First Post to a great forum.

Okay, I know I'm posting on the 911 side of this forum, but I'm asking for unbiased opinions.

So here's my question: I can afford around 50k on a big step up from my 08 Mustang and want to know the experts opinion on whether to step into a 911 or a Cayman. I realize that this is on the 911 site, but I've leaned that way for some time. I LOVE the 911s and have dreamed of owning one for most of my life, but I'm limited by a moderate budget. So what is the general consensus between buying a well used 996 Turbo, a lower grade 997, or a fairly new Cayman? I know that I can't afford much more than 50k which knocks out a large majority of 911s, but I haven't really been too impressed by the Caymans so far.

Am I missing something with the Caymans or have I put the gorgeous 911 on a pedestal that no other car can approach? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

You are in the right place. 50 thousand will buy you a LOT of 996 turbo. You will buy luxury, performance, and reliability in the 996 in one sexy, exclusive body.

Drive all three and you will know for sure

 

I was somewhat in the same boat as you -- I didn't want to spend more than about $50K for a fun car which I could drive semi-daily.

I looked at the 993, 996TT, early 997, and newer Caymans and Boxsters. I also looked at the new BMW Z4 and Nissan 350/370 (and Infiniti G37s). In the end, it came down to the 996TT or 997, and I could have easily ended up with either one depending on the specific car and deal out there at the time. For me, I found a 996TT that I liked at the right price, and haven't looked back since (except to see the cars I'm passing ).

Good luck in your search!

 

I've driven most 911's since the 911 SC. I've even driven Boxsters and a Cayman R on a Porsche test drive event. I've owned a 1979 SC for 7 years and loved it. I kind of like the rareness of the older 911s. But always hated the long throws of the shifter. It was always a love/hate relationship with the car. Finally, I sold it. Then a year later, I wished I haven't.

The Boxsters were fun to drive but always didn't seem to have the power I longed for. I held off buying another Porsche for almost 20 years. After a slow 2 year search of all possibilities, I came to the conclusion that I had to have another 911 and this time a Yellow Turbo. The car of my dreams... $50K out the door and 27K miles. I love the knock back to the seat power of the car.(the only other car I've own with such kick was a 1972 Jag XKE V-12).

I can't wait to get in and smell the leather interior. I sit back in my garage and admire the styling of this beautiful machine. I love the sound of my Tubi Style exhaust note from the flat 6. It is by far one of the most luxurious cars I've ever own. I enjoy the smooth ride and acceleration on the freeways. My only complaint is that I haven't been able to take it up to pass 100MPH or even the 90's for more than a few seconds because the CHPs are always following me at a distant on Hwy 280.

I do find the car a little heavy to drive on the streets and the 6 speed Manual could be tiresome in city streets.

The Cayman R I drove at the Porsche event surprised me. It was light in steering and very nimble to drive. It had ample power, even without the Turbo kick. I like the mid-engine handling and I felt one with the vehicle. Although, I felt something was missing in the exterior styling. It was just not a 911. And when I wanted to tip the seat back to take a nap, it would not recline like my 996 or 911SC.

But if you have to have a 911 and a Turbo, you will find no better car. I've tried to get rid of my 911 fix but you see, I've comeback for a second fix. Next time I may try a Cayman R instead (once I'm done with the Turbo Fix).

You have to explore the possibilities and search your sole for what you think you want. If you got to have a 911 or even a Turbo, just do it. You may comeback once or twice, but then you can say you've done it and then move on. Maybe this will be the last 911 or maybe I'll just buy both!

 

how about Ferrari 355? I might just muddied up the water... But goodluck

 

A 911 Turbo by far,,Has everything and more for a fifty thousand dollar car now and will be looked at down the road still to be an ultimate car and head turner..AND a daily driver .....Just think what the guy paid for the car when he bought it new....lol...Good Luck

 

5k plus every 3 years for service, lol, what have you been smoking?

 

You should be able to buy a well cared for TT for 50k. Prices have dropped, you need to be patient and be 'that guy' who buys the car before it gets traded-in.

Lots of threads here on pricing, what to look for, etc.

GL

A

 

And I am that guy "selling" that exact car for $52k. Contact me offline for a detailed list of all the mods if interested.

Mike

 

Welcome! Which Clarksville you in?

 

I was in the same boat too. I figured 997 c2s are still depreciating whereas 996TT pricing has not changed much the last few years. I love the Cayman, but I don't like boxsters so much. Cayman seemed to be a bit of a compromise from Porsche too, whereas Porsche 911 turbo cars are always well optioned and no compromise. It does seem that Cayman prices have stabilized though. Not many people are buying brand new ones since it is no longer the cool new car, but it is still heavily sought after in the second hand market by enthusiasts.

I would say get a 996tt now and then maybe move to a 997 in a few years once the 991 releases and 997 prices drop.

 

Mike's car is well sorted and very well documented here and on other sites. Do a search here and you will see lots of threads.

Good luck with your search. The TT is a fantastic ride!

 

Imo the 996 turbo is one of the best cars around and a bargain price now. Big buyer beware though, i love to modify cars and had the idea of remap, air filter and exhaust. It has not stopped since, modifing these cars is very addictive as the power gains are great.

 

Well said.

 

funny