Jorge_Costanza Posted 14February, 2014 Report Share Posted 14February, 2014 Hey guys,Newbie here hoping to ask you guys a few questions and get your opinion.At the end of this year I am considering purchasing a 997 911 Carrera/Carrera S or aCayman S. The car will be driven between 3 and 4 days a week to University and back(which is approximately 35km, a touch over 17km either way).I'm located in country NSW. The drive can either be a mixture of 50km-80km/h suburban roads with moderate to heavy traffic during peak hour or 100km/h largely unused country roads. Now as your are probably aware country roads are rough, really rough. My neighbour had a 996T he said he drove it on the coastal roads, but didn't enjoy driving it around here. He recently sold his 996T and bought a 507 Edition C63 Coupe which he said he enjoys driving more. The harshness of country roads is one concern,the other is it's use as a daily driver.. It's more than practical enough for a uni student, books and a laptop is all I'm going to ever have it in. What concerns me is that my cousin had a 911, albeit he was in Sydney. He got sick of driving it to work every day in the city and actually preferred driving his Lexus 4WD. Also will it be reliable enough? I already know my problem, a lack of familiarity and time behind the wheel, I've never driven one.. And I'm afraid I'm even less likely to have the chance to drive one here. I've been for a drive in the 996T a couple of years ago and it's hard to remember the experience accurately, what was going through my head was: "Holy S*** this is great".I'm in no rush to buy a car. Over the next year I'm going to try and get some time behind the wheel on the things I'm interested in. I'm obviously looking at 2nd hand cars with a budget of around $80k(if I buy at the end of this year). I'm really interested in a drivers car, but one I could enjoy on a daily basis. The idea of driving something like this for prestige alone doesn't really interest me. I'd like as many opinions as I can get(preferably from people that have driven these cars at least once on country roads or similar)and I'm also open to other suggestions and ideas that I may have potentially overlooked, such as another car that may be more suited to my needs.Looking forward to being part of this community,George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5032 Posted 14February, 2014 Report Share Posted 14February, 2014 I had a similar dilemma in Uni, do I go for the Datto 180b manual or the XF ex cab on gas that my dad was desperate for me to buy....I feel ur pain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hounddub Posted 14February, 2014 Report Share Posted 14February, 2014 997 S will still be a little more than $80k for a good one I'd suggest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GC9911 Posted 14February, 2014 Report Share Posted 14February, 2014 I had a similar dilemma in Uni, do I go for the Datto 180b manual or the XF ex cab on gas that my dad was desperate for me to buy....I feel ur pain Go the Datto, preferably the 200B manual wagon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh Posted 14February, 2014 Report Share Posted 14February, 2014 Hi George, I think you'll find a 997 will be more than capable for the job. There are a few 997 owners on here so hopefully they can give you re-assurance you need! Best of luck on the search, go the porsche driving uni students! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldblade Posted 14February, 2014 Report Share Posted 14February, 2014 Go the Datto, preferably the 200B manual wagon! I use to love my dato 120y bother Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgy Posted 14February, 2014 Report Share Posted 14February, 2014 Sounds like 997 Carrera/S would be your best 997, see if you can find one optioned with PASM or whatever it's called Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nath Posted 14February, 2014 Report Share Posted 14February, 2014 I have a 997.2 C2S and use it daily for work, commute used to be in the order of 100km a day through Sydney nasty traffic and some lower than average road quality and am yet to have an issue, car has PASM and the ride when not is sport is pretty silky smooth, much smoothly than my RS5 was on the same roads. It's a fantastic car to drive both as a daily and when the need arises the odd track day or SMT. Can't comment on the cayman as I've not driven one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge_Costanza Posted 15February, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 15February, 2014 Thanks everyone for replying. I think the 997 would be suitable, but I'm still open to other ideas. I'm going to be putting 3500-4000km on it annually and probably looking at a car that has relatively higher kilometres, so what should I expect in the way of servicing(closest Porsche dealer to me is 2 hours away) , maintenance and is there any issues that I should be aware of with cars with higher kms on them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveF Posted 15February, 2014 Report Share Posted 15February, 2014 Hi Jorge. Is there a reason you are looking for a higher km car? Is it because they may be cheaper to buy? Regardless of km travelled I would ensure that a car has solid documented service history. Each model has unique things to look out for maintenance wise so I would recommend doing your research. Drive a couple of different models and get a feel for the one you like. Then when you eventually find one do a pre purchase inspection with a Porsche specialist. This forum is also a wealth of knowledge. It will take some time but I can assure you the searching if half the fun. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Harold Posted 16February, 2014 Report Share Posted 16February, 2014 Buy what your heart says and your pocket can afford. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgy Posted 16February, 2014 Report Share Posted 16February, 2014 Buy what your heart says and your pocket can afford. Wise words Harold! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TINGY Posted 16February, 2014 Report Share Posted 16February, 2014 Do your homework on these cars and lots of it, don't know what the service costs would be but I imagine it wouldn't be cheap. If your waiting until the end of the year you will have plenty of time to research your purchase, good luck with the journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion03 Posted 17February, 2014 Report Share Posted 17February, 2014 I just got my 997 for around $86K on the road. with your questions.. 1) how rough is rough? we are not talking corrugated or gravel roads are we? or just rough asphalt roads? The 997 isn't a very soft car, it's still a hard sprung sports car, so how you feel in rough roads is dependent on how you like your cars, I like mine "firm" and I won't have it any other way. 2) it's a real drivers car, I thought Porsche might have soften it up but that wasn't the case once I got it. it's a nice sports car that's still practical, I take my kids in mine all the time, fill the whole car up with 2 adults and 2 kids. 3) don't expect it to be rattle and squeak free ! Mine comes with plenty ! it's that firm suspension. 4) a 997 as a uni student car? watch out for the green with envy student mates, and the steal your badge guys (I had a guy break my Lotus badge in a Uni carpark) 5) what's insurance going to be like? 6) service intervals for 997's are very very long but I am sure we all agree that we'll service the car earlier than Porsche recommended 7) Read up on IMS issues... it'll give you a hear attack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge_Costanza Posted 19February, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 Once again thanks everyone for your replies!1) To varying degrees.. thankfully near the uni it's all brand new roads, but some of the roads going out there are 'tired' to say the least. I prefer firm as well, I just don't want to feel like I've had my spine compacted after travelling over every small road surface difference.3) Squeaks and rattles fine, as long as I don't see the engine or part of the driveline in my rear view mirror.4) I'm worrying about that now.. Where I live if you have a current model commodore you can be despised.. A friend of mine had an '11 SV6 which had the exhaust ripped off it, number plates destroyed and pulled out of the bumper along with every panel of the car being keyed while he was at work. Thankfully there was CCTV and the two that done it were charged. The two that had vandalised the car had gone to private school their whole lives and both came from respectable families.. Younger person DD a porsche... I think I'm going to rub some people the wrong way here, especially at university... Where the parking spots are closure together than they usually are.5) presuming bad.. But I read a story about a 23 in New Castle that bought an R35 and the insurance was less than that of a SS commodore for his age bracket.6) Definitely.7) I have, and it's making me rethink this idea. At the moment I've all but discarded the idea, for a number of reasons. If I do buy a Porsche, my life will be very Porsche orientated.. Most of my income will go towards the finance payments.. I can do it, but it would really leave me using most of the money I earn paying finance, insurance and probably start up a sinking fund for when there's a failure of some kind lol. I wouldn't be able to travel and spend as much money on other hobbies, and as much as I love driving I've came to the conclusion at my age there is more to see and do, than paying of finance and insurance.. Plus one of my favourite about cars is modifying them.. So I'm still going to buy a sports orientated car, one that I can tinker with and that will be fun to drive.At the moment I've been looking at the 370z's, most of you reading this probably shrieked in terror.. But it won't give me the balance and feel of the Porsche, the sound track or any of prestige or attention(not that I want any..), but I can set it up to handle well, parts are relatively cheap, extra power doesn't seem to be a problem and my repayments would only be quite low annually. But I'm still open to other opinions, theres no decision been made yet.. So if any of you have a better suggestion please speak up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony1 Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 Jorge, consider the Boxster a little cheaper and plenty of good ones around, though not sure of Wagga. PS will give you a wave on my to Griffith next Wednesday Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clutch-monkey Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 At the moment I've been looking at the 370z's, most of you reading this probably shrieked in terror.. But it won't give me the balance and feel of the Porsche, the sound track or any of prestige or attention(not that I want any..), but I can set it up to handle well, parts are relatively cheap, extra power doesn't seem to be a problem and my repayments would only be quite low annually. But I'm still open to other opinions, theres no decision been made yet.. So if any of you have a better suggestion please speak up! probably a wiser choice. nothing takes the shine off an expensive new car faster than having to worry about it sitting in a car park and constantly touching up dings, and wasting it in everyday traffic and rough roads. my advice? get a $3-4000 shitbox you can park at uni no problem, then assess your budget and get a nice fun car you don't have to drive everyday/leave at uni all day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
withers Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 Most of my income will go towards the finance payments.. I can do it, but it would really leave me using most of the money I earn paying finance, insurance and probably start up a sinking fund for when there's a failure of some kind lol. I wouldn't be able to travel and spend as much money on other hobbies, and as much as I love driving I've came to the conclusion at my age there is more to see and do, than paying of finance and insurance.. Plus one of my favourite about cars is modifying them.. So I'm still going to buy a sports orientated car, one that I can tinker with and that will be fun to drive. As someone that has had many many many cars under finance, don't make your wallet lighter by borrowing too much money for a car. I can tell you right now, it wears thin after awhile.. very thin. You get used to owning the car and then are left with payments that potentially impact your ability to enjoy life. The novelty can wear off especially if you stretch yourself. If you are borrowing to purchase a 911, I'd seriously look at going for something at a lower price point like a 987 Boxster OR even the 996 911. With the latter, you can look for a low km example, upgrade the IMS on it and have trouble free motoring AND still have a 911 with all the bells and whistles. Sorry to get all big sister on you but please, do consider this. I'm speaking from experience and whilst I don't like to put this on a forum where the whole world can see - I'd rather my experience potentially help out someone. When I bought my car I earnt about 30% more than I do now, and factored my car in on that when budgeting for it - its now become a bit harder for me. I also have pending redundancy and I can tell you right now - If I knew this May last year, I'd not have that 87 in my garage. Anyhooo... just saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion03 Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 mate I'm like you, I like my cars etc my advice... stay away from the 997 until you have way more $$ With these kind of cars, it's one thing to buy one, another to run them. With tyres, service, clutches, oil, insurance etc.... you'll find the cost of ownership might be more then you can afford. Not to mention how green with envy your mates will be. Heck I work in an office where everyone gets paid a lot and still the people here are green, it's like come on your big fat SUV is worth more than this... but somehow the Porsche brings it out in them. How about an older 911 ? the guys here run older models, maybe a nice neat 1977 edition is more your thing, especially if you want to pull out the spanners and work on it. Oh I waited till I had the house paid off and I saved up and paid cash for my 997, that's how long I waited lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony1 Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 I agree with you on that Amanda I really would of loved a 911 but sensibility and the prospect of quitting my job this year made me see some light, but not enough to not buy a car of my dreams the sweet little 986 which looks like being my daily drive in a months time, not that im complaining just the SO as she wants to swap with her Magna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
withers Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 I agree with you on that Amanda I really would of loved a 911 but sensibility and the prospect of quitting my job this year made me see some light, but not enough to not buy a car of my dreams the sweet little 986 which looks like being my daily drive in a months time, not that im complaining just the SO as she wants to swap with her Magna Yeh Tony - thing is, even if you pick up an 'older' 911 you might find one at a cheaper purchase price but unless you really luck out, its going to require maintenance. Expensive maintenance. At least with the 987, I 'should' only be up for basic maintenance for the first few years. Whilst I crap on about wanting a 911, I know that won't happen... I like the day dream component of having a 911. Unfortunately should circumstances have me part with my 987, then I'll probably wait till the house is paid off before acquiring another P car. I'd probably go pick myself up another fun car, thats cheap to run in the meantime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion03 Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 MX5 Amanda... I'm just saying.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
withers Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 MX5 Amanda... I'm just saying.... Yep and that is exactly what I'd get. Anyhoo, back on topic for Jorge. Given you are waiting till the end of the year go drive the following cars: 2000+ 986 Boxster both the 2.7 and S versions 2005 987 Boxster both 2.7 and S versions 987 Cayman in both 2.7 and S versions 996 911 Coupes Try out a 944 and a 968 too 3.2 Carrera 911s Also, get quotes for car insurance. Read lots of forums to work out what the sticky issues are for these cars. Pull up your feet here awhile and soak it all up. Research is the most fun part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airhead Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 Don't know your age or licence level Jorge, but check out what you can legally drive re horspower level etc before you spend a $. Know of someone who bought a Boxster S and then couldn't drive it for a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion03 Posted 19February, 2014 Report Share Posted 19February, 2014 If I was young and foolish again I would get a car that I can happily put on a track, and by happily I mean not cry the first time you back it into a tyre wall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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