I'm probably wrong because I've never owned a Porsche (but I really like the looks of the 911) but I would suspect maintenance is pretty costly and it wouldn't be hard to have a repair that's equal to what the car is worth.
Porsche 911
- Thread starter jerseyguy357
- Start date
In the future, I'm super tempted to buy an old one "for fun" ready to learn about them and work on them. More of a fun hobby. They're awesome cars and second to few in driving experience.
Least desirable 911 is better than most cars. If you haven't driven one you wont understand.
While not a 911, the Macan dropped into our lap without a lot of prior research or information. A porsche is still a car. It has wheels, brakes, engine, etc like other vehicles. I can get most parts at the same price as my F150 at online places and, while a bit more involved, can do the actual work on it myself.
Better how?
Looks? No. Reliability? No. Cost of ownership? No.
Have you personally driven or owned most of the other cars out there to compare?
(see where this is headed?)
I DIY so maintenance cost wasn't really a factor. Factory parts and quality aftermarket are similar in price so it's easy to justify upgrades if you want them.
If the engine takes a dump you're going to spend the value of the car on a rebuild, sure, but then gambling isn't for everyone.
If mine popped it was going to get an LS. It didn't and I sold it for what I paid with ~175k miles on it.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
“Then I realized I spent my life driving microwave.”
Matter of fact yes actually, and the only contemporary I liked enough to buy was the AP1 S2000, although that is more of a peer to the Boxster, but a whole heck of a lot of fun. There really wasn't much else at the time; nothing really from the domestics except maybe the 'Vette that while fast, had typical GM fit & finish... Now the NSX, I'll give you that one..not a lot to complain about there.
I was thinking about buying a used Porsche Cayman but ended up buying (don’t laugh
) a new BRZ.Not as fun as a Cayman with 6 speed transmission but a decent small lightweight car for weekend cruising.
I had an NSX and S2000 years ago when they were still inexpensive and I still preferred the 996.
It has that MK3 VW vibe to it that I like.
I had a 944 in early 90's. It was a beauty but I bought it cheap because it needed a new clutch and strut and motor mounts. I did all that and had a great time while I owned it but when I got in my late 50's I was not able to do some of the physical work that it might require. I thoroughly enjoyed it and its precision and quality, we traveled in it to motorcycle show and such. Amazing handling and power. Sold it and moved on to other interests but I will always remember it.
Just buy what you want, and would enjoy.
No sane person, or with even the most basic level of contentiousness is going to realistically think that buying a 25-year old sports car will have the same ownership experience as something newer, or was originally priced lower.
Cars like this are leisure, or weekend cars, purchased for the qualities that made them special, not their practical qualities. New or old, they appeal to specific niches, and specific desires.
No sane person, or with even the most basic level of contentiousness is going to realistically think that buying a 25-year old sports car will have the same ownership experience as something newer, or was originally priced lower.
Cars like this are leisure, or weekend cars, purchased for the qualities that made them special, not their practical qualities. New or old, they appeal to specific niches, and specific desires.
A friend of mine is a real 911 guru. I am not but he has urged me to get one for years. We used to race together - amateur endurance racing. I tell him I am too old now, that I will look like some old insecure guy. To get his dander up I tell him I will buy a Corvette instead, after I get my hair piece.
;-).
Joking around aside, and he is super knowledgeable (former semi professional racer, managed a Euro car shop, etc.) has told me these models can be a good deal. But like any used, high end car, the key is the maintenance and repair habits of the prior owners - original parts? Regular driving? Making sure the oil is fully heated before getting on it? Competent 911 service from folks who know this animal? I didn’t read all the responses but I bet there are at least several people who have told you to steer clear, beware of the infamous IMS bearing, etc. While these people are definitely annoying and may be under informed as well, you should thank them because they have kept prices on these models somewhat reasonable because somehow people believe everything they read or hear on the internet, if the claimant does not sound like he or she is completely full of you know what. Porsches are actually very good cars with solid reliability. But you have wankers out there who throw stones because it makes them feel better about the fact they cannot properly afford one. Me? I have no such issues because I readily admit I am too cheap and cannot properly afford one! Good luck.
Any updates? Or was it a disappointment?
Why would he come back to this thread to report?
Only a few here gave him genuine, knowledgeable advice. Per typical fashion here, many wanted to give him alternate advice. (He didn't ask about a Mustang GT or a BRZ.) And others thought this was a humor thread. (Accord or Camry advice, for a guy looking at a 911? Really????)
Perhaps his question was more respected on a Porsche forum, like Rennlist, and he decided to share his experience there, instead.
You may be surprised if you judge someone's net worth or what cars they can or can't "afford" based on what cars they recommend or drive themselves.
Anyways, got any more psychology lessons for us? Or do you want to talk about cars?
Surprised? not a bit, as I've mentioned before, there are more than a few pretentious wingnuts on BITOG who love to postYou may be surprised if you judge someone's net worth or what cars they can or can't "afford" based on what cars they recommend or drive themselves.
Anyways, got any more psychology lessons for us? Or do you want to talk about cars?
"I could afford any car I want, but I don't need to let people know how wealthy I am."
Regardless, thank you for your erudite critique. I will take it to heart- in large part due to your extensive eight week tenure on this site.
And if my comments offended your delicate sensibilities I sincerely apologize.
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Bro it's not that deep.You may be surprised if you judge someone's net worth or what cars they can or can't "afford" based on what cars they recommend or drive themselves.
Anyways, got any more psychology lessons for us? Or do you want to talk about cars?
Any time someone comes here and is considering a car that may not be as reliable as a '98 Corolla we have to hear the same crap.
I would love if people without direct experience and those who are both risk-averse and prone to parroting other's uninformed options would stop posting here altogether, but then BiTOG would be pretty small.
Bro these are just machines. They are all prone to the same issues. And after 25 years these issues are well documented. Your 996 wasn't built any more special than anyone else's 996. You don't need direct ownership experience to be aware of this stuff or comment on it.
You can gatekeep all you want. But last I checked, the OP's post reads as follows (emphasis bolded):
