capri

Hi guys,

This is my first time post.
I've decided to join the Porsche bandwagon after trying a few of my friends Porsche from 997s to 964s.
Currently funds will only allow a 964 used but the 997s are really attractive after trying it out.
I dont know whether its worth saving for the 997 or just going for the 964s now.
The price difference is quite a big gap so thats a big factor for me.
However i have concerns of the 997:

a.) is maintenance and repairs going to be a lot more for a 2005-- 997 vs a 1991 964 ?
b.) how reliable are these 997s ?

Any other useful inputs would be super.

Thanks in advance
capri

provoste

If you can't afford a 997 but need a 911 with modern reliability, you need to be looking at 996's (2002-2004 offer the best aesthetics). 964's are amazing cars that I love dearly-but will never equal a 996 or 997 in terms of reliability.

blake

Agreed. And the reason for that is because a 964 is now 18-22 years old... A 996 would be your best bet, though I personally think the 964s have more character.

stefang

What are you going to use it for? DD, weekend toy, track car? My take is that the more mileage you're planning on putting on the better it is to get a more modern car. As stated above, 996 and 964 basically trade in the same price range, so for DD 996 is likely a better bet.

Quadcammer

debatable

gr1275

I see them as completely different cars. Both models can be a joy to own. Buy the one you enjoy driving the most.
Good luck, Gary

DHC

Typical advice is to buy the newest 911 you can afford, and get a thorough ppi.

The 964 is a great car but now 20 years old. Buying a cheap one likely means you'll pay the piper to get it running right.

Suggest you start looking at 2002-2004 996s unless you really want an air-cooled model.

Mspeedster

For many recent years JD Powers had ranked Porsche number 1 in terms of reliability, this was during the 997 era. In fact, JD pointed out that the 997 was the most reliable sports car in its time. In my own personal case, my '06 C2S has been flawless, needing nothing other than regular maintenance like oil changes and tires.

But at some point every car will get to an age when things need to be replaced. The 964 will have gone through that cycle at least once or twice. I'm not exactly sure when that cycle will start for the 997, but it's bound to happen sooner or later.

Edgy01

I never much cared for the 964. Of course, it marked the beginning of Porsche starting to put modern things into a 911 body--like modern fuses, and air bags, and ABS brakes. However, as others have pointed out, they are old. They like all 911s of their times, have their own sets of issues. Be sure and visit the 964 Forum to get a taste of what those are.

There is very little in common between the 964 and the 997--save some visual similarities in the cockpit. If you live in a warm area the 997's more modern a/c system is a plus. Once you go to a modern 911 you will only tolerate an older 911 for occasional drives--and not for much else.

Stay here for more on the 997 and flip back to the 964 forum for more there. There is no rush to decide--the right car is out there if you do your homework and are patient.

Maintenance between the two is night and day. Today's Porsches are designed to be less maintenance intensive.

Spokane5150

Consider a 911. There are some amazing cars on ebay right now. I like the 964. Wish I had this one below:

Mspeedster

^^^^Me too!

stefang

If that's a 3.6 turbo, you'll easily get a 997 for that money.

OP - have you considered a Boxster? You never said what your requirements/budget are, but it's a real Porsche. I would have bought one long ago if I could have fit comfortably.

997_rich

I was considering same options 5 years ago for a daily driver (I do have a beater for snow days). I went 997 and never looked back. I think the performance aspect is huge for me. I love the sense of occasion you get when driving old sports cars but a modern sports car beats the heck out of that 964.

if it's a daily driver, get a 997. It's super reliable, and the AC works well. If you like to get your hands dirty and just like to have enjoyable cruises without modern performance consider 964.

If I had more garage space I'd get a 964 as a third car myself. I bought a BMW e30 as a beater/snow-car to get my older car fix for the time being.

Spokane5150

Yes...you're right about the turbo but I said, "911" not the 964 turbo.

Boxster???? Let's not get crazy. The Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman and Panamera were introduced to keep the 911 alive and Porsche out of bankruptcy. (At least I believed that until I seen the 991.) None of these cars come close to the 911 ownership value proposition.

capri

thanks for the replies guys. Enjoyed reading the replies.
The car should be able to used comfortably as a daily driver and a weekend car. But more like a weekend cruusing car.

Personally am bent on the 997 after having driven both cars.
I find the 997 so much easier to drive, maneuver and so much much friendly.
The 964 takes more effort to drive and more mechanical- which some people actually would prefer.
As what you guys suggested, i will take my time in saving up for a 997. That's really the car for me for now.

Yes, have also considered the Cayman S, but have not driven one. Personally, I'm not too hot for convertible like the Boxter.

Thanks again for all the help.