996 C2

Hi Everyone I would just like to introduce myself as I'm a new member and maybe pick your knowledgeable brains while I'm at it. :worship: I have wanted a Porsche ever since I was 10 years old after my dad took me to watch them race. I am now rapidly approaching 40 (6 weeks to be precise) and have set myself the task of buying one for my 40th present. I've got the chance to buy a 996 C2 v reg (2000) the car has covered 78,000 but is in outstanding condition. I know absolutley nothing about mechanics . Although I think I've read somewhere that the early 996 aren't supposed to be very good (Although I might have read this wrong) Something to do with the 3.4 engines.........i think? The car is £24,000 and has a Factory fitted GT3 bodykit and interior. The car has been greatly modified, various engine parts and GT3 wheels and brakes suspension, sports exhaust and has just undergone £1200 service FPSH. The car is in excellent condition body/paint interior wise. Firstly does the price seem right? Secondly is there anything I should be looking for or at mechanically? Thirdly is the 3.4 engine good or bad or should I buy a 3.6? Hope someone can help me :bye: Lee

Hi Lee, Welcome - good car choice!! I think for £24k I would be looking upgraded 996, ie. the 3.6 post 2001 model, lower mileage too. Two bits of advice - do not buy the first car you see - they are fantastic cars and it is easy to make a hasty decision - so I suggest you see 10 and try to drive 5 maybe. Secondly, get a professional report on the car - I have used Peter Morgan before - http://www.porscheinspections.com/ - a couple of hundred here could save you thousands!! Best of luck - LOJO

I'm in a similar situation to you, close to fulfilling a forty year ambition in my case. The 996 C2 coupe is my choice and I have been watching the market closely for the last couple of months. In my inexpert opinion that car is well overpriced. For £24,000 I'd be looking for the 3.6 engine facelift model. The extras and additions don't seem to add much in the real world. Good luck with your search.

£10k overpriced. Have a look on pistonheads and autotrader and you'll get an idea of the price range for age / mileage.

Sounds like this one? http://www.911uk.com/ads_item.php?id=1503 TB

Thanks Thanks guys :thumbs: I'm going to get the car inspected by the AA £290 not a bad price I think. The car I'm looking at has the factory X51 engine upgrade and the M030 option? Does that make a difference on the price of a normal 996 C2????? Lee

Hi Lee, as the owner of a 78k mile 3.4 C2 with the full GT3 bodykit, I'd love to think my car is worth 24k but it just isn't, even though it is in very good condition. For that money you should be well into 3.6 territory imo. And I'd agree on the suggestion of getting an independant inspection too.

Re: Thanks just seen your reply, personally I wouldn't use the AA, these are specialist cars and I'd try and use a suitably experienced garage or individual such as Peter Morgan who has an excellent reputation. The fact that this car has factory upgrades will help with its value (as opposed to after market upgrades) but probably not enought o justify that 24k asking price in my opinion. The M030 option refers to the lowered suspension which is common on the kitted cars as it looks more 'right'. I'd advise test driving the car as it does give a pretty firm ride. I'd also look through the history to see if there has been a fair bit of suspension work - at 70k miles my car had developed a lot of noises from worn suspension components and I ended up replacing almost everything costing the best part of 2k.

Sounds even more like this one? http://www.911uk.com/ads_item.php?id=1503? TB

Re: Thanks +1 I wouldn't bother with an AA inspection - get a specialist to look at it, either a local Indy or someone like Peter Morgan. £24k does sound a bit on the high side. Cheers, Phil

imho you would be better off looking for a standard car for that money. i cannot abide body kits on 911s . especially GT3 kits , it's not a GT3 get over it hahaha i would NOT waste my money getting it checked , look for another car mate !!

I think we are all trying to tell you something here :grin:

Re: Thanks £290 sounds a lot for what will be a bog standard inspection done by someone who will not know a lot about 996s. If you are going to get one done, try Peter Morgan. X51 option is nice to have, but it is only 25bhp more at the end of the day and not worth a massive premium IMHO (perhaps another £500-£1000).

JZ Machtech inspected mine before purchase and did a good honest job, nothing else has come to light in a year of ownership and at a recent service another company picked up all the same things (at least the ones I hadn't rectified) JZM only charge £195+vat for the inspection and maybe you could ask the vendor to take the car to them as I did, if they want to sell they should be willing to get the car checked out for you.

Cheers guys :thumbs: You've been very helpful. I take onboard your advice and have booked Peter Morgon to inspect the 996 C2 £325 so only £30 pounds more than the AA and they are specialist so peace of mind. The car in question is the one in the link above. Does anyone know the car or ever seen the car. I like it because it's a bit different and is very striking. Cheers Guys Lee