rob_5

Hi all. First post here.

I've been looking for cars and have narrowed my choice down to two: either a Porsche or a BMW M3. Originally I was going to get a 2002 BMW M3 loaded for around $40-50k and then I fell in love with Porsches.

I don't know TOO much about Porsches (like what the different numbers mean -- I know all 993, 966 and etc. are technically a 911 -- but not what the numbers actually represent) and that's why I wanted to ask you guys what's the best bet if I wanted a Porsche for around $40-50k. The only choice I found are 1999 911 Carrera's that go for $40-45k. I pref. want a newer style one, with the headlights that look "new".

Thanks for the help.

Rob_5

adsc4s

I would do a ton of research and spend alot of time on this board, specifically the 993 and 996 boards as these will be the two "newest" and will fall within your price range. Not sure what you mean by "new" looking headlights.

The 993 was built from model year 1995 to 1998. It is the last of the aircooled motors. It utilizes a dry sump with external oil cooler to provide lubrication to the motor. In all, they built a narrow body C2 (rear wheel drive), C4 (4 wheel drive), C2 Cab, C4 Cab, wide bodied C2S, C4S, Twin Turbo and Twin Turbo S.

The 996 was introduced as a 1999 model and represented Porsche's ability to make a bigger, wider and longer wheel based car with more hp and torque but also made it lighter. The motor was the first ever 911 based water cooled engine. It was also the first time Porsche has done some platform sharing (with the Boxster in this case) as the front end, including the headlights were very similar. The 996 is still the latest model with C2, C4, Cabs, C4S and TT.

At your price point, you can get a very nice example of either but you need to determine exactly what you are looking for.

Good luck and searching is half the fun!

adsc4s

Sorry, "first 911 based water cooled engine for a mass produced street car".

ESL

993 C4S!!

No, I don't have any biases either!
Seriously, drive a lot, test a lot, ask a lot then decide.

Enjoy the hunt.

RJT

Rob....I agree totally with adscab. Hang out on ALL the forums of Rennlist. Get some reading material, Excellence Magazine has market updates on all the models, Porsche Buyers Guide by Dean Batchelor really points at what to look (out) for when buying a used P car. Porsche 911 buyers guide by Randy Leffingwell is great too. All these and more are available at bookstores or the net.
Be patient, do your homework, drive several different cars, and whichever one you decide on do a PPI.
Good Luck!

Doug&Julie

Tell us a little more about how you'll use the car. Daily driver? Weekend cruiser? What kind of climate are you in?

A recent 911 & Porsche World magazine has a comparison between the 996 and 993 models. I think the article was repeated in GT: Purely Porsche magazine as well. Both are British magazines...they can be found at Barnes & Nobles here in the States. Worth the read and might help with exactly what you're looking for!

Cheers!

Lomotpk

What a bunch of wusses.

"do your homework, read the magazines, eat your vegetables"

Rob_5 don't listen to this.

What you want is Hairy-Chested modified 930 Turbo.

For $40-$50k you can get something that will peel your eyelids to the back of your skull. I'm talkin' psychologically damaging Porsche-power!

Women will ignore you (because they don't know what it is), Men will Cower, and All the hopped-up Asian Imports will try and Race You.

Sure they're twenty-odd years old (76-89), and an engine rebuild will cost more than a four-year state school education, but that is not the point!

Modified 930's are the double-espresso of the P-Car world, not for everybody, and if used incorrectly make sure you know a good dry-cleaner, as you WILL soil yourself.

930's are the Michael Caines of the "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" P-car pantheon, not the 'Mungo the Monkey-boy" <specific model not mentioned...>

And what is the point of this tirade, you (and other Rennlister's) maybe asking?

Only to welcome you to the wild, wild world of Porsches, wish you happy hunting, and encourage you to feel free to fully express yourself in this forum.

Best Wishes,

Lomo t.P.K.

Dirk Tanner

Start driving cars! Forget what you read, you'll know what "does it for you" once you're behind the wheel. The 993 and 996 are very different animals, and both are well within your reach.

What most people would give to be faced with your dilemma.

Happy Shopping,
-DT

SamGrant951

modded 930 or a 964 turbo..drool.

pig4bill

The "new" style headlights are on 2002 and newer models, or Turbos, none of which you will find for $50k. You'll either have to settle for the headlight style that is common with the Boxster or buy an earlier model like a 993. I suspect you won't like the 993 much, it's much more "sports car" than the M3.

Blue S2

Save your money!!! Buy a 944 S2 or 944 Turbo for less than $10,000 and go to Powerhaus.com and have them rebuild it. Your total cost including car might come to about 25k - 30k. You will have a 944 that blows away Ferrari, Porsche 911 Turbos, Vipers, etc... close to 500rwhp and 500 torque reliable in a car less than 2800lbs is insane. And it handles well! Plus your insurance will be MUCH less since its only a 2-door coupe "944." Theres a lot of image in the 911 series, but nobody ever expects a 944 to outdo their countach or diablo. Just my opinion...

ian

50k on a porsche? Such a hard call but for me:

8k of a 944 Turbo that was in in perfect cosmetic shape, but good mechanicals.
3.5k for MAF / Turbo / Piggy Back
-500 for selling old parts
4k for Kinesis track wheels and tires
4k for Suspension, coil overs, sway bars, bushings
4k for Racing seats, roll bar, and other track prep
1k for big reds

Thats about 24k, you can do it for less, but I estimated on the high side....

Spend 2k on Driver schools, leaving 24k for a older 911 SC, or a pristine 944 Turbo S, S2 Cab or 968.

but thats with my track fetish...

Or

You could get

964 Turbo (great cars)

993

996

There are so many choices, just drive a ton of cars and find one that you love and go with it......

ian

O yeah, and as far as the BMW M3 vs 50k on a porsche.....

Well we had a 2003 BMW M3 w/ SMG for about a year and 14k miles, good sporting car, but not a sports car. It was heavy and bloated and felt it driving around. It did not bring a smile to my face to drive it, sure the SMG was fun and it was quick, but we replaced it with a 964 Turbo and that is a true sports car, I love taking it out and always come back smiling....

This is one family that is sticking with the porsches for the fun cars.....

ZAMIRZ

for 50 grand I"d get a very well sorted narrow-body 993.

911

I agree w/ Zamirz: For $50k you could get a GREAT 993 - take your pick. Or, you could even get a C4S, too. Have fun shopping.