Ahh, it's been a long while since I've posted here. I picked up my first 996 in 2000 (996 C2), sold it in 2003 when I got my 996 C4S and now I'm at a point where I have to decide...

Should it stay or should it go?

Since 2003 when I got the C4S, I've:

1. Married
2. Moved into a new house
3. Had a baby

My lease is up on June 26, 2007.. I have a little over 6 weeks to decide what to do. I've only put 20k miles on my car.. The 996 is definitely not practical for our family, but it'd be a shame to see the garage stall empty! My choices are: Buy it out of the lease, sell it, or just return it.. Buying/selling are my priorities as I've installed a bunch of options that I'd need to remove if I return it (custom stereo, painted center console, exhaust)..

I've been contemplating getting a Cayenne (which is a bit more practical) to keep the "Porsche" in my garage..

Anyone else faced with these tough decisions?! Or is it just me?!

-Richie

PS: What's with all the cleavage avatars?! What happened to "Porsche Hips"?!

 

Richie,

First off, welcome back!

You’re definitely not the only one with these tough decisions and I suppose we’re lucky to be stressing over these types of situations.

I’m in a similar boat where I’m also selling my 02 Carrera for something cheaper. A friend of mine has a 02 M3 with high miles that I’m thinking about picking up but I don’t know how long I’ll last until I have to have another 911

What I would do is return/sell the C4S and pick up either a cheaper 911 or go with the Cayenne route you stated. Everyone should have a toy to enjoy every once in a while…

Regards,

Jack

 

My experience in no way should reflect your current situation... however; if you decide to sell the car, you'll miss it. When you do get to that point where you cant take it anymore, upgrade.

It sounds to me like it's not really going to be a tough decision for you... either way, you'll always end up with another Porsche. Every time I sell one, I regret it... then I buy a nicer one when I realize just how bad I want it back. If your not too tied to the car, dump it now, buy an '03 turbo later for $60

I know, much easier said than done
Regards

 

Only one kid? And a very young one at that? I believe that there are car seats that fit into the back of the 911.

Don't get rid of it. The path you are considering leads you into a well that is difficult to climb out of. Keep the C4S while the kid is young and small enough to fit into the back of the car, and talk to it often about how truly awesome the car is. Even though the kid may show little comprehension of the handling quirks of rear engine cars and flat six engines, they are like sponges and will soak it all in. Once you turn your kid into a "car guy/gal", they will be on your side, and you then have the sway vote over your better half to be able to keep the car. Once it is paid off, you can then get one of the personnel carriers that ply our highways and byways to ferry around the ever-increasing load of crap you will have to carry around.

Been there, done that. Just my opinion.

 

Is there even a debate?? Look what wonderful things have happened to you since buying the C4S.... Pcar owners get all the luck!

KEEP IT!

 

Which ever way you go, buyout the 996 or go with the Cayenne - you should only do it if you can buy it outright with no loans or payments. The same three things have happened to me since I've had my 996 - and the only way it doesn't get in the way or everyday stuff is to not have a payment on it!! Then it can sit in your garage and you can drive it - till you don't want it anymore. From my perspective (where we both are), things only get more expensive as time goes (repairs on home, kids stuff, more kids etc)

 

Here is one for you

 

If you sell it, you'll miss. Keep it and get a child seat. Once the kids grows up, you'll probably afford a 911 and an SUV.

 

While I could buy it outright without payments, I choose not to.. I don't mind the interest payments, as the $$ in savings works for me..

We're planning another child, so that kinda throws a wrench into things, but I see everyones points.. ah, life (changing) decisions are always hard to make!

I know I'll miss it if it's gone, and I agree, it'll be harder to get into one after it's gone... After all, I gave up my bike last year for the baby, and I don't think I'll ever get another one of those..

-Richie

 

keep the car for yourself