I'd jump on that swap! As far as upkeep, the 996 911 is generally pretty robust but does have a couple of spots that are known for more frequent issues than might be ideal (though still from guaranteed failure). The rear main seal and intermediate shaft are the two that seem to be the most trouble (google 996 ims and 996 rms and you'll find more info than you could ever want on these issues). I've heard of some IMS issues even on the early 996s but haven't seen them personally so not sure what the deal is there. Have seen some on later 996s.

 

Come on...you are an undergraduate student with no degree yet and probably no stable income. Your mini will cost less to maintain and less troublesome since it is
newer by many years. Be patient and wait
until you graduate.

 

I think you might be surprised at how little difference there is in maintenance cost. The MINI could be more troublesome actually as the S models have several common potential issues.
Get it, enjoy it now, who knows if the opportunity will present itself again.

 

+1 on Bill at Eurotech. I get all my work done at his shop.

 

I might surprise a few folks here and stand firmly in the minority camp. Having owned both and spent a lot of seat time in them, I'd stick with the much younger Mini S. It's easy to write the Mini off as an econo-box and the 996 as a true driver's car, but for what you'll spend 99.9% of your time doing, i.e. city driving, the Mini is a blast to wring out and toss around. As for the remaining .1% of the time you'll spend at DE events and rally's I can assure you the Mini's capabilities as a car far outweigh your driving skill just yet.

As a status symbol, the 996 will surely turn more heads... You just have to decide if that's worth the insurance, additional maintenance and ignorant assumptions that will come with owning a water-cooled P-car at such a young age.

Either way, consider yourself extremely fortunate to have access to such fun cars at a young age. Many spend their entire adult lives pining over both! Happy motoring.

 

I actually agree with this and if I were in college, the Mini would offer me the most bang for the buck with the least headaches.

 

I concur. Having owned both '08 Mini Clubman S and a Porsche 996. I would say the Mini would be a better choice for a college student. Very reliable, practical and boat loads of fun. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love my 996 Cab but there was absolutely no way, as a college student, I would have been able to afford the upkeep and treat the car with the level of care it deserves.