long term reliability of 911?
 

How well do 1999-2001 Porsche 911's(automatic transmission if that makes a difference) generally hold up in the long run? Is 30,000 miles a significant amount for a used model? Will a 5-6 year old 911 run reliably as a daily driver for many years, or is it more likely to be in the shop all the time(it would be driven in a reasonable manner, never raced or driven excessively hard)?

I'm trying to decide if purchasing a used 911 with approximately 30,000 miles for around $37,000 is a sound decision, so I'd greatly appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Thanks!

RE: long term reliability of 911?
 

porschephd drives his 01 TT for a daily driver, no matter snow, sun, rain, etc. With 809hp at the motor, he makes the car work for him, and there have been no major issues with about 40k on the clock now. Any model car can burn you if you pick a lemon, but that is why you pay 500 bucks and have a professional porsche mechanic do a pre purchase inspection, it can save you a lot of money in the long run. We just supercharged a 99 996 C4 with 55k on the clock, and he probably drives it harder than porschephd drives his, and the car has had zero problems.

RE: long term reliability of 911?
 

If you take care of them well the engines, drive train and suspension are just about bulletproof. It is important to make certain that the car has been cared for well - oil and filter's changed, etc. also realize that that flawless handling and ynamic driving response you are buying will only remain if you maintain the suspension - change shocks and struts and keep bushing in good shape over the long run -- a lot of people let that go. Do that and they will last forever.

I have seen well maintained, non-abused Carrera's go 120K miles from new with nothing but scheduled maintenance. One thing I like is that parts are not outrageously expensive: a new Carrera costs roughly twice what a Corvette costs but parts are roughly the same cost( e.g., a new or quality rebuilt complete long-block "crate" engine for either (3.6 liter Porsche, 6 liter GM LS-2) costs roughly the same, about $6K.

Dealer service is expensive (overpriced I think). And generally service (labor and expertise) sometimes is hard to get at a good price elswhere, but I actually get mine serviced and worked on at the speed shot (hot rod garage) that services my vette. Never had a problem.