After a couple of month's ownership of my new 911 Coupe, it's time to put pen to paper. I've owned Porsches for nearly twenty years, 924, 944, 944S, 911 Carrera 2 (964) 911 Carrera 2 (993) and this one, 911 Carrera 2 (996).
Because Porsche were smart and reduced prices (twice) over the last eighteen months, my new car cost no more than my last one did in 1995, and the spec is much better. The downside was that it was 6 months from order to delivery through the main dealer in Guildford.
Historically, the 911 has had the air cooled six cylinder 'boxer' engine, which sounds like nothing else on the road. Due to new EC noise emission laws, Porsche could not develop the engine to comply, so the new car has a water cooled version of the same boxer layout. Somehow, it has lost the 'edge' in terms of throttle response, and certainly the sensory excitement. On paper, it's quicker, with 300bhp from 3.4litres (the previous model was 275bhp from 3.6litres.)On the road, it doesn't feel it yet. Maybe with some more miles under the belt it will loosen up and prove me wrong.
The new sport design wheels were an outrageous £1600 extra, but boy, do they look smart. Plus the new Lapiz Blue colour suits the shape. The pedals are no longer hinged from the floor, like an old Beetle, and there's more room in the boot (bonnet?) than before.
Handling is superb, as we have come to expect. The old chestnut of the back end coming round is long since dead. You have to be doing something very stupid to get in trouble on the public highway, although I did spin conclusively in the 964 at Goodwood through lifting off in mid corner...
And just to make you laugh, after one week's ownership, I had Tracker fitted (an insurance requirement on Porsches these days). On collecting the car I drove past the dealership, and waited at a junction and was hit up the rear by a beaten up '85 Cavalier. Fortunately, the deformable rear panel did it's job, and prevented any panel damage, but his insurance company have had to pay a £1200 bill for a new bumper.
The biggest advantage? Residuals, in a word. As I have always bought Porsches out of my own money, the way second hand values hold up is very important indeed. I actually made a profit on the first three cars. When I sold my first 911, AFN took it in for £26k in 1994. If I wanted to buy the same car today, with maybe 80k miles on the clock, it would still cost £26k. My last one cost about £4k per year in depreciation. Compare that with a '95 BMW M5, or a Honda NSX.
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depreciation..dont mention it!! I lost my alfa recently its heavily depreciated of course! From me owning it from brand new as I'm passionate about cars ..I've lost financially but not in driving satisfaction! ciao! German engineering and handling on Porsche's is superb, great op.-but I cant afford one! ciao!
LostWitness 16.03.2001 15:55
Interesting comments about depreciation. There's nothing worse than old Porsche drivers who think their
cars are still as sought after as the new models. Good opinion by the way - lots of information without
going over the top - glad the accident wasn't serious.
Mar 16th, 2001
very helpful by (91%):
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