Looking to buy 1st 996 and found this one

New here but have been looking for awhile for a great 4 seater sports car under $20K and the 99-01 Porsche 911s (996) seem to be it. I need the back seats as I will have to take the kids (3 and 5 years old) from time to time. I've had a 924, 914, 944, and 924 turbo before I was married; but no 911s. I like the looks of the interiors with the Savanna Leather and Wood Trim; and my wife would like a convertible. None of the options are mandatory though. Thoughts on this one? 1999, 97K miles (mileage is kinda high) - $17,900 AT Car ID: AT-11A91BB1 http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

If the mileage doesn't scare you I would check it out. Did you test drive it yet? Are you a DIYer??

Considering that the car is 12 years old, 97K miles isn't out of the question. But my question to you is, do you really want to buy a car with that many miles on it? If you look, you will be able to find cars in the 99 - 2001 age range with much less mileage for about $20K. I think that would be a better buy, unless there is something particular about this car that you absolutely HAVE to have. Here are two listings: 1999 Silver Cab 50K miles $19,900 1999 Silver Cab 44K miles $20,900 To ME, anyway, these two cars are a better buy than the one you found with 97K miles. Remember, that many miles has put wear and tear on EVERYTHING in the car, the full suspension, engine, tranny, who knows. You will pay dearly for any repairs, and any car that has gone 97K miles will need repairs. Just my 2 cents. larry

Lots of examples for 996s as mentioned above. Go drive a few and compare. Soon we'll be welcoming you to 911 ownership, GL in your search.

I am partial to black cabriolets. I don't think he milage is a issue if they toss in a warranty. Also - do they have all the service history? The only downside to me is it is not a 6 speed.

oof da, that interior is swanky !! whta are your plans for the car.... for me it started as a weekend toy and turned into a daily driver that turned into a "mod everything I could afford to" that second car Larry posted is one ugly bastard!

The car from the OP appears to be a very early car as it has the amber headlights and taillights. That's not a dealbreaker in and of itself, but I think it's worth noting.

If your budget is $20k you will find a lower miles car for the price. High miles car will be fine if you get service history and right PPI. I have seen a few in the $15k range with that kind of miles. If you plan to drive her more often then I will go for a lower miles one? But then again, look at this one - I know its not the cab on tip but look at the miles! http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/2297985654.html

nice find Fran....if someone wanted to IMS upgrade there would be no other parts needed as its all been done. 175k - that should be on the high mile role call list !

Ivan: I was showing those two cars off as a mileage/cost comparative. I am not a fan of the buffet table on the rear deck of car #2. I agree. I don't know why people like putting 35 lbs on the rear of a nice looking car with all that fiberglass. To me, it looks like it belongs on one of those fancy ricers, like a WRX. It kind of messes with the traditional lines of the Carerra. larry

JA MON

The tail on that one car looks like someone strapped the uterus from an elephant on the deck lid.

I too am possibly looking for my first carrera. I had an 02s that i sold in August and i thought i might replace it with another. But if i can find a 911 that is inexpensive enough with a hardtop and winter tires and not black, i might go that direction. Hopefully there will be some great examples at the Hershey swap meet in three weeks.

I have this car and would say the black paint is hard to keep looking awesome as is the interior. But in Texas a black interior was not an option. The wood on the wheel was cracked and I bought an all leather one with a three way swap here on rennlist. Ive got it the way I want it now but I would not like that auto trans. 6-speed only for me.

It looks like a nice well kept stock early '99. I drive a white early '99 that is all stock except an iPod connector and chromed factory 17" rims, they're good cars. Have a PPP done just so you know what your buying. The pic's look great 97K miles, under $18K, not bad if the car checks out okay, its a cab!!!

I would go check that out. That car is optioned very nice. Leather dash, interior looks sharp, the black looks deep. And the top goes down! I think it is certainly worth a closer look if it is near you.

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+1 on keeping a black car looking good. Pretty much impossible.

Thanks for the replies. 1) I am definitely looking at this particular car because I really like the looks of Savanna Leather and Wood Trim on the interior and a Cabriolet - fairly pricey upgrades originally. I have been having a hard time finding any with this combo AND under $20K. 2) I am not necessarily sold/set on a black exterior. 3) I have seen many on ebay sell for closer to $15K, but none that are cabs with an optioned interior like this. I think I am willing to give up 20-30K miles for the Convertible, Wood, and Savanna. 4) The mileage is a bit high, but I've not found much else while looking for 3-4 months now. 5) It is 5-6 hours from my house which is the only reason I have not already test driven it yet. I am in the Mobile, Alabama area. The car will be my car. I will need to take the kids from time to time, so I have to have a 4 seater in a sports car which is what helped narrow my search down to the 911 and my budget of $20Kish narrowed the search to the 1999-2001s. I am basically retired, so the car will be driven around 6000-8000 miles a year. Any issue which it not being a 6 speed auto other than the enjoyment factor?

tips (auto's) tend to run lower rpm's around town... you might check out the smashfest on lugging the motor called (what gear) - obviously LOTS of debate on the effects of that and what constitutes too low of rpm also bear in mind if the transmission has to come out the labor is more, your maintenance may be a little more with fluids and such and otherwise if you like it....cool, there are a whole bunch of them driving around that seem to be doing just fine just so you dont get it home and have the discovery of a liftime, search around for the standard list of early 996 failures and the costa assocciated with them...better to know before hand is all...for the most part they are great cars, but you should know is all

I did come across a dark blue 99 cab with 75k and looks to be in great shape from the pics for 18,900. I'll have to take a look at it and speak with the current owner. I would think he might accept 18k but who knows. It also comes with a hardtop.

Tiptronic is a deal killer for me. For me, manual transmission is a crucial part of the driving experience. I just can't have nearly as much fun in an automatic.

The one i called about sounds decent but i would be the judge of that in person. The only thing that the current owner said needs to be replaced is the sensor or switch that controls the window when you pull on the door handle.

I suggest that you continue looking (it took me a year to locate mine). I would try and find one with the updated clear front and rear light housings. Also, are you sure that you really want wood trim in a 911 (it seems better suited on a luxury vehicle)? I love searching for these cars; I'm trying to brainwash my partner into a mk2 Cab.

Are you sure you want a wood-trimmed, tiptronic, cabriolet? It looks good, but doesn't exactly scream "Porsche". Also, if you look around, e-bay, autotrader, and cars.com there's some reasonably priced 996"s with mileage from 30K up to 90K. If you're looking at convertible's one can often find one with a hardtop included for the same price as one without. Adcox in Pensacola has a black 2001 cabriolet with supple leather seats and 18" turbo wheels. it's a lmore expensive, but closer.

Fair Hope: Decide what you want. The car doesn't need to SCREAM Porsche - any idiot who drives a car will know that it's a Porsche without a second glance. You want to smile every time you look out the window at it, every time you walk backwards to the store, so you can look at it in the parking lot, every time you stop at a stoplight, and your eyes scan over the dash, instruments, console and passenger seat. I had a dark teal Targa with Beige leather and wood trim. To be honest, the wood trim, though pretty and a nice contrast to the light colored leather just doesn't hold up. My car had large cracks in the steering wheel, and the wood trim was cracking and coming away from the dashboard. It looked pretty, really, but it didn't hold up to the abuse of a super heated car, which is what happens in Texas, or any of the southern states, with a Targa or a Cab. There are LOTS of these cars around. Don't be in a rush to pick one - because you're afraid that you will miss out on a great deal. These great deals pop up all the time. There are cars out there that are 2001 with low miles and prices in the low 20's. You just need to be patient, look for one with the features that you want, and be ready to buy if it works (passes a stiff PPI) or walk away if it doesn't. And, I'll say it again, don't get emotionally attached to any car. If you start making excuses for the car or failures discovered in the PPI, you will lose big time - in cash outlay for years down the road. I know that you are excited and want that car in your driveway RIGHT NOW. But your patience will be rewarded by a car in better condition, with lower miles, and the features that you want. Trust me, I know the thrill of the buy. I have been through it - literally twice this year. I have made excuses for a car with low mileage that was beaten up - till my indie told me to give it up, and then he found three other cars that were more nicely equipped, with similar miles, and a similar cost. I was delayed a few weeks, and the cost of another PPI. Was he right - DAMN STRAIGHT!! The car I have is nicer than the one I passed on. Patience is a virtue. These cars are not getting MORE expensive as time passes. And if you find one with an IMS replacement - that's a savings of several thousand dollars, and eliminating many sleepless nights worrying. Keep us posted. larry

I agree with Larry. When i went looking for an 02-04 acura rl i found one that was a one owner with maintenance. We met to do a test drive and it started to rain. That is one of my first no-no's that i always tell people. The sheetmetal looked perfect and the car glowed with the rain on it. When we met for the title transfer, i noticed a few pock marked from hail. When igot it home ii noticed many more and eventually spent $500 to have all dings removed. There are still a couple there, but the quick rain really cost me some money and i would have negotiated down the price further.

In a related item.... I am going to put my 2001 Cab up for sale in the next week or so... Daughters college costs....Just under 40,000 miles, Rainforest Green with Savannah Beige full leather. 6sp, hardtop, litronics, 60k service done.... PM if you want the spec sheet when available....

I used to live in Fairhope - loved it and I miss it. The local PCA club used to have events on the east side of the bay - good group. Back to your regularly scheduled 911 discussion.

If the guy really had a family emergency, he had more things to worry about than your coming to look at his car. Get over it. larry

Sometimes your intuition should be your guide. My comment was made without this background. But that being said, if you had a bad feeling on this leading up to the inspection, maybe you're better off without it. I always have felt that if it were meant to be, it would have been. In this case, you may never know. But, you might be better off just kissing this one good-bye and moving on. larry

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I just moved here a month ago from Arkansas. I see you are in Iowa. We were deciding between living near family in Davenport or avoiding the snow and moving to Fairhope. I tried using Google, but did not come up with a contact for the PCA here. They may have a good idea of were to watch for a car closer to this area. Any idea how to contact them?

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Did I miss something?

The local PCA chapter is : http://son.pca.org/ There are a good bit of members from Gulfport all the way to Pensacola. Dean McCrary Porsche is a sponsor and Adcox in Pensacola participates with the PCA some. If you find a car reasonably close, I am sure some one from around here will either know it or be glad to look at it with you. Welcome to the Gulf Coast. Mark Mattheiss

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Yes, i deleted my posts about a no show.