996 As Everyday Car?

[Rob Murray]

I currently drive a BMW 330Ci as my everyday car, doing about 27k miles per annum. Desperately want my first 911 but cant do just for weekends (I have anothet clasic for that which I will never sell).

My idea is to run a 5-6 yr old 996 which has done most of its depreciation for a year or two, put another 30-50k on the clock and then swap to another one and keep doing the same. Depeciation should be low, to off-set higher running costs. Another version of the plan would be to find my ideal car and then run it up to big miles (200-250k) and the "retire" it for weekends.

Any thoughts or advice on this? What would depreciation be like? What kind of mileage can a 996 handle reliably?

I know you will all suggest a 993 - my favourite too - but I would need creature comforts of 996 for the miles I do

Help appreciated


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[Peter B]

There was a Swiss guy on Rennlist that had exceeded 150,000 on a 996, without any serious maintenance issues. Depreciation will be huge - look at the nails on eBay with 90K up. IMHO very difficult to sell this type of car with mega miles on. Otherwise a very good idea and a lot more fun than a beemer (ex 328CiSE myself).

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[Maxy M]

I think it's do-able, and a well looked after 996 should last the distance OK - but buy carefully and beware the RMS issue... It should be sellable too, but depreciation will be quite high - as you'd expect from an up-market car that's used a lot. But will the depreciation losses be any higher than for a new BM every couple of years sold with 50K on the clock?

Depreciation beater: 6 months-1 yr old Mondeo or Vectra kept for 100-150K miles. Oh, s*d depreciation: go and have some fun...


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[Mankster]

Porsche claimed that the 996 and boxster engines were designed to have a lifespan of 180000 miles. I suspect that means without a rebuild so they should be fine. High millage will have a big effect on resale value but I doubt if a £30k would be worth less than say £15000 in 5-6 years time, so depreciation should be minimal from now on if you buy wisely. Routine servicing on a 996 at a main dealer may actually be less than for a BMW!


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[Robertb]

Interesting- I have a 330Ci Sport which I do 28k miles PA in and have been vaguely thinking along similar lines (mainly in desperation as a route of getting rid of another car I'm struggling to sell! Not the BMW I hasten to add which has been exemplary but sadly would have to go in this scenario).

The sort of miles you do I'll bet are long drives/motorway miles which are relatively low stress on a car so I am confident the 996 can handle it.

The RMS issue is a consideration though- as it seems quite random, it is difficult to make any useful comment on it. Get a GT3 or Turbo then you won't have to worry!

I don't think that the running costs would be that bad- I think you'd be pleasantly surprised if you look at 996 specialist menu pricing compared to the BMW.

I'd be inclined to find a good one, spare no expense with the maintenance and stick with it. In the long run, I reckon you will lose less money than trading in and out and paying dealer spreads each time IMO.




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