New member - hi and request for advice

Hi everyone, just found the forum here and I've been reading some of the 996 threads (very helpful) to learn what I can as I prepare to start looking for a C2 or C4 (likely to be 1998 - 2000). I popped into Hartech last week (the closest specialists to me) and found out a little more about their maintenance plans and got some general buying advice. They suggested setting aside a few grand for unexpected bills, so with a £20k total budget, I've been looking at cars up to £17k. I was just wondering if anyone had any thought on these cars: Black C4 The one above has had the clutch/rms done and has PSE but has had a GT3 rear bumper fitted. The owner told me he fitted this after installing the PSE. He sent me some close ups and the paintwork around the exhaust cutouts doesn't look brilliant. The exhaust tips themselves also look to have a fair amount of surface corrosion. I think it has had 5 owners - would this put you off? Blue C2 The blue one is a little more expensive but has significantly fewer miles. Not at all sure about those rear parking sensors though! Silver C4 The one above seems OK, although I'm not wild about silver. The servicing is apparently all OPC apart from the last which the vendors carried out. Another silver C4 This one seems OK too but there's not really a lot of info to go on! I'd appreciate any thoughts on my basic plan or on these specific examples! Thanks for your time, Martin

I was in a very similar position to you a couple of months ago! The black C4 looks nice. PSE is nice to have but difficult to judge without seeing the pics of the paint. On the plus side, it has had clutch and RMS so that's kind of like a grand off the price. (Sort of.) I wouldn't be massively keen on the two silver ones - older, higher mileage and I was pretty put off by non-specialist dealers. And there's something about going to see the most expensive car on a dealers forecourt that doesn't give me a good feeling. The blue one would be the pick of the bunch for me. Newer, lower mileage and obviously owned by an enthusiast. Shame about the dodgy carbon fibre on the dash (although that might be a plus point for some people I guess). Anyway, that's my 2p worth!

I'm toying with the idea of upgrading mine, so it might be for sale very soon. It's a 2001 (pre facelift) C2 in Lapis Blue with black leather. 60k miles with full OPC history. Due a service in Oct and will need rear tyres soon. In beautiful condition and will be a good bit cheaper than the older blue c2 you've posted.

The first car seems to have the wrong type of bumper. I'm not sure what you mean by GT3 bumper, as it looks more like a 996 mk2 bumper. You can even see that the exhaust tips on this 996 mk1 are too short, and are way inside the bumper. Check for rear end damage, it is common for mk1 bumpers and such to be ever so slightly cheaper than mk1 parts. Case in point are the price difference between mk1 vs mk2 original sideskirts.

They are all ok in different ways but you should choose a spec and colour you want not just a few k price difference. If you buy on price alone you will probably not get what you want and will end up selling early!!! With a 911 it is about what you want!!!The few k difference really aint worth considering cuz it aint like buying a Focus or Astra, that said you might get a cracking deal if someone needs to sell.

Agree with Barriejames on this one. Just some things for you to beware of: Black C4 has replica Porsche Cup alloy wheels; they are not the originals on there. Replicas are quite often heavier than stock or optional extras from the manufacturer and can have an effect on handling. Blue C2: the carbon bits were actually quite expensive optional extras and even today would save you a bundle if you were to go out and get them fitted today. Silver C4: Will they supply you with the missing centre caps? Are the GT3 alloys genuine? Other Silver C4: Seems ok but not too may pics. I'd have the blue one from the lot. Just my penny's worth. Good luck in the search. ~ Maxie :thumb:

Nothinng wrong in principle with what you're thinking. I would however say this- there are plenty of 996s about, so no need to rush in (tempting though it is!) Wait for the car which you feel is right for you. FWIW, I'd favour a 2001 model year car (available in 2000) with the alcantara rooflining, and the interior feels better quality to me. Don't worry too much about numbers of owners (within reason). Service history is paramount, as is a feeling that the car has been well looked after and driven well.

When looking at cars its easy to concentrate on your desired colour/interior, spec, mileage, price. When I bought my 99' 996 C2 2 months ago I looked at a few and found most if not all were mis described and the condition varied considerably. I would be less concerned about what options it has but more about its s/history and condition. Look at a few and you will soon get an idea of what is a good car when you see it.