Buying 996 ...Need some opinions

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of selling my '96 993 C2 and shopping for a 996. I've looked at 2001 new car closeouts. Most dealers are willing to sell these '01 leftovers at slightly above invoice. Even so, with the current state of the economy I fear that I will still take a huge depreciation hit within a year or two. My other option is to buy a pre-owned '99 C2 which has taken a huge depreciation already and I can probably save $20K from buying new. For example, a local dealer has a '99 996 C2 with 28K miles, LSD, ABD, Hifi, sport seats, 18" Technology wheels, clean car, asking $53K. I get the feeling they will accept $49K if I made an offer. Which is the better way to go, new '01 or used '99, in terms of investment? How's the reliability on early 996s? My 993 has been bullet proof. Appreciate any opinions and advice. Thanks, John

Dear John: As someone who had a '99 C2 cab for 3 years and just traded it in for an '02, I'd buy the used '99 in good condition over the '01 for the financial reasons you describe. There wasn't that much difference between the '99 and the '01 to justify the price differential as opposed to the '01 vs the '02 where the latter has been seriously upgraded both mechanically and in the interior. My '99 was very reliable and easy to maintain. It was a daily driver and had 55k mi. when I sold it two weeks ago. There were some early minor problems that were all solved by the dealer under warranty and should not be an issue with the car you are looking at. The air bag warning light went on which was solved by replacing the seat belt contacts. Check engine light also had a tendency to go on which was solved by new rubber seal on gas cap. Finally, you should make sure that the recall on the engine compartment lid was performed (replacement of seal). Good luck!

Ditto. I've got a '99 996 Cab with about 21K miles, daily driver. A few minor glitches early, but luckily nothing major or mechanical so far. Great car. I'd take the '99 if it was a clean car with record books and well maintained.

I agree with the rest that if you're concerned about minimizing depreciation, buying a 1999 or even a 2000 is the way to go. I've had a 1999 for 2.5 years and enjoyed every minute. The only thing I would recommend staying away from is the early build 1999 models(prior to March, 99). These models were prone to more problems than the later builds. Most of these have been corrected through recalls or TSBs but why take a chance? Karl

I just purchased my late prod. '99 3 weeks ago in Norcal. I was a bimmerhead previously with m3's being my weapon of choice. I was in the market for a new car and the 18 month waiting list for an '02 m3 and current economic state proved just the right ticket to move into a porsche. The car is a late prod. '99 with smoked lights from the factory, arena red exterior with savanna interior with optional 18' turbo wheels. The car had 10k miles when I bought it at a price of $55K. Not bad since kelly blue book suggested trade in value at $61k. And car was offered at a Ferrari shop. I say go for a used one since the prior owner would have already taken care of luxury tax and taken the first big hit on depreciation.

Sorry! the car is a 996 C2....

Alot of good input thus far. Thanks. Huzurdd, Sounds like you got a good deal for a car with only 10K at $55K. Did the dealer you bought from have a good selection of other pre-owned 996s? Was it Ferrari of Los Gatos?

It was cammisa motors Burlingame. I dealt with Mike. He is a new younger salesman. Which meant I didn't have to deal with dealer pressure from seasoned salesman. Besides most dealers put me off due to my young age as well. They move carrera's pretty fast. Mine was a trade in on a 355f1 ferrari and was on the lot 3 weeks. I found it on yahoo classified. As a note the car was for sale at $60k. I didn't like ferrari of Los gatos. I was originally in the market for a 348 ferrari. Hope this helps.... Also I know that Stevens Creek had a white '99 C2 with natural brown leather sport seat option, PSM option, sunroof , powers seats and factory tech,turbo wheels. The sticker was $59k but the manager said he would do $53K since I called him from camissa and was ready to sign the papers. The car had 28k miles on her. Good luck and good hunting the deals are out there!!!!

If you really look, you can find 2001 low-mileage 996 c2's for around 60,000... my dad just bought a black/black 2001 996 for $61,000 with 5500 miles. When you buy the 2001, you get the advantage of a warranty and if you sell it soon, you sell it with a warranty as opposed to without.... just a suggestion

For $15K-$17K difference why not just get a 2002 with the increased HP and newer body style? In ters of the financing it may not be that much of a spread.