09 Z w/ Sport Pkg for 99 911 Aero?
 

Hey guys,

I found a low mileage (36k) 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera with the aero pkg, full leather interior, and solid owner history (wife of the owner of a local exotic dealer) for sale locally for 27k. I have an 09 base sport package Z right now, but the Mrs. says it's one or the other. Does anyone have ownership experience with a 911 of that generation, or any insight? I'm hoping this doesn't turn into a Porsche bashing session, as I love my Z but am keeping my options open...

Id keep the z. If you can afford another car then by all means get it. I bet its going to cost alot for any repairs/maintenance needed.

Its probably not that much better of a car. What you guys think??? That plus its 12 years old.

I think its slower. And it will cost more to maintain it.

I think its slower. And it will cost more to maintain it. And like he said u got a new car now. Stick with the z :)

Can't comment on the Porsche never had one. I'd recommend visiting a Porsche forum and asking for input there.

Speaking of the car in general though. As Kenchan alluded to, I'd be careful purchasing a vehicle that old. Mileage is very low. If one owner had the vehicle for the 10+ years and decided to drive it sparingly ok, but if it had two or more owners who couldn't put miles on it I'd have to question why. I'd atleast ask to see maintenance records. In my past experience people stop doing even basic maintenance when they decide to sell a vehicle.

Bottom line, I'd rather keep the Z that I know the history of and have presumably taken care of for the past two years than take a chance on a vehicle I know little about.

If you want to go though all the trouble and expense to say you drive a Porsche 911 then by all means, but you're getting a old car thats probably slower, but does have AWD. It will also cost much more to maintain. Ah, and a 911 without turbos isnt a 911 I would want.
Question, why not just pay 10-15k more and get you a early 2000's 911 turbo?

Thanks for the input guys. The allure for me is the history, which is also what brought me into the Z. My dad has had a bunch of 911's so that's why this particular one interests me. My main concern is obviously the age, and that was a really good point about the lack of miles. It was owned by the wife of the dealer for 8 years or so, and 4 by the current owner. He seems like a legit guy, but after reading the responses I think I'm sticking with the Z.

Sorry I didn't respond to this one. It's the normal Carrera, so RWD, and I had an Audi prior to the Z, so my gut is that maintenance costs will be roughly equal to, or slightly higher, than the Audi. The reason behind looking for a similar price range is that I'm getting married in two months, and as she nixed the idea of simply expanding the garage selection, she also isn't a huge fan of putting any kind of significant money into something new.

I think your Z performs better. The 996 is no speed demon. Also, get ready for some serious out of pocket if something goes wrong, or even for simple maintenance with that '99 911.

I'm thinking the 996 wasn't a great idea from the start. Good thing I floated the idea before pulling the trigger. Also, I'm starting to look at various mods for the Z, and similar mods for a 996 would be far more spendy

my brother had a 99 Porsche 911.. and for a while it was good.. but then the maintenance started to kick in.. if the prior owner didnt keep up with the maint... you could have some serious out of pocket expense.. first.. his transmission went out.. thank God he had an extended warranty, but the cost would have been nearly 15k.. the rear main seal has to be replaced on a timely manner, oil changes only once a year but are near $800.00... oh... and brakes are never cheap.. Stick with the Z.. overall, japanese cars are lower on maint... for my winter car.. i have a 1995 civic.. gotta say, aint gonna win any beauty contests, but it still starts without any problems!!...

do you have pics of the porsche?

Here's the link from the autotrader page. I went and test drove it this morning
Cars for Sale: 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Coupe (996 Model) in BELLEVUE, WA 98006: Coupe Details - 283611288 - AutoTrader.com

I'd keep the Z, the 911 is nice to look at but the cost of ownership would be enough to scare me away.

Along with everyone else, my ONLY reservation would be the maintenance cost of ownership on the 911's. I'd LOVE to own one, but if used, I'd go no more than a few years (which places them WELL above the price of a Z).

A friend of mine is a Porsche fanatic (uses a 1973 [I believe] as a DD), and takes his car to a local "mom & pop" place that eases the fix-it and maintenance costs. I tell you what: it's almost a 40 year old car, and it's always an experience to ride in the passenger seat. I'd get REALLY excited, but the smell of fuel usually turns me off. :D He loves it though, and besides - it's a 911.

:iagree:

Your entering upon the costly years for a '99 Porsche. A friend of mine had one and at about that age (though there was 65000 miles on his) the replacements and repairs began and it was big, big money. He finally dumped it and ran the other way. Your Z will give you years of low cost driving pleasure. Spare yourself and your wallet a lot of stress. Keep the Z---forget the 911.

It's an automatic? No way I'd buy an automatic Porsche, would have to be a manual to even consider it. For that reason and all the others mentioned stay with the Z.

old car is old keep the z

Keep the Z and thank your wife.

+1

i can't believe they made that car with a slushbox!!!

Dude, all the 7AT guys will now come and kick your a$$!! How dare you!

I'm a huge Porsche guy, but I'll have to give this one to the Z. Couldn't really get that passion from the 996. 997 on the other hand....

I would keep the Z as well. 10+ years would be around the time for a major overhaul as well as constant maintenance. The rubber parts start seizing up. everything is not in its new condition. Better to keep a new car and have fun with it for a few more years than an old porsche that probably isnt any faster and will start nickel and diming you cuz of its age

I have a 7AT lol. Hilly enough where I live it just makes life easier. And I know, I know...

Couple things I learned from this board.

All 7AT guys think automatics are better and all the MT guys think the AT cars are for girls.
All the 370z will die from high oil temp
Nismo=God, the non Nismos are just not worthy. The non-Nismos are like Ultra Magnus and Nismo cars are Optimum Prime
2011 Mustang GT is the best car to have because it cost around 35K and it has 400+ HP

(Yes I am generalizing, but I am probably 95% right)

The car is rubbish. Keep the z. Like everyone said, it's a 12 year old car. They style is dated. Performance is no better or faster than the Z. With the 998 just around the corner, that car will be TWO generations behind. It has a crappy automatic slushbox. Maintenance will be insanely expensive. And what hasn't been mentioned is that early model 996 were notorious for rear main seal and intermediate main shaft failures leading to oil leaks and possible engine damage. Very very expensive maintenance and repair bills there. I wouldn't take that car even if it was offered to me for free.

I'm a new Z owner (2 weeks), but I also had a 1995 996. The cars are similar is some respects: Both are high performance/short wheelbase cars that are loud to ride in, and have stiff sport handling.

The age is a huge factor. When stuff starts breaking (and it will), you will pay much more for even minor repair work, even at an independent shop. They figure you have a Porsche, so you can afford it. I also would not touch the 996 without buying an extended warranty, and that will be expensive as well.

In short, I loved my 996, but I'm really glad I don't have it now. The Z? Me like; much, much.

Also, your wife will hate riding in the 996. It's even louder inside than the Z. You'll be in for a lot of "I told you so's," and who needs that?

Hmmm they didn't start selling 996 until 98?:confused: Perhaps you had 95 993? I'd much rather have a nice 993 than a gen1 996.

To OP FYI motors on 996 had some major flaws. Engine seal issues and intermediate shaft bearing problems. You can get a nice 2000 to 2002 Boxster S for $15k I'd go for that over a $30k 99 996.

Ha! I knew someone would catch my mistake. It was a 993, last model configuration of the oil cooled beauties. I always just considered all of them to be 911's.

It was a helluva car, but the repair bills were a b*tch. I can't imagine what it would cost to keep one running now. if you have a lot of cash and garage space, it's a great weekend car. If you don't, stay away. It's just not a reliable daily driver.