Any opinions on this 996?

It seems like a good price for a facelift model. Decent number of miles. Low owners. FPSH - well the last was by PCT, who are actually the people selling the car. The spec isn't brilliant mind (except the wheels), no litronic, no sunroof, no PSM. However, I'm more fussed about condition than spec, so that doesn't really bother me. I'd be interested to hear what people think. http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1320185.htm

I think if it is condition you are bothered about, you will only really tell by seeing it in the flesh. I went to look at cars that were described as 'mint' or in 'perfect' condition, but they did not live up to my expectations. I think the interior looks a bit tired and and as you say, the spec isn't that great. Go and have a look, but there are plenty of them about at that kind of price these days.

Yeah, I agree, I won't be able to get a true sense for the condition until I see the car. From what I've read (on this forum) PCT seem to have a decent reputation when it comes to servicing and repairing cars, so that's some reassurance I suppose. I still think it looks like a bit of a bargain - I've been watching the 'for sale boards' for a couple of months now and this is certainly one of the cheaper 2002 models available, but then I suppose you guys have had been involved in the market for a lot longer than I have. The spec doesn't bother me too much. I'd look to retrofit some Xenons and possibly upgrade the exhaust, but other than that it'd be a use on fairly short runs in the week, with some 'play' at weekends.

996 Seems a decent car at a good price you wont know unless you go and look. who needs a sunroof anyway? Upgrade the lights with a good HID kit and the only thing your missing is the Electronic nanny.

Dont think i would go for it, I would look for a better specced ie sports seats crested pse if poss silver pack interior etc. Also why did the engine need that work at such relatively low miles, and whats with the second working key bit. There are plenty more out there, think what the next buyer would like when you come to sell it, just my thoughts Mike

I think the interior picture isn't doing the car justice - the quality of the photo is poor, so wouldn't judge it on that 'til you have seen it. Love seal grey. Only things that would worry me would be why the engine rebuild - may just be one of those things, and why the 19" alloys and what happened to the originals? It may just be the previous owner has kerbed them beyond economical repair. The key bit is just saying there are 2 full sized keys. Some cars used to come with one main remote control key, and a second normal, non remote key. Don't think there is anything sinister there. Go take a look then decide. Looks like a nice car for the money if it all stacks up.

Hi all, Thanks again for everyone's opinions. In the end I took the advice of most people here and went along to take a look at the car in the flesh. Thankfully I wasn't disappointed. I got the impression that it really had been well looked after/cherished by it's previous owners. The paintwork was mint (except one small scratch near the petrol filler cap, but that's being picky), the interior was also a *helluva* lot better than that photo. I think the flash had distorted everything, or made very minor creases appear to be much worse then they actually were - the reality was that the interior was well cared for and what you'd expect from a 7 year old car - not 'mint' but very very far from tired. I've only driven a handful of these whilst testing but it certainly seemed to run very well. Some I've seen have been pretty dire (rattles, excess noise, almost diesel like), but this seemed on a par with the motor I drove at Hartech. Well, as you may have guessed by now, I was swayed. I left a deposit to secure the car and once I've fired over the rest of the funds I'll officially have bought my first Porsche!!! In my (limited) experience, it's safe to say that most people buy a Porsche when thinking with their heart rather than their head, and that's definitely true in my case - I just fell in love with the car and it was the perfect one for my needs. Yes, the spec is pretty limited, but the only items it didn't have that I really wanted were Litronic lights and a PSE. Both of which can be rectified at a later date (and for limited cost if I choose to modify the exhaust rather than install a PSE). The colour was exactly what I was looking for, as was the interior. Most of all I was buying on condition, and this really seemed to excel. In the flesh it looked great, and I've got some more piece of mind as it comes with a warranty from a reputable company, which to me made the car much more appealing than buying from a non-specialist. I'd like to thank the guys (particularly Nick) at PCT for they way they do business. They're clearly not sales people - they've got a much more relaxed, honest, informative and less pushy approach. They seem to have a passion both about what they do and the cars they work on. I don't say this often, but it was actually a pleasure doing business with them. Highly recommended. Oh - and the wheels are geniune Porsche - they're sports ones from the 997 range (the receipt was included in the paperwork and they came to over £2300). I personally prefer them over some others I've seen, although ask me again when I need to buy my first set of rear tyres!

Well done pleased for you sounds very good and agree with all you say I think seal grey is fab on these cars happy motoring regards Mike

Thanks Mike. You had a good point about what future purchasers might think, but I had to pick the best one for me. I just can't wait to pick it up!

996 + 19" alloys dont usually go together well. they are designed to take 17" or 18" only. Be sure to drive and make sure there is no "wheel wobble" at any speeds and dont think a simple balancing if the wheels will eliminate it! Have known people with problems with 19s and have to revert back to 18s.

Hope it all works out for you, welcome to the clan. Enjoy :grin:

Well done that man. Looks like a very nice car for the money. If it is the PCT in Coventry, just off the A45, then I don't think you will go wrong. They are now linked to Autobarn, who have a good reputation, and I was down there a couple of weeks ago and they seem to be very knowledgable. Let us know how you get on with the 19" wheels on a 996. I'd be interested to know how they make the car handle. :thumbs:

i'd like to know about the 19 inch wheel debate also , imho there could be an issue ! but you'll love the car mate !!