Acura guy wants a 911

In short, I've lost my way, but now I'm back!  When I was in 8th grade, they asked us to write down what we'll be doing in 10 years.  I wrote, "Doing 90 in my Porsche on I-95."  Fast forward today.  I'm 30, got a family, fully own two Acuras (RSX and TL) and life is great.  But I totally forgot my 8th grade dream.  A few weeks ago I visited the San Francisco Auto Show and sat myself in a Porsche for the first time - just for the heck of it.  Then one of life's "defining moments" occurred.  I can't explain the rush I felt when I closed my eyes and wrapped my fingers tightly around the wheel.  All my desires from years ago came rushing back!  So yesterday I sat down and pondered how I could get into a 911 right now.  After a couple of hours on Craig's List last night I realized it might not be so hard!  I discovered that a pre-owned 1999 Carrerra goes for around $30-40K, which is right in my comfort zone.  I also discovered that 1999 is the first model year of the 996, which makes me think about reliability issues. 
 
So now I want a Porsche, but being a Honda/Acura guy for about 10 years, I'm spoiled by never having to do anything but regular maintenance for thousands and thousands of miles.  My question to you guys is - am I going to be in for a rude awakening regarding reliability?

The 996 is a very reliable model, with not much else needed besides routine maintenance, IE brakes, oil changes, spark plugs, etc.  Put gas and oil in them, and drive.  Some of the C2/4's had RMS issues, which should be resolved with the new 997 seal.  They happen occasionally, and not nearly as often as the the internet lets on.  There are also a few that have had catastrophic intermediate shaft failures, resulting in a new engine from Porsche.  While few and far between, if have one let go and do not have a warranty, then it will be a VERY costly repair. 
 
If you decide that you can afford to pay $40k for a car, I would highly advise against buying a $40k Porsche.  Sure you can afford the payments, but as with any used car, there will most likely be some maintenance that needs to be done, and on these cars can be costly.  If you find one you want, spend $300 and take it to a dealer or independant Porsche shop and get a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) done by someone who really knows the cars.  A carfax does not mean anything, I have done PPI's on cars with clean car faxes that have been hit VERY hard and repaired. 

Thanks for the insight PorscheDoc.  But I'm a bit confused - you say the 996s are reliable, but then recommend AGAINST buying a used one.  Are you advising to buy it new instead?
 
Aj

Where did I ever recommend against buying one?  I said that if you can only afford the payments on a $40k Porsche, don't buy a $40k Porsche, because you will not have a budget for maintenance etc. 

Edit:
For example, the 60k mile service is about a $1000-1200 job depending on where you have it done at.  Also at about 60k miles, you can expect to do the brake pads and front rotors at least, which can run up to another $800 easily.

Ah, gotcha.  That's a very good point.  I don't even budget for maintenance on my Acuras :)
 
Thanks for the tip!

my $.02

A porsche is like no other vehicle on the road, especially compared to japanese cars (not to say japanese cars are not great). You can tell a porsche is a highly defined race car.They are built like a rock, but are extremely expensive to maintain most of the time.

Here's my opinion. Buy a porsche, but dont buy a new one. Ive driven an older 911 and absolutly love the "real" porsche feeling. Yes the newer cars are beautiful peices of machinery, but if you want a 911 so badly, and cannot affor a newer one, do not think that the older 911's are out dated. a porsche never gets old. the older 911's are truley what made porsche what they are today. look for an 80's 911, save some money, use that saved money to INVEST int he car through maintanence. routine maintanence is always an INVESTMENT on a porsche ebcause if it breaks down badly, due to poor maintanence you'll not be to happy :)

80's Porsche? Not sure, I guess I'd need to drive one and find out what it's all about.  Right now my sights are locked on the 2001 Carrera w/Aero Kit.  It's a suite spot for me - fairly recent model, none of the first model year jitters, and I just love the rear wing!  I see one from an eBay seller in Chicago that looks great, but man I'm nervous about going that route.  I just don't know what's going to roll off the truck here in San Jose.  I think I'm going to stay local...

 
 
You simply have to budget for the maintenance, then decide if you can afford it and if it is worth it for what you get.  There is no way you can justify the cost on the basis of trnasportation (same for an Acura, though -- hard to make a case for anything other than a refrigerator white, 4-cylinder Accord with cloth upholstry on the basis of transportation dollars). 
 
The actual Porsche maintenance costs are not that high.  Sure, the 60K service costs up to $1500, but that comes after 4-5 years, and oil changes are a bit more expensive than average, and high performance tires last only about 22K miles and cost $350 each, and the brake pads, etc.  -- but it still does not come to that much, maybe a total of $100+/month, about three times what that Accord would cost in tires and oil and service, etc.  I doubt that additional cost deters anyone who goes ahead after looking at the cost of the car itself. 

$100+ a month - that's a great estimate that I can certainly work with.  Thanks Lee!

Ok, guys.  I've come across a listing on eBay that I'm really interested in.  Problem is they're in Chicago and I'm San Jose, CA.  Do you guys have any recommendations for doing some CYA (cover your a*s) with an online seller ?  I'm thinking I'll give them 20K up front (since eBay only covers up to that much) then give the remainder upon delivery and inspection from my own guys.  What do you guys think?

Hey PorscheDoc, your advice paid off.  I found a great 2001 996 out in Chicago (I'm in CA).  But before signing any papers I had them take it to a nearby dealer for a PPI.  The dealer found about $4-5k in needed repairs that the seller didn't know about: 

• Two Front Tires are dry rotted on the inside + needs alignment ($900)
  
• Left and Right Cam Covers are Leaking ($2000)
  
• Left AC Line is Crushed, need replacement ($1400 - $1500)
  
• Needs Brake Flush ($300)

That was probably the best $225 dollars I ever spent. :)

Hi, 911fiend
I am in the same chair you are in, I drive an Acura integra now with 140k miles on it, before that, I drive Toyata, Mazda, etc. Janpese car all the way. But I once posted on my personal web page years ago that I will buy myself a Porsche one day. Well who does not want a Porsche? 2 years ago, I brought my first "Fancy Car" A Benz C230 for my wife, after paying off that car early this year, it is time for me to think about my car now. My dream car, the one and only car that I have been dreaming for the last 10 years. The one car that I want to own before I die. I like to have a converitable, so, my choice is the Boxster. I am one step away from getting a 06 Bosxter S, I will find out by tomorrow.... So, pray for me.

Go for it tinchao!  It's all about making dreams reality.  That's what makes life exciting.  I'm happy to announce that my 996 is on a shipping truck right now and should arrive within a couple of days!  Making the decision was a bit of a mental wrestling match at first, but the bottom line is this is what I really really wanted, so it's all worth it.  I can't wait for it to get here, I feel like a KID!!!  I'll post pics once I have them.
 
Let us know what you wind up getting, good luck!

Hi, 911fiend
I did go for it and the like new 2006 Boxster S is in my garage now! Just pick it up after work today. I agree with you about the mental wrestling, should I get it or should I wait or should I even want to spend that much for a car??? This is one of my dream, I dream of marry a good wife. I did. Dream of buying my own house, I did, now I am fullfilling my dream of owning a Porsche.
Come to think about it, I think I really got a good deal. The car is 3 months old, get 450 miles on it. 50 miles is from me test driving the car. The rich guy who own this car paid $66000 for it. I got it for $55300 from the dealer out the door. not only that, I got 6 years, 100k warranty on it. I think this deal cannot go wrong. Do you agree?
Still sinking in the moment now, reading the book, the real joy will the this coming weekend take it out for a nice drive in this beautiful Hawaii State.
Aloha.
Will posted some photos when I have time. Take care!
TinChao

Congrats Tinchao!  Sounds like a good deal to me.  Post pics when you can!

Hi, 911 fiend
Have you find the Porsche that you want to buy yet?

Yes!  In fact it's sitting in my garage right now.  It's a 2001 996 C2.  I absolutely love it!  Here are some pics from the dealer I got it from:
 
http://ebay.carad.com/viewItem/viewAllPhotos.cfm?listing=8818886&template=48

How much does the car end up after you paid for the repair and or service? How many miles this car has?
Nice looking car!

Well the dealer was great and replaced the cam cover seals and o-rings, put on 2 new front tires, and did the alignment all for free.  Then they got me a discount for the 30K service at around $650.  It's got a little over 27K right now...

Hi 911fiend, how is your car, having fun with it? How fast did yo go?
tinchao

Fun is an understatement!  The past two weeks have been absolute bliss!  So far I've mixed it up on the highway with a 997, a Mustang GT (yuck) and an M6 just today.  I've also done a couple of white knuckle mountain runs which were a total thrill ride.  I haven't gotten her much over 100, but I get there very quickly. :)  Also, I've quickly learned she demands respect, on the 2nd day I spun her out punching it around a corner (didn't hit anything).  Still have to get used to all that weight in back and all that power going to the back wheels - it's a whole different world than my front engine front drive Acuras :)
 
How about you?

Well, I put about 1000 miles to the car in two weeks. My driver side seat stop working, but the dealer fix it in 15 minutes. Step on it a few time and hit 100, I don't even notice, the car is very stable compare to my Benz C230. Enjoy droping the top while I can, the only complaint is I get stuck in traffic a lot, so, cannot really do much with the car at low speed. Every male in my office come to look at my new car. Lots of them willing to treat me lunch as long as I drive them to the restaurant in my Prosche, I found it quiet funny. I have several more guys waiting to take me out lunch next week.... this car not only perform, it bring food to the table too! I still have not receive my lic. plate yet. I took some photos and posted some in the gallery, you can check it out. Looking forward to this long weekend and take it out for a cruise. Thinking about jointing the local PCA. and make my first car payment next week. $$$

Wow, you've been doing a lot of driving!  I know what you mean about your friends at work, I think for me the most fun part about owning a Porsche is enjoying the reaction from all my friends, and sharing in the joy.  Everyone's just having a kick out of it!  Definetely join your local PCA.  I'm going to their next Autocross event in my area so I can learn to control the car.  I'd rather spin out in an open parking lot than on a mountain road :)

Hello,
Here are some thoughts which hopefully will be helpful to you.  I saw many parallels in your and my situation while reading your posting.  I have driven Nissan cars for about 23 years (Altimas, Sentras, Pathfinders, etc.) and I've wanted a Porsche ever since I can remember.  I have been looking on ebay for quite a while (4 months or so) and have picked up quite a few tips from just talking with people about buying a used car.  When it came right down to it, I knew the maintenance costs were higher (relatively) than with other cars but I was willing to take the plunge.  I did find a car on ebay BUT it was a local dealer and it was a car that I could see, feel, touch, smell, etc. and wasn't located halfway across the US.  That was the important factor for me...the seller HAD to be local so I wouldn't have to buy it sight unseen.  I bought it from a Porsche dealer and it's a Porsche-certified car.  I found local cars on ebay and most of them were private sellers.  When I mentioned the word 'inspection' to them, a couple of them told me the car was sold the next day!!  What a coincidence.  I guess the point I'm trying to make is that a lot of these cars have a history and by going to a dealer, it's a way of having someone stand behind what they're selling rather than a private seller.  Sure it costs a bit more but personally I think it's worth it.  I'm not a person who can gamble with $40K so if I have to pay that much for a good, used, certified car, then I'm prepared to do that.  FYI...I bought a 2000 911, 33K miles on it, Arctic Silver, grey leather interior, suede roofliner.   I'm looking forward to driving it; haven't picked it up yet.  The important thing to remember (I think) is...don't take chances, don't buy sight-unseen, do your research and ask tons of questions. 
Hope this helps; if you've bought one already, congratulations.
Regards,
Chris

Congrats on your new Porsche, you're going to love it - just like we all do :)
 
I agree it's tough spending $40K+ on a car that you've never seen.  Especially with so many crooks out there.  But I must say my experience has given me a very positive outlook on buying cars on eBay.  I'm in CA, the car was in Chicago.  The eBay seller was a pre-owned dealership that focused on high end cars.  Those guys were really great, and literally bent over backwards to ease my aprehension about buying a car online.  They were even willing to give me a 3-day no-questions asked buy back guarantee after recieving the car.  On top of that they were willing to ask me for payment only until AFTER I received the car.  Pretty impressive.  Regardless, I did my due dilligence, had the seller do a PPI, and yes that did surface minor problems with the car.  But the seller was great about it and had those problems fixed.  Still I wasn't totally comfortable, so I acutally flew out to Chicago for a day to drive, examine and smell the car.  Once I saw the car I realized the trip was overkill - everything the seller told me about the car was correct. It really was a great car.  I've had the car now for 2 weeks and it's been nothing but pure bliss.  On top of that, since I bought through eBay, I got to use eBay's financing, which had lower rates than I could find elsewhere, and was yet another quick, seamless experience.
 
All in all, my purchasing experience through eBay and this seller (Carsourceusa.com) was a dream.  I can't go back to a traditional dealership (and their crap) after such an awesome experience!