I currently own a 350Z. But the overally quality of the car (i.e. paint) is just not up to my standards. Now my question is I'd like to one day own a Porsche. Now in my range are the 996 Carrera's and also the Boxster S. Now in my situation what car would you likely buy? Just ignore the power differences.

 

Id test drive both....

 

I would but won't be back in the states until January. So I figured I'd ask to see if anyone else had to make the same or similiar decision.

 

THis is the same exact senario I had about a year ago. I was sporting a 350Z with several Mods: Nismo Exhaust, Brembo 14' Brakes, Cold Air Intake, Front/side and rear skirts, with Nismo wing. Ended up Dmodding the Z and selling off the parts for just a little under what I paid. Picked up a 996 C4S and haven't looked back! You can't go wrong with a Porsche! If you can go with a 911 and not the Boxter. Boxter is a nice ride, but everytime a 911 drives by you're gonna say, "I should have gotten one of those." Trust me on this because I have a friend who says this everytime. GL with your search

 

Thanks for the reply. Just one last question. I was looking at spending around $30,000 on a 996 but sometimes the mileage usually is around the 60's range. Should I be aware of anything or is it still usual maintenance? Especially the RMS with the 99-00 996. About how much is that repair bill? $1500 or so?

 

JMHO, if you decide on a 996 I would set a budget at about $40k. That will give you a bit more choice in pre-owned cars, preferably with lower mileage. I'd suggest looking for an '02 C2 or later due to the many updates over pre-02 cars (larger engine, Xenons, etc).

Boxsters I don't know much about, but I have a feeling if you buy a Boxster you'll eventually want a 996- So just go for it!

 

Go for the 996! I was in the same situation last year. Should I get the Boxtser S or 996? I test drove both and decided with the 996... a wise decision! To each his own of course, but you will like the 996 a lot better.

 

Go for the 996 unless you want a convertable with two seats...

 

If I am not mistaken... isn't there a difference in insurance too? I remember my ins co charger more for the Boxster, then the 996. I am thinking it has to do with having the (small) back seats in the 996... I could be wrong...

 

hmm, with my latest 996 - my insurance went up $20 a year.

As for which car? As many have said - test drive them both. I personally love my 996 Cab - but my 986 S was a lot tighter handling and was still a lot of fun to run around. The one downside with the 986, it's a chore to access the engine compartment to clean your airfilter/MAF/etc.

 

I'll also agree with setting your range from 30-40k. While the earlier 99-01 996s can be found for high 20s, low 30s, most of the time they are pretty basic in terms of "trim." If you're mentioning things like overall quality, I would try to find a car with full leather, as it makes an enormous difference in the interior. Likewise, any other options—sport seats, carbon, aerokit, can be VERY expensive to add post-purchase.

There are plenty out there, so it shouldn't be too difficult. Just have a really good idea of what you're looking for, and don't settle.

To address your original question, as much as I admire and respect the 986s in terms of driving dynamics, I like the lines of the 996 much more. And I use the rear seat of my car CONSTANTLY...although I suppose I'd use the trunk of the 986 too...damn.

 

Def. go with full leather. Seeing both in person I would NEVER buy another 996 without it. I got lucky with my 02 C4 cab. and got the CF wheel, white dials, crested seats, alum. shifter. They can be found in your price range... just be patient. Stick with 02+ like p0rsch3 suggests. You'll thank us later.

 

Like Jeremy Clarkson says "A Boxster says you really want a 911 but life just isn't working out that well for you"

Just be prepared to pay to play. I would highly suggest a 911 with the 3.6L because they seem to have less catastrophic problems. But be ready for stupid stuff like $262 for a new key...srsly

 

I'd get the leather interior. Not having it is the only thing I don't like about my car. I'm piece mealing together a somewhat leather interior and it's expensive and time consuming to pull off. Getting one that already has it is no more expensive than one that doesn't. Here's what you'd be looking at buying used leather pieces:

Dash - $5-800
Instrument cluster cover - $150-400
Glove box ('02+)- $150-350
Doors x 2 - $300-700 each
Pillars x 4 - $125-300
Rear 1/4's - $150-400

If you were to buy the pieces all new, well forget about that. You could probably step up to a Turbo for what it would cost.

Do yourself a favor and spend a little more for a fully equiped, nicely modded car. It will save you tons in the long run.

 

My wife now has my 986 S and i drive the 996 Cab. the 996 is much more of everything! The Boxster was easier to drive, and I love driving it on occasion. But i love the 996 every time, and can't wait to get back in it.

Sad to learn that the 350Z isn't up to snuff- i was thinking i liked the looks of those in a convertible.