JES1680

Anyone gone this route? I've got a 2000 Boxster S, but would like to get back to a 911 that allows me, the wife and my 2 year old to all go in the same car.
I've found a 99 996 with 23k. In like new condition, all records etc... For around $33k.
Anyone moved from 986 S to 996? Any regrets. Is the 996 noticably faster? Any other observations?

Thanks.

jsaindc

I recently went from a 2000 2.7 base Boxster to a 3.6 2002 996 and it is a huge difference. I have the back seats for the ocassional ride with the kids, a ton more power and the ride is different. I am completly in love; however, it is harder to drive on an autocross course which I found out yesterday, nonetheless, I am still in love.

You are looking at going from a 3.2 Boxster to a 3.4 996, you will not notice as much of a difference as I have. The 996 is heavier and not as well ballanced. If you are using it as a daily driver and want to take the family I say go for it, it sounds like a great price. If you are looking only for performance and plan to use for track and autocross I say think a little more. Just my $0.02.

Dwayne Williams

I did almost exactly what you're thinking about. Are you going from a Boxster to a cabriolet or a coupe? I went from an 01 Boxster S to a 99 996 coupe. Things I like about the 996:
- More power: It's noticeably quicker than the S to me
- Less road noise (no convertible top)
- Has a back seat (though no back trunk)
- Better audio options
Things I liked better about the Boxster S:
- Convertible time was sweet - I miss that the most. Get a cabriolet and you don't have to worry about that
- Go-kart feel. The Boxster just felt more like something you wore, the car fit around you like a glove. Hard to match that mid-engine feel for handling but the 911 comes close.

Don't regret my decision at all. If I could have a Boxster with more power (say a 3.4 or 3.6) for the price I paid for the 996 that might be a different story. But as is I'd do the switch again.

JES1680

I'm looking at going to the coupe. I think I'd kind of miss the convertable, but I'm in MN and its usually either too cold to have the top down, or its down and the AC is cranked because its 90 and 80% humidity. There are not too many perfect days here. The main thing here is having the back seat. Also, I kinda miss my 911 SC that I sold when I bought the Boxster. The 986 S is a great car, but I think I'd get more use (and more family enjoyment) out of a 996 that the 3 of us can take out.
The downsides of this 996 are.
1. Its gold. Not my first color choice.
2. Its got the standard 17inch wheels.
3. No big red breaks like the S has

karlooz

i went from a '97 boxster to a '99 996.

996 pros:
looks - but that's a personal thing and i think the boxster is still really nice looking.
tin top - safer for tracking
more power - it's deceiving though. it's not as visceral as the boxster and doesn't "feel" as fast. kinda weird.

986 pros:
excellent balance, easily out handles the 996
visceral - because of the rag top you hear the intake (especially the EVO intake) and engine. the 996 is more insulated.

if i had my way, i would have the 996 for the street and a 3.6L boxster for the track

rch314

I went from a '01 Boxster to a '01 996 Cab and I love the 996. Since I didn't have the S, I like the increased power and the 6-speed (that alone makes such a difference because you're more likely to be in the right power band). On top of that, I still get the convertible aspect and can use the jumper seats in a pinch.

Of course, the upgrade did cost me money. ;-))

JES1680

Drove the 996 again yesterday. Going for a PPI tomorrow, so I guess I'm getting close to pulling the trigger. It feels faster then the 986, but you have to work it harder to get there. Probably weight difference between the two. Definately feels less planted with the 17s vs the 18s on the 968. The front end hunts a bit more and you can tell there's less rubber on the road. More compliant ride, but also more body roll.
Feels like a 911. Sounds like a 911. I hear the exhaust instead of the intake as on the 968 which to me is more pleasing (especially if I add muffler bypass pipes).
Drove the 968 to lunch today with the top down (its 45 degrees and sunny). This just makes the decision more difficult.

CLL ACAB

And a turbo will be next!!

nycebo

I made almost hte exact same move from a 2000 Boxster S to a 2000 996 C2 Cab. I have not regretted it in any way. The driveability is better as a result of the stronger torque, the horsepower is noticeably better (300 vs. 250) and it just feels a little more planted, though the Boxster would definitely autocross better. Moreover, the Boxster always felt a little more cramped in than the 996. Maybe it's because I'm a little tall (though 6'1" isn't that tall). I don't know, for whatever reason, call it marketing, performance, or what not, I just get an even better thrill out of the 996. And, you seem like you're getting a great price.

Ucube

I made the switch from a '00 Boxster 2.7 to a '99 996 and haven't regretted since. The Boxster is lighter and more nimble, but the 996 is more potent and visceral. I also like the two extra seats and zero blind spots (mine is a coupe). I do miss the top-down motoring from time to time, but I wouldn't trade the sexiest posterior for anything. Ideally, I'd like to have both since the 911 looks best in coupe form, IMHO.

That $33K price sounds like a sweet deal if the PPI checks out. Go for it!

RJMDAD996

I have a Boster S an a 996 03 Targa - They are two diffrent animals. I can't really compare apples to apples because none of mine are stock. The 996 is my favorite, somthing about it, but the 986S is fun to drive also, just not as much fun as the 996 (again my experince only)
My sons, loves the Boxster S more though

Kevin H. in Atl..

Actually, the 986S brakes are the same as 996 brakes (fronts anyway, not sure about rears). The 986S brakes are painted red to differentiate the 986S from the base 986.

JES1680

Kevin, yeah I wondered about the brakes. They looked to be the same. The red ones look cool on the midnight blue Box, but would not on the gold (anyone know what this color is called? Its a beige/gold metalic pearlecent.) of the 996. I'm 90% sure that if the PPI checks out I'll be a 996 owner by the weekend. Also I'm getting a waranty with this one. The box has given me no trouble except for a coolant cap upgrade, but the waranty with the 996 will give me significant piece of mind.

lowside67

I want my Boxster S back

jsaindc

I think it maybe Paladio Metallic, offered on the 99 and 00, the picture below is not the best.