Questions for Porsche 996 owners in regards to your lifestyle
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Interesting questions.
I do drive my 996 every day. Mine is a coupe - personally I think the coupe is more attractive than the cabriolet. I don't ever get any kind of "looks" when I get in or out of my car. I wear whatever I would wear if I drove a Honda. I don't dress differently because I drive a Porsche. Sometimes I'm well dressed, sometimes I'm headed to the gym in sweats.
Maintenance for a 996 varies depending on the condition of the car and how you use it. Tires are quite expensive, as are maintenance items. You can save quite a bit if you work on the car yourself. My car never seems to leave the repair shop for under $1,000. My last service was a major recommended service, plus new motor mounts and a few other things. It was roughly $3,800 at my independent mechanic. This is not uncommon.
I do drive my 996 every day. Mine is a coupe - personally I think the coupe is more attractive than the cabriolet. I don't ever get any kind of "looks" when I get in or out of my car. I wear whatever I would wear if I drove a Honda. I don't dress differently because I drive a Porsche. Sometimes I'm well dressed, sometimes I'm headed to the gym in sweats.
Maintenance for a 996 varies depending on the condition of the car and how you use it. Tires are quite expensive, as are maintenance items. You can save quite a bit if you work on the car yourself. My car never seems to leave the repair shop for under $1,000. My last service was a major recommended service, plus new motor mounts and a few other things. It was roughly $3,800 at my independent mechanic. This is not uncommon.
I would not have added (or left) anything else in every aspect (dress code, preference of coupe, cost ...etc.) and I am sure that you enjoy it as much as I do.
I am refusing to change my job to a closer site in my city as I would loose my daily drive of 100 mile either way! (if my wife knows about this, she will add to my list of things that I dissapointed her in- and the list is very very long
)....Yes you need to be somewhat able to afford the maintenance cost to keep these things running.....
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Sorry, I haven't responded promptly. Google doesn't link this topic with my inbox anymore which is weird.
So if I were to go for a Boxster in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 USD, will it be more or less as reliable (or not), as a 911 cab/coupe? Will the Boxster also be less of a nightmare to fix/maintain compared to a Cabriolet or 911 coupe of the same year (e.g. early years, like 98, 99, and 2000)?
If Boxster, on a year to year comparison with a 911, is on average half the cost or more, it will be a no brainer for myself, and I will start looking at a Boxster.
However, if a Boxster is say, only 20% or 25% less expensive to repair or maintain than a 911, than I will still focus on a 911.
So if I were to go for a Boxster in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 USD, will it be more or less as reliable (or not), as a 911 cab/coupe? Will the Boxster also be less of a nightmare to fix/maintain compared to a Cabriolet or 911 coupe of the same year (e.g. early years, like 98, 99, and 2000)?
If Boxster, on a year to year comparison with a 911, is on average half the cost or more, it will be a no brainer for myself, and I will start looking at a Boxster.
However, if a Boxster is say, only 20% or 25% less expensive to repair or maintain than a 911, than I will still focus on a 911.
It depends on what breaks...
It is still a porsche so you will pay out the rear for anyone else working on your stuff. If you do the work yourself, it is cheaper and you can work that on a 30K salary. Find a nice example for 12-15K. That is cheaper than a new KIA in some aspects.
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Not really knowing what it looks like, I did an image search and it looks nice in terms of exterior styling and front grille/headlights. It's no Porsche in terms of looks, but it still looks above average and it's a lot less expensive to buy outright than a Porsche.
Is the Honda S2000 basically a direct competitor to a Mazda MX5 Miata, since it looks very small in size, and is around the same price range for a year to year model?
I figured if I can't truly afford a 996, I will wait for the 2016 Ford Mustang and either get the base V6 or the EcoBoost (which is supposedly as fast as the V8, but doesn't sound nearly as mean). I like the new 2015 Ford's styling since it reminds me of a Aston Martin Vantage V8 from the side, as well as the old fastback Mustangs which I really like.
Seen a 987 Boxster tonight, and it was covered in dry dirt from all the melting snow and water, but it still stood out (in a good way) and so I STILL want a Porsche; either Boxster or a 996 Carrera.
Is the Honda S2000 basically a direct competitor to a Mazda MX5 Miata, since it looks very small in size, and is around the same price range for a year to year model?
I figured if I can't truly afford a 996, I will wait for the 2016 Ford Mustang and either get the base V6 or the EcoBoost (which is supposedly as fast as the V8, but doesn't sound nearly as mean). I like the new 2015 Ford's styling since it reminds me of a Aston Martin Vantage V8 from the side, as well as the old fastback Mustangs which I really like.
Seen a 987 Boxster tonight, and it was covered in dry dirt from all the melting snow and water, but it still stood out (in a good way) and so I STILL want a Porsche; either Boxster or a 996 Carrera.
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S2k has more hp than Miata ... I think it was designed more as a Boxster competitor. Early models were high revving and maybe a bit of a narrow power band; later cars are said to be somewhat more drivable. IMO, the S2000 might be a good car for you to consider because they are fun to drive, reliable (at least in sorts car terms), and should hold value or maybe even appreciate.
Would like to add in since the talk seems to be about maintanence at the moment. I decided to buy a b7 Audi and was able to afford the maint on it, although it seemed to be a lot of stuff for the car ( only 60k miles and had it for 2 years) I decided that the cost of ownership wasnt far off from the 996 besides the oil change cost. If you really really want a porsche but unsure if you can afford it, look into a german car such as a b7 Audi s4 or even a c55 amg. Enjoy that and if you can afford it easily and not stress , than look into a porsche.
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Looking for a Porsche 911 between 8 and 12 grand plus you only earning 30 grand a year. Get real man. Stop right there and re-think your goal. And I see you are preferring the cabriolet. Young man you are living in Cuckoo Land. Maybe a roller at your prices, but even so, you will be lucky haha. Now I am looking for a wall to bang my head on.
Last edited by Hurdigurdiman; Mar 14, 2014 at 02:00 AM.
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Interesting responses. I'm an A&P (airframe and power plant) mechanic wrenching on DC-9s and 737s and I KNOW about the cost of things. It's not unusual for parts alone to run $100K+. From the sound of things, it may not be a bad idea to create a "slush fund" and put some money back every month, like a private aircraft owner should do...very prudent! Between my military retirement (26 years USAF) and my current job, so I should be OK. It cost me a couple grand, but I DID opt for a 2 year/24K mile extended warranty thru the dealership I bought it from (Lexus). I had already told myself I NEEDED to do that.
In the meantime, I'm gonna drive the shyte (as an Irish friend says) out of it and wring it out. Beautiful car and it's working perfectly so far...I'm fully aware "Murphy" doesn't accept overtime and is on the clock 24/7, but it's better to accept the annoyances of a 10 year old car and save up for the major things.
BTW, this thing is even more addicting than my 2006 F-150 FX4....I love both of them!
As far as dress code, who cares? I'm either in work clothes or jeans and sneakers.....I'm the one making payments anyway
Phil
In the meantime, I'm gonna drive the shyte (as an Irish friend says) out of it and wring it out. Beautiful car and it's working perfectly so far...I'm fully aware "Murphy" doesn't accept overtime and is on the clock 24/7, but it's better to accept the annoyances of a 10 year old car and save up for the major things.
BTW, this thing is even more addicting than my 2006 F-150 FX4....I love both of them!
As far as dress code, who cares? I'm either in work clothes or jeans and sneakers.....I'm the one making payments anyway Phil
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Also, what kind of income does one need to realistically have in order to afford to own the car, not just buying one flat out? I know fees/costs of ownership/maintenance varies from one person to the next, as well as what kind of Porsche one is driving. I hear as low as $1200 a year, to nearly $5000 for a early model of the first Boxsters and 996 911s.
I only make $30,000 a year right now, BUT I am relatively frugal and cheap so my monthly costs outside of true necessities, compared to my peers, is VERY low. I don't eat out 3x a week any more, and more like once every other week and only tip 20% versus 30-35% versus last year.
I only make $30,000 a year right now, BUT I am relatively frugal and cheap so my monthly costs outside of true necessities, compared to my peers, is VERY low. I don't eat out 3x a week any more, and more like once every other week and only tip 20% versus 30-35% versus last year.
Until you are ready to comfortably take care and ENJOY a Porsche, you won't be worried about what clothes to wear, who gives you dirty looks, and wonder how long you can hold off on a new set of tires.
I'm sorry to be a debbie downer but Porsche ownership becomes an addiction, not to be played with just scraping by.
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I would advised against it heavily. I clear mid six figures, and while I can afford it, the maintenance on these, or fixing something that breaks, still shocks me! I feel like I spend 30K a year (I obviously really do not) on the Porsche alone.
In regards to how often I drive it, I drive it maybe at most once a week. I own a distribution company, and I love dirty jobs, so I'm in the back working with my employees, this means I dress like a slob. I bought the 996 as a track car, but usually take it out on the streets. I usually have C-class benzs try to race me, nothing stupid like a honda, nothing serious like a lambo. People are NOT shocked when I drive it, people do not break their necks.
If you're looking for attention, and you're in the 12-25k price range, find yourself a nice Late 90s Early 2000s G Wagon. Spend your time bringing it up to date. The body has barely changed from the late 90s to the 2013 model. Plus maintenance is as much as any mercedes, not too high. Sourcing parts is easy too. Then, people will be shocked, I get it all the time when I'm in the G Wagon or F car.
In regards to how often I drive it, I drive it maybe at most once a week. I own a distribution company, and I love dirty jobs, so I'm in the back working with my employees, this means I dress like a slob. I bought the 996 as a track car, but usually take it out on the streets. I usually have C-class benzs try to race me, nothing stupid like a honda, nothing serious like a lambo. People are NOT shocked when I drive it, people do not break their necks.
If you're looking for attention, and you're in the 12-25k price range, find yourself a nice Late 90s Early 2000s G Wagon. Spend your time bringing it up to date. The body has barely changed from the late 90s to the 2013 model. Plus maintenance is as much as any mercedes, not too high. Sourcing parts is easy too. Then, people will be shocked, I get it all the time when I'm in the G Wagon or F car.
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This is an interesting thread so I'll add my .02 worth. For this price range, and not trying to be captain obvious here, the lower end will cost you more in repairs. The higher price will reduce (not eliminate) your chances of high repairs.
Now, I'm wondering what are the "other costs" that come with being a Porsche owner, and being seen by people/strangers on a daily basis, wherever you roam.
Do you dress well, like *always* wearing dress shirts, nice watches, dress shoes, etc or do you not really care about what kind of clothes you wear, when going to crowded spots?
For those who use their Porsches as daily drivers, do you get envious or dirty looks from other workers who see you hop in or hop out of your car?
.
Do you dress well, like *always* wearing dress shirts, nice watches, dress shoes, etc or do you not really care about what kind of clothes you wear, when going to crowded spots?
For those who use their Porsches as daily drivers, do you get envious or dirty looks from other workers who see you hop in or hop out of your car?
.
Yes, the car attracts quite a bit more attention. I also drive a GTI, Boxster S, Infiniti JX, Mercedes and X5. The Boxster comes close in attention, but EVERYONE looks at the 911.
How I dress doesn't matter. I will be seen in sweat pants and suits just the same in all cars.
The 911 causes quite a *bit* more envy or dirty looks than the other cars. It's actually a very interesting social experiment. When I had a basement renovation, I had 6 contractors provide estimates. 3 contractors went through the house to get to the basement. 3 contractors went through the garage (with both Porsches parked inside) to get to the basement. The first contractors prices were from $15k to $22k. The latter were $35k to $45k FOR THE SAME EXACT JOB. So now, what do I do? I hide all the other cars anytime I have someone doing a quote.
People at work also causes issues when they realize you have a 911 vs. any other (even more expensive) cars. The 911 clearly has a stigma and attitude attached to it.
Also, what kind of income does one need to realistically have in order to afford to own the car, not just buying one flat out? I know fees/costs of ownership/maintenance varies from one person to the next, as well as what kind of Porsche one is driving. I hear as low as $1200 a year, to nearly $5000 for a early model of the first Boxsters and 996 911s.
I only make $30,000 a year right now, BUT I am relatively frugal and cheap so my monthly costs outside of true necessities, compared to my peers, is VERY low. I don't eat out 3x a week any more, and more like once every other week and only tip 20% versus 30-35% versus last year....
I only make $30,000 a year right now, BUT I am relatively frugal and cheap so my monthly costs outside of true necessities, compared to my peers, is VERY low. I don't eat out 3x a week any more, and more like once every other week and only tip 20% versus 30-35% versus last year....
Seriously, if you need to ask what kind of income does one need to own something, trying to be realistic for you, you need to look at a different car. At $30k/year, even if someone gave you the car for free, there are other facets of ownership that $30k is not enough. I'm assuming you're on the "younger" side of life. My opinion is that you should aspire to get a 911, work towards it, then reward yourself with it.
If you buy a $9000 car, there could be so many things wrong with it that your ownership experience would not be good. I don't care how frugal you are, it's not financially feasible unless you're still living out of your parent's house and DO NOT have a girlfriend/boyfriend (don't know if you're male or female).
I had 6 contractors provide estimates
This is an interesting thread so I'll add my .02 worth. For this price range, and not trying to be captain obvious here, the lower end will cost you more in repairs. The higher price will reduce (not eliminate) your chances of high repairs.
Yes, the car attracts quite a bit more attention. I also drive a GTI, Boxster S, Infiniti JX, Mercedes and X5. The Boxster comes close in attention, but EVERYONE looks at the 911.
How I dress doesn't matter. I will be seen in sweat pants and suits just the same in all cars.
The 911 causes quite a *bit* more envy or dirty looks than the other cars. It's actually a very interesting social experiment. When I had a basement renovation, I had 6 contractors provide estimates. 3 contractors went through the house to get to the basement. 3 contractors went through the garage (with both Porsches parked inside) to get to the basement. The first contractors prices were from $15k to $22k. The latter were $35k to $45k FOR THE SAME EXACT JOB. So now, what do I do? I hide all the other cars anytime I have someone doing a quote.
People at work also causes issues when they realize you have a 911 vs. any other (even more expensive) cars. The 911 clearly has a stigma and attitude attached to it.
Seriously, if you need to ask what kind of income does one need to own something, trying to be realistic for you, you need to look at a different car. At $30k/year, even if someone gave you the car for free, there are other facets of ownership that $30k is not enough. I'm assuming you're on the "younger" side of life. My opinion is that you should aspire to get a 911, work towards it, then reward yourself with it.
If you buy a $9000 car, there could be so many things wrong with it that your ownership experience would not be good. I don't care how frugal you are, it's not financially feasible unless you're still living out of your parent's house and DO NOT have a girlfriend/boyfriend (don't know if you're male or female).
Yes, the car attracts quite a bit more attention. I also drive a GTI, Boxster S, Infiniti JX, Mercedes and X5. The Boxster comes close in attention, but EVERYONE looks at the 911.
How I dress doesn't matter. I will be seen in sweat pants and suits just the same in all cars.
The 911 causes quite a *bit* more envy or dirty looks than the other cars. It's actually a very interesting social experiment. When I had a basement renovation, I had 6 contractors provide estimates. 3 contractors went through the house to get to the basement. 3 contractors went through the garage (with both Porsches parked inside) to get to the basement. The first contractors prices were from $15k to $22k. The latter were $35k to $45k FOR THE SAME EXACT JOB. So now, what do I do? I hide all the other cars anytime I have someone doing a quote.
People at work also causes issues when they realize you have a 911 vs. any other (even more expensive) cars. The 911 clearly has a stigma and attitude attached to it.
Seriously, if you need to ask what kind of income does one need to own something, trying to be realistic for you, you need to look at a different car. At $30k/year, even if someone gave you the car for free, there are other facets of ownership that $30k is not enough. I'm assuming you're on the "younger" side of life. My opinion is that you should aspire to get a 911, work towards it, then reward yourself with it.
If you buy a $9000 car, there could be so many things wrong with it that your ownership experience would not be good. I don't care how frugal you are, it's not financially feasible unless you're still living out of your parent's house and DO NOT have a girlfriend/boyfriend (don't know if you're male or female).
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Don't do it. It's just a car. Don't let it define your lifestyle. As for costs, you need about 3k a year. You can't afford it on your salary. The engine could fail so you need to have 15-20k saved just in case.
LMK
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do it because you love the cars, not what you wear and what you look like. I have owned almost everything from a 100k GT3 to my current 5k 318ti and I could give a s*$t what anyone else thinks.
If you think the car will get you a hot girl, great job or looks than you are doing it for the wrong reason.
If you think the car will get you a hot girl, great job or looks than you are doing it for the wrong reason.
