I have been eying both these cars...I really want an LSD, obviously. The "amenities" like heated seats and polished wheels and whatnot really mean nothing to me.

To get a 99 like what I want (and I have seen a few on here that would fit the bill), they all seem to be asking around $24k-$27k. But there are a lot of '99s with not quite all the options I'd like and maybe 75k miles instead of 50k miles that are sub $20k.

The highest mileage 40th I can find has only 23k miles but they want $38k for it, but it still has a year of warranty left. That's pretty much a new car in my book but is the x51 3.6L more reliable than the old 3.4L? How much more would YOU pay?

And let's not forget that for above $30k there are some Cayman S to be had.

It's probably been discussed before but 996 prices have been so dynamic lately...I wanted an up-to-date discussion.

 

I like the 40th. But, I am biased.

 

Buy the newest Porsche you can reasonably afford. All Porsches are subject to depreciation,--automobiles are depreciating assets. I would venture to say that there is a world of differences between a 99 and a 2004. More reliable? Probably. But it all depends upon your ability to weed out those cars that have been abused. I know you're not going to read this,--but try not to let the $$ part of this decision carry all the weight.

What is it that you want? It doesn't appear that you do, because you're vacillating between a 996 and a Cayman. These are entirely different vehicles.

Do you want a vehicle with any warranty left? If that is important, then be prepared to anti-up.

With the current economy those with the cash are in a bargaining position. If you are truly in a secure financial position to purchase a non-mission-essential vehicle like a Porsche (with virtually no utility value) then you have the pick of a significant number of cars, predominantly in the early 996 arena. Budget wisely, however. Keep in mind insurance costs, and operating expenses. Call your insurance company to get a quote on the VINs you're interested in so there are no surprises.

 

I think the OP wants a car for autocross (based on the sig) and the requirement of an LSD over all.

My suggestion? get a Cayman. I don't know the weight differential between a 99 and a later 996, but you'll generally, all things being equal, have more reliable car w/ later 996s and in terms of handling, the cayman will trump them both. Obviously, the 40th has more power and the LSD to offset the weight advantage of the Cayman.

 

If I could get a used manual 2007 Cayman S with around 50k miles in the low- to mid-$30 WITH AN LSD I would buy it. But thanks to Porsche I can't get one...one that would be legal for SCCA Stock class at least. That is honestly all that keeps me from jumping on the Cayman. I like the idea that it is Porsche's simpler, cheaper car...like a much newer 944. But is the hatch actually usable space?

My big complaint with any of these cars over the 944 is that you can't fit 4 wheels/tires in them like I can in the 944...haven't figured that one out yet. I'm thinking some harder R-comps (like Nitto NT-01s) that I could drive short highway distances on. Or Dunlop Direzza Star Specs (they still make those?)

 

get the small tire trailer that lots of DE/racers use. fits 4 tires and a toolbox. The other option is to have a roof rack w/ the tires.

 

How funny...I was going to ask about the 40th anniversary. I have owned and raced a number of porsches but wasn't sure how to determine anniversary or not. I have atlas grey with alcantra liner, heated seats and chrome wheels. My vin# from new insurance company came back as anniversary?

this would be a welcome surprise...not sure if it makes a TON of difference value wise, but just wondering if anyone could shed light on this...thanks!
jason

 

The X51 engine option on the Anniversary edition has an aluminum intake manifold, versus the black plastic one on the regular engine.

 

if the choice remains between the '99 with 300HP and the 40th with 345HP and LSD, plus much nicer creature comforts etc., that's a no-brainer.

 

Are you sure the Cayman S weighs less than a rear-drive 996?

 

If you're not doing auto-xing on tight courses, I don't think you need an LSD. Also, you should be able to find a decent 996 in the low $20s. Mine had everything you wanted, with a low mile reman'd engine, just sold for $22.5k, with seats/harnesses/bar, etc. as well as another set of fresh tires/pads/rotors, etc. That said, it wasn't the cleanest car cosmetically, though not bad at all.

If you're not set on a 911, I think the Cayman S is a formidable package, they feel VERY solid, and tight as well as modern. I like the challenge of a 911 at the limit, but objectively it'd be hard to argue against a Cayman S.

 

Audion19s 99 996 is a gorgeous car, it has a LSD, numeruos nice performance mods, and would be hard to beat at $25k.

 

what Mark said. +1

 

+2...

 

+3....

A 40th is worth the extra $$, but then again I would try and keep it low miles, so then you have to ask again is it worth the extra money if you drive it less....
They are special cars....