So my better half has, since the dawn of time, wanted a Porsche 911. Small problem is that neither of us know anything about them!

We'd be looking at a (very) second hand model - budget £20 - £25k. Probably a Carera 4 / 4S?

Can anyone recommend a good forum for learning about these cars so we can be vaguely informed when we actually start looking?


Thanks in advance,

Bish. Bish.

2005 110 TD5 CSW
2011 TDV8 Vogue SE (gone)

Bish - we sold our 911 (996 model) a couple of years ago and every now and again I get the urge to replace it, most recently a couple of weeks ago.

For £25k you can get a very nice 997 - the later model year to mine - but I suspect a 997 4S might be a tad more. You'd certainly find a tidy 996 4s for that sort of cash. The 997 was certainly a big leap in interior quality with some revised design details like the headlights, but not much else.

You might as well start reading about Intermediate Shaft bearing problems and bore scoring on both models. There are lots of scare stories around but in reality the incidences were low, but expensive when they go pop. I would be looking at a retrofit IMS if I was buying again.

By far the best UK forum is;

http://911uk.com/forum.php

Most of the decent independent specialists advertise there too. Good luck with the search. Current: FF Westminster money pit

Gone:
RRS 4.2 SC
RRS 3.6 TDV8
FL2 TD4

A couple of forums to check out:

rennlist.com - us based but very active, and lots of info. I've belonged to it for over 20 years, its always my go-to place for info.

911uk.com - As bradders says is a good one for uk peeps.

pistonheads is another good place, but in my experience they can be quite 'off' if your not known (that is just my experience, others may not agree obviously)


Car wise, that is a sensible budget, just depends how old/new you want to go. You can get into an earlier (06-07ish) 997 c4 or 4S for that money no problem.

Have fun shopping and test driving. They are great cars.

Cheers,
John (997 Turbo) Too many toys, not enough time

2011 4.4 TDV8 AB Black

Thanks both. Let the search (and learning!) begin! Bish.

2005 110 TD5 CSW
2011 TDV8 Vogue SE (gone)

Here's a gratuitous piccie of mine just to whet your wallet's appetite:



Damn. Im missing it again now. Current: FF Westminster money pit

Gone:
RRS 4.2 SC
RRS 3.6 TDV8
FL2 TD4

I have a 911 996 as my weekend toy and frequent the 911uk site which is a great forum.

At that money your into a decent c4s 996 or 997.1. both have the same inherent issues. IMS bearing scare mongering and bore scoring. If you can stretch to a 997.2 they have a stronger IMS but still suffer bore scoring. Easy way to check is black smoke from normally one exhaust pipe. If you can get a 996 turbo which will probably just be above your budget you've got a different engine set up so no bore scoring or IMS issues, or certainly much less worry and will no doubt be an appreciating classic. As with anything an enthusiasts car will be a good bet or a reputable dealer such as 911 virgin. Have a look at some reviews of non reputable ones on 911uk Current 2007 TDV8 Vogue Buckingham Blue

My wife has had three 997 C4S Convertibles and loved all three of them, depending on what you want from it we found the C4S the most planted and most reliable. In my opinion can feel a bit cold but does the job very well. Only advise i would give is get as low mileage as you can and as new as you can and make sure it has a genuine Porsche service history. Like al of these type of cars thats worth its weight in gold. Also make sure its specd well with Bose Hifi and embossed seats and switchable sports exhaust, heated seats and electric seats and hasn't been abused, check mot history and make sure its been well looked after. Avoid high milers and those that look like they have been through Halfords, keep everything original all of hers were manual and they were built proof.

Not sure thats much help but just my opinion. Good luck with your search.

If u know nothing about them, then you know more than me!
I would be tempted in your shoes to check other marks on the market, there are some stunningly good cars out there which are surprisingly cheap. A friend bought a new mercedes for no money and I just love Jaguars ... Even if you end up with the Porsche , you will then know u bought what’s best (4 u) , & had the pleasure of being fawned over in the sales room... Filters are in fact so good that in certain circumstances, when the ambient air is already polluted, a diesel car will tend to extract more particles from the air than it emits. Emissions Analytics worked with........etc etc

He who dies with the most toys wins...