Hey everyone! First time poster here and I wanted to present my situation and get opinions on if this is the right car for me! I'll try to keep it brief but I also want to give the details I can about the situation so you understand my dilemma.

I've been looking over these forums and reading as much as I can about the 996 because I have the opportunity to purchase one. I was hoping to get some opinions on the value of this particular offer and if this is the right car for me. My dad is a Porsche owner (944) and talked to his mechanic about my interest in getting my first p-car. I'm a young professional (25) with a good chunk of money I have been putting aside since I started work to purchase a Porsche. I had originally been looking at something like a 2009 Cayman, something in the price range of 40K or slightly more as that would only require a small car loan (5-7k) for me to purchase.

When my dad mentioned this to his mechanic he was told that another customer was trying to get rid of a 2002 996 Turbo, 49k miles, that he had been the mechanic on for the past 6 years. The asking price is right around 38-40k. I don't live near my father anymore but he had the opportunity to test drive the car this morning and says it looks fantastic for its age and drives just as well. He is worried that it is more car then I need as it has an induction mod and a flashed chip and makes about 500hp. Other options include the turbo aerokit, upgraded Carbon/Leather steering wheel, CD Changer and Porsche 220 CDR Radio and Heated seats. (Looked these up off the options tag).

I was hoping to get some opinions on this offer (is it a good price for the options it has?) and some opinions on if I should really be going after something this powerful for my first Porsche or should I go back to looking at Caymans? Any tips, advice, or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Also, anyone have any input on if the aerokit, which apparently lowers the car a decent amount, has issues with speedbumps and such? And if so could I potentially get it raised so it would be less of a concern?

Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to read this, sorry its kind of long!

 

Buy it.

Seriously, I'll be the first to suggest that you put this post in the 996 Turbo forum. I don't know that you'll get the same traffic there but you'll find better insight, I believe.

Question for you: what's the dilemma? You didn't really raise any concerns. More car than you need, you say? Well, of course. All you need is a 2006 Chevy Cobalt.

Is this your first car, only car, daily driver? Plans to track it? Wife that needs to drive it? Kids to go in it?

Do your diligence and remember that there is always another car. Don't put your wallet where your heart is. Although, that price looks really attractive at first glance.

 

If it's 'that' good, definitely buy it and just be aware that at some point it will require some $ to maintain or upgrade to your liking. Bullet proof engine if given routine service and attention to wear items. GL let us know what you do, great Porsche to own IMHO.

 

I agree with Barn996 - also at age 25 I would check out the price of insurance for P-Car that is a Turbo. But the cars are really fun to drive. They are very forgiving if you make a mistake in handling. Be aware also of the cost of maintenance on type vehicle.

 

I think it's "too much car" for the OP. A tamer (yet very rewarding) car that happens to cost much less would be a Boxster.

I'd rather see less power/performance, more safety, and handling that still rivals most other cars while giving the owner a real, Porsche experience. In my opinion, the Boxster would be a better choice for the OP.

 

Buy it and never look back!

 

Turbo's are solid and sounds like a reasonable price for the mileage and age - but I would also look at the insurance on a modified car like that and make sure you understand the maintenance costs on common items that fail at that sort of age. That sort of car is probably a speeding ticket magnet - especially if you are young. I would look at a Boxster S with CPO at that sort of price range - you're probably less likely to do something stupid in it, good car to start autocross and DE with (unless you are already a pro), still get the porsche experience - but more manageable, a bit cheaper to run and insure - and a good way to start a lifetime of Porsche ownership.

 

Thanks everyone for all the replies! Sounds like most people seem to think its the way to go and its the way I'm leaning as well.

In response to TargaToo's questions I don't have kids or a wife so it's just me. I currently have a 2001 Honda Accord that I would probably hold on to as my "Daily Driver". As far as tracking it, I don't currently have plans to do such but I won't say I would never do it either, if the opportunity presented itself.

I've already looked into the insurance aspect and the 996 Turbo is a whopping 5 dollars more a month as opposed to a 2009 Cayman, and 1 dollar more then a Cayman S. Needless to say the insurance difference isnt an issue.

My biggest worry is that this car could get me in trouble. I have a pretty good driving record (1 speeding ticket and 1 fender bender) but with this much power I'm afraid I could go broke from the tickets or worse, lose control and wreck something I just spent my life savings on. I have no desire to get a Boxster (as some have suggested) but the Caymans do appeal to me.

My dilemma really comes down to is it worth spending the same amount of money on a newer Cayman because it might save me money in the form of repairs, tickets, possible accidents, etc.. or should i just bite the bullet and run with the turbo? With it being just me I don't normally have an issue throwing about 1k in the bank each month, do you all feel this would be enough to easily perform most of the required maintenance and upkeep I might expect on a car like this?

From what I have read the 996's are extremely reliable and my mechanic seems to feel I would actually end up spending more to keep the Cayman running then the 996. Do you all agree? If so it seems like I should go for the 996 and just be careful until I feel comfortable with all that power.

I have to admit, It puts a smile on my face just thinking about being the proud owner of a 996TT by next week!

Thanks again to everyone who has responded!

 

I vote for the Turbo over the Cayman.
If you were my kid I would suggest you buy a house first and then a lesser sports car a little later.
but since you aren't get the Turbo and a matching tatoo.

 

Here are some pictures because everyone here seems to love them!

 

It could get you in trouble in a few ways. The engines on the turbo cars are very robust and have been proven on the track for years.

I'd feel better if the car wasn't chipped. You sound like you are going to "blow your wad" on this car and if the turbos decide to give up, that could be a hell of a bill. Remember, this is a 10 year old car. Regardless of your dads initial impressions of the car it may take some $$ to get it exactly how you want it.

My vote would be for the newest CPO'd Cayman S that you can afford. Reach for the DFI powered cars with a warranty and enjoy.

That Turbo does look great though, the interior color is awful but the exterior is fantastic.

Looks like that car has had some substantial suspension work as well. Do your due diligence with any car you buy and learn all you can about it before you throw down the cash. good luck.

 

Soverystout thanks for the input! That is exactly what I am a bit afraid of. I do have a bit of insurance as the mechanic who is a good friend of my dads and actually races Porsches has worked on this car for the past 6 years and did a PPI on it already. He says the only issue he found was the ignition switch, which has been replaced.

I think a Cayman S would be great but the 09's with the DFI in S trim are running about 48k right now so I would likely have to settle for a base Cayman which are still about 42. With prices like that would you still suggest the Cayman or should I get the turbo and hold on to that extra 5k+ to get the turbo "how I want"?

 

Sorry but I wouldn't buy a chipped turbo with aftermarket suspension. I'd rather spend my money on something unmolested or at least only lightly modified.

 

You'd probably want to make sure the coolant lines have been welded in place as that has been a weak spot for the turbo 996. If not any the lines come out that could be a big ouch. Also to have it done will run you about $2k. If I were you I'd buy the newest cayman "s" cpo as previously mentioned and not put all my money in the car. Your still young and interest rates are very low so id personally out half down and finance the rest. Keep the other half and invest or for a rainy day. Good luck. You'll enjoy any Porsche you buy... They are fun to drive. Owning one gets a bit expensive especially if the mod bug hits you. You're 25 so I'm sure itll hot you to as it has me and i'm much older.

 

+1 for the Turbo having a bulletproof engine and it sounds to be well set up. The PPI is a plus.

This beast versus a Boxster? No contest. Get the Turbo!!