 Intake Adapter
- Fabspeed MaxFlo Exhaust
- Exhaust Headers
Suspension Performance
- Feal Coilover suspension
Safety
- Wheel Studs and nuts
- Skid plate
- RSS Rollbar
- KAP Fire Extinguisher Mount
Other
- 997 shifter 997 424 010 91
- Dash cam
- Rennline Cellphone Holder
05-19-2018 | 10:10 PM
#15
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 6
From: Detroit
996 ftw
great cars for the money, likely easier to get parts for
more return should the situ arrive where it had to be sold
buy a running car, buy the best version you can get so you drive it and not work on it
there's a nice '99 coupe in the classifieds for 19USD in Canada
https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...l-hardtop.html
looks up to date, on paper the only thing that appears to not been addressed
is the suspension
at 89k miles there will be plenty enough maintenance
great cars for the money, likely easier to get parts for
more return should the situ arrive where it had to be sold
buy a running car, buy the best version you can get so you drive it and not work on it
there's a nice '99 coupe in the classifieds for 19USD in Canada
https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...l-hardtop.html
looks up to date, on paper the only thing that appears to not been addressed
is the suspension
at 89k miles there will be plenty enough maintenance
-AM