New to this - what would you recommend?

NickCW · 22 Mar 2013

Hi every body, new to this and have a few questions - well new to Porsche's!

I am looking to purchase a weekend car in a few months, budget of around 10-12k, this will be strictly a summer only car that will do maybe 2-3k a year at most, garaged all the time etc.

Now I was originally (don't shoot!) going to buy a very mint condition Focus RS, due to the lack of depreciation on older models. However whilst looking I stumbled on a N/A 996 with a GT3 bodykit...

There seems to be a wealth of models about, but I wanted to know first hand what is best suited to my budget and to weekend use only? Ideally I want to look for a factory GT3 kitted car.

Also this IMS thing, if I get the bearing replaced (ideally would rather it had already been done) is this a permanent fix? Or is it still a worry.

Lastly the RS doesn't look set to lose any money in the next 5years, whereas I have no idea what the Porsche will be worth then. Any ideas?

Many thanks for your time!
Nick :thumbs:

Igurisu · 22 Mar 2013

Hi Nick, the first thing I would recomend is to try and find a test drive in a car. I understand your thought process about deprecitiation but think you will find that although the RS is fairly quick, the actual driving experience in the 996 is a diffferent ball game.

First job is to decide what car you want

T8 · 22 Mar 2013

Hi Nick :welcome:

£12k will get you exactly the car that you're looking for but within that the GT3 kit will have added about £1500 to the value of the car. Buying one already fitted is far cheaper than adding it.

BUT

It will be a 10 year+ old car and being a 911 will cost 911 money to run, even doing your 'weekend only' mileage.

General wisdom on here is to budget c£2k for first year ownership bits and pieces and £1k+ per year thereafter.

Depreciation wise a good car in the £10k -£12k bracket has pretty much bottomed out IF it's kept good.

If the IMS bearing is replaced properly it should not be a source of 'Porsche Paranoia' thereafter. Be aware it's a £1k + job in itself though.

Good luck :thumb:

ladenfranz · 22 Mar 2013

T8996C4 said:
General wisdom on here is to budget c£2k for first year ownership bits and pieces and £1k+ per year thereafter.

This is a very good advise. Especially when operating in strong budget.
:welcome:

NickCW · 22 Mar 2013

Igurisu said:
Hi Nick, the first thing I would recomend is to try and find a test drive in a car. I understand your thought process about deprecitiation but think you will find that although the RS is fairly quick, the actual driving experience in the 996 is a diffferent ball game.

First job is to decide what car you want

Well initially I never even thought about the Porsche, but then after I stumbled across a few I suddenly thought hold on these aren't actually basket cases and then this lead to supercar or hatchback? Easy choice lol.

I guess my initial fear is that it could be a bad idea, and not sensible etc.
However it is only a car at the end of the day, and I have a few contacts who should be able to do all the mechanicals cheaply.

But still, it does strike a bit of fear!

T8996C4 said:
Hi Nick :welcome:

£12k will get you exactly the car that you're looking for but within that the GT3 kit will have added about £1500 to the value of the car. Buying one already fitted is far cheaper than adding it.

BUT

It will be a 10 year+ old car and being a 911 will cost 911 money to run, even doing your 'weekend only' mileage.

General wisdom on here is to budget c£2k for first year ownership bits and pieces and £1k+ per year thereafter.

Depreciation wise a good car in the £10k -£12k bracket has pretty much bottomed out IF it's kept good.

If the IMS bearing is replaced properly it should not be a source of 'Porsche Paranoia' thereafter. Be aware it's a £1k + job in itself though.

Good luck :thumb:

Thanks for the advice, I will bear that in mind.
Is it wise to buy a car for instance off of the forum so its well known, i.e. to get a good one? I have to admit I still have a lot to learn about the issues and faults on these.

Glad to hear they have bottomed out, I can only really justify it sitting there for 6months of the year if its not costing me a fortune every month in depreciation!

Any ideas what that 1/2k might be made up of, or is it just general servicing etc?

Thanks.
8)

T8 · 22 Mar 2013

NickCW said:
Any ideas what that 1/2k might be made up of, or is it just general servicing etc?

If you key the word 'cost' into the 'Search Forum' you'll get plenty of background reading.

As a start here's my personal experience:

Click here >> http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=58008&highlight=cost

smigga · 22 Mar 2013

Hi Nick, you've started your hunt well coming here, lots of friendly knowledge on tap.
I did just what your thinking of, bought a 2000 C2 as a weekend car, 1-2k a year, didnt want to throw much money at it but I'm afraid as said on a 10-13 year old car, jobs will crop up.
I've had mine since August, mine has been on a 911maintenance/warranty plan for years so has had lots done to it and still I've fitted a stainless exhaust (my choice but the cats were on their way out) 2 rear tyres (had wrong size fitted) front tyres imminent (getting old) I've changed the wheels, had paint done (more to come) and have bought other little improvements here and there plus £1k in servicing bits and warranty payments. Probably £3k all in. It still needs some suspension tweaks and a geometry setup but it was/is a good one.
Porsche parts as I'm sure you know are costly, consumables, tyres, exhausts, brakes, suspension, clutches etc don't come cheap. I think if you hunt an absolute minter down, learn loads on here and find an enthusiasts car who has loved their pride and joy, you could get away with just running costs in your first year but best be prepared :thumb:
That said once they get in your blood for me it's like when your kids need something, cost becomes irrelevant, its just a case of it needs it so it gets it :wink:
Oh and they're worth every penny :thumb:
As Pete says go try a few, they are special cars you won't look back

David

mak · 23 Mar 2013

NickCW said:
this lead to supercar or hatchback? Easy choice lol.

Hi, do not mistake the basic 911 as a super car or you may be disappointed , I guess even 14 years ago the 996 would struggle to achieve this accolade , if you are use to brutal performance you may get bored so before you decide get a go in one

.

madmog · 24 Mar 2013

NickCW said:
(EDIT)

Also this IMS thing, if I get the bearing replaced (ideally would rather it had already been done) is this a permanent fix? Or is it still a worry.
(EDIT)

If you replace the IMS bearing with a standard Porsche one, it's still a worry, if you (or previous owner) had the LN ceramic upgrade IMS bearing fitted, I don't think one of those has failed yet. There's still other worries but that's part of the package really.

As said above, drive a few and get a feel for what you like.