perryinva

Yeah, $44k over 7 years, easy to do IMHO. I have less than that in my '02 C2 I bought in '08, 38k miles at the time, and have a decent list of mods, but I do put under 6k miles a year, so for the price of a 55k mile or so one today, it is very doable. You do have to grow a thick skin though, if you want to play here....though it is an immense wealth of information and help.

zirrah

I don't see why not. Seems perfectly reasonable to me.

KrazyK

I dont think we're on the same page here. I understood him to say his SALARY is $40,000 per year not his BUDGET is $44,000. Maybe I mis-understood his first post? I thought he said earns in the $40's. Which would make it lunacy to maintain a 996.

I think we all at least owe him the honesty of how expenses on a 996 can add up. I'm sure he can look forward to plunking down $500 for one tire, $4000 for the RMS, IMSB, and clutch, and it goes on and on. By all means by one but dont go into it without a dose of reality.

I have learned one strange thing about the 996. You either get a very good one that seems to have no problems or a very bad one that eats $$.

How about this, just do a search on 996 problems and expenses.

Imo000

I read it as $44K over 7 years.

rpm's S2

You ask a somewhat strange question considering the existing fleet that you describe, particularly the NSX. As a good 996 is the equal or better of any of them (BAM!, I just pissed off NSX world) and money seems a major issue, I assume you would start by getting rid of all of those cars to concentrate on just one Porsche. That simple move may make the dollar portion of your question easier to manage.

With that said, the answer to your question is a solid 'maybe.' Maintenance and repair is obviously the variable that is beyond control. Some of the things that can break/wear out on a 996 are very expensive to repair. If you are buying a $20k 996, chances are, due to age and mileage, it is going to need maintenance and replacement at a higher rate. Doing a lot of the work yourself may make the difference, or not... check out the price of a replacement catalytic converter or some of the other big cost parts that can go wrong. A friend is currently looking at an ABS system failure that may be $5k to repair. Remember too that on more modern, OBDII Porsches, a big part of the repair challenge is fault diagnosis. Simple and cheap hand held code readers are only so helpful.

The bottom line: If you want relative cost certainly in a fun car to drive, sell off your aging fleet, get Porsche out of your head, and motor on down to the Subaru or Scion dealer to buy an FR-S or BRZ. Great cars, and bolt-on power upgrades are already emerging. When I was a teacher I happily drove the wheels off a Miata ;-)

There are no inexpensive Porsches... and the older they get the more they will cost you. And sometimes that cost can be very high, very suddenly. It is that simple.

mmahon04

I really have to wonder where you get your figures.

Hankook Ventus V12's, all around, cost me ~$700 (including shipping, mounting, and balancing). There is not a single tire on Tirerack that touches $500 for even the 18" option ($338 is the most expensive for a rear). A far cry from $500 indeed.

My IMS bearing cost ~$700, the clutch kit was ~$650, and the seal cost was negligible (labor). Porsche book time is ~7 hours; add a bit for the IMS work. Unless you're paying ~$400 an hour, your quote is rediculous. Worst case scenario leaves you needing a flywheel as well (~$800). You've still got a long way to hit your $4k figure.

Your quotes are nowhere near reality. Are you just making these up?

KrazyK

Hey, dont listen to me. Im a moron and know nothing about cars but please read what Ralph posted.

KrazyK

from Tire rack:

Size: 295/30ZR18
N3(Porsche)
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: (98Y)
Load Range: XL
UTQG: 220 AA A
Price: $488.00 (each)
Estimated Availability: In Stock
Estimated Arrival: Get Estimate


Im so sorry, make that $488. MMA seriously, you dont think I know what my replacement tires cost?

zirrah

Me too.

mmahon04

295 is not an approved replacement size.

If you'd like to start talking cost of extras and modifications, we're way beyond providing an accurate running cost of a 996.

The original question:

Maybe I missed something?

copper

I tried to send you a PM but you have it turned off.

Is that your car I see parked close to the airport on training days (IST)? Where do you work? Send me PM.

John

KrazyK

Your not serious, right? I think every C4S and TT owner would disagree.

mmahon04

Again, a base MKI (first year) C2 (base model), is approved for 265's out back on 18" wheels.

A base MKII C2 is approved for 285's on 18" wheels.

Original question, yet again:

I didn't realize he asked for a C4S or a Turbo. I do wear glasses, so maybe I have been skipping lines somewhere.

I'm done. There's plenty here on which he can make a decision. Good luck with your search, RotaryJunky!

dallison28

I think that is very reasonable.
I just picked up an 02 cab with 85 miles for just over 24k. But, last year the PO put in a new clutch, IMS, water pump, and new front brakes. He also bought the clear corners and a new windscreen.

It did need front tires and the top is 11 years old and it's separating from the cables, but that was all planned to get replaced.


Once this stuff is done, it should be routine maintenance.

Shop around and drive a few and ask for maintenance records and pay the $200 to get a ppi.

D6lc

Yes you can run a 996 for $44k over 7 years, mine has been super reliable and just needed oil, filters and a brake flush, all I did myself. If you are slightly mechanically savvy then most jobs are very simple.
However I have spent a lot on my car in the last 12 months out of choice not necessity.

Like any performance car, things can go wrong and it can be expensive. But the horror stories are much overblown in my opinion.

I don’t think running this will be any different than an NSX, if anything the 996 is a better everyday day, you can DD it all year, carry 4 passengers and track it when you want. Go for it you won’t regret it.