Cant you do a 8 or 10k a year lease?

 

I'd like to help you.
I'm one the 3 administrators of www.soloporsche.com . I wrote my particular Guide. It took me several months and here is a link: 996 buyers guide

The problem is that I'm spanish (Madrid. Spain) and I made this guide in a laborious work to help people in our spanish forum.
As It's a good ilustrated report, I sent the guide to Loren (Renntech's admin) to share with everybody (the former link)
I'm sure that all the pics would help you in some issues.

You can download in Renntech.org
The Guide is ready to be downloaded in 3 diferent resolutions:

- screen
- print
- high quality print (High resol.)

 

i was in exactly the same conondrum between leasing a new gayman vs used 996. after driving them both, the 996 is for some reason a better driving experience.

to this day i can't put my finger on why i like driving the 996 much more than the boxter/gaymans

 

Hey guys,

I've went and test drove 3 996's (01, and two 02) and I've made my decision...I put a deposit on an 03' Boxster (triple black) with sport pkg, xenon lights, 18's wheels...etc. I found the 996 a little big for what I'm looking for...and surprisingly, a little soft in the handling arena. Also, insurance on a 911 was almost 2.25x the amount than the boxster (and I have excellent credit). I know I know...it's a 911 but I really was looking for a convertible two-seater...and the boxster was a top pick. I found the 05+ boxsters a little VW Jetta/Audi feeling with the new interior so I stuck with the 03-04 versions. I should have it by the end of the week once the paper work gets finalized. Thanks for all your help. I guess I'll be posting on the Boxster/Cayman thread

 

I'd been involved with PCA Auto-X for awhile. On the track, the Caymans are hard to beat. My 996 couldn't keep up with it. Even 996 TT had tough time stay up front with time run.

Also, 993 is a really good choice. Market value is going up on these cars. Sexy wide body with power to match if you modified it. Always came in with excellent track time.

 

I agree completely. The cayman is a great handling car. I thought the 996 seem to be a little too soft in the corners. I looked at some 993s but they are going for more than many 996s. Again, it came to the feel of the car. I was looking at a smaller more nimble car and the Porsche boxster fit the bill.

 

Mid engine car, Boxster is a good choice. If you want some serious TT chaser install a SC unit and exhaust syst.

 

FYI, I am selling my 03 C4S Blk/BLK Bose/Nav/6sp.
No mods except for the schnell intake.
Ext warranty for 3yrs or up to 60k, car has 30k.
Located in San Diego, bought new, have title.
58k obo. Excellent condition.
Listed in the FS section.

 

Buy an 02 or newer... 3.6L engine vs the 3.4L

I happen to know an excellent specimen for sale with all the mods recommended in this thread already done.

 

99-00 996 or a Cayman S? I would get a Cayman.

 

Have you driven both? I mean really gotten into the twisties? I recently had the same question as the one you are struggling with - until I drove a C4. Forgetaboutit!

The boxter/cayman is fun to drive, but it's just not the same sport. The 996 will light your hair on fire. I don't think I've made or answered a mobile call since I got it - no chance I'm letting anything interrupt my driving experience.

Drive a bunch of 996's. Find one you love. Make sure you have it checked out. Then buy the thing and hold on.

 

Sorry to burst your bubble but I'm getting my boxster tomorrow. I have driven the 996 pretty hard around the turns and found it just too large for my taste. I have to admit though...I did get some looks driving the 996 (only the silver one) while I was testing it with the seller. I would of loved to get a nice 993 but they were too expensive for a 13 year old car...not to mention the insurance coverage was outrageous.

 

Good luck with your new purchase. Is it a Boxster S?

 

Here's a pic of the car. Thanks for all your advice.

 

Looks great! I love the wheels and color. Congrats.