Please help difficult decision

1531 Views 31 Replies 20 Participants Last post by GT3Twenty10, 7 h ago

yoz

Discussion Starter · 16 d ago

I'm in my twilight of life and I am going to purchase my first Porsche. The vehicles I was looking to purchase 2015-2017 Cayman, However I noticed the other day the older gentleman, Has a 2001 911 C4S for sale locally with 31,000 miles in immaculate condition. So I went to take it for a ride it's wonderful the price I believe is right low 30's, I am aware of the IMS issue he says it was never done but all other basic service was, Car sounded and drove fanatic still tight. It doesn't obviously have the modern creature comforts I was hoping for bluetooth, camera etc. but what a ride now I don't know what to do spend the 20k more for a new cayman or save 20k and have this.

Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Vehicle registration plate Vehicle

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AJK

· #2 · 16 d ago

The standard advice has always been to buy the newest Porsche you can afford. This is a little different. In my mind the only advantage the 911 has is that it is perceived to be the more prestigious model and so if you care what others think then the 911 might have some appeal. In all other measures, the Cayman is the better car. However, factor in the bias of this Cayman heavy form.

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ICNU

· #3 · 16 d ago

Agreed, it cost the same amount of money for basic maintenance on an older P car car as it does a newer one, however the older models are at that point that things will start to fail that you won't necessarily have to worry about quite yet on a newer model. No problem if you are OK with that and get a good enough deal that there is enough cash reserves from the cheaper car to cover those cost.

As you stated, this is a 996 model that has the crappy IMS bearing, so the lower mileage on this car is actually a negative thing. The IMS bearings would typically fail early in the cars life once enough miles were on the car, so a 996 with higher mileage is less likely to have an IMS failure than one that hasnt been driven enough yet to know if there will be an issue with the IMS yet.

There is an old saying that really holds true with these cars, "the most expensive Porsche you own will be the cheapest Porsche you buy"

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Boristhespyder

· #4 · 15 d ago

A test ride proves that at the moment the much-feared IMS is performing correctly. You stated you would save 20K, why not price out the cost of the IMS upgrade and negotiate? This is if you have a passion for this 911. The savings is substantial and those models kept nice will do fine going forward, especially with an IMS upgrade. Lastly, I don't think the "cheaper Porsche" saying applies here, 30K is a clean car with plenty left in the tank for the next owner, even from the photo you can see it's been loved. The real question is do you like that 911 and only you can answer that.

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yoz

Discussion Starter · #5 · 15 d ago

The only reason I considered it was that it is so clean and it drove so nice, I was told the same as the first responder to my post when buying a porsche always buy the latest year model you can afford. I'm sure he'll take 30k for it he mentioned splitting the difference for the cost of the IMS but I think I'm gonna pass and continue my search for a 2016-17 Cayman or possibly Boxster. thanks to all the responded.

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yoz

Discussion Starter · #6 · 15 d ago

ICNU said:
Agreed, it cost the same amount of money for basic maintenance on an older P car car as it does a newer one, however the older models are at that point that things will start to fail that you won't necessarily have to worry about quite yet on a newer model. No problem if you are OK with that and get a good enough deal that there is enough cash reserves from the cheaper car to cover those cost.

As you stated, this is a 996 model that has the crappy IMS bearing, so the lower mileage on this car is actually a negative thing. The IMS bearings would typically fail early in the cars life once enough miles were on the car, so a 996 with higher mileage is less likely to have an IMS failure than one that hasnt been driven enough yet to know if there will be an issue with the IMS yet.

There is an old saying that really holds true with these cars, "the most expensive Porsche you own will be the cheapest Porsche you buy"

Exactly what I was thinking that's why I am passing the lower the milage = higher risk of IMS failure he was soft on the car you can tell better to ride it like a porsche

N_Jay

· #7 · 15 d ago

What is "Twilight"?
Have you rolled in and out fo a Cayman?
1) Drive both and see what you like better (at near equal prices)
2) Set your budget
3) Get the nicest best maintained care at your budget based on what you like.

I would not buy new, let some other person pay for the initial depreciation.

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Phat Hippy

· #8 · 15 d ago

I would definitely pass on the 996 and try and get a well-loved 981s Boxster or Cayman. Mid-engine, more of the modern options you want. They have that model year pretty well sorted out. Please don't get me wrong the 911 is a great car, I am just biased and love my Boxster S. You couldn't tell me with the top down on the way to work I should be in an older 911 scheduling the IMS solution install. It's nice that you are able to have a "First World" decision to make in your life. Good luck in your decision no matter which way you go. Let all of us know when you've made it.

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eyeofthetiger

· #9 · 15 d ago

i guess there is no wrong or right answer.... only what is right for you....

having said that, taking care of a 22 year old car is different from say a 3-4 year old car.

and you didn't mention what you had in mind.... e.g. if you were planning on taking it for long road trips or if you were planning some track time/autocross... and if this is your only car or daily - all of which might influence the type of car and age range. (car not person 😅 )

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GT3Twenty10

· #10 · 13 d ago (Edited)

Well I love 996’s and I actually like the fact that you can change the IMS… I’d check for bore scoring… change the IMS RMS and clutch… great car
Personally I’d get the 996. Cayman is a great car tho …. Just get what you want.. at the end of the day the cayman would be a faster car.. Good luck!

delbi

· #11 · 13 d ago

I don’t like the 996 or the Cayman. If I where you I would search for a 997 CS Cabrio

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Investr

· #12 · 10 d ago

Spend the xtra money

lastone

· #13 · 7 d ago

Look thru lasts months Panorama. There is is an informative write up on IMS and bore scoring, for 911's and Boxster/Caymans.

GT3Twenty10

· #14 · 7 d ago

lastone said:
Look thru lasts months Panorama. There is is an informative write up on IMS and bore scoring, for 911's and Boxster/Caymans.

It’s always been a very large topic… it’s becoming a huge issue because the cars are old now…

quest

· #15 · 7 d ago

Don't forget that Porsche now has new headhunts available for the 996/986 series cars that have the bluetooth and Apple CarPlay that you want.

mm981cs

· #16 · 7 d ago

Like many here - I loved the look of the Cayman the first time I saw it. There are a few 922's I would love to have - but like most, a 2014-2016 Cayman, especially an S or GTS are quite simply a better car in many ways. You are going to spend the money one way or another.... spend it on a Cayman. If just love 911's then go for it. Make yourself happy.

Aeneas137

· #17 · 7 d ago

just my humble opinion, but I recommend you get a 981 S.

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Will J

· #18 · 7 d ago

AJK said:
The standard advice has always been to buy the newest Porsche you can afford. This is a little different. In my mind the only advantage the 911 has is that it is perceived to be the more prestigious model and so if you care what others think then the 911 might have some appeal. In all other measures, the Cayman is the better car. However, factor in the bias of this Cayman heavy form.

But the newer Cayman. I bought a 2014 Cayman Base 5 years ago, my friend bought at 1999 Carrera at the same time. I paid $40k and he paid $25 k. He and I both agree that I have the better and more fun to drive car🏎

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yoz

Discussion Starter · #19 · 7 d ago

Cayman it is.

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T.Ash

· #20 · 7 d ago

When you say you are looking for a 16-17 remember they are very different 2016 was the final year that all Cay mans were 6 cylinder. Everything except the 4.0 is now a turbo 4 cylinder.

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