Porsche 911

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $74910.00 from Dealer

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 911/997

Summary:
Out shopping for an M3 to upgrade my 01 330ci and stopped by a Porsche dealer and had the unfortunate circumstance of driving an 05 997 (sorry had to put 04, it was the newest model year offered in this site). I have owned several Porsches, always weekend cars, and would have never bought a 996, felt like the Bxter was a better value. WELL let me tell you Porsche has definitley outdone themselves. Completely redesigned, exterior/interior, more powerful, amazing! The most impressive thing is that Porsches as much as I love them always take a certain ammount of energy to drive, ie: I wouldn't choose to take one on a long road trip, I would opt for the more comfortable Bimmer. Not this one, as comfortable as a BMW. Best handling 911 I have ever driven, on par with the mid engine Bxter, though it's been a couple years since I've driven a Bxter so this could be an exageration of sorts. Everything upgraded from Porsche Active Susp Mngmt, look, sound, shocking really. The next day I sold my 97 993 Cab (which I swore I would never get rid of) and bought the 997! and what a steal for 75K. There was not an 04 996 on the lot for under 85K! Check this car out! You will be blown away!

Strengths:
PORSCHE! Absolute improvement over the 996 debaucle. history,performance,absolute class! drive-ability head turner fast and comfortable too many to list

Weaknesses:
small gas tank

Similar Products Used:
90 911 83 911 99 Boxter 97 911 99 328I 01 330ci

Price Paid:  $65700.00 from Pioneer, San Diego

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 911 996

Summary:
I purchased this 2004 911 in San Diego in Feb 2005 and got a $12K off of MSRP. Porsches typically sell for MSRP. I pretty much found exactly what I wanted with the exception of a few options. The car is great. It handles great, smooth power, sounds strong. Because of the 2000 mile break in I really haven't run it hard, but at 115 mph you would never know it. It feels like you're going 55. The appearance is great as well. A real head turner too. It is such a classy car, really has not had any major body change in the 40 or so years that it has been around. I had always wanted one and no regrets after shelling out $65K for it.

Strengths:
Power, handling, style, class, German engineering, reputation

Weaknesses:
Expensive options

Similar Products Used:
Usually drive SUVs, closest to sporty car was 1999 Mazda Miata

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $70000.00 from Porsche dealership

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 911 Carrera 2 Coupe

Summary:
When I purchased this car, I thought it was the right decision from the standpoint of my heart and my head. I got it wrong on the latter, though as this car proved surprisingly unreliable.

Strengths:
Great looks

Drives very well

Weaknesses:
Very poor reliability (engine replaced after 50,000 miles; various oil leaks, non working navigation system)

High running costs

Car body, particular the front, gets damaged very easily by chippings

Do not count on much support from the manufacturer if any problems arises after the expiration of their (mean) 2 year warranty (Note: a KIA comes with a 7 year warranty; why can't the Germans do better than two years?). You are on your own in the cold and that's where it quickly gets very expensive....

Price Paid:  $85000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 911 C4 S

Summary:
Just to clarify things, this is a 3.6 liter, 320 HP kick in the butt performer. Those are the numbers for the 2002 911''''''''s. This particular model is 4 wheel drive, with the all the business hardware as well as trimmings of the turbo, but without the turbo and without the need for the additional $40-$50K. It is a real knockout, both in looks and performance. I put in 150 miles just enjoying the drive around curving roads in the first day!

Strengths:
Performance, prestige, unique.

Weaknesses:
Can''''''''t stop smiling.

Similar Products Used:
''''''''67 Mustang Boss, ''''''''92 Corvette

Price Paid:  $88000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 /Carrera 4 GT

Summary:
I opted for the full GT package (aerokit, sports tuned suspension, heavy roll bars, free flow exhaust). Porsche factory technician recommended this set up to handle the extra weight of the all wheel drive system. The car is tight, solid, and fast. Tried the Turbo and GT2, did not find the extra power worth the money, and their rides are considerably stiffer while the transmission more balky. The only sports cars that are close in capabilities are the Corvette Z06 and the Dodge Viper, both are crudely made cars with serious reliability problems. The next car up is the Ferarri 360 Modena, which has a better suspension/engine package, but that gated 6 speed..... ouch! In summary, if you want to drop 100k or so on a real sports car, the C-4 is it. There is simply no alternatives out there.

Strengths:
Solidity, power, handling, and head-turning potential.

Weaknesses:
Share many parts with the cheaper Boxter. Rather tame exhaust note. Overly complicated stereo and electrical operations (explained by pooly-written instruction booklets). These do not detract from the fun of driving the car.

Similar Products Used:
Lotus Esprit Turbo, Jaguar XKR, BMW M5