Looking to buy a 996

Hey all. I'm sure you get this question a lot, but I couldn't seem to find any recent postings, so here I go. I'm looking to get a 996 in the next month or two. It needs to be AWD, so C4, C4s, or Turbo is fine. If we're talking C4, I'm wanting one with the Aero kit. Anyways, what do you all think $35,000 could get me? Is it enough for a decent shape Turbo? I found some Aero C4's for sale for under $30k so I know those are available, but do you think it would be possible for me to get a turbo at that price range after negotiations? Also, if anyone is looking to sell their C4 aero, C4s, or Turbo in this price range, please let me know. I am currently in the Boston area and will be soon moving back to Seattle and will be doing so via Reno, California, and Oregon, so either coast is plausible for me to come by and see your car. Sorry if this is a redundant post for you all. Thanks, Jeff

Welcome KB; $35K may well be in the range for any of the cars you have mentioned, just stay keen on maintenance history, whether it has mods, bone stock, or recently returned to stock. Alot of issues abound with non-Turbo 996's, so you may want to inquire if they have been addressed; i.e. search "IMS" & "RMS"....then again turbos have their own history... And as 996's run from MY99 to MY04, quite a few changes came about in that span...Most would agree here that you should look for MY02-04 which is the second generation 996 ( refinements to the 1st gen) Since you'll be travelling Cross Country, you have plenty to search. Check the classified section here, then try 6speed, Renntech, autotrader, cars.com and so on. Good luck on your quest....

Thanks so much for the quick response! I've read a bit about the main seal leaking and that causing engine failure, so if I end up with a C4 that hasn't had the new MkII version installed, I'll get the part and put it in myself early on. I am handy with a wrench, so things like that don't bother me too much. It's the body/frame damage that scares me most. I'm glad to hear that a Turbo is also at least within shooting distance at that price. I haven't studied them too much yet, so I'll get on that and see what issues to expect with them. Is there such a thing as a 02-04 C4 with an aero kit? I really like that look, it seems to bring the car alive to me, so I'd really prefer to get a year that has that option.

Good to hear you have the wrench skills, because alot of the proper maintenance for these cars can be done at home and save you alot of $$; We have some great vendors on this site that have excellent knowledge on the parts you may be looking for and at great prices over most other suppliers, unless you have a dealer connection. The MY02-04 C4's share the Turbo look widebody with vents on the lower rear quarters. The front bumper is identical to the Turbos. Another member just posted pics of a C4S with an Aerokit; basically a real nice rear wing and front lip; the side skirts look different but they may just have a small addition on top of the standard side rocker. FYI, the other thread has an owner (Marlon) with a 99 C4 for a great price; that one you can add an Aero kit since it's a narrowbody; put some nice wheels on it and have a heck of a ride...

I found you one and its a steal if you ask me. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-my-99-c4.html

^^^ that's the one ! ^^^

35K will get you in the C4 (easily) and C4S category but will not get you into Turbo territory unless you want a 2001 with high miles and spotty history. My suggestion would to be find a C4S in the mid 30's. Those will be worth every bit of 35K if they have a perfect service history and taken care of.

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+1

Wow, that is a great price! Only problem is, it looks like it's a tiptronic. I'm definitely a stick-shift guy. Thanks though!

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Yeah, I definitely like the looks of the C4s, so that may be what I go for! Not to mention, the 3.6L found in the MkII's would be nice. Thanks guys!

The other nice thing about the C4S is it is not only turbo-luck but has all the turbo parts (suspension, brakes, etc). The only thing missing is the Turbo motor and gearbox.

I would find one that needs a clutch soon and negotiate a price accordingly. Then put in a clutch, IMS and RMS at the same time. You will be able to drive it until the wheels fall off after that.

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I was wondering about that. Good to know! I plan on autocrossing with the car, so the Turbo suspension would be great.

there is a nice white C4 aero at parkplace on northup in Bellevue....have Chris's do the PPI LINK no affiliation

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haha funny you should mention it. That was the one I was looking at in the first place. I'm a regular at ParkPlace (not to buy, just to gawk) and I like their restoration work. Until I find a better deal, that is the one I'm thinking of getting. I really like the forged wheels that are on it too!

By the way, do you have any recommendations on good PPI companies?

yea, Chris's is just around the corner http://www.chrisgerman.com/ they are cutting edge on the water pumpers right now... and top notch aircooled as well... IMO they are the best shop in the area... but not cheap and they will not cut corners let me know if you need me to go drive that car

new ad... doesnt say much? its a cab,... but a data point for price ?? http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/1833490911.html

Hmm that seems overpriced to me, but maybe I'm dreaming. When it's possible to get a decked out Aero C4 for under $30k, this seems like a not-so-good deal. As for the white C4, thanks for the offer on the testdrive, but I don't think I'm gonna buy until I can drive it myself anyways, mainly because the closest thing I've driven to a Porsche is my friend's Bug (don't crucify me for the comparison it's just the only rear engine car I've driven haha). Hopefully I'll be able to find one here on the east coast to drive sometime, or at least ride in, to get a real idea of what I'm looking for. I get back to WA sometime early to mid August, so that's when I'll check out the one at PP. I just hope it doesn't sell before then!

hey, link up with some of the weekend cars and coffee groups.. there should be something near you... the best advise I have it to drive multiple cars. They all have their own personality. Once you land one, get out to the track with an instructor and learn the handling charictaristics (sp) of the p-car... that is the best mod you can do to a p-car (fix the driver ) I went from being a "super great" driver to being an "OK beginer" in only 2 short years Now in my third year I am starting to understand a few deeper aspects to the car lastly... any reason you need the C4?

One other thing. I was looking more at the C4S's and there is one thing that I personally dislike about them and that is the light bar (?) that extends from taillight to taillight. I like the non-S better in that sens. I see why others like it (heritage and all) but I prefer it to not be there. Does anyone know if it is possible to get a C4 decklid and put it on the C4S or is the S version wider due to the wider track?

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Yeah, the C4 is so that I can drive it in all weather, esp. light snow. I'll be moving to Albuquerque in September in the foothills and they get some snow in the winter. Otherwise, I'd prefer the lightness of the C2.

the red bar is what "most people" love about the C4S

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Haha yeah I hear ya, I just don't dig it too much. I guess I'm the crazy one!

For $35K you can get a decent mileage (not too low mind you) C4S with lots of great options. Hell, if you can negotiate well, you may be able to get one that is Certified Pre owned from a dealer. Last I checked P-car dealers were offering 2.9% on CPO cars for 60 months! Not sure if your were planning to finance. As many will tell you, get the newest nicest P-car you can afford. And $35k can get you a damn nice car. you are the first person I have ever heard that doesn't like the C4S rear light bar. Happy Hunting.

C2 with Blizzaks handle like a dream in the snow.... actually the best car i have ever driven in the snow

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+1 unless there is more than 4" of snow where the bumper becomes a plow. snow tires work just fine. Although for your budget, I would buy a C4S and call it a day.

I guess the good snow performance makes sense since the engine is right over those rear wheels. Although, the more I look at the C4s, the more I like the styling. Especially the wider body. I think you all may have sold me on getting a C4s, but we'll see how much negotiating I can do with any potential seller.

You can actually get an OEM aero kit for the 2002 - 2005 C4S. They are rare - I've never seen one in person. I'm sure they are very, very expensive if you want to add them to and existing C4S. I don't think a standard C2 or C4 rear decklid would fit a C4S, but you might be able to modify a turbo decklid to fit a C4S. Not sure how much modification is necessary.

Wow that is amazing looking! I really like it!

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Best looking 996 or water cooled 911, imho. I love that aerokit and love the C4S strip.

$35K for C4 Aero sounds about right.... But really now, I love car shopping, good luck with what you find!

There's Jake Raby's car!

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Should be on the market Monday.. Just gotta get it on the lift for the under carriage pictures and some other detailed shots! :-)

Go to P2O

Hey guys! So I found one that I am interested in at a local Porsche dealership. It's a Porsche certified 2003 C4s with 27k miles. What is your experience with the certified cars? It says on the P website that they do a 100+ point inspection. So, do you all think that this means I can trust the car enough to not get an independent PPI? I of course will inspect the car myself, but what do you think about getting a third party involved?

I think you might have a hard time getting the dealership to sell you that car with a CPO for $35k or under. If you can, nice job.

You may be right on that, but it's worth a try I think. So does the CPO mean I can buy with confidence and not need a PPI?

I would ask for a DME printout and check for Type II over revs also. I may be wrong but CPO is 8 years or 100,000 miles from the date car was first registered. Even if you get it CPOed, it would only give you a year warranty?

I just got back from the dealership. The warranty is 2 years from purchase date or 100k cumulative miles. The car was in amazing shape and the manager of the dealership said he could not lower his price at all. Too bad. It had brand new OEM tires, at least 70% clutch left, and many good options. Plus the roadside assistance for 2 years. I don't know, maybe buying this car vs buying one for 35k from a relatively unknown source will not be that much more expensive since this one is all fixed up guaranteed. Maybe after I look down the road at maintenance costs, this will be the better deal, especially at only 25k miles. The only aftermarket thing on it is the Turbo style spoiler (which is not active, just fixed). What do you all think? Should I consider biting? I think I can swing the 45k considering that I'll save on maintenance (perhaps... this is one thing I want your opinion on). Here's a link: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

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Thanks, I will definitely do that if I go back there.

for 10K of a diff in what you are looking for, I'd pass... I don't think you will save 10k in maintenance during the 2 years of warranty... its possible... but too much of a gamble in my opinion. :-)

Arnee is only asking $35K for his car and its set up perfectly.

Arnee? Where is his car listed?

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Right here on the 996 Forum. The thread title is FS: 2002 C4S

Yeah, just found it. Thanks! I'll post up there and see what's going on with it. Looks kind of like there's already a waiting list, haha!

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I'd like to know where I can find a nice v4s for the $35k range that's certified. All the nuts around here are asking ~$45k'ish. At that price point, I'm not much further from a '01-'02 Turbo. Or possible a 997 (love the headlights, but not the non-wide body look). Then again, there's a reason why the same cars are listed over and over again. They aren't selling at their asking price. There's an independent dealer here with an '04 C4S and they're asking $49k! I mean yeah, it's 2-3years newer than an '01-'02 Turbo. But at that price you have to strongly consider the Turbo. My search continues as well!

In my searches, I have not found a C4s for under $43k that is certified. According to the manager at my local dealership, they do not tend to negotiate very much either on the certified models. Best of luck, but I think you're going to have a hard time finding one at that price certified.

I'd put a Mk1 996TT on par with a Mk2 C4S; if maintenance history is questionable; maintenance is maintenance; due to age, both cars are going to require some attention and $$. Now if owner / maintenance history is well documented, I'd prefer a 996TT over a C4S. but $45K is around that price point for both of these cars provided they are in very good to great condition. MK1 C4 are in that $28-33K range , also depending on options and history... On occasion, you may find one of these available FS by owner for a much better price, but those are real good "finds"..

Mid 40s is a silly price to pay for a CPO 996 C4S. You can pick one up in the low 30s. Drop a brand new engine in it and be in the mid 40s range. You can then turn around and sell the old engine at half price and still be ahead of the game. Netting high 30s with zero miles and the new engine comes with a 2 year warranty.

Yea chsu74, you're pry correct on a C4S going for $35K. Coupe , some options.... a modded, well optioned / maintained C4S (Arnee's) is what I would consider, but mid 40's is on the high side. hopefully it sells in that range for his sake, or it will sit unsold a bit longer.

Well, it's looking like I took too long on Arnee's beautiful car. I just sent him a pm just in case, but I'm not holding out on much hope. If anyone knows of any other C4S's that are for sale and in good condition for a similar price, please let me know! Meantime I'll keep looking =) Thanks for all the help!

One more quick question. Does the Porsche PSM come standard in all C4S's? Or was it an option?

Good luck on your search. I had the same quest a few weeks back. Wrecked the 964 and was looking to upgrade. Haunted the sales boards, Auto trader, Cars.com Ebay etc. Patience paid off as did calling all the ones I was interested in. Purchased a beautiful 2003 C4S with 29.9K on the clock for 34.5K. I really wanted the heated seats but the deal was too good to pass up. So, I think you can do better than 29K for a car with 70K miles. Be patience and know the drive home is part of the experience. Mine was 1500 miles up 101 from California to Washington. If you think about it. a 300 - 400 dollar air fare is worth it to look at a 30K investment. Happy hunting

Thanks for the advice, and it sounds like you did get a great deal! Does anyone know whether PSM comes standard with all C4S's or if it's an option?

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I guess you want the car for snow sking or cruising in the snow. Don't be buying the C4 and not using it in the snow all the time. I should try for an office in the PCA and start rules that kick low mileage guys out of the club. Show off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha I hear ya! I hope to put on a ton of miles on my baby when I get her. Tracking, daily driving, and snow drifting are all in store for my car. It makes me sad when people don't drive their cars. There is a guy on Ferrarichat who has a picture of his 360 Modena in a foot or so of snow at his work. He drove that sucker in spite of the weather. That guy is my hero! Now, does anyone have an actual answer to my question, or do I just get snide remarks, haha?

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anyone?

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Uh-ohhhhhh... I have a sneaking suspicion I've asked a dreaded DQ. Alright, the first person who answers my question is free to roast me to their heart's content.

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You should ask for a picture of the center console in the car. That is where the PSM button is located. I have seen MKIIs without PSM but that is on a C2 and not a C4S. I have put miles and miles on my car. My commute to work is 3 miles. Bought the car with 66K miles May of 2007. Its got 93K miles today. That is why I bought it.

Aaaah thank you for the straight response! After reading what I could find on the PSM, I think it's something I'd rather have, especially since I can turn it off during my autocrosses. So it's good to know that it is in all the C4S's. By the way, thanks for not roasting me, haha

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- new ad... doesnt say much? its a cab,... but a data point for price ?? http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/1833490911.html I think I know this Carrera - and it is very nice - but if it is the one I drove it is a tip & has forged 19's on it that rub the rear fenders. It is located in Kirkland.

Thanks for the price reference! I'm not interested in cabriolets, but it is good to know.

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Just because a dealer is asking $42 for a 03 C4S that is CPO'd doesn't mean he/she is going to get it. Get outside financing, have a check in hand, and be ready to paly ball. The CPO costs the dealer around $1600 and they like to make at least that in profit. It is nice to have on a NA 996 (non GT3). Excellence magazine's barnd new market analysis of the 996/997 show that a pristine/perfect/incredible 2003 C4S to be worth a high of $37K. And they would tack on 10% for low mileage (under 35k on the clock -guessing?) Not that this analysis is the bible but if you found a perfect C4S of the 03 or 04 vintage with CPO and complete dealer history, it's worth $36-37K. If you left an offer like that with a P-car dealer for a car where they are asking $42-43K, they won't let you get very far before the call you back.

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hey hey hey... who dropped the ball on ROASTING duty !!

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This makes sense to me, but when I told them I could pay $35k in cash, they still let me walk. It had ~24k miles. I may just call them up again in a couple weeks if it hasn't sold by then and see if they are willing to play. I have another one I'm getting info on this weekend too.

keep in mind, the dealer always gets paid in cash - if not from you, then from the bank... DUH ! the problem is when the finance it they actually make MORE because there are back end kick backs from the finacial institution for "selling the loan" Trust me, your wad of cash means very little to them... negotiate smartly, get the best price (one you are happy with) THEN discuss how you will pay for the car... and if you have a trade in... dont bring up the trade in till AFTER you have the best price one the car... that way you know exactly what you are getting for the trade... not some "allowance" where the discount the price of the car to offset the ACV of your trade

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Hold onto the cash, ask what sort of "financing" could they provide as you negotiate ( re: drop) the price of the car. Put down like $5-10K , make sure there aren't any prepayment penalties, then after a month or two of paying the loan, pay it in full. don't hold your breath on this one car, there are plenty of mid-low mile Pcars out there, so take your time and look for the right one; options and all... GL.

Seen this? http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...25&cardist=228 Or this? http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false Or this? http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

the Seal Gray first then the black/black ( tho black exterior is going for 5K less)

What is it about the black one that makes you think it's not as good? Or are you just a "silver car guy" haha?

Yea, black in South Florida weather is a "no-go" in my book. others love them because they look great ( when clean) and the sun isn't cooking em from the inside out. forget about trying to deal with swirl marks.... My second vehicle is a Dark Amethyst F-150 ( Harley Edition); ; quite close to being black, but just as soon, I'd go with a dark blue instead. second, I wouldn't do black with beige interior, unless you prefer to spend plenty of time cleaning the wrinkles and smudges. my two boys would wreak havoc on the savannah interiors...whereas a clean, damp microfiber towel ( and some protectant is all you need to wipe down a dark interior). I'd just as soon try finding a Seal Gray, any Blue or even Nordic Gold Pcar; silver just happened to be there when I was in the mood to buy.

I couldn't agree with you more on the interior Ed. I'm definitely a fan of darker interior. Perfect interior for me (depending on exterior color) is black with the red baseball stitching. As for the black car exterior, I think that may be one of the main colors I'm looking for. I think it'd be neat to have a yin-yang thing going. I currently have a silver mustang with black stripes, so a black Porsche with silver accents would be pretty cool to have with it. The dark blue is also a favorite of mine, but it seems to be hard to find one with dark interior for some reason. Yellow works for me too, but is a little lower on the colors since it stands out so much to the police.

Looks like I found one with the red stitched black interior! What do you all think of this one? What is a fair price in your opinions? I was thinking around $37k tops? http://www.scottsdaleferrari.com/det...d-5667717.html

looks nice, also stated in the description it has PSE, which would be a plus. Sport Technos are also cool. other than that, with 40K miles, I think you could discuss price further and determine where the most reputable shop for a PPI would be. It may be tough to gather prior maintenance history, but shouldn't deter with a solid PPI. Any other members in or near Scottsdale, AZ to check it out in person?

Yeah, if someone is in the area, I would really appreciate it!

is it just me, or do those photos look "altered" I was having trouble with the reflections - maybe I am just old - the one shot of the hood looks like the paint is a little rough, all others it looks stunning... almost too stunning

Why does the odometer only show 40k on the clock, and the carfax/autocheck shows 46k? Its on fleabay as well.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=270601149004

beautiful c4s.... as for the pics, they were taken mid day..... the worst time to take pics. Esp the way the concrete just reflects on the paint. I suspect that car will need a detail to get rid of those swirls.

I expect that it will need a good loving polish/wax. As long as the paint is salvageable and not chipped, I'll be happy. As for the miles thing, thanks, I didn't notice that! I'll definitely have to question them about it if I choose to move forward with it.

Hey all, Here is another one I'm looking at now (I have a total of 4 that are of definite interest). http://www.acurabymcgrath.com/used/P...d47ba6bf71.htm It is a "40 Jahre" edition. My main question is, is this widebody (doesn't look like it)?

^ yea, that 40th Anniv looks familiar; another RL just sold his, I wonder if it made it's way to this dealer. looks like #943 of the series? other than that, low miles, nice options, looks clean. worth it to keep an eye on this one too!

NB

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That's not a widebody or a C4S. That's a 40th anniversary C2. They came with the turbo front bumper. Nice looking car and well optioned.

Alright, I had a feeling that was the case (based on pictures and such). I was willing to consider a non-AWD, but I really like the widebody look and can't get enough of it! If anyone is interested in the 40 Jahre, the dealer told me something in the vicinity of $40k is what they're looking for.

Wow, I think I found the exact car I want, assuming it's truly in good shape. The color and options are all what I want! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-PO...item1e5d78ed04 Does anyone know this car by any chance? Looks like it's been a FL car since day 1. Anyone available to take a look at it in Florida please? Also, does anyone here see anything suspicious about the car? Thanks so much! Jeff