I currently have a 2005 ML500 that is not only boring to drive but is also a complete piece of junk. I've had problems ever since I brought it home. I'm used to driving more sporty types of cars and I'm thinking of getting a used 911. I had a 2000 boxter for 5 years, put 75000 miles on it and it was just about perfect the whole time. I never had problems with that car.

I feel like I got lucky with that one because I have always heard that Porsches are terribly unreliable. What do you guys think? Is a 911 going to run strong and be fairly problem free?

Remember, you're talking to a young petite woman so steer me in the right direction. I need something that is safe for me to drive. I don't want to wind up on the side of the road somewhere. (thought I'd be safe in a new MBenz- who knew!!)
Would you want your mother, wife, daughter or sister to drive this car?


Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Lisa B.

 

Just as reliable as you can afford!

 

Not sure if you have already looked around on the net, but here is a site that will give you a loooong review of the new 911 (997) which started production in 2005. I have previously owned two 911s (1982 and 1997) and had absolutely no problems. In fact, the first one (1982) now belongs to a co-worker and has about 175,000 on it. She is also a petite lady and she drives it daily. I just purchased my third porsche, a 2006 911s and hope to have the same expreience as I had with the first two. Good luck and keep us posted.



http://www.nadaguides.com/rev/review...wPr=5&wPg=2020

 

That's good to know. I walked by one at school a couple days ago and I was thinking to myself how gorgeous it was. I just want to make a good decision using my head rather than my eyes.

I was looking for info on the net yesterday and I came across an article on Forbes that had the list of the top most reliable luxury cars. I think there were 13 on the list and naturally Lexus had at least 6 vehicles on it. The 911 was on the list. Also a couple Infinitis and a Jag.
But I think that applies to the NEW 2006 models. The list was taken from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.

So, I am leaning toward a 911 because they have strong resale, good reviews from some good sources, actual owner recommendations, and just cause' I like them soooo much.

 

The 996 does not really have a strong resale value, most 1st owners take about a 60k dump when they sell the car, even with low mileage. A local customer of mine just bought an 02 996 twin turbo with 800 miles on the car for 70k.....thats about a 50k price drop from new....for 800 miles. Overproduction and general supply and demand has dropped used 996 C2/C4 prices into the mid 30's. This is not because it is an unreliable car, but because of the formentioned. Common sense tells us the values can only drop so far, but time will tell. Keep in mind, most used cars are ready for some maintenance, whether it be brakes, tires, etc. Spend 300-500 on a pre purchase inspection so you know what you are buying. Make sure the rear main seal is not leaking before buying. Also expect around 60-70k miles a clutch job if choosing a manual. In general the cars are extremely reliable.

 

I'm a porsche idiot. I don't even know what a 996 is. I'm assuming it is a particular variety of the 911. That is how little I know about it. I'm not planning on buying a turbo or any other hot rod model. Just a general plain wrap 911 and probably one that is at least an 02' or older. I don't want to overspend. I've been looking through ads and have been surprised to see that a lot of them don't even come with cd players.

thanks for all your input.

 

1999 to Currrent 911's are called the 996 line. Turbo or Not.

 

996s are a good bargain, as was stated, and close to bulletproof, IF you take care of them. Do the required maintenance and pay attention to anything they seem to need and these cars will be very, very durable -- and a fine car to drive for many years. Neglect the maintenace and they will become the car from hell- repaying your neglect by ruining annoying you constantly once they get about 40K miles of neglect on them.