Porsche 911...Which year should we choose?

Question

Well...my parents right now own a Porsche 912 (1967) but my dad has been thinking of getting a newer Porsche. I told him to look for a 1999 for about like 22,000 but he says that the OLDER looks are better, 1983 to like 1993. Which would you choose?

(my parents budget is *STRICTLY* below 23,000)

Answer 1

This is going to depend entirely on what your dad wants. As has been said, the 996 that you favor is definitely the best of the bunch in terms of performance, and comfort. It is a modern GT car, and a very good one at that. However, coming from an old 912, the 996 may not provide the "sports car experience" he's looking for.

Going back to a 993 will bring back a little more, but while the 993 is a gorgeous car to look at, it is heavier than the 996, and is lacking overall in performance. And it's probably not going to deliver any more of the older, more visceral feel that would be present in the 912.

The 964 offers a little more of the older 911 feel, though it's still a more modern car than those before it. But may be another case that if you are looking for something this new, that you'd be better served looking for a 996. Though the 964 does offer more of the older 911 looks, in a more modern package (and is often available for at very attractive prices - thought he more desirable models like the RSA will likely be above the stated price range).

The cars most likely to garner some attention along with the 996 would be the 3.2L Carrera ('84-'89) and the 911SC ('78-83). Both are very reliable, and while much newer than the 912 in question, both will seem extremely familar. Excellent condition examples should be able to be had for less than the $23k mentioned as well. However, getting back into this era (or earlier), the cars may seem much more tail happy than the older 912 as there is quite a bit more weight out over the rear axel.

Any and all of the above are good cars and all are pretty reliable as well. In the end it will be about which one is the best fit... and probably a good deal too about what specific cars are available (ie, while a 964 in general may not be the best fit for someone, the right car at the right price could easily be a 964).

Answer 2

totally depends on what he wants. The 996s are the "best" of them, mechanically and daily driveablly (is this a word?) speaking. THeyre the most refined by far. I used to own a 99 carrera 2, and it was a great car. Unfortunately, theyre also more expensive to fix, and more difficult to work on at home than the older P cars.

I personally like the more brutal 911s. The scary, unrefined, incredibly fun ones. I own an 03 996 gt2, and an 87 930 turbo. The 87 turbo is an aweome car, and if they do their own work, they would feel pretty familiar under the hood of one (theyre relatively similar). They also are appreciating in value right now. That being said, its not a car for everyone. THe throttle is very On/off, theres no powere steering (like the 912), it has the old style clutch (floor hinge) and 4 speed (like the 912), but also is very fast with 300 hp. Its a bit of a frightening car to drive.

The gt2 was dubbed the return of the scary 911, and has the nickname of "widowmaker." even with almost 500 hp, scary handling and such, I still call the 930 the beast at my house.

So i highly suggest getting a 930 turbo if you can. they were pretty reliable, fast, beautiful, and a total blast to drive. Theyre kinda hard to get your hands on though. Id search the classifieds in the local Porsche club of america websites (pca.org, then find the local ones). Finding one in great shape is kinda hard, but totally worth it. one in good shape can be had in your budget of 23K. Prying it away from the loving owner may be more difficult.

Answer 3

the problem with a 1999 porsche is it has been scrutinized for not being a real porsche, hence the egg shaped headlights and depriciation in value of the car!

i would look for the porsche 993 made in the 90's, which is a 911 but code named the 993, awesome porsche that your dad would agree with!!
he knows what he is talking about as he has a 912 so he knows his porsches!!
try ebay and put in the keyword "porsche 993" there are heaps of bargains, make sure it has a service history!
remember the new porsche 911 have gone back to the 993 shape as they were pressured to do so as sales of the 911 egg shaped porsche were not good at all!!
they have sold more of the new porches worldwide because enthusiasts like your father know what he is talking about!!

good luck!

Answer 4

I have had a few 1987 and 1988 along with the 1999-2007. I really like the 1970-1973 body style. They are some of the most fun. The newer ones feel like they have lost a little touch of how the car should feel. They may have more power, but they are not better in my opinion.

Answer 5

Personally, I like the older body styles, from the early to mid '70's. But it's your dad's money, he has to make the decision for himself. I also like the 912's. I would likely keep the 912 and add a 911.

Answer 6

Last thanksgiving I bought a 993. Luv it, get looks and it is like a new amusement ride whenever I drive it. They seem to appreciate monthly as this is the last air cooled. Make sure clutch, brakes and mechanicals are in good working order. Porsche's cost a lot to repair.

Answer 7

Between a 1978 and 1983 911SC with low miles, and a complete history.

Good thing about these years...they are between the soft years(later) and the harsh years(earlier).
Also the 911SC motors are extremely reliable.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

It just depends on what you like not what any body else likes. If you get something newer you will most likely have a whole lot more reliable car. I have had several 924 and 944 and ALL I DID WAS WORK ON THEM they are fun cars to have but it comes down to what you like

Answer 9

I like the 86 to 89 cars. Clean simple still have the real look. But that's just me.

Answer 10

since my second name is porsche , from of my point of view every car belonging to porsche company is perfect and powerful .
ichoose the oldest one because it is classic and rarly one , day by day this choice will by more diffcult , by time this car will be more expensive
notice that i wish to get any porsche

your fathfuly mohamed hamshari(porsche_911turbo_gt@yahoo)_