Advice for buying a used 996?

I sold my 2000 Boxster S a few years ago and am ready to move up to a 911. I have been looking at a few 2001 and later 996s at the local dealers in the Baltimore area. As it gets closer to winter, I am assuming (hoping?) that the prices will come down. In any event, my goal is to get either a C2 coupe or cab, with low miles, and some warranty left (certified would be even better). What (if any) are the model years to avoid? I know that the 996 was improved in 2002 - does that make '02s and newer a better bet? What are the sweet spots in the market - ie best bang for the buck? Have the 996s depreciated since the 997 was introduced? What are the important options to look for? From what I've read, PSM seems like a worthwhile option. And, of course, what can I expect to pay? I know I just rattled off a lot of questions, so please forgive me, but I would greatly appreciate any and all advice. Thanks much. SMR

First, find a car that you love - colors, options, and condition. Make sure the car has a clear PPI before you buy, and I would strongly advise you look for a car that's CPO'd. There are lots of 996s out there, many with very low miles. PSM is standard on certain models (ie. C4S). Sort of a no-brainer, but what you can expect to pay will vary based on model/options/condition and mileage. Enjoy the hunt. Check the Porsche website for pre-owned vehicles. Ebay advertises many as does Autotrader, Craigslist, etc.

Everyone has their opinions and reasons for going with certain year series. I have a '99 Cab that I have had going on 4 years and it has 48k miles. I looked for the right car for me for over a year before I found this one. I was considering a '99-'01 and it had to be a Cab. The car I got is the most heavily optioned I've seen with 29 Exclusive options as well several non-X options. I like the '99 because it has a throttle with a mechanical cable for better feel rather than electronic like the newer cars. The '99s can be found with Automatic Limited Slip Diff, Locking Diff 40%, and Traction Control all of which I have. I would definately look for a car with Sports Seats as they are superior comfort wise. Full leather really dresses up the interior nicely and Litronic lighting is a plus at night. I think you will find few owners of '99s with any regrets regarding that year. Good luck with your choice.

Take your time and wait for the right one...I started off looking for a 00-01 911 w/ ~ 40K miles... ended up with a mint 02 w/16K miles

jan. is the best time buying cars in NE. but you should start shopping now, see as many cars as you can, so you know what to look for.

Thanks to all for the input. Where are the best places to look for cars, especially to try and take advantage of the weaker NE market in the winter months? Also, please excuse the ignorance, but what is a PPI and CPO?

Pre-Purchase Inspection and Certified Pre-Owned. First things first - go to all the local Porsche dealers (including in the DC area) and tell them what you're looking for. That'll help you get just the right car. While you're at it you can drive the '99-'01 and contrast it with the '02, to see if it's going to make difference to you.

Where are you located? I have a 2000 C2 Cabriolet that has one more year of CPO warranty. I am considering selling it to upgrade to something newer. I am in the Los Angeles area and the car has always been in California, so it has never seen snow or salt.

I am in Baltimore, Maryland. Forget the car, I'll trade houses with you (at least in the winter!) How many miles on your '00? As I plan on keeping this car for a few years, I'm not sure that I would want to buy one with only a year of warranty left.

Assuming that you don't want to check out BlackCab's car since it is 3K miles away, there's an '00 cab at Valley Motors in Timonium, MD. In the summer they asked $44K and now they reduced the price by $4K and I bet you could buy it for around $38K.

I have one for sale that's been completely ppi'd and the place where I have it on consignment will warranty it. Check out this forum's For Sale board, if you're interested!

Prices will probably be the lowest between Christmas and throughout January, especially right after a big snow storm. Took me 7 months to find the right 996. Starting looking at 99-01 coupes at about $40k and then decided to raise my limit to $50k and find an 02 Coupe. I finally bought an 02 C4S with 49k miles and couldn't be happier. The car was out of warranty, but it had a perfect ppi and I bought it from the original owner, and I have all the service records, etc. Drives like a brand new car. I wouldn't be put off by higher mileage 996's. Condition/maintenance matters a lot more than mileage. Test drove many low mileage 996's and they weren't in as good of shape/reliable as my 49k mile car. Good Luck with your search. Be picky, there are plenty of cars to choose from.

I miss my Boxster S,

I came out of a 2000 boxster(non s) and have had my 99 996 for 3 weeks and I am thrilled- i too however miss the handling of the boxster, however I think the car just felt a little more controlled becasue of the lack of power to get me in trouble. I looked at all 99-02 996 and found a 29000 mile 99 that was the color I (really my wife) wanted with the right options and right price. Love the extra power of the 996!

I'm at 45,500 miles right now, and yes the weather is great for driving right now!

fast1 - are you in the Baltimore area? I always assumed (perhaps mistakenly) that you don't get the best price from a dealer. tmc - I'll check your car out in the classified section and get back to you. Would someone kindly explain to me what changes were made in 2002? Thanks.

tmc - I just checked the classified section and can't find anything by searching your name. How/where would I find your car?

I'm about 25 miles north of Baltimore. You are right about not getting the best price from a Dealer, but if you go to a good Porsche Dealer, and I consider Valley Motors to be one, you don't have to worry about buying a problem car. The Dealer is located right off I83, Padonia Road exit. I didn't test drive the car but it looked OK for a 2000, and it has a hard top for the winter. The big change for '02 as far as I'm concerned is the additional 20+HP.

- 20 extra hp (24 more than the '99) - more torque at a lower rpm (thanks to VarioCam Plus) - Better aerodynamics (20% less front lift and 40% less rear lift) - 20% stiffer chassis - improved interior - improved oiling (revised pan and baffles for better high g performance) - improved engine cooling (the newer cars run cooler as a result) - better fuel economy (1 mpg, but with $3 gas every bit helps) - improved suspension (reinforced strut towers, revised springs, shocks, bushings, and sway bars). - revised exhaust (better sound) - only a 55 lb weight gain over the '99-'01 cars If you can afford a later model, the changes are significant improvements IMHO.