so many good points. Its a tough decision. Just out of curiosity, what is the going rate for a facelift???

 

There are so many variables between used cars that they start to mitigate the design I.E., if you take better care of a 300 hp car, will it run better than an abused 320 hp car? If the car had been hit (and its hard to tell when the plastic bumper is replaced [no magnetic paint depth gauge will work to check]), then I am sure you would rather have a virgin 99-01 front end over a repaired 02, etc, etc. There are a lot of things that you can do to a car to stress, loosen and generally molest the car w/o being immediately apparent during a test drive. Go with the known devil, the grass is greener until you are standing on it...


Bond

 

around 6 grand

 

There are options....like 3,500 if you get some used parts and then you can sell your Litronic headlights (if they are) for about the same as used 02+ Litronics...I got new fenders, used TT bumper, used Litronics, new misc. parts...then there is paint....

 

If you decide to do this... price everything out first... if you think you can find stuff on ebay make sure you buy it first, because whenever you look for things that people say are there for cheap... they aren't there anymore.. at least when you need it (it was a ***** getting the litronics on ebay for me). Then, don't count on selling your old ones for the same price. I'm not saying its impossible... just seems when I decided to do it, it just ended up costing more than what I planned.

I did do the misha wing at the same time, but didn't add that much. If you plan on spending around 6 grand and don't, then you'll feel a lot better than planning on 4 grand and spending 6. JMHO.

 

Hey Kev,
I sold my old ones on the Boxster Board...it seems like there are TONS of people wanting the lights and for $750 it was an easy sale....Thats what I paid for my new ones on ebay....

 

Yeah... I think I sold mine for around that price also... the problem was when I was looking for the new ones... there wasn't that many available, and when there were they cost around $1000.

Not a big deal, was just hoping to pick some up for less.

 

6 grand is pricey....where do all you guys do your shopping for used parts? I never see squat on ebay. I actually want to go with a techart front bumper so that will be an expense with either. just out of curiosity what parts are needed for the facelift?? liths, fenders and bumper...right??I am still scared to death to put 6 grand in body work onto a car with 75k miles. I guess I need to realize that 75k to a porsche is not the same as 75k to a chevy or at least I hope !!!!

 

i say get the 3.6 liter car. i've driven both and preferred the 3.6.

it's not just 25 hp. the 3.6 feels torquier.

there are rms problems with both motors so there is no advantage there.

i think the plastic windows suck. they look bad. they fog. they crack. they're harder to see out of. i hated it on the boxter. i usually drive with the top down, but sometimes it's too cold, windy, rainy, etc... I despised backing up in the boxster with the top up. not to mention the glass windows have a defroster.

in addition on the 02's you get the front end facelift, cup holders, and a glovebox.

i bought and 02 for these exact reasons. it was the least expensive option of getting the best version of the 996 cab.

plus you would probably have a good shot and picking up an already modded one since they've been out for some time now. you'll probably only end up paying .20 on the dollar for the mods.

 

by the way that car in my initial thread was a recovered stolen vehicle. are porsche dealer ppi's comprehensive enough to deem a vehicle like this road worthy????

 

Huh? So is it a salvage title? I wouldnt touch it. I am sure they drove it like they stole it.

 

There are good points on both sides of this debate, so it comes down to personal prefernce. FWIW I enjoy buying, modifying and upgrading cars every couple years. Since I settled on Porsche as the type of sports car I always want to own, I probably won't stop until I get a turbo car.
I know it doesn't make financial sense to get a different car every couple years, but (for me) nothing compares to the excitement of shopping for & buying a new car - especially a Porsche.
Although I could happily keep MY01 C4 cab for the rest of my life, I've learned so much about these awesome since buying my 1st 911 last year. I can't wait to shop for my next 911 knowing more about - pros/cons/options/mods/performance/handeling/colors/models/looks/etc.
If you get a PPI & CPO I wouldn't worry (much) about how the next car was treated (unless of course it is a recovered stolen vehicle.....had to be a reason it was priced so low). If you decide to make the move, I would definitely try to sell yours first - you may get less $ & it may take longer then you expect, which could effect your decision. Either way, you'll still be driving a Porsche.

 

I guess I'll chime in on this thread...

If you are moving to a 997S, then do it. or a 99 to a 2004 maybe. But to move from a 2001 to a 2002, even with all the changes. Stick with what you have.

I went through the "itch" late last year when I sent my final payment in on my 2003 996. Said hey I could upgrade to an F-Car or a 2007 997S or GT3, but then reality set in. Do I really take full advantage of the car now? Other than having "bragging" right of an F-Car or a new porsche what have I gained over my 3 year old car. Not much.... A little speed (can do some mods if it really bothers me), a change in styling. Decided against the F-Car for reliability reasons since I didn't want a multi-week time frame for even minor maintenance from the dealer. Decided I'd wait atleast 2 facelifts before buying another 911, since porsche seems to change them every 3 years or so.

With that in mind a 2008/2009 911 Facelift is on schedule.

You too should make a plan for upgrade and stick to it or there will always be something slightly better and you will never be satisified and the money you waste in incremental car changes every year or so could be used to make a dramatic car change every 5 or 6.

 

a 1973 BMW 2002, hopefully a tii.....[/quote]

The first car I ever bought was a '74 tii. Great car that I should have taken better care of. Any time I see a 2002 for sale I always look.

Cheers,
Stan

 

THe Chevy truck I had before the one I own now, had 150,000 miles on
it when I replaced the motor (383 stroker, more power) & it was still running like a beast....absolutely nothing wrong with it!