Searching for a C2 coupe...

Hey fellas I've decided to take the plunge and begin actively hunting for 'my' 996! Reason for my post is a bit a sense check/steer on my thinking. I'd like a C2 coupe manual, slightly prefer the looks of the 3.6 over the 3.4, however I'd be happy with either. The plan would be to keep the car for the long term, however conscious circumstances do change. The car would see sunny evening and weekend use and will probably do <3k p.a. Happy to tinker but if I'm honest my abilities are probably more aligned to polishing. Judging by the classifieds on p/h and autotrader i think I've got the budget for a really good one, however I'm mindful that it would be sensible to keep a little back a just in case. I have to admit I'm a bit daunted by the potential for engine rebuild bills - certainly in the short term. I'm wondering if I may be better buying via a garage for the warranty, but I'm mindful that i'll do very few miles before the warranty expires. In an ideal world i'd like to buy one from an enthusiast who's had it a while, looked after it and maintained/replaced bits and perhaps get a PPI done. Having spoke to friends and read various forum threads I'm a bit conflicted and not sure I know which way to jump - better, lower mileage, private sale or short term peace of mind via a more expensive higher mileage trade car. I appreciate I haven't asked anything new here, but thoughts welcome!

Hi and welcome along, I'm 2 years into my 996 C2 ownership so fairly new compared to some on this forum, i purchased mine privately from an enthusiast he hadn't had it long (1 year and 2k miles!) but had spent a nice bit on it and garaged it, i purchased it on the merit of it had the spec i wanted and the price was right, i didn't mind that it was private as you mention things can happen but can also happen outside of the warranty so what i most likely saved buying private i spent on the car over the last 2 years and that includes a few nice upgrades, i did of course have it inspected beforehand, I haven't looked at the market for a few months so not sure what options you have and at what price point? it's not an easy search as they can differ in spec colour and price by quite a lot!, i was a little lucky i wasn't looking long and just see mine and fell in love, looked at the advert every day for a few weeks before talking myself into calling it! Goog luck in your search,my 2p is go by the car and do your checks even if its a trade purchase have it inspected then anything that is wrong can be done prior to collection.

Thanks JM. I'm just going to go and have a look at a couple. The market would appear to have quite a few for sale, however difficult to judge what's selling; some are out of date ads, and as you say spec and history differs. It looks like £17/18k is the ad price for a 70/80k mile 996.2 I'll report back!

Welcome Oggers. I too was in the same position two years ago and bought a C2 from a dealer with all the usual problems either replaced or rebuilt. So far in the two years only oil and filters so I am delighted. For my money the narrow body is the most attractive. Good luck in your search.

I think that the important things to check, beyond FSH, are: Rads and air con rads - when changed Tyres - when Discs and pads front and back - when RMS - when changed IMS - is it original (ok in my book) has it been changed (what for? ceramic not so good?) Suspension - what has been done and when - coffin arms (5-7 years?) - Mounts and bushes when? The above could easily give you a bill of £5-6,000 if they all need doing soon. The point I am making is a £12 - £13,000 ok car with all these needing to be done, could be a better buy than a £17-18,000 "mint" car that needs suspension refresh (£2,000) and rads (£1,000). Hope that makes sense and happy hunting!

My advise here, Mileage to an extent is totally irrelevant for me, a 20 year old car that has low mileage can still throw up the same suspension problems and repair bills, I do howeve take heed of the advice regarding engine mileage and internal parts wearing out so if ever I were to buy another 911 the engine would have to be low mileage, a replacement from Porsche with all relevant updates or a rebuilt unit from Hartech/Autofarm. ( A mate of mine had a rebuild from a company that advertises on eBay and the rebuild didn't last long) Mine is a C4 that has been converted to rwd, stiffer shell I'm led to believe, PSM as standard and an extra 4bhp with egas over cable ( must be down to engine management)

Thanks fellas. Inclined to agree, I personal prefer the slimmer body looks, though The widers still look good. I get the price point thing, and I think that's the bit the makes me nervous. I'd be happy to buy at £13k and spend £5k - if I could spot it. Buying at £18k and spending £5k quickly would be harder to contend with. Similar thing with the mileage, higher mileage less relevant as the cars get older particularly if they've been looked after, however physiologically it still has an impact. Decisions, decisions...

These are old cars, even if it costs loads of money, and has recently had loads spent things will break and need replacing continuously. Someone on here said recently you either need mechanical skills and tools to do things yourself or deep pockets, to keep these cars up to scratch - preferably both! Buy carefully and don't spend too much. Theres a handful of very highly regarded specialists who trade cars, some post on here. These would be s good bet as they prepare the cars properly. Where are you in the UK? Private is a bit of a lottery and you need to know what you are looking at.

In exactly the same position but can't decide between c2 or c4s. Good luck with the search. Let us know how you get on.

I'm West Yorkshire but frequently travel to the midlands or south west, just not Sussex or Kent where most cars I've spotted appear to be located! In all seriousness whilst I'd love a car tomorrow, I'm happy to bide my time. If you spot something interesting, do let me know.

It's so frustrating having to start with negative thoughts of impending bills when looking at an older Porsche and others alike (we all did i think!) but it's important to check these things out, what i know now would have maybe got a little more off and opened my eyes when buying mine, nothing bad though luckily, saves the heart break later on and ruin your experience some what, Oh but one other thing not to forget when looking for your dream 996....HAVE FUN uh: Keep us all up to date, could even link up the adverts of the 996 in question some of the guys that know more can take a look at the advert maybe advise against said dealer or may even know the car.

Offers, I presume if you are posting, that you are reading current threads - as there is one about how much 996s cost to own. If not, have a read. Don't fixate on mileage - it is irrelevant as some have already said. Mine has 125k miles, but rebuilt engine, all new dampers, soon to have all new suspension links, newish exhaust, good radiators and condensers, completely loved and lavished. Just like many of the cars on here. There are parts that will rust and deteriorate based on time and the elements, not mileage. Do as you suggest yourself- but one from someone on here or PH Or Porsche club that has looked after it and has invested in it. Someone that is a patron rather than just an owner. You will benefit from their patronage, invest further as the next patron, and then pass it on. Or in layman's terms, someone so efficient at man math that no matter how big the spend, they could justify it! Best of luck with the search

All of the above is on the money.......however you have to buy a car you fall in love with....colour trim all the rest....mileage is irrelevant but the fit and finish stays with you.

If using a dealer research their customer service - there is a fairly local one that is not highly regarded! Use the search function and you'll find it. I bought privately last October without inspection. It was 7k cheaper than a dealer so gave me a good contingency/upgrade fund. I've done quite a lot on the car myself and had it serviced at a specialist. I've worked on cars for 40 years so am comfortable checking for obvious stuff - on a car I looked at in a dealers spotted the front end had been resprayed badly within 10 seconds. Also spotted the same car had overspray underneath which the dealer hadnt noticed - walked away without even driving it! If I was buying again I'd have it inspected partly as a bargaining tool and also to know what needed doing. Whilst I'm happy with my car, the heart did take over somewhat so having that specialist to reign you in is also a consideration. All the specialists I've been to say its a nice car with a few minor things to work on to bring up to scratch. Go look at a few and be prepared to walk away. Regards Ian PS - Its fine searching for your perfect spec car but you may need to compromise on something - I wanted a non sunroof car but mine has one, which I actually like!!

...my views on buying a 996/early 997 are well documented if apparently provocative to some...unless you have £12k available after purchase don't buy without an engine rebuild...as its an irrefutable fact that despite a cars provenance and condition one cannot mitigate for engine failure... My story...purchased a genuinely immaculate 2003 , 2 owner,full Porsche main dealer history 996...the ims collapsed with a subsequent enormous bill! No ppi or inspection would have detected this impending failure and prior to the engine self destructing drove beautifully... If you have the spare cash and are philosophical then this is an excellent time to buy...I wish that someone had given me the advice that I am offering....