Opinions requested.
I am looking to buy a 2+2 coupe sports car and will spend up to 35k. Don't like the RX8. Want something with power and panache. MPG not important but don't want to be hit hugely by depreciation. Two main contenders are used Porsche 996 or Maserati coupe (2001 '3200' or maybe 2002 '4200' (just about for the price). Maserati less common than Porsche and look good but need to have the thing start every morning. Porshe too obvious a choice???
Cheers,
Taccy
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If Porsche and Maserati are the only things that float your boat it's a no-brainer as far as depreciation and reliability is concerned.
BTW. A late model 993 would be better than the 996.
Kevin...
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Anyone that could afford one would go for Maserati.Though I doubt many here could,as you can afford the price why not go for it.If I had the money I would not go for Porsche
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Steve
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Only if the Maser is the version with the gorgeous rear-lights, and not the pathetic things moulded on in the facelift for the bland US market...
Otherwise, common Porsche.
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Anyone that could afford one would go for Maserati.
Surely the other way round, hence Maser really not selling that many and Porsche selling... err, loads?
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Maserati less common than Porsche and look good but need to have the thing start every morning.
Now that might be difficult ;)
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I am the only Pole over here.
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993 turbo every time!
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If +2 not vital then 355?
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Heart would say a Maserati with the boomerang lights.
However, I suspect it wouldn't be as fun to drive as a 993 (or any other Porsche for that matter) and the novelty would soon wear off after getting friendly with the people from Green Flag,
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Adam
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Heart would say a Maserati with the boomerang lights. However, I suspect it wouldn't be as fun to drive as a 993 (or any other Porsche for that matter)
I had the privilege of being in a position to investigate it thoroughly.
Porsche started off at a disadvantage - red braces and all that. But Adam is right; the Maserati was a huge disapointment once you actually started moving.
Other aspect that put me off were a serious malfunction on the car offered as a test drive, and the prices being asked by the dealership for s/h models.
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I think DB must enter into the equation if you are that concerned about depreciation,Got to be a waste of time in the uk and the German autobahns with no restrictions are decreasing
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Maserati less common than Porsche and look good but need to have the thing start every morning. Porshe too obvious a choice??? Cheers, Taccy
I not sure the 996 is an obvious choice if you are looking for the famed Porsche reliability.
Check out the Porsche forums and look for RMS leaks and intermediate shaft leaks. I know a couple of low-milage cars (approx 10K) that have engine replacements under warranty. Check out HJ car by car breakdown for more info.
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A late 993 turbo, and given a colour choice, metallic blue. The most beautiful Porker of all time and one of the most accomplished.
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Late 993 widebody (C4S much more desirable with turbo brakes and awd) is already a classic and a very safe place to but your money I'd say.
Maseratis look lovely but have already depreciated like a rock and will continue to do so.
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I know these things are a matter of personal taste, but I always feel the rear quarter of the Maser looks heavy and clumsy.
And while the 993 is very nice, I think the looks of the 964 are prettier. 993 is lumpy by comparison.
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Check out the Porsche forums and look for RMS leaks and intermediate shaft leaks. I know a couple of low-milage cars (approx 10K) that have engine replacements under warranty. Check out HJ car by car breakdown for more info.
Yes, do that. And you'll find that the 996 is a darn sight better than it is reported to be.
RMS leaks are a problem; that much is known. But they are a lot less common that is suggested by those that don't run a 996, and (in the vast majority of cases) cause a lot less damage than is suggested. Compare that to a Maser that was given to me on test by a main dealer, I emphasise on test, with a serious gearbox fault that could have led to gearbox failure and which could not be fixed in time because Italy had not supplied the parts for several months despite having been asked. Pathetic.
Porsche has sold over 15,000 996s and is the most profitable car company around. Speaks for itself; why has the 911 been regarded as the benchmark for 42 years and still is. Compare that to Maserati, Aston, Ferrari, and the rest.
(HJ - do feel free to butt in at this point and disagree. But perhaps this time, you might first take the time to speak to someone who has actually studied the problem in detail. Try Nic Doczi at the Porsche Club GB, for example.)
[/rant]
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RMS leaks are a problem; that much is known.
The point is that it may not be known to Taccy and it is not unreasonable to bring the subject up if someone is thinking of buying second-hand. If they then research and find the problem to be minor in their view, then that's fine.
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No, not unreasonable to mention RMS; the question needs to be asked of a seller.
It is, however, unreasonable to say:
I not sure the 996 is an obvious choice if you are looking for the famed Porsche reliability.
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