peet Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 Hi all I'm coming up 2 years of Westy ownership and I'm considering selling & buying, well this...http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=301720002893&alt=web My dilema is that I have always wanted one - who hasnt? - but I want it more as an investment as much as my hobby car. I want one now before they are forever out of my reach but that means a loan - a big & long one. I'm not too worried by that what I'm worried about is it's a head type purchase - my heart enjoys fiddling & faffing with the Westy too much still BUT mine always seems to require something and off road too so double edged sword! I went in a friends 996 the other day and was underwhelmed by it comparing it with my Westy experiences. Has anyone had an air cooled 911, what are they like to own & live with? Mine has to be a Targa - I need a summers day top off car for me to enjoy it! What are people opinions of them please? And keep Westy or not? Thanks Peet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Naaaaaah. But that's just my opinion. If you have always wanted one though, that's your call. 996 in my username is a bike reference not a Porsche one by the way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Higgy Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Hmmm...difficult one! I have a 911 turbo (930) which I have owned for the past 15 years. I have also driven the SC model and the 3.2 Carrera, also the 996 turbo. I haven't driven a 964 but imagine it is similar to the 3.2 but allegedly with better road manners (handling). In terms of tinkering I have done plenty with the 930 but any tinkering is expensive on these cars and limited scope when compared with the westy. Easy to live with and surprisingly cheap to run being extremely well engineered. In terms of driving, the 930 is definitely a raw experience almost on a par with the westie. The 964 would feel more civilised than that but I imagine you still get that feeling you are driving something 'special'. The 996 turbo I drove, although having devastating performance, was totally civilised and, well, 'clinical' I think the term would be. The 964 is probably the last of the 911 models that is a real 'seat of the pants' car. The Targa models used to be unloved by the purists and that was reflected in price, however I think as these cars get more rare that is less so these days. There a are few problem areas, if you have done a bit of research you are probably aware of these. Must go off to work now but if I think of anything else to say I'll return later! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D7PNY Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 I've only driven a 996 carrera and whilst it sounded lovely I found it anything but exciting. Once the kids are older I think I would like a carrera 4s or the likes as my daily car but to me it wouldnt be a weekend toy as not exciting enough. Older versions may change that opinion though in fairness. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidersurfer Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 You can't compare the two, they are completely different and I think you will miss the Westfield. Compared to the 911 the Westy is 'alive', the lack of weight gives a feel and a responsiveness that most car drivers only dream of. That 911 'only has 250 bhp' and is much heavier so the power to weight is completely different, it will have amazing traction though and once the right driving style is adopted they are rewarding. My 996 turbo is an amazing machine but as said above, it's clinical in a way the Westfield isn't, they are both precise to drive and both very fast but so different in character. The bird has flown on 964 values but IMHO it won't lose any money. Some will argue that the Targa is the least desirable but it's a personal choice. The good cars are enthusiast owned now so expect massive history files and circa £2k per year on maintenance. For discussions on values get on Pistonheads (these days it feels like every other thread is about values) and 911UK is useful too. If it's on the bucket list and has to be done then do it but don't expect the same relationship you have with your Westy. Buy an old Porsche with head not heart. Definitely get a full PPI done by a specialist even if buying from an independent specialist, costs can be crippling if you get it wrong, these cars are getting on now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peet Posted August 27, 2015 Author Share Posted August 27, 2015 Thanks for replies - been thinking about this for ages and its driving me nuts!! After trying the 996 (Cheap option!) one of those is a definate no! The Targa shown I really like but still my nagging doubt is that unlike a Westfield it is 'just' a car - a Westy doesn't feel like that! I saw something last night on TV that made me really think. Guy had owned a Maserati - it didn't make him happy. The Westy makes me happy but would a 911?? Begining to think not when I think how much I enjoy the Westy even when not running!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Sometimes an itch just has to be scratched, irrational though it may be. What would worry me though is the mention of a big and long loan, needed to finance it. Apart from the obvious personal implications, how does that affect the ability to run and maintain the car? Don't forget, if considering it as a semi investment, the maintenance is a vital part of keeping its value. It needs factoring into the equation what big jobs, if any, will be coming up as well as the routine stuff. Is is there any tinkerability with these? Or would a future buyer always expect work to be done via a known specialist? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.RAD Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 That is gorgeous! Exactly what I have on my wish list. Just seems a lot of money for what it is? I guess if it is a relatively rare model it should appreciate. Its with cars/potential purchases like this that i end up playing the "what could i get for £25k" game - if nothing else is available at that price that sends your heart fluttering, then you know its a winner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peet Posted August 27, 2015 Author Share Posted August 27, 2015 Loan and buying it as I am buying it as an investment is also a big part of the worry. Just seen my Westy again n still I stop to look, fiddle and just like it! I think i'm answering my own question - the Westy makes me happy so keep it!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D7PNY Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Not sure if this will help Peet... I sold my first westy a couple of years ago as I needed to pool my resources for a business deal. When the dust had settled I decided to try something different and looked at boxster s amongst other things. Ended up with an S2000 track car to see if I liked a 'normal' car to serve the purpose of track car and be more usable. Every time I drove it I compared it to my old Westfield and ultimately put it up for sale. I now have a westy with screen and doors (and latest addition is a half hood) and feel I have the best of both worlds now. Any time I get tempted by something else I just remind myself of how much I missed it even when driving the S2000 which was a fantastic car in its own right. If anything like me I think you will regret it. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTR2Turbo Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 In my experience, anything other than the GT cars are not great to drive. I can't see the Porsche price bubble being a safe place to invest. At best you may have a cheap car where you have appreciation rather than depreciation. I would be amazed if it would deliver capital return against a loan after running costs. Buy it because you like it and see any appreciation or reduced running costs as a bonus 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigHew Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 I firmly believe that you're better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. you're only here once, flog the Westfield buy a 911 and scratch the itch. you'll regret it to the grave if you don't. what's the worst that can happen? if after a season or so you think you made a mistake then simply sell up and buy something else (Westfield or otherwise). So long as your finances are thought through and by that I mean work out a "worst case scenario plan B" then aim to suck the most possible out of life. one day you may be weighing up the options list of a mobility scooter, you can always buy a sticker saying "my other car was a 911" just my own personal view.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 In my experience, anything other than the GT cars are not great to drive. I can't see the Porsche price bubble being a safe place to invest. At best you may have a cheap car where you have appreciation rather than depreciation. I would be amazed if it would deliver capital return against a loan after running costs. Buy it because you like it and see any appreciation or reduced running costs as a bonus That, put so much better than I did, is what was at the back of my mind when I posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peet Posted August 27, 2015 Author Share Posted August 27, 2015 Thanks for replies again.. I've been thinking about this for 2 months or so and thought best to ask fellow petrol heads.. and even worse Westy owners - we are a certain breed I feel?! I've decided i'm sticking with Westys, i'll do track days and a sprint. These sort things will make me far happier than a posh car I'd worry about all the time including paying for it! Right back to the garage for a celebration upgrade.. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 I know of at least one owner of a 911, paying a huge amount per month for the privilege, who had, shall we say "a moment" on a track day. The wreck has sat in his garage for nearly two years now, as he can't afford to repair it, and can't afford to pay it off to sell it on as is. Trouble is, the payments were so high, he can't even afford to collect second hand repair parts over time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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