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concern, i'd suggest consider looking at aftermarket warranties
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If a major engine problem is a concern, I'd suggest consider looking at aftermarket warranties.
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Suggestion · Original poster
Should I wait or should I try to mitigate major issues through stringent search criteria (factory replaced engines, transferable warranties, etc.)?
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I've never used one, but made the decision that I'd just park it for a while until I can get the funds to replace the motor should the worst happen.
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There have been numerous threads of similar detail but here it goes:
I�m looking to potentially purchase a nice 996 in mid to late June 2009. My purchasing budget is $24,000.00 and will set aside a yearly maintenance budget of $2,000.00 (starting the day of the purchase). My main issue is that if a major problem happens (i.e. engine failure) I wouldn�t have the out of pocket funds to cover it.
What are your opinions? Should I wait or should I try to mitigate major issues through stringent search criteria (factory replaced engines, transferable warranties, etc.)?
Potential Examples:
2002 996
1999 996
Fire away!
Thank you for your time.
I would check that 2002 very very closely. It should be listed above or around $30 I would think. At your price point, I think you're looking at 99's (maybe 00-01). 02+ seem to fall between high 20's (like 28-29+) all the way well into the 40s (later models, c4s).
I think a huge problem (like engine failure) is a risk you take with used cars. It shouldn't happen, but it could. I'd worry more about being able to afford basic maintenance from wear and tear. Do your hw and get a PPI, and thats the best you can do.
I appreciated the comments but isn’t there a discrepancy between what the “list” price and sale price? All the 996’s I’ve been tracking on eBay aren’t even coming close to their list prices, like for example 2002 in the high 20’s low 30’s…
Only reason I make the comment is I've been looking for an 02+ 996 for at least a few weeks now. To have one listed at 25k is strange. To have it listed at low 30's and haggle into upper 20's could be more likely, but I don't see an 02 going for like 22-23 (after negotiating) unless there's something wrong with it, just bc it can easily grab a few grand more and still sell fast
It sounds like you’re further down the rabbit hole then me. Ideally I like to pick-up a 3.4 with a factory remanufactured engine, like a 2000 w/ 60K miles owned by an enthusiast for low to mid 20’s. That would be my ideal.
Did you take a look at the link to the 1999? What do you think it’s worth?
If a major engine problem is a concern, I'd suggest consider looking at aftermarket warranties. I've never used one, but made the decision that I'd just park it for a while until I can get the funds to replace the motor should the worst happen. I don't know if the '02s w/ the 3.6 engine have fewer problems that would ease your mind.
Nice '00s and '01s are going for mid-$20s, but I think you'd be hard-pressed to get a nice '02 for your budget (at least not yet though prices continue to fall). However, if you're patient and able to act quickly, you may luck out. A friend found a real nice '99 for $17.5k. Happened to be at the right place at the right time w/ cash in hand.
I think that an aftermarket warranty is probably your best bet if you are concerned about major failures. They aren't cheap for these cars - but they may be worth it. I bought one for the Cayenne (it was roughly $3,500) and I haven't ever used it. If it has engine failure, transmission failure, etc., then I'm covered. I have roughly 51,000 miles on it now.
I didn't buy one for the 996, and we'll see how that goes. I think you can over analyze these things. If you want a 996, do your homework and buy one! Don't worry about it too much if you do the right amount of work upfront, and buy a warranty if you still want more peace of mind.
Looks great, it's worth what they're asking, but today's market try and get it for your $24k target?
That console layout looks different than my '99, I guess cuz it's a C4 they did things a bit different, but that is nice and white is a cool color....
I have a 78k mile 99 with a reman'd engine (in 06) that will be for sale somewhere around mid $20s, I think. It's blue on gray. I hope that's about what it would bring for a sale w/in a few weeks. I am considering moving to a Turbo or a GT3...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b7...g?t=1238645559
It's tough to choose between the 02 vs. previous cars all things being equal. The earlier cars seem to not have had as many issues with IMS, but the later cars do offer improvements, and I think failure rates are mostly speculation at this point.
Just sold my 1999 996 today for $20,400. Had 65K miles, black on black, all original, new wheels and tires. Even putting it out there multiple times, in multiple places, barely had any interest at all, maybe 3-4 calls total. You can easily get a 2000 for your target budget. If you search around for 1-3 months you would be able to get a 2002 for 25K - 29K no problem at all.
Here's one for $26:
http://tiny.cc/NMXru
