Newer Boxster vs Older 996
11-21-2010, 04:36 AM
#47
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11-21-2010, 04:50 AM
#48
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Its always a little questionalble how people will take a bit of joking, some like it, some get offended and there is everything in between...
glad you took it well....
did you say "Gloss Lipstick" OMG I think I am in love
I think having a little extra room in back is one of the best reasons to get a 911 over the other cars, seems I am always taking along a jacket, helmet, small lunch, bag of groceries, 12 pack of beer, blow up doll or something to stick back there. Not having any option but the front "funk" or the passenger seat could be ok but its nice to have that little extra room.
Performance - Boxster S and Cayman both are HOT to drive, very quick and maybe even handle a little better in some cases. That said the 996/911 platform is no slug. I am now in an 86' Carerra from a 992 C2 and I thought I would be giving up a lot going so far back in time. I found out I was, it was called weight! - the 86' is a rocket and I am madly in love with it. Mind you the 996 had certain aspects that make it a better car to own / drive / be seen in / and have a GREAT time in. I guess it boils down to $ and time.... if we had more of each we would all own one (or 2-3-4) of each!!
As far as the salesperson (man) goes, a good salesperson will recognize you as an informed "potential" buyer and allow you to gather info, have the car by yourself for a day or so, let you take it to YOUR OWN mechanic for PPI (a must) and then negocitate a fair price... nothing more, nothing less... if they see your hot lips and long flowing blonde hair (I know you didnt say it was long and flowing, but I can have my little fantacy right? ) and think "dumb (hot) blonde (sorry I know, I am bad) then find another salesperson and tell that one to go take a shower....which is where I am going now 
and again its a pleasure having you around!!
glad you took it well....
did you say "Gloss Lipstick" OMG I think I am in love
I think having a little extra room in back is one of the best reasons to get a 911 over the other cars, seems I am always taking along a jacket, helmet, small lunch, bag of groceries, 12 pack of beer, blow up doll or something to stick back there. Not having any option but the front "funk" or the passenger seat could be ok but its nice to have that little extra room.
Performance - Boxster S and Cayman both are HOT to drive, very quick and maybe even handle a little better in some cases. That said the 996/911 platform is no slug. I am now in an 86' Carerra from a 992 C2 and I thought I would be giving up a lot going so far back in time. I found out I was, it was called weight! - the 86' is a rocket and I am madly in love with it. Mind you the 996 had certain aspects that make it a better car to own / drive / be seen in / and have a GREAT time in. I guess it boils down to $ and time.... if we had more of each we would all own one (or 2-3-4) of each!!
As far as the salesperson (man) goes, a good salesperson will recognize you as an informed "potential" buyer and allow you to gather info, have the car by yourself for a day or so, let you take it to YOUR OWN mechanic for PPI (a must) and then negocitate a fair price... nothing more, nothing less... if they see your hot lips and long flowing blonde hair (I know you didnt say it was long and flowing, but I can have my little fantacy right?
) and think "dumb (hot) blonde (sorry I know, I am bad) then find another salesperson and tell that one to go take a shower....which is where I am going now and again its a pleasure having you around!!
11-21-2010, 04:58 AM
#49
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Thread Starter
Funny how some people get the "DAFS" response to this question, and some don't...
To answer your question, the 996 series got better as it went along in pretty linear fashion. A significant step change occurred with the '02s, which got a stiffer chassis, more power and subjectively better interior finishing (Porsche was recovering financially by this time). They also got the turbo-style lights rather than the original design in a concession to marketing. This really is a case of buying the newest car you can afford; there aren't any anomalous 'bad years'.
IMHO, mileage isn't as important as some people think it is. I'lll take higher miles and an older car if they come with a complete service history and few owners, where low miles and a mysterious past are terrifying. There are three reasons for this: One is simply that these cars are very maintenance sensitive, and they like to be driven. The second is that certain manufacturing-related failures were tied to mileage and a car with a clean history and higher miles probably presents a slightly lower risk for some of the things that can go wrong. And the third is that prices have dropped to where some of these cars have been more recently owned by people who really shouldn't have them. Like every Porsche ever made, as this series ages, I think provenance is going to start to matter more than numbers.
To answer your question, the 996 series got better as it went along in pretty linear fashion. A significant step change occurred with the '02s, which got a stiffer chassis, more power and subjectively better interior finishing (Porsche was recovering financially by this time). They also got the turbo-style lights rather than the original design in a concession to marketing. This really is a case of buying the newest car you can afford; there aren't any anomalous 'bad years'.
IMHO, mileage isn't as important as some people think it is. I'lll take higher miles and an older car if they come with a complete service history and few owners, where low miles and a mysterious past are terrifying. There are three reasons for this: One is simply that these cars are very maintenance sensitive, and they like to be driven. The second is that certain manufacturing-related failures were tied to mileage and a car with a clean history and higher miles probably presents a slightly lower risk for some of the things that can go wrong. And the third is that prices have dropped to where some of these cars have been more recently owned by people who really shouldn't have them. Like every Porsche ever made, as this series ages, I think provenance is going to start to matter more than numbers.
11-21-2010, 05:02 AM
#50
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
If I were you I'd search for an '02 or later (2nd generation model). Here's some of the improvements that Porsche made on the Mk II's ('02-'04) vs the Mk I's ('99-'01).
Mk II improvements
- 20 extra hp (24 more than the '99)
- more torque at a lower rpm (thanks to VarioCam Plus)
- Better aerodynamics (20% less front lift and 40% less rear lift)
- 20% stiffer chassis
- improved interior
- improved oiling (revised pan and baffles for better high g performance)
- improved engine cooling (the newer cars run cooler as a result)
- better fuel economy (only 1 mpg, but every little bit helps)
- improved suspension (reinforced strut towers, revised springs, shocks, bushings, and sway bars).
- revised exhaust (better sound)
- only a 55 lb weight gain over the '99-'01 cars
If you could have any 996, I'd recommend the '04 40th anniversary model. In my opinion it's the best 996 (non-turbo/GT3) Porsche ever produced. It comes standard with the X51 Power Kit (345 hp) and many nice options.
Good luck
Mk II improvements
- 20 extra hp (24 more than the '99)
- more torque at a lower rpm (thanks to VarioCam Plus)
- Better aerodynamics (20% less front lift and 40% less rear lift)
- 20% stiffer chassis
- improved interior
- improved oiling (revised pan and baffles for better high g performance)
- improved engine cooling (the newer cars run cooler as a result)
- better fuel economy (only 1 mpg, but every little bit helps)
- improved suspension (reinforced strut towers, revised springs, shocks, bushings, and sway bars).
- revised exhaust (better sound)
- only a 55 lb weight gain over the '99-'01 cars
If you could have any 996, I'd recommend the '04 40th anniversary model. In my opinion it's the best 996 (non-turbo/GT3) Porsche ever produced. It comes standard with the X51 Power Kit (345 hp) and many nice options.
Good luck
11-21-2010, 05:08 AM
#51
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11-21-2010, 02:43 PM
#52
Ironman 140.6
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11-22-2010, 02:02 AM
#53
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I really doubt you like to run into cars on the road that are just like your own, judging by your Avatar. I like having a unique car, and I think you do, too.
11-22-2010, 07:46 PM
#54
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Thread Starter
So, as a footnote to close this thread, I wanted to say that this porsche will be purchased as a toy for my son and I. We both wanted a 996, but I didn't know if I would have enough to close the deal, so had planned on a Boxster as a backup...but you all have convinced me to hold out for the 996. The question of coupe or cab will be decided at the time of the test drive. Thanks for all of your advice. As you can tell, I am VERY, VERY proud of my son as I know all of your mothers are proud of you. Don't ever pass up an opportunity to tell her that you love her. And for all of our wonderful servicepeople 'over there', please tell your moms that if I could I would give each of them a hug to help cover the hole in their chest where their heart should be. Because their hearts are walking around outside of their bodies...inside each of you.
Until Another Thread-
"LADA" Beginner
PS Yes, I know, you will delete this.
Until Another Thread-
"LADA" Beginner
PS Yes, I know, you will delete this.
11-23-2010, 10:41 AM
#55
Rennlist Member
OK, I'm too late on this one, but . . .
The Boxter is very nice. A few years ago my wife and I went out to test drive/purchase a Boxter, and in an impulse, tried a 2003 996. We left with the 996.
The Boxter is very nice. A few years ago my wife and I went out to test drive/purchase a Boxter, and in an impulse, tried a 2003 996. We left with the 996.
11-23-2010, 02:25 PM
#56
I want to address your cab vs. coupe delima. IMHO it really does come down to if you like open-top driving or not. The reason I say this is the disadvantages of a cab just don't out-weigh the experience if that is what you are looking for. I owned an Alfa and it was not worth the trouble and I swore I would never own another cab but newer Porsche's (and I assume any other quality cab) is different. It doesn't leak, not THAT much louder, not THAT much looser, etc. I am DE'ing my car five or six times a year and am sure I am at some performance disadvantage to the coupes but it is not significant I can assure you. (Would likely be more glaring in the higher skilled run groups but for the last two years I have held my own respectively). So, I think you should decide now if you like open top driving or not--don't wait for the test drive. I love my cab.
11-23-2010, 04:57 PM
#57
HAHAHa.. good call..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJVVoMXgfzU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJVVoMXgfzU
Boxsters are great cars, but do you want your son to grow up and be a girlie man?
get the 911!
welcome to RL
and now for something completely differant, real advise - from me
Either way, get a car with CPO if you can find one - worsth whatever extra you had to pay in the event you need it for anything
get the 911!
welcome to RL
and now for something completely differant, real advise - from me
Either way, get a car with CPO if you can find one - worsth whatever extra you had to pay in the event you need it for anything
11-24-2010, 10:50 PM
#58
Parts Specialist
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I dont get it....I wore one of those things once... this "girl" told me if I wore it she would not get pregnant??? after the third day I really just had to remove it and relieve myself no matter what happened to her - where is the pleasure in that? I didnt even call her to say I was going to remove it....
11-26-2010, 08:43 PM
#59
Instructor
my first Porsche was a targa in Albany NY. great car in the spring and fall. but other than those 4 weeks, it was a pain.
go with a coupe. quieter and stiffer.
996 is a great car. if you can affort it, find a c2s or c4s.
surfer161
2002 c4s
go with a coupe. quieter and stiffer.
996 is a great car. if you can affort it, find a c2s or c4s.
surfer161
2002 c4s
