angelo1404

Hello to all --

First time poster... I recently did the Porsche Driving School in Alabama and am now hooked. Drove the 2007 Carrera and Carrera S on track, the Cayman and the Boxster on the autocross.
Am on a budget, so I have to go used.
I have done some preliminary research and I think I am in the 2000-2003 range. I would prefer a C4 or C4S, as I want to track the car in some DE courses.
So, any advice?

chsu74

Welcome!! Many people will say buy the newest you can comfortably afford. Include also a mod budget as many here are experts in spending your hard earned money. Its just one of many ways to show that they care.

BTW '02+ are C4S and '00 to '01 are C4.

angelo1404

Thanks for the advice! My high end budget number is probably $40,000. By the way, what kind of insurance costs can I expect?

chsu74

insurance depends on the coverage you are looking for and the value of your car. it should not be that much more than another car worth 40K say a used M3 in that range. I would call your provider with some vin# from autotrader for quotes to get an idea.

Phil G.

Depends on how many miles you put on it. I use Allstate - since my annual mileage is <5,000, my rates are incredibly low, even though the car is not antique or classic per se. Call your company to see what they can do.

angelo1404

Phil G-
What are your thoughts on C4 vs. C2? The guys at the Porsche Driving School are big believers in the C4, even for the track.

Phil G.

The AWD Porsches are more forgiving than the C2. Ask others on the board who've tracked their cars (I haven't) - the way I 'use' a car, I would've bought a rear drive, but just fell in love with the looks of the 4S - it really is gorgeous to look at. Also, it's more difficult to kick out the rear end than the C2. But, I can see how the C2 would be a blast at the track, though. Drive both and buy what you love!

Nicolaasdb

don't

MechanicalEng

Just to give you an Idea about insurance costs.. I am 27 and single, no accidents or tickets ever, and I pay $1600 a year for my 02 C2 for full cover with Geico... and I claim 7500 miles a year wich unfortunately never happen
With $40k you can get a very nice 02+ 996, as for C2 vs C4 I would preffer the C2, is lighter and has less understeer, also less things to go wrong (electronics, front differential, etc)

Barn996

Have you driven a C4 to compare it to a C2? There are deals all over the place and some listed by fellow Rennlisters for some great cars.

gota911

Phil drives his car so few miles each year the Allstate actually pays him to insure his car!

gota911

angelo - my 2004 C2 is for sale at $42,000. Here is a link to the ad in the classified section.

2004 996 C2

PM me if you have any questions.

Phil G.

They have a framed picture of me in my agent's office! I've won customer of the month for 2 years running.

TraqGear

C2 all the way. But, get a 2000 or 2001 and spend 30k or less. You can even find one with an aero kit in that range. Then, if you keep up the DE's, put the extra cash in suspension mods and R compound tires. I sold my 00' 996 and kick myself time and time again. Would have been the perfect car to DE in. Held up well and had decent power. Won't be hard to find one with low miles either. If you must spend above the 40k mark, go ahead and get a 997. A Cayman S wouldn't be a bad idea either. I did the same school that you did, but at the Hockenheim in Germany. Had a ball in a Cayman S. Keep in mind you will be spending $$ just doing DE's. But, worth every cent IMHO.

GaryAZ

Great advice. If it's your first 911 (I'm assuming) why not challenge yourself a little and experience rwd, rear engine handling? You can put the money you saved into track tires or other track mods. Or just drive it as-is.