Carrera 4 or C4S

Hi all, I have around £23k ish available for a face lifted 996. I can't decide whether to go for a Carrera 4 with around 50-60K miles or a C4S with around 80-90K miles. I am aware it comes down to condition and service history and that will play a big part in my decision. Is servicing and parts more expensive for a C4S?? Are there any extra issues to look out for on a C4S. I would appreciate any advice or information. Thanks

The C4S has more expensive bits, like bigger tyres and Turbo originated parts like brakes etc. It may have slightly higher insurance costs, but that frankly is too individual to the driver and underwriter's quirks. Apparently Turbos can be cheaper than C2s, so anything is possible! It is also heavier and slightly less aero dynamic, so slower and more thirsty! However, depending on your preferences, the wider track is more grippy (too grippy in a non Turbo?) and stops quicker. Most people make there mind up on the looks alone, so full marks for not just judging it on how big its bottom looks! The C4S does appear to have one if the highest residuals in the range (because people like it). In that sense you will get "more" for your money relatively from buying any other model. Whether that "more" is what you want is another matter. I am sure tiptronic targas in gold metallic and nephrite leather and wood are great "value", but not my cup of tea! As these things can cost alot to maintain, get the best looked after and least needy model (ie RMS, clutch, brakes, radiators, condensors, belts, coil packs, tyres, bushes etc etc are all nice and fresh, oh and the balance of an OPC warranty if you are really luckY)

Thanks for your advice, viewed a 51 plate 996 gen2 today, 49K Miles, full OPC History with all possible stamps, recent brakes OK tyres excellent condition, No oil leaks etc would qualify for OPC warranty £22750. It was nice, i was however put off buy the age, iwould prefer a 02 plate

having just purchased a C4S, i'm going to be slightly bias, but it was the looks that won me over and i had to have the S. i wouldn't worry about a 51 plate car and 50k you've got to remember thats only 6k a year! and with a full history should be ok. Had the car just had the major 48k service? a big bonus over a car that maybe had 40-45k on the clock. i did find some press info on the C4S when looking for mine. Although slightly heavier and less aerodynamic, its 4 seconds a lap quicker around the ring than a C4! if that means much to you.

51 plate is only 6 months older than an 02 plate, so (unless you have an 02 private plate that you want to use) I wouldn't let that put you off. I personally prefer the narrow body to the C4S on a non-turbo... I think the C4S is over-tyred for the amount of power and you almost certainly will kerb the back wheels if it's your first Porsche! However, it is very popular for cosmetic and prestige reasons and does hold its value better. With a 49k mile car, just make sure it has been driven fairly regularly and ideally with mechanical sympathy... 996s don't take too well to occasional full throttle blasts from cold, so the 80k miler won't necessarily be any the worse for it, if it's been used regularly and always warmed up and cooled down properly. The seller can be as important as the condition of the car in this respect. :thumb:

Thanks for all your comments and advice, I have discounted the C4S (for now) maybe my next upgrade on the way to a 997. targas? they are a bit more practical. However, do they hold their value? performance? is there a loss of head room in the back seats when the roof is open (I have kids). do they come in 4wd?

I think the Targa represents good value for money. It seems to be the least loved of the 911s, but certainly doesn't feel slow at all and are generally better specified. In terms of rear headroom, my 6 year old and 3 year old in big car seat have no issues with the roof back - plus the rear hatch is a real bonus!

Targas are between coupe and cab for weight. This makes acceleration slightly slower than a coupe. That extra weight is relatively high up, and along with the structural rigidity being somewhere between coupe and cab, Targas are not the last word in handling. They were never sold as 4WD in 996 variety. Oddly, the 997 Targa is ONLY available as widebody 4WD. Not sure if this is to enhance its handling and/or disguise the weight gain. Having said that, there is nothing to compare to a full panorama sunroof for letting in all year round sunlight (or the moon etc). Also that hatch is handy for actually using the rear "boot" area.

GD, what child car seats do you have? my kids are the same age.