2005 996 C4S Question?

I'm looking at a low miles 9,600- C4S 996 and wanted to get some feedback about the car and value. Manual C4S and in excellent condition. I have only owned a 997 but like the look of the 996 C4S. Any feedback would be appreciated!

I have a 996 C4S and I love it. It's a wonderful car and it has a unique look. The 2005 model is pretty rare because it was the transition year to the 997. I believe the only 996 cars produced that year were the C4S and the Turbo S. I'm not sure about the targa - but I think all the narrow-body cars produced in 2005 were 997s. The 996 is nice because it's a wide body car, and it has the unique reflector strip on the rear deck lid that connects the tail lights, making it look somewhat similar to a 993 from behind. It has the same brakes and suspension as the turbo, and it has lots of nice upgrades like the full-leather interior. IMHO, you can't go wrong with a 996 C4S. In this case, you're looking at a 7+ year old car with very low mileage. That's a great find, but get a good PPI and take it on a nice long test drive. Cars that old with such low mileage can develop leaks because the seals dry out. Also, was the recommended maintenance (such as oil changes) performed on the car? The maintenance schedule is set up for mileage and/or time. Oil, brake fluid and other fluids need to be properly maintained. Good luck with the possible purchase - it sounds like a great find. What color is it?

Thanks Dennis. Speed Yellow! In your opinion what is a fair value?

Some people have told me they prefer the 997 because of the look and they are not fond of the head lights on the 996, but I actually like the look.

Many people like the 997 because of the updated headlights and the updated interior. That's fine - the 997 is very nice. However, I really like the 996, especially the 996 C4S. Speed Yellow is awesome! I can't help you much with values - I haven't been in the market for a long time. I'm sure others will chime in on that topic...

Thanks for the feedback.

I am in the market as well. Excellence (Porsche magazine) buying guide has them listed in a range of 29 to 35 for 04 c4s cars. You got a rare color (which I am searching for as well) and super low miles. Dennis has it right, low miles is not the best thing sometimes. More they are driven better the chance of normal issues to come up and be addressed. Be cautious and get a through PPI done. Drive it for 30 or so miles before PPI. This will let the leaks show their ugly heads. I hope they don't and you get an awesome car!!! I had two cars fail PPI last week. Don't rush through the purschase. I would say a perfect example with new fluids and no problems at all should be priced in low to mid 40s.

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Its interesting about the head lights because as we all know there are some P car owners that don't like them. However for some reason it seems like many other people that just happen to see my car make comments on how they really like the head lights. The C4S is a beautiful car and I have also heard a few other 997 owners comment that they really like that model. As Dennis said make sure you get a PPI done at a good Indy. You would need this in any case but the low mileage presents its own set of possible issues. Any other info on the car like how many owners, maintenance records, any accidents? You can get the paint checked for any re-sprays which could indicate a possible accident. If the car is in exc cond the value will be more like 36 - 41. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. He's asking $51,500 for the car. Speed yellow. Clean car. A PPI for sure. car was $101,500 msrp. 2005 c4s

Nice color! Enjoy. It's a great car.

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What is the asking price? Oops just read the OPs reply above (damn iPhone) That price is too high.

No right answer here, but I absolutely love my C4S. At that price, I assume you specifically want (a) a C4; (b) an S, because otherwise you're well within the 997 price range for a similar car than what you've previously owned. If you do want a 996 though, it's really hard to pick a better model (IMHO) than a 2005 C4S (with the exception that the car may still suffer from the IMS failure at some point, if not already replaced) unless you want to take the same amount of money and buy a 996 turbo. The comment above that Excellence has put the C4S at "a range of 29 to 35 for 04 c4s cars," isn't wrong but Excellence recently commented that they were going to essentially stop pricing their cars because there was no "right" price possible. $35K is about the lowest you would find a low-mileage 2004 C4S at this point, unless it needed something or the seller was in an awful hurry to unload it. I'm not surprised that at less than 10K miles, the price is north of $50K, but again, you could get a 996 turbo or a 997 for that money. It's also true that a car with 10K miles on it, that's now 7 years old (let's say 6, assuming the buyer used it in 2006), has an average of 1500 miles/year, which is really nothing, and might cause some pause. Not being driven enough is a big cause of failures, as you probably know, and low mileage doesn't necessarily mean "good." You learned that above from Dennis. If you like it and you have the cash, go for it, especially if you love the color. Keep a few extra dollars for potential disasters, though, but you knew that already.

Excellence also foot notes to add 10% for cars with low miles and in excellent condition. When I was buying last fall excellence listed the top price at $39K - I paid $41K - 23k miles - $98K original sticker. It's an 04 with an April 04 build date. I doubt that many people would be knocking on the sellers door at $51K so IF the car checks out you probably have some room to negotiate. Personally I've never been afraid to pay when something is a near perfect example and of course if I really really want it. As others have mentioned, service based on time rather than miles is actually important. Hope it all works out because you are sure to enjoy it.

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Hello Dennis - I have read many times that the C4S shares the same suspension as the Turbo. The build sheet on mine shows a touring suspension. Any idea what a stock Turbo suspension is? My C2 has the USMO30 suspension and it is definitely a firmer suspension than that of my C4S. ( I am actually coming to prefer the C4S touring suspension these days though)

the turbo and the c4s has the same suspension. As witnessed by quadruple the price of the aluminum wheel carriers which are turbo/c4s as opposed to steel on the c2. The difference is mainly the drivetrain, and some other minor body stuff.

Great comments. Appreciate all the info. Ppi in process!

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I've actually wondered about that too. I've always heard the C4S has the same suspension as the turbo but my build sheet shows M032 Touring Suspension. My assumption has been that this suspension for the C4S was the same thing. It's a good question!

Wow! In looking at comps around the country the cost for a C4S with 19,000 miles and below i range from 50,000 -56500

http://newportautocenter.com/Newport.../For-Sale/Used

Yea but are they selling when you can get a turbo or 997 for same money?

The 997 turbo under 20,000 miles are starting at 65,000 All the way up to 85,000

I'm not finding a lot of 2005 C4s around

I agree with you on price point uninsured do like the look of C4S

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If the PPI comes out clean it's probably a $40-$42k car...maybe a little more. $51k is kind of out there. Don't worry about Excellence or anyone who tells you that you can get a Turbo for $35k (no offense to those who say so). At the end of the day what matters most is that you find a car that is 1) healthy and 2) satisfying your wants/needs. It's important to know that you're not getting ripped off but once you decide to buy, don't look back or second guess yourself. Just take your time, find the right car and enjoy it. Good luck! -Eric

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I was referring to the 996 turbo or NA 997.1 For 50 grand you can get into a nice 996 turbo. I would personally do that before buying this car. But if this one really flips your switch then go for it. Is the PPI done yet?

No the ppi I'm doing this week. I will now look at the turbo! Thanks for the feedback.

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That's the ticket!

Sharp car. If the PPI comes out good maybe you can give him a lower offer.

Ppi report clean. He's not giving any discount.

If you love it, buy it. Then enjoy. Keep us posted.

He looking to make a killing. I would be suprised if he gave more than 35 for it on trade, I have a 03 4S with 30K on the clock and did an online guarantted offer on my car just for fun and it came up as 31K I think the values are sneaking up just a bit though.

I will keep you posted.

Well, I found out he paid $49,000 From a dealer. I do think in the the long run the 996 will obtain a higher value May take some time to get there.

$51k is quite high. I paid $41K + 1K to transfer a warranty for one year and I felt like I paid a few thousand above market. Mine is an 04 C4S and had 23.5k miles on the clock when I purchased it in october of 2011. This said - if money is no object for you and you obviously really want this car - then it is a non issue. Here are some pics of mine that were from the seller - I get it is not the desireable speed yellow - but is a near perfect example. Mine had near new and proper N spec tires, new clutch, IMS seal, RMS seal and new brakes, way over maintained as verified by the servicing dealer. Your seller might not be willing to budge because he knows how strong your desire to have this car is. You still have to consider how many buyers are out there that would pay his price. Did you make him an offer with some cash in hand to prove you are ready to buy at your price? I think he should be happy in the mid $40's - not your problem that he paid too much at the dealer. Yet I am one guy that would not call you crazy if you paid his price because you are personally okay with putting that much value on this particular car.

Any update on the deal? Just curious.

Here's the update. I'm ready to pull the trigger for the 05 model but then I found an 03 for sale -basically same equipment for $20,000.00 less with 34,000 miles. Is there a difference between the 03 and 05 model?

The 2003 model with 34,000 miles is $37,000 and the 2005 is $51,000 with 9,500 miles.

I don't think there is a difference.

Thanks

Very minor differences between 03 and 05. Nothing you would really care about. It sounds like the seller of the 05 paid a premium and needs to recoupe it. I paid 53k for an 04 turbo cab with a full Porsche CPO warranty last year. I would say low 40s would be a fair price for the 05.

Thanks The 03 seems to be the best deal. I think he paid $48500 for the 05.

Is the 03 a C4S? If so I think thats the way to go.

Yes 03 is a c4s

Look for 996 turbo for the amount of money you want to spend......no potential IMS issue with that engine....same handling, better driveability....

Thanks

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If you are referring to the yellow 03 c4s in st Louis feel free to email me. I drove that car on thursday.

Markusc $51k is way too much. Keep shopping. I bought my C4S '02 at 46,000 miles for $34k 2 years ago. No regrets. Love the car. Find one that was well maintained and can prove it.