Faults:

Oil seal on the right hand rocker cover were replaced at service due to a slight leak.

Oil thermostat failed - replaced by independent specialist.

Targa seals leak slightly in very heavy rain.

General Comments:

Despite the few problems I have had with the car since owning it I am very happy it overall. Its the most amazing car I have ever driven, the steering is incredibly direct and offers a lot of feel. The car feels fast (as it should!) but needs to be driven hard to get the very best performance from it. Motorway cruising is effortless and country lanes are a real pleasure.

I did a lot of research before buying the car and would recommend anyone who is thinking about buying one to do the same. Top end oil leaks are common and can be very expensive to fix, servicing at a main dealer and in my opinion simply isn't worth it on a car of this age. Check round for look specialist and your serving bills should be slightly more realistic - £200 (GBP) approx for a 6000 miles service and £400 - £500 for a 12,000 miles service.

Faults:

I purchased the car in the summer and did not realise the heater was not performing correctly until the weather got colder! This was caused by a faulty electronic control unit which took about 10 seconds to replace and cost £600.

The following summer the air-conditioning failed. This cost about £400 to fix.

General Comments:

The Porsche 911 could be the best sports car in the world.

The performance is stunning whether it be acceleration or just top speed you're looking for. At high speed the car is incredibly stable and the handling around twisty lanes inspires confidence. I have driven the car (on winter tyres) through the Alps in very poor weather conditions and with the 4 wheel drive never had any cause for concern.

The front seats are very comfortable, but do not expect to take any passengers in the rear seats for long distances. Even children complain at the comfort level in the back.

The switchgear is laid out quite randomly, but like anything you get used to it.

Visibility is good and this car is as happy charging down an Autobahn as it is stuck in traffic on the way to the local shops.

The sound from the engine is pure music and quite often I will drive the car with the windows open just to listen to the sound.

However on long, boring, high speed motorway trips the engine and tyre noise can become a little tiring.

I did not realise how much people notice a car like this, so expect to get stared at a lot!

Servicing costs are a little more than on a 'regular' car, but if you maintain the service intervals it should reward you with trouble free and extremely pleasurable motoring.

I doubt if I'll ever sell this car.