Should I panic and trade in the 996?
03-07-2008, 09:03 AM
#16
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Cars don't mysteriously start to fall apart when the warranty expires, and stories suggesting otherwise are not a statistically significant sample. Trade it or not based on all of the other considerations.
That said, Porsche's are not what I would call reliable compared to the general market, and when they break, they are expensive.
FWIW, I'm at 28K with a 2002 - coming up on 6 years. Paid for it outright day 1; never looked back. Plan to drive it and track it for many more years.
If you lost the excitement on the 996, you aren't driving it hard enough. The longer you drive it, the more you discover your specific car's nuances and personality. (although you sound as though by excitement, you mean as a fashion statement).
That said, Porsche's are not what I would call reliable compared to the general market, and when they break, they are expensive.
FWIW, I'm at 28K with a 2002 - coming up on 6 years. Paid for it outright day 1; never looked back. Plan to drive it and track it for many more years.
If you lost the excitement on the 996, you aren't driving it hard enough. The longer you drive it, the more you discover your specific car's nuances and personality. (although you sound as though by excitement, you mean as a fashion statement).
03-07-2008, 09:27 AM
#17
The car will be fine. What's clear is that you want to move on. I see no reason to hang on to a car that worries you, however irrationally, yet doesn't excite you.
I'm where you are in one way: The lack of time. Between family, business interests, writing and teaching, and the fact that I don't have a driveway, my car is often unwashed. I service it religiously, but I have to pay someone to do it all for me. The funny thing is, the Porsche is the first car I've ever owned that still makes me grin no matter how short the drive, no matter how the car looks. With any other car I've owned, I'd be asking myself the same question you are. But this one, no.
I'm where you are in one way: The lack of time. Between family, business interests, writing and teaching, and the fact that I don't have a driveway, my car is often unwashed. I service it religiously, but I have to pay someone to do it all for me. The funny thing is, the Porsche is the first car I've ever owned that still makes me grin no matter how short the drive, no matter how the car looks. With any other car I've owned, I'd be asking myself the same question you are. But this one, no.
03-07-2008, 10:08 AM
#19
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Aren't you that one financing high roller that's broke A$$ can't make up his mind asking the same thing all over again guy? :icon107:
If so, I choose numero cinco
-Set the out-of-warranty 28K miles 996 on fire before she blows, collect the insurance. Bling out the 198k mile MB, get you some moe fine liquor and have another cuban cig on me.
Presto, finito
If so, I choose numero cinco
-Set the out-of-warranty 28K miles 996 on fire before she blows, collect the insurance. Bling out the 198k mile MB, get you some moe fine liquor and have another cuban cig on me.
Presto, finito
Sorry.
Look, I admitt I'm having a little fun with this, but come on, you can't be serious about all this.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/398362-having-2nd-thoughts-sell-996-to-get-a-997-or-get-another-car-instead.html
03-07-2008, 10:27 AM
#20
Team Owner
The way I've always looked at it is that it never makes sense to buy a new car because you're worried the old one is going to break down.
1) Keep car...car COULD break and cost you some money
2) Buy new car...new car WILL cost you MORE money
It would be a no-brainer for me to just keep the 996.
1) Keep car...car COULD break and cost you some money
2) Buy new car...new car WILL cost you MORE money
It would be a no-brainer for me to just keep the 996.
03-07-2008, 11:06 AM
#22
Three Wheelin'
I seems to me that the point of warranties is to assure buyers they won't get stuck with manufacturing defects. So.....you've had your car long enough (time & distance) that you're reasonably sure you're out of the range of manufacturing defects -- so now you would be more likely to face costs due to wear/tear/age. Will you have some maintenance costs? Of course.
Yet, a car is a value proposition. What you pay for a car above basic transportation is for what it does for you emotionally (how much you like its shape, its entertainment value, a {misguided} sense of status, etc.)
I don't think there's any evidence to think your Porsche will suddenly implode....but, are you going to be upset every time it needs service? (...because it just doesn't "do it for you" any longer...and now every expense is a burden?) If so, get something else.
But, typically, we dramatically underestimate how much a new car costs in depreciation, insurance, etc....so nothing is a free ride....just decide what you're willing to spend money on.
Yet, a car is a value proposition. What you pay for a car above basic transportation is for what it does for you emotionally (how much you like its shape, its entertainment value, a {misguided} sense of status, etc.)
I don't think there's any evidence to think your Porsche will suddenly implode....but, are you going to be upset every time it needs service? (...because it just doesn't "do it for you" any longer...and now every expense is a burden?) If so, get something else.
But, typically, we dramatically underestimate how much a new car costs in depreciation, insurance, etc....so nothing is a free ride....just decide what you're willing to spend money on.
03-07-2008, 11:35 AM
#24
Burning Brakes
03-07-2008, 11:36 AM
#25
Ironman 140.6
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Do you want a sports car or a GT? Nothing wrong with either car, but they are very different.
A good description of the differences.
A good description of the differences.
03-07-2008, 12:12 PM
#26
Three Wheelin'
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Let's see...you kept a '91 M-B for 16 years, and yet you're sweating the reliability of an '01 996 which by your own account has been trouble-free during your extended ownership? Not sure I get that.
I agree with Bruce, you sound like you're just wanting to move on since your 996 is old and "out of fashion." You're likely exaggerating the reliability fear (whether consciously or subconsciously) in order justify your desires for something new. Cognitive dissonance, perhaps? Whatever repair costs you can have with the 996 aren't likely to exceed the new lease expense. A blown engine is highly unlikely at this point, given your car's history. If you simply want some thing new, then just approach it that way, rather than complicating the issue with other thoughts. Between the 997S and 6-Series, it sounds like the 6 better serves your needs. Might be a good idea to buy some stock in the refiners as well.
I agree with Bruce, you sound like you're just wanting to move on since your 996 is old and "out of fashion." You're likely exaggerating the reliability fear (whether consciously or subconsciously) in order justify your desires for something new. Cognitive dissonance, perhaps? Whatever repair costs you can have with the 996 aren't likely to exceed the new lease expense. A blown engine is highly unlikely at this point, given your car's history. If you simply want some thing new, then just approach it that way, rather than complicating the issue with other thoughts. Between the 997S and 6-Series, it sounds like the 6 better serves your needs. Might be a good idea to buy some stock in the refiners as well.
