Along with everyone else, my ONLY reservation would be the maintenance cost of ownership on the 911's. I'd LOVE to own one, but if used, I'd go no more than a few years (which places them WELL above the price of a Z).

A friend of mine is a Porsche fanatic (uses a 1973 [I believe] as a DD), and takes his car to a local "mom & pop" place that eases the fix-it and maintenance costs. I tell you what: it's almost a 40 year old car, and it's always an experience to ride in the passenger seat. I'd get REALLY excited, but the smell of fuel usually turns me off. :D He loves it though, and besides - it's a 911.

:iagree:

Your entering upon the costly years for a '99 Porsche. A friend of mine had one and at about that age (though there was 65000 miles on his) the replacements and repairs began and it was big, big money. He finally dumped it and ran the other way. Your Z will give you years of low cost driving pleasure. Spare yourself and your wallet a lot of stress. Keep the Z---forget the 911.

It's an automatic? No way I'd buy an automatic Porsche, would have to be a manual to even consider it. For that reason and all the others mentioned stay with the Z.

old car is old keep the z

Keep the Z and thank your wife.

+1

i can't believe they made that car with a slushbox!!!

Dude, all the 7AT guys will now come and kick your a$$!! How dare you!

I'm a huge Porsche guy, but I'll have to give this one to the Z. Couldn't really get that passion from the 996. 997 on the other hand....

I would keep the Z as well. 10+ years would be around the time for a major overhaul as well as constant maintenance. The rubber parts start seizing up. everything is not in its new condition. Better to keep a new car and have fun with it for a few more years than an old porsche that probably isnt any faster and will start nickel and diming you cuz of its age

I have a 7AT lol. Hilly enough where I live it just makes life easier. And I know, I know...

Couple things I learned from this board.

All 7AT guys think automatics are better and all the MT guys think the AT cars are for girls.
All the 370z will die from high oil temp
Nismo=God, the non Nismos are just not worthy. The non-Nismos are like Ultra Magnus and Nismo cars are Optimum Prime
2011 Mustang GT is the best car to have because it cost around 35K and it has 400+ HP

(Yes I am generalizing, but I am probably 95% right)

The car is rubbish. Keep the z. Like everyone said, it's a 12 year old car. They style is dated. Performance is no better or faster than the Z. With the 998 just around the corner, that car will be TWO generations behind. It has a crappy automatic slushbox. Maintenance will be insanely expensive. And what hasn't been mentioned is that early model 996 were notorious for rear main seal and intermediate main shaft failures leading to oil leaks and possible engine damage. Very very expensive maintenance and repair bills there. I wouldn't take that car even if it was offered to me for free.

I'm a new Z owner (2 weeks), but I also had a 1995 996. The cars are similar is some respects: Both are high performance/short wheelbase cars that are loud to ride in, and have stiff sport handling.

The age is a huge factor. When stuff starts breaking (and it will), you will pay much more for even minor repair work, even at an independent shop. They figure you have a Porsche, so you can afford it. I also would not touch the 996 without buying an extended warranty, and that will be expensive as well.

In short, I loved my 996, but I'm really glad I don't have it now. The Z? Me like; much, much.

Also, your wife will hate riding in the 996. It's even louder inside than the Z. You'll be in for a lot of "I told you so's," and who needs that?

Hmmm they didn't start selling 996 until 98?:confused: Perhaps you had 95 993? I'd much rather have a nice 993 than a gen1 996.

To OP FYI motors on 996 had some major flaws. Engine seal issues and intermediate shaft bearing problems. You can get a nice 2000 to 2002 Boxster S for $15k I'd go for that over a $30k 99 996.