thinking 996 everyday driver

hello all after driving AMG mercedes for the passed 10 yrs for everyday drivers I was thinking about get a 996 has my everyday driver, now that they are so comfortable , but I have a few questions i thought you guys would know first... why are they so cheap 22K -35K for 99 thru 02 996 c2 is this because of the problems with the engine failures for what i have been reading online they blow all the time, is this every 996 or is this just a few a far between engine failures, Would there be anyway for me or the dealership to tell if the engine is on the way out , or is it just a guessing game second ... Are the same problems with the 6 speed manual also? its done blown up agian grrr, third , is there a best yr to choose from 99 00 01 02, where they might be better built that yr or do all the models have the same problems any input would be great guys on the 996 before i buy, i really want a c2 areo kit 996 , but if it needs complete new engines and complete new trrans i dont think i want to get involed and stick with the older 911;s thanks Dave 74 IROC-Replica 2.2S 95 C36 AMG 86 Cosworth AMG 2.3-16v

My knee jerk reaction was to write "yes, all of our engines and transmissions blow up, but Porsche miraculously finds a way to fool all of us and remain the most profitable brand in the automotive world." But...it's the holidays, so I will kindly encourage you to either use the search function or scroll through posts from the past couple months that discuss how durable these cars really are, and also the simple supply and demand issues tied to greater production volumes of 996s (versus 993, etc.). In addition, the 997 is now a couple years old, so our 996s are destined to decline in market value. These are amazing cars and I find that rumors and rants tied to the recent downfall of both Porsche and Mercedes reliability seem to be overinflated. Some risk remains, as both brands are expensive to repair in the event of mechanical or electrical problems. I would therefore encourage you to seek a CPO car, which would cover either problem, if you are worried about catastrophic engine or transmission failure.

Me, 2000 C2, 84000 miles, 0 problems If you are so worried about failure, ensure you get a CPO'd car and forget about it

If you find an 02 for $35,000 run don't walk away my friend

The 996 has been a reliable car. The early 99's may had engine issues, but these were taken car of. The 2 previous posts contain very good advice. As in any Porsche purchase, buy the newest car in the best condition that fits in your budget and then save some for any repairs that may come up in the following 12 months.

I don't know what kind of mileage/options you're looking at but I've never seen a decent mileage 99 C2 for 22K and for a nice 02+, your $35K estimate is at least $10-15K short. Also yes, do search. I purchased my 02 911 over some other cars because they're more reliable than other cars I'm considering. All the cars my family or I have ever owned all are Japanese which as you probably know, are considered the most reliable cars out there. I got into my Porsche after a few months of hw...

There are some good deals on 02 cars, particularly in the Northeast ... not at the Porsche dealer, however. I passed on a private owner silver/black 02 C2 cab with 33k miles and a year left on the CPO warranty for $42k because the car lacked PSM, although it had other good options. I had another dealer black/boxster red 02 C2 cab with 44k miles and a hardtop that I could have bought for $43k, but it was in a minor accident in NJ that tainted the Carfax, even though I know these cars well and was all over the car and could only detect a little paintwork on the left front quarter, and no evidence that the panel or anything adjacent to it had been replaced -- none of the bolts were disturbed. (NJ reports anything over $500, so that's pretty much any dustup in a 911.) These were fairly loaded cabriolets -- xenons, leather, heated seats, Bose -- I would imagine that you can find nice 02 coupes in the mid-high 30s. 02 has the Turbo lights (which are highly sought after) and the bigger 3.6 engine, as well as the usual annual improvements, plus you can get the Bose system which is much better than the factory's. In the cabriolet, you get the glass rear window, which is highly desirable on the cabs.

Simple answer: they are getting squeezed between the collectible, air-cooled 993 and the newer, better-looking 997 .

Hey dporsche, I to had similar concerns when I started concidering a 996. I've been on this forum for about a year and have found it to be very informative. You will hear a lot to buy the newest Pcar you can afford. After I sale my boat I will hopefully make a purchase in the next 3-4 months, post my pics and join this great group of 996 owners. I've decided on an 02 C4S, 02 because of the interior change and increase HP over the 99-01 and I like the wide turbo body. My plan is to become a paying member, fine a car I'm serious about, have a rennlister look at it for me, get a PPI, buy a third party warranty from warranty direct, get a maintenance history. I feel if I do all of these things I should fair well, at least be comfortable with my purchase. Good luck with your search.

I would doublecheck with warranty direct beforehand, I know they don't cover certain 911's.

agreed..... so it's a buying opportunity for you.....

Simple answer: they are getting squeezed between the collectible, air-cooled 993 and the newer, NEWER-looking 997.

yes but the 996 are pretty good and pretty reliable....... if you have the money, go for the 997 if you want heritage and have money just in case *hit happens, i would get a 97 or 98......but i have little money, but love the porsche.....so i get the 996

No offense intended. I've got a '99; I just like the front end on the 997 better.

Maybe, but try finding a car that has a nicer *** than a 996 C4S!

I recently purchased a 01 911 4 in the Northeast. Before buying I had read many posts about 01s and 02 in the mid $40s. From my experience finding a really nice one, low mileage, good options is very hard to find - but that's the fun! I had considered Manheim auction (purchased an MB there last year, through a friend) and saved quite a bit of money. Recent auctions for 01s were $33K to $38K, plus fees and shipping - plus you don't really see the car you're buying, only your representative does. (of course you can use picture phones now). Well, to make a long story short I settled on a PERFECT 01 with 25K miles and one year left on the extended CPO. I paid $41 for the car and know I paid a little too much. But I don't car, every time I get in (and its only been a week) I realized what that p-car grin is I read so much about. It really exists! I used to have a 944 years ago, and these cars are light years apart. I recently sold my BMW Z3, and again this is soooo much better. My only problem is my wife likes it too. It a battle to see who is going to leave for work first!

Why do people think prices are so cheap? A 99 Merc S420 goes for $20K. I think that that car was about the same price range new.

Dont ever get a divorce!

I sold my Supra TT and bought a 996 C4 as an everyday driver...it's been about 3 months...very happy with it so far . thanks, Amir

well ,,this is what i hoped to hear about the 996, the CPO 996 99-01 are about 10-20K more then a non CPO 911 with the same mileage and condition ,, since i do all the wrenching myself,on all of my cars, looks like i will take a chance and if i have to install and 3.4 engine myself all the more smarter i will be right, i like to understand these cars and with the older 911 it is a breeze. so the question is there a test the dealer does to tell if the engine is on the way out before i buy one or is it just the basic leak down test or compression test ,water in oil, to tell the story

996 are cheaper then the 993 models and some 964 and almost on the same range has the boxster, cheaper then the same yr M3 , and almost the price of the c32 AMG i just wonder why?? is it the new headlights, new water colded engine problems, new interior? what? i like all the new upgrades, makes it very comfortable has a everyday driver

When the 997 was released in August '05, the 996 immediately took a beating (financially). That being said, I have a Guards Red, black interior, 36,000 mile 996 Coupe (C2 Carerra) for $39,500. PSM, sport exhaust, sport chassis, CD changer, and light alloy five spoke wheels.

[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:] http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/996_compo_1_small.jpg

For a Porsche, the 99-01 models a relative good bang for the buck. I agree to all of the above. Have a 2000 as a daily driver myself and find the car to be very reliable. Paid 45K$ for a full option car with 25K miles, but that was 18 months ago (+ the fact that we have sales tax here in GA). I've done a lot of research before pulling the trigger (I'm a finance guy), and to date do not regret my decision.

Matt, Nice car. Is that Compo Beach looking across to Saugatuck Shores? I can't quite place it, though I grew up there. CP

Busted. Yes, looking up the mouth of the Saugatuck River. Saugatuck Shores is to the left, but not really visible, and you can catch a small amount of Owenoke to the right. Where and when did you live in Westport?

I grew up in Westport, Longshore/Compo Beach area. I go back a couple times a year to visit my parents, who are still in the same house after 40 years. You're around there? I'll look for your C2. CP