fpena944

This is something I've been thinking about recently and since I had a new Cayman for the last 24 hours it made it even more confusing!

Do you all think of your 996 as a forever car? In other words is it a car you will keep as long as you can? I didn't think so when I first bought mine and considered it a car I would just use as a stepping stone to something better. But with the number of miles I have on it and the fact that 996 values are not all that great it seems to make sense just to keep it forever.

The fact is that our cars are unlike anything before or after them. The older ones are not as ideal daily drivers and are probably worth too much to use them all that often. The newer ones are more advanced, expensive, and might be full of goodies you don't need for a great driving experience.

The way I look at it is this way, my car is probably worth $15k MAYBE as a trade-in. What other car can I get for that money which provides me with the same experiences? And even if the engine blows up let's say for $20k I have essentially a brand new car which will arguably last longer than the first time around.

Now that doesn't mean I won't have other Porsches in the garage but with this one being paid for and still providing a lot of entertainment for little investment - it seems like it will be around for a long time.

Now for my disclaimer - I can take all of this back if I run across a hell of a deal on another car and need to trade mine in for it!

TSMacNeil

I'll keep mine until I can't get in or out of it. If it ever needs a rebuild of the M96 I'll probably do it too

Howaboutthat

Same here.

fanny bay r1

Same here!!

RaginBull

The longest I've owned a car is 8 years and that is my toyota MR2 which was my dream car in high school, still have it btw. The second longest was my E46 M3 for almost 5 years and was traded in for my C4S. Ive had about 22 other cars through out the years. To me ,cars are toys and I am always looking at buying the next best car that I can afford when the time is right. Thus, it's only a matter of time until I move on from the 996 line to the 997 line and hopefully one day to the 991

silotwo

Well, I have been thinking that I need to locate a 12 step program for Porsche ownership. I bought my 04 C2 in the fall of 2007 as a CPO car; I was able to pay for it outright and I thought that I would "trade up" after the CPO expired. I purchased my 04 C4S in the fall of 2011, I had debated on trading in the C2 and adding the cash I would put out for the C4S on 997.2, but the quest for a C4S had been going on for awhile and in the end I chose to stick with the 996 series. I then considered selling the C2 to put some cash back in the bank, but irrationality won out and since both cars were paid for, what the heck, might as well keep them.

It makes no sense for me to keep both cars, I have yet to return to work, (conscious decision to spend quality time with my wife and to truly be here for her as we deal with her illness) and I have to discipline myself to exercise both cars on a regular basis. Properly caring for these cars is not an inexpensive proposition and it would only make sense that I sell the C2. But, every time I drive it I end up deciding to keep it for just a little bit longer.

So for now, Yes - I think at least one 996 will be here for life.

Capt. Obvious

This is pretty much my outlook on my car. If something else comes along that [I feel] can provide me the same ratio of fun/cool factor/value as the 996, then I might make a move. Otherwise, I see no need find a new toy.

Topaz330ci

I'll be selling shortly.

AA717driver

I guess the question would be: What else would I get? I did pass a new Carrera S today that got my interest. But, I know it's not the same.

We'll see. Since I've gotten older, I realize the louder and more bold the pronouncement, the greater the likelihood I will do the exact opposite.

TC

Dennis C

This is an interesting question and it's one that I've thought about quite a bit recently.

I bought my 2002 C4S in late 2008 and it has been my daily driver since then. I paid cash for it, so I've never had a car payment. I've worked over the years to modify it exactly to my liking. It's my favorite car that I've owned.

That being said, I've had my eye on a few newer 911s recently for a few reasons. First of all, my car has ~133K miles on the clock and it seems to require maintenance more frequently than ever. It never seems to leave the shop for less than $1,000. I'm beginning to get to the point where I'm wondering if I'd rather be spending my money on a newer car as opposed to maintenance and repairs. Secondly, I've been considering a cabriolet for my next purchase. Finally, I'd really like a turbo up in the altitude where I live. I will really consider one.

I drive my car all year, and I really prefer AWD cars. This rules out many choices that I would have otherwise. I'm pretty much set on either another C4S or a turbo. I've looked at several 997.2 C4S cars that were nice. I've also looked at a few 997.1 and 997.2 turbos that were nice. I have yet to find one that has the combination of colors and options that I want. Additionally, I view the 997 as an incremental improvement to the 996. When I'm test driving them, I can't help but think: is this really that much better than my 996 C4S? Is it enough of an improvement to part with ~$70K?

My current thinking is that I'll wait until my boys are out of college, which is in 3 years. I'm currently paying two college tuitions, and that's not easy. Once that's finished, I'm really considering ordering a brand new 991 C4S, equipped exactly the way that I want.

Don't get me wrong - if the "perfect" 997.2 C4S or turbo came along, I would be very tempted to buy it and I might pull the trigger. Until now, I haven't found that car...

pszikla

Totally a forever car for me!
Waited 25 years to own it and it still makes me feel like a kid every time I drive it. One day when I think it needs refreshing, the motor with be treated with an overbore and other goodies from LN and then we will really surprise some newer 911's that think they are all that!!!

Pete

Soaringman

Ya it's like girlfriend , plan on forever for the first year. The second year not so sure. Then something in better shape with a nicer exterior comes along .

Seriously
I love my car but once it's paid off I may use the credit and cash from sale for a 997 or turbo

bmo72

Unless I can get a turbo

5CHN3LL

My 996 is going to have to break it off with me for things to not work out. I'm in this relationship for the long haul.

D6lc

like to think its a long haul thing, then I think i should stretch to a 997 GT3, then I drive it home on a nice evening and think what a great car it is and why would I need to change it.

996 ownership for me is a little bipolar

Clearly I should keep it as a 40th AE is for sure the next 2.7 RS