I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I have been surfing this forum for over a year and just signed up recently. I truly admire the passion and commitment that you all have to your hobby(s) as well as the ART of living the good life. It is something that most people don't understand and definately something that money can't buy (but DEFINATELY can support).

Anyway, I have a general opinion question for everyone: I will be graduating from Syracuse University next Spring and after meeting some VERY rigorous goals set by my father, he has offered to buy me a car. Being that I am a Porsche enthusiast, I am going with a P-car. Here is my question/issue; Originally, I was promised a Boxter S at the beginning of college provided I meet the goals. Now that I am more experienced with cars, driving and performance, I am wondering if I am better off using the same money to get a used Carrera, C4 or C4S.

I obviously know the major difference in the level of performance, but I'm weary about used cars in general. Can some of you guys share your opinions and experiences with me that you've had with used Carreras as well as what to look for/avoid as far as miles, model years, issues, etc? Thank you in advance and I look forward to a lifetime of Porsche passion and posts.

 

Welcome to 6speed!

Well, for P-cars, I've realized from my constant research on prices that buying new, for the most part, means you have to take a pretty good hit when you decide to sell. For those folks where money is not an issue, I guess this is not a big deal, but for those who don't have heaploads of cash sitting around, getting into a P-car isn't easy...especially if you want new.

Long story short, with diligence, research and a Porsche certified inspection, you should be fine going with a used one. The retail value on these cars the first few years after being sold new drops quite a bit. It shouldn't be difficult to find a nicely kept c4/c4s with low miles and certified with a warranty.

Good luck!

 

Considering options, the C4S is the best value in the Porsche 911 line, and young used is absolutely the way to go. I bought my '03 Doupe, with nice options, in 2/05, with 7500 miles, for 66000. That left plenty of warranty, and plenty $$ for modding, etc. I now have 21000 miles, and have enjoyed them all.

Yes, I had the RMS situation, dealt with by the dealer, and it hasn't worried me.

 

Going to 'Cuse, eh? Nice. I graduated 2 years ago... I DON'T miss the frickin winters there ugh

Personally, I would go after a used C4S or +02 model C2. Boxster S is nice, but it is a little too small for my liking (I used to have a one). Plus the Boxster S doesn't have a backseat--which can be useful despite public opinion (golf clubs, small people ,bags, etc)

The modding limits are endless on any model, so I'm sure youll be happy with whatever you choose! Good luck.

 

All great advice. Thanks for the quick responses! I still have a little time to figure everything out. I'm leaving for 4 months in London next Friday. When I get back, the serious search will begin.

evo - a 'cuse grad.. very nice. What schoool were you in? What are you doing now?

 

I like 996's looks and the backseat was required for me. So I went w a 996. Having had a 2 seater in the past, I needed 4 seats in anticipation of growing family.

If not, I would probly opt for the Cayman or new Boxter S. The warranty will cover you well, especially if you are just out of college. Imagine facing a $1k RMS repair w a preown w/o warranty or worse, a new tranny costing thousands. You wouldn't want to ask dad for repair $$.

Both Cayman and Boxster S offers very close performance to 996. Anyone telling you 0.5sec difference is big on the street is trying to make you feel small for no reason. Prosche isn't a drag car and Boxster will be more nimble and easier to handle well. You can have a DVD-based Nav and other goodies on a new car. The only downside is depreciation which a 996 has taken. I'd get a 987S w deviating stiching and seat belt. How pimp would that be!

You're probly pretty young (early 20's) and I'd think a 996 would be a older look for you. A car must fit you and your needs. If performance is all that matters, I'd be driving a M3 or C6. Obviously, I want more than those cars offer.

If you plan to make heavy modification such as a supercharger, definitely go for 996. Ask dad what he thinks and take a test drive of 996, 987S to see which fits you more.

 

Good luck, welcome.

 

Green Guy,

Do you know where you'll be working when you graduate?? In my view, this is an important piece of the equation.

Manhattan-- most likely don't need (or want) a car at all.

Southern Climates-- Boxster may make more sense than C2.

Northern Climates-- C4S may make more sense than C2 or Boxster.

Just something to consider.

Regards,

Matt

 

Given your age, and driving experience, I would recommend the safest car you can get. I'm not trying to be mean or condescending, but there's a learning curve to safely driving powerful cars, and unless you have some track experience, or are older than we would guess, I would strongly advise the AWD/PSM combo of the C4S.

I'm 31, and I'm a good enough driver for the C4S, but I would be very nervous pushing a GT3, let alone a GT2. The limits of these cars are high enough that you're going pretty quickly by the time the *** steps out on you, and you need to know what to do, and do it fast, to avoid an 'incident'.

There are other reasons to love the C4S, but in terms of sheer stability, it's hard to match. Whatever way you go, though, I would really strongly suggest you get a car with PSM. It only needs to save your *** once, and you'll be a believer. It's saved mine probably 10 times in the past three years, mostly in unexpected road conditions.

 

arts and science w/a double major in economics and psych. I had a short stint in inverstment banking and now I'm in advertising.

Also, agreed with MJM comments. I assume you'll probably be working in manhattan (as most cuse grads do) and a car is NOT a necessity. I only drive mine on the weekends and usually I take trips out of state or whatnot. If you do move into Manhattan, be sure to factor in extra $$$ for a garage, parking tickets ($65+ a pop) and maintanence (the potholes take a toll on the ride)... oh yeah, and gas is ridiculous here.

keep us updated with your decision...