$30k: Early Cayman S or 996?

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by aigel

How much do the 996 GT3s go for these days? 50k?

G

Saw one in my area (Metro NYC) for $61k on Yahoo autos. I'd say they are still hoovering around the mid-60's to low 70's these days, at least around here.

-Z

[badcar]

As an owner of a 2002 C4S and recent shopper for something different I looked at a 2008 Cayman S as well as a Lotus Evora. After driving to the dealership in my 996 and getting right behind the wheel of the Cayman, I was impressed by how nimble the car is in comparison to my Panzer. Very fun to toss around and steering feel was light. But on the power band, they are two very different animals. The 996 has the power early and delivers more with it. Not that the Cayman is a slow car, it just delivered a different enjoyable experience.

As for the impending, explosive motor issues of the 996...well I am still driving mine with the original IMS but just had the RMS replaced during the AOS was starting to go. There is plenty of information on the net regarding this topic so I will leave it alone.

Now...that Lotus....well, there is a whole lot of fun in a very unique car.....

[aigel]

Originally Posted by Z-man

Saw one in my area (Metro NYC) for $61k on Yahoo autos. I'd say they are still hoovering around the mid-60's to low 70's these days, at least around here.

-Z

Yikes. That's a lot of dough. The TT is cheaper then. I just wouldn't want a 996 with the new bottom end. Only the TT and the GT3 have the real deal old case.

Ok: Save 10-15 more k$ and buy a 996 TT. That's my suggestion.

G

[speeder]

Take your Porsche $$ and go to Vegas. Put it all on black at the Roulette table. You'll either wind up with a GT3 or a Daiwoo Laganza.

The whole idea is to get your pulse rate up, right?

[dewolf]

What are these going for in the U.S?

[BReif61]

Just found a 2001 Turbo for sale on the local CL in the price range... 100k miles for $32k.

My spider senses are tingling about a "too good to be true" situation, but it definitely is intriguing. Anything to be warned about an early Turbo?

Just thought I'd make this apples v. oranges v. grapefruit.

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by aigel

Yikes. That's a lot of dough. The TT is cheaper then. I just wouldn't want a 996 with the new bottom end. Only the TT and the GT3 have the real deal old case.

Ok: Save 10-15 more k$ and buy a 996 TT. That's my suggestion.

G

Actually thought about that as well - but they are rather heavy. They do have shops inmy area that will turn a TT into a GT2 clone - but I'm not sure that's the best idea either.... (that's too much power!!)

-Z

[enzo1]

this 1 just sold for 35 or less.... RAC Performance - 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo - Stock# R809

[onewhippedpuppy]

The 2002+ 996.2 interior is much nicer, it actually befits the car's price range when new. If you care about the interior it's worth paying more for a later 996.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by BReif61

Just found a 2001 Turbo for sale on the local CL in the price range... 100k miles for $32k.

My spider senses are tingling about a "too good to be true" situation......

2002 996 Twin Turbo with 26K miles for $36K

This was A YEAR AND A HALF AGO..... '02 996TT w/ 26K miles for $36K

You can buy a very solid 996TT for $30-35K

If the criteria is "the best Porsche for ~$30K" my vote would be the 996TT, without hesitation.

[onewhippedpuppy]

When the 996TT hits $25k I'm all over it.. The only other car I can think of that offers more bang for the buck is a Z06.

[BReif61]

Time to resurrect this thread. I test drove a 2002 C4S today. Great car, excellent shape, service history, etc.

One question: the clutch seemed to be VERY stiff. Is that a 911 trait?

[onewhippedpuppy]

All five of my 986/996s have had what I would consider to be a normal clutch pedal, no heavier than any modern car. Stiffer than your 944?

[BReif61]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

All five of my 986/996s have had what I would consider to be a normal clutch pedal, no heavier than any modern car. Stiffer than your 944?

Yes, it is stiffer than the 944, and leagues beyond the Mazdaspeed

[onewhippedpuppy]

That doesn't sound right. My 951 was way stiffer than any of my waterpumpers. A hydraulic clutch shouldn't be stiff unless its some sort of HD clutch like my Carrera.

[BReif61]

I've done some research today, and the clutch seems to act like how people were describing them to act if the helper spring was removed from the pedal. That is, rather stiff, and a definite on/off point versus a softer smoother transition. It definitely grabbed very well, and the car had a thorough inspection in June that made no mention of failing clutch.

[azasadny]

Cayman S!

[BReif61]

Well, to put a nice little bow on this thread I brought home my new baby today.

It was game over once I test drove it, fell in love.

2002 Carrera4S. Full leather, advanced technic, the good stuff.

[HardDrive]

That is a MONSTER of a car. Great car, great year, 'S' model. Congratulations!

[onewhippedpuppy]

NICE! It's a 996.2 model and an S, you done good.