Hi, I would like to ask all of you for advice!

I have a 2006 750Li that I love. I tend to keep my cars for a long time, but I do keep in mind the depreciation issue. From what I know, the 7-series is very much a fashion statement and tends to plummet in value once newer models are introduced. I therefore would like to sell the 7 and sink my teeth into a 996-Turbo - my dream car since my teenage years.

I'm quite sure that the 996 turbo keeps its value very well. The examples that I am looking for are ~'01-'02. I had asked Porsche dealerships about extended warranties, and they offer a nationwide-honored program through Fidelity. I would rather buy an older car with low miles and spent extra money on a 6yr, 100,000 mi warranty than spend it on a "newer," ~'04 car with NO warranty, do you folks agree?

If I buy, then the turbo will become my only car. Is it a relatively well-built, high quality car? Does it succumb to nasty squeaks and rattles? I also love to ride my bicycle, I was wondering if any of you have tried stuffing a road bike inside of it? (I know it sounds silly, but seriously) I think it might be possible after the bike's front wheel is removed, but anyways...

The 7-series is very quiet and has a composed ride. Do any owners of higher-mileage turbos experience any obvious defects in ride over time? Squeaky suspensions, etc?

My feeling is that once you go Porsche, you never go back. I certainly hope this is the case - I would love to make a 996 Turbo a long part of my time on Earth. I haven't test-driven a turbo yet because I need to sell my 7 first, and I would like to know if should even bother with the hassle. Your collective wisdom is most welcome, thank you very much.

 

Nah, you can move on from Porsche. It's not that special or unique.

They are very well designed cars, and extremely well built. But the engineering is only so-so, actually.

Regardless, I moved on after only one - my Carrera was a great car but . . .

As tothe original question, I would never recommend a Turbo as an only car. If you can't afford it as a second car, don't get it.

 

I went and test drove an '01 with ~30k mi. Car has a small oil leak and spits out some smoke upon startup, but seller told me that was normal. IS that normal, and should I be worried about oil leak?

I called a Porsche service advisor and he told me that the oil leak, though it's OK by itself, will require $$$$ for repairs (dropping out the engine for work). He also said that the model does spit out some smoke if not started for a while, but it shouldn't at every start. Thoughts?

Why does the 7-series have to be so ubiquitous, if it wasn't then I'd be happy with mine

As for the drive itself...it is not as fast as I had hoped. The engine is exquisitely smooth (maybe because it's way back there and I can't feel anything) and the power feels easily controllable, but the sound is mundane. It's no thrashy power like a Z06. Maybe I'm too accustomed to my '06 R1 .

The brakes were weak when cold, and they didn't get much better after a brief drive. Overall, though I love the car (a new 996 would be nice) that example is not winning my heart over...