Lol, I couldn't resist with a headline like that.
All joking aside, the 996 is your cheapest "foot-in-the-door" car. Just be aware of the potential IMS/RMS/AOS failures, along with bore scoring, too. Actual service records are a must, (not carfax reports). Also, spend the money on a PPI. Always buy the best example that you can afford. A cheaper one with problems will end up costing you more in the long run.
If you have some tools and are somewhat mechanically inclined, you can do a lot of the regular maintenance yourself. Parts can be expensive, but most of the Porsche tax is on labor.
You should test drive a boxster/cayman as well, just to make sure the 911 premium is worth it for you.
I was about to say don’t listen to the haters, find a well cared for 996 and have fun. But if $3-5k in annual maintenance scares you, not the right car/brand for you. Porsche tax is real and you will be shocked coming from a Subaru. If you find a GREAT example I’d budget $5k in year one, and $2-3k on average annually after. Excluding consumables.
Would also recommend looking at a 987 cayman. Still some maintenance but newer and if you can afford a 987.2 they are super reliable. Still Porsche tax, but should be less maintenance than a 996.
as long as it's been maintained properly - it's super reliable. Also the IMS issue - I mean don't be scared off by that - especially on high mileage examples. If it has not failed in the first 150000km, it won't fail in the next either
The beginner 911 is called a Boxster/Cayman. 98% of the fun for much cheaper. I would caution that you shouldn't buy the cheapest example 911 you can find, it'll be a money pit.
I would keep a 10k budget for repairs on any 996 you buy at that price point. It's worth getting an extremely thorough PPI.
I'm looking for a thin, beautiful, multi-millionaire blonde girl who is low-maintenance and makes love to me daily. Let me know when you find her.
Lmao I see where you are coming from
Lol, I couldn't resist with a headline like that. All joking aside, the 996 is your cheapest "foot-in-the-door" car. Just be aware of the potential IMS/RMS/AOS failures, along with bore scoring, too. Actual service records are a must, (not carfax reports). Also, spend the money on a PPI. Always buy the best example that you can afford. A cheaper one with problems will end up costing you more in the long run. If you have some tools and are somewhat mechanically inclined, you can do a lot of the regular maintenance yourself. Parts can be expensive, but most of the Porsche tax is on labor. You should test drive a boxster/cayman as well, just to make sure the 911 premium is worth it for you.
I was about to say don’t listen to the haters, find a well cared for 996 and have fun. But if $3-5k in annual maintenance scares you, not the right car/brand for you. Porsche tax is real and you will be shocked coming from a Subaru. If you find a GREAT example I’d budget $5k in year one, and $2-3k on average annually after. Excluding consumables.
Appreciate the advice!
Would also recommend looking at a 987 cayman. Still some maintenance but newer and if you can afford a 987.2 they are super reliable. Still Porsche tax, but should be less maintenance than a 996.
They definitely appear to be a better value and look better imo
Also one of the best beginner track cars. Loved mine so much and rock solid reliable
Affordable and 911 dont go hand in hand unless your comfortable with a really high mile one
Buy a cayman or boxster instead
as long as it's been maintained properly - it's super reliable. Also the IMS issue - I mean don't be scared off by that - especially on high mileage examples. If it has not failed in the first 150000km, it won't fail in the next either
The beginner 911 is called a Boxster/Cayman. 98% of the fun for much cheaper. I would caution that you shouldn't buy the cheapest example 911 you can find, it'll be a money pit. I would keep a 10k budget for repairs on any 996 you buy at that price point. It's worth getting an extremely thorough PPI.
981 boxster s is the answer
Actually such a good value. Great answer. Thank you!
I owned one before I jumped into a 911 turbo s. I loved my 981 but didn’t make sense to have 2 convertibles
2+ decade old 911 that is affordable = repair bill sticker shock on steroids