Hello - Looking for an early 996 and some advice

Hi there. I've been looking at 996's on and off for the past few years, and had a good read of the forum. As much as i would like to stretch the initial budget, i really can't at the minute. I'm well aware that there's the possibilities of quite big bills, but m comfortable that i can manage these if they come along. I will absolutely not entertain financing a car. So at the minute i'm looking at a maximum of 16K for what i imagine to be an early C2. Not as fussy on colour, but from photos, i think the interioir has to be black! Tiptronic sounds nice to me, but i've not had chance to see one yet. I'd be quite happy with a manual. I would only be doing 5k a year max. Reading the forum, i've realised that buying on condition is more important than age at this sort of budget. I guess i'm looking at something like this ? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201011355137913 Anyone any comments on the above ?. I would look to get someone in the NW to do a PPI on any potential purchase. Are there any meets in the NW near manchester, where i might be able to admire some other 996's. And also any suggestions for insurance companies? Ideas on quotes others have had? I'm 29 with 3 years no claims on my other car (theft claim). My current insurer won't deal with a group 20. Thanks Andy

Hi There is a Tiptronic 996 coupe advertised here for 12k I think it was. I like the Tip's and the 996 version has an extra (much needed) gear over the 993. That must be worth a look. I like a black interior but have come to appreciate the marble grey on my 993, although the centre of the dash is black, so not quite the same as a 996. Good luck Berni

That car looks cheap for the mileage but why the dealer decides on taking a picture of the open fuel filler cap is beyond me. :dont know: I'd be more interested in the smeg covering the gearknob gaiter - if it's wear it doesn't compute to the 57k mileage. There will be plenty around in your price range and don't discount those that have had a 'new' engine if fitted by Porsche - early 3.4 known to have some issues. I thought about a 996 (but was won over by the classic lines of the 993) and knowing what I know now would have no worries about replacement engines etc. Lots of guidance on here re what to look for in terms of wear and tear. Go and look at some to get an idea of condition v price. As the price gets lower owners will not keep up the servicing - make sure it has been serviced by a good Indy. PPI makes sense in your circs but these can be hit and miss in terms of how far they go. Try a few insurance companies listed on this site - as a second car you 'might' get a good deal. Whether they will see it as a classic? Although some areas of the NW get hit hard by insurers - garage essential. Turnip farmers in Norfolk seem to get the cheapest insurance. :grin:

Invest 16 quid in the "Ultimate Buyers Guide - Porsche 911 (996)" by Grant Neal.

Welcome to 911uk :bye:

The one in the link looks vfm to me View it,drive it, ppi it and if all is well do it! Older cars are usually over the detonation stage low milage garage queens are waiting to blow up. All the worn out parts will or should have been renewed on this one Ticks all my boxes 993? Different era different application Lots of 993 owners join this forum because deep down they know they want 996 but never actually admit it.some even have one as well! If you are only looking on and off at a 996 purchase then you're not ready for one You should be burning with desire! I have what I have and I am all too happy I have no wish for it to be any newer,a different colour inside or out or show a lower milage record.All parts are renewable but the factor is how many will you inherit the bill for and when will the bills come The small amount of mods make me even happier Would I swap it for a TT errr yes! But that yearn does not spoil my love for what I have at the moment

I am also 29 and insure my C4S cab with ESure for £800pa. I shopped around and found that they were the cheapest (not necessarily the best I admit).

Welcome! I'm in the Manchester area, but I'm not aware of any regular meets... The seats in that car seems to have held up particularly well. Either way, the only thing to do is look and take it for a test drive. When you're looking at that age/price range, don't place much value on an 'unknown' dealer over buying privately. You're getting very little benefit (if any) and you're paying a higher cost. Keep an eye on here and on pistonheads to see if an enthusiast is selling their car, it's likely to have been well looked after. If you're around Manchester, then keep an eye on this site: http://www.hartech.org/cars.html (look at the bottom of the page "monitor this page for changes"). They're great guys and you can have total piece of mind when buying a car from them. For PPIs in the NW I'd recommend speaking to them as well. They structure their inspections so that they'll give it a quick look over for a nominal fee, and if it passes that test they'll give it a more detailed examination. This is much better as what's the point in going over the car in detail if it's a complete lemon? PPIs will very likely save you money. A car that old is bound to have something on the way out/in need of attention - so when you find out what this is you can use it to negotiate. As for insurance , Admiral actually came in much cheaper for me. I'm in the NW, nice area but a crap postcode (if you see what I mean), 30 years old, 8 years N/C, and no garage. £900/year.

Thanks for the advice! I've only got 2 yrs ncb, through no fault of my own , and managed to get a quote for £1000. I'll hopefully get this down as this was just a quick quote off one of the comparison sites. Mine's also a nice area, but a crap postcode as well! M29. I'm monitoring hartech's website.. thanks for that tip! Having just seen the speed yellow ones with the Gt3 kit, i'm in love, but the only one i can find is this one, and they want 23k for it! Plus it seems the dealer has a bit of a poor rep. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1490107.htm I don;t think i'm going to find a yellow one, plus i'm not sure it's really the right image for work , but i'm really after the Gt3 kit and PSE.

'Poor rep' is an understatement. From what I've read they sound like total con men. Avoid.

23k you say? Way overpriced as well

They've been begging me over email to phone them. I said it was at least 4k overpriced, and he's still trying to get me to call. :floor: On another note, does anyone have any inital impressions of this one. Quite close to me, and i'm liking the black on black. It;s been for sale for a few weeks though which makes me wonder :?: Facelift though, and i think i'm going to have to abandon the GT3 kit idea due to clearance issues on my drive. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1548702.htm

Hello, Apologies for the blatant plug. I have a low mileage C2 Tiptronic for sale which may be of iterest. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1633439.htm Please feel to drop me a PM or call if you would like any further details. Charlie