$$$$$ Buying a 996 with 100,000 miles

Assuming the obvious points...regular service, IMS replacement, etc...are these still a viable investment after 100,000 miles.

As something that will appreciate in value? No. But, for a car that will bring an amazing amount of joy for a moderately low investment? YES.

Investment might not be the right phrase, like Gator said. But, there are lots of guys here with 100K+ 996's that are still going strong. Also, disregard everything KrazyK says, or you will be afraid to buy a Honda after he is done chewing your ear. Good luck with the search! DS

Thanks....yeah, investment was not the right word. I was just saying, I don't want to throw my money away on a car that is at the end of its life at 100,000 miles. I have found one and will drive in on thursday. Looks like we will be at $18,000. Truly amazing service history and very well cared for up to the current mileage by the dealer. You guys use yours as daily drivers? I'm planning to.

David- My 1999 C4 has 120,600 miles on it. Bought it 6 years ago with 52K miles. It is my DD and sees about 4 track weekends a year. This is the best car I have ever owned. If it checks out and it makes your toes curl go for it.

My 99C4 is about to do 100k miles, it is very reliable, tight and burns no discernible amount of oil between 5k changes. Still a very strong performer. If everything checks out, go for it.

It probably won't go much further down in value. It looks like you have the basics understood for the driveline. But some suspension components will likely need to be replaced if you plan to push the car hard.

Thanks for the reply's. Hopefully, by this time next week I will have bought it. Getting a PPI on Monday at the dealer. Are you guys familiar with "DME"? I assume they are produced by the dealer as well. Dave

Love my 996 - Best DD I have owned - lots of fun !!!

Porsches are pretty bulletproof. I wouldn't sweat it if you have good service history :-)

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Yes, the dealer completing the PPI should provide you with a DME report.

What year 996 is it?

Not sure if it's possible in your location (I have 2 Porsche dealers about 35 miles apart where I live) but I would take it to the dealer that has not been doing the service on it. You have their documents and recommendations in the paperwork, but I would want another set of eyes to go over it that have not seen it before, but that's just me. I do not daily drive mine, but like it so much and find myself driving my G35 so infrequently that I may end up selling it and DD my 996. They are great cars that you could DD easily. GL, DS

+ 1 above, and $18k seems a bit high for a 100k car...just my $0.02. It would really have to be in incredible shape, exactly what I was looking for, and a later year with the IMSB recently replaced.

Thanks perry and all comments. The car is a 1999. It has been serviced by two porsche dealers in California and I have 22 service records total. I called them both and they went thru each line item with me. The only thing I did not ask is why didn't they change the IMS when they replaced the rear seals in 2002. I am following up on that call on Monday.

What should a 1999 C4 cost with 103,000 miles? It truly would fall under mint condition. Seats are perfect, carpet is perfect, paint is a 9 out of 10. It is the nicest example of an older car that I have ever seen. 1 owner, the guy special ordered it from Porsche and just traded it in December.

Depends on the options and where the car has been....but the answer is what you are willing to pay for miles of smiles.

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I don't know any dealer that will proactively and electively change the IMS. Some will change it only upon Customer request. Some dealers will flat out refuse to change it due to liability and the fact that its not officially endorsed by Porsche. IIRC, the standard protocol for any signs of IMS leak is to just replace the IMS flange only.

I've owned my '99 for 6 1/2 years; just recently turned 100,000 miles. It has been one of the best vehicles I've owned. It's a DD, but I usually only drive it 2-3000 miles a year. Still makes me grin!

Personally, I wouldn't spend $18k on a '99 with 100k miles. You can get a lower mileage, newer car for the price.

If $18k is the Dealer asking price you have room to negotiate. I would ask for the LN Bearing install as part of the deal - add new Struts - and drive it daily. If it was a 1 owner and Factory Special Order it may have great options worth a bit more. For a 99 I would hope you get a Full Leather interior as the first year materials are just so-so. If it is a C4 than it likely should be a 2000 or very late 1999, and came with the Alcantara headliner upgrade - in dash computer - e-Gas - PSM all standard. If it has upgraded sound system, full power seats, and M-30 suspension ... I would buy it because it would be very close to what I have - and I LOVE my C4.

Here are the options: The car is a 1999 and had $19,000.00 in additional options. FRESH MICHELIN PS TIRES, HI-FI SOUND PKG W/10-SPEAKER AMPLIFIER SYSTEM, AEROKIT Original Price:$7968.00, 5-SPEED TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION, LITRONIC HEADLIGHTS 3-SPOKE CARBON/LEATHER STEERING WHEEL, Original Price:$1843.00, 18" SPORT DESIGN WHEELS CARBON/ALUMINUM TIPTRONIC SHIFT LEVER/BRAKE HANDLE, FULL LEATHER INTERIOR[___], Original Price:$3215.00 HEADLIGHT WASHERS, SPECIAL EXTERIOR PAINT DUAL POWER SEAT PKG W/ELECTRIC ADJUSTMENTS Original Price:$1520.00 REMOTE CD CHANGER (6-DISC) WHEEL CAPS W/COLORED PORSCHE CREST,

With those options (sounds like a brother to my car except the transmission and headlights) I think its worth it. Aero's are tough to find.

the car is my avatar pic....what is your mileage Pete?

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Just shy of 121K. I had to add a water pump, clutch and cam actuator along the way after 6 years of ownership. They are great cars to work on.

no car is a good investment. But if this car was taken care of, it still has a lot to give.

You had me at Aero. 18k is a good price for that car with Aero, 3 spoke wheel, full leather, 1 owner and maintenance records (the hi-fi is not too good, I've got it in my '99, but don't spend much time listening to the radio). Not sure if you are financing, but check out Pentagon Federal (no affiliation). They don't care about age, and will finance it between 1.49-1.99%, which is a steal at that rate. GL, DS

Thanks everyone. I love cars and really appreciate all the feedback. Really helps.

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X2 Does it have the sport seats and clear front and rear turn signal lights too?

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Yes I think. The lights look like your avatar pic. If I could figure out how to post pics I would show you.

Hope this works...

That makes me feel better. I hoped that what I was seeing was correct. Everything looks right but there is still a lot I don't know about these cars so I really appreciate it. Hopefully, we will close the deal this week. Thanks...

That looks very nice. Looks like it comes with the optional silver face gauges too. The trunk/frunk levers don't seem scratched up from this angle too, which is common on used cars. Looks like it has heated seats too. Owners manual in place and two sets of keys.Carbon fiber steering wheel too. If it's crack free then that's even more a plus as well. You wouldn't believe how much some of these little details can add up to if trying to replace or get. Seems like a very nice deal on that package.

Looks very clean. One things for sure..no one will believe you only spent about $18k on it

If everything checks out, that's a good price for areokit, full leather and CF pieces. I'd be surprised if the CF in the steering wheel isn't cracked. Mine and almost everyone I've seen are.

That's pretty and clean. Hope the PPI checks with flying colors.

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The IMS bearing retrofit upgrade was not possible until 2009 is the reason it was not done in 2002. The procedure costs about double for the labor on a AWD automatic trans car. Due to the "great price" & mileage on a 3.4L car I would be sure & get a compression test as part of the PPI.

Great advice Prodiver....the dealer got busy and did not get to the car today and said they would do it tomorrow. What is the cost for the IMS? Is it necessary for the dealer to do it or could I have a small shop take care of it.

David you simply must buy this car, if only for the joy of getting to change the IMSB before anyone else got to. Very clean car. GL with PPI.

Perryinva How did you get such a nice shine on your car body? Really looks nice. Regards, Clark with same exact car and most of the upgrades.

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LN IMSB is $600 & installation in your car (AWD Tip) is about $2,000 + any parts that need replacing with the free labor while everything is apart. I would seek out the most qualified mechanic to perform this procedure regardless of his shop affiliation. Where is the car? & where are you?

I am in a similar situation , I am about to embark on a "NEW" to me 996 experience , after owning n 84 carrera for 9+ years. This one is 2003, red/black with 101k the only options I see are the sport seats , and Fabspeed muffler/bypass and an K&N CAI system and Xenon lights. PPI is done tommorow !! there are some maint history , this owner has had a short time. Original wind sticker 76k 20,250 private. I am a bit nervous to say the least. sorry to barge in on your thread ,.

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If you're nervous now, you will only get more nervous after you buy it.

When you said "bypass" do you mean the cats are gone?

The car looks super clean. But $19k for a '99 auto car with over 100k miles is at the VERY top of the market. FYI.

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My wheel is fine and I have a '99 (although it only has 48,000 miles on it).

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I find generally the ones with the cracks are the ones that are parked outside in the sun most of the time with no sunshade or uv protectant(aka good wax). The CF Clearcoat can break down over time and you need to keep it waxed especially if left out in the sun.

yes , no cat, but the PPI was not good, a metal sheen on the oil, the search continues ):

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To me, mileage is just a number . More important to me is the maintenance history of the car, and the appearance of the vehicle. You can tell if a car has been taken care of by the owner. If the maintenance records are tip top, and the car is cared for, I would take it over a low mile car IMHO....

But would you still pay a premium over a low mileage (or newer) car with the same quality of maintenance? There's nothing wrong with buying a high mileage car (I did); I just wouldn't pay a premium for it.

Usually it is preferable to restore a vehicle's mechanicals to as new or better condition, than to try & do the same for cosmetic wear & tear.

I've a 2000 C4 cab tip with a buck twenty five on it. It has had all the maintenance items required plus a new tranny at 98k. It runs like a top. I would let it sit in my barn before I would sell it for $18k