As many of you know, I have been looking at the 968. Since I already have a Miata, I have been debating whether to go with a cabriolet or a couple. How's the reliability and durability of the soft top? How often do they need to be replace?
In terms of resale value, which one is more likely to hold up in the future? As of now, I don't think there is a premium on the cab versus coupe. Considering the cab was about $50k new versus $40k new for the couple, I would have thought there is is a premium of it.
[quote name='opua' post='34508' date='Apr 22 2007, 04:58 AM']As many of you know, I have been looking at the 968. Since I already have a Miata, I have been debating whether to go with a cabriolet or a couple. How's the reliability and durability of the soft top? How often do they need to be replace?
In terms of resale value, which one is more likely to hold up in the future? As of now, I don't think there is a premium on the cab versus coupe. Considering the cab was about $50k new versus $40k new for the couple, I would have thought there is is a premium of it.[/quote]
When we bought our Cab 4+ years ago, there was about a $3K premium on the 95 model year Cabs over coupes. At that time the 95s also commanded more of a premium than earlier years. We replaced our soft top two years ago, the rear window was still clearer than most, it did not leak, but we hated the color and replaced it with black which to us looks better on a gray car. The PO had screwed up the mechanism and it cost some bucks to get it working again. Many on the list would just use it in manual mode by disconnecting the drive.
-sp4149
I'm one of the"manual mode" cab operators and find it to be hassle-free. To the best of my knowledge, my top and window are original. The window is looking sad, but the top is still in very good condition. Personally, I don't see how "reliability" enters into this purchase equation. I never did, and would, consider a coupe. To me, a sporting car experience means - by definition - convertible.
It would behoove you to take a look at both coupe and cab in person and determine which style you like the best. Also take each for a drive. You’ll discover the differences in handling, noise reduction etc. Weigh all of these out and decide which one you’re happiest with. If you love the car for its style and power, I would rely on these more so then Resale value. Resale had absolutely nothing to do with my decision to get a 68.
Reliability however did. The engines require more frequent maintenance and at a higher price then any Japanese model I’ve ever owned. With that said, there are many Porsches from the 70’s and 80’s still going strong with the original engines and upwards of 150K. When you keep up the maintenance (and stay on top of the gremlins) they are reliable cars. Also noteworthy is that they don’t feel like 12-15 year old cars. They still have their bite, purr and a solid feel.
As I’m sure you have, click around on this board and you will hear our woes and joys.
god speed
David