$35k - is 996 "Best p-car you can afford"?

So, I'm selling the 930 and figure I will have a P-Car Budget of around $35k. I'm leaning towards a 996, I will be using the car as a twice a week 'daily' driver in Boston. but would like to know... What should be my realistic expectations for a $35,000 996?

Not much. You'll have to wait a little bit for them to come down just a bit more. The high 30's seem to be the bottom as of now for good 996's. I've seen extremely high mileage ones that are in fair or worse shape advertised around 33k or so, but you wouldn't want any of those ones. I'd say be patient and keep hunting around. Watch E-bay on early year 996's (99-00) and see what you can find. Also check out a group in Boston - "Baystate Motorsports". That's where I bought mine and I looked all over the country. Note that I live in Hawaii and had to ship it a very long distance. They are not very knowledgeable with regards to P-cars (they knew very little about my car, really), but they are very, very fair. They also own a place in FL that has tons of cars and they may be able to find you a car for what you're looking for at auctions, whatever. At least give 'em a try. I did find that prices were lowest in the NE area, so you should be able to find a good car at 35k if you're patient or at least close to it. Good luck! OH, and btw? My last P-car was an '86 Turbo cab - not too different from yours. You'll like the change to the 996.

you have mail. how about a well-optioned, well-loved '00 c2 coupe for under $40k?

If you look around, there are a lot of deals to be had in your price range. $35 is not out of the question and you can even grab a few 00's that are off color, etc. Good luck!

You can get a very nice 993 for that money (mine was less and it's a peach), if that interests you...

GrantG, I think a 993 is the fall-back position, I first want to fully understand what kind of 996 the $35k could get me. Thanks for your input

The 993 will be a more similar driving experience to your 930, albiet, without the thrust in your back!

Well, having owned both a 996 (2002 3.6L) and 993, I would call the 996 the fall-back position Seriously, I do enjoy the 993 more, price independent...

Really this wasn't meant to be a 993 vs. 996 discussion. I am VERY interested in your opinions and buy/sell stories concerning 996's in the $35k range.

Sorry, I really didn't mean to muddy the water. I sold my 996 for over $60k, so I imagine $35k would only buy a 1999 with quite alot of miles...

I found a 99 C2 with 21k miles, a new engine, clutch and tires for $31k, although it seems to not have any options. Is this something I should jump on right away?

Many differing opinions on the new engine. Obviously a plus to have a new engine and clutch. But why? Probably RMS. Without a warranty, if it were to happen again, you would have to foot the bill for a new engine. The 993 also has issues with the CEL light and carbon build up in the secondary air passage. This could also be costly but will not require a new engine.

I don't think that 35k is out of the question for a 996, but your options would be limited for now. I've seen about three of them over the past six months that were under that. I'm not sure of their conditions and you can be assured that they weren't very well optioned but there was one that I had my eye on and it sold before I could get to it. Ebay isn't the best place to look as the 996 C2's seem to settle around the low 40k's. But, check Autotrader online and do an 'any distance' search. That is the place I found the most success with finding a good deal. That's were I found mine. Thanks, Nazz

I was also thinking it was RMS, but I assumed the newer engines have this problem fixed? Or am I still at risk for the failure with a new engine?

If you pick up the new issue of excellence there is a decent market report article on buying a used 996/986 complete with values, etc.

Here's the quickest answer... http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/r...arch_type=used But this is the Florida market which is very soft for Porsches. The longer answer that I can give is regarding my experience... I bought mine in January, it was a very lightly optioned Mirage coloured, 6 speed two owner local car (the original owner only had it 3 months, the second owner had it since then). The only significant options it had were auto-dimming mirrors and the Hi-fi stereo/cd changer package. The paint is 'like new' with no dings or stone chips, pretty remarkable really and interior is about average for a decent 5 yr old car (minor wear but nothing ripped, gouged or torn). The car had 35,000 miles and had just had it's 30,000 mile service done under warranty within the last 3 months or so. I paid $37k, which wasn't really a screamin' deal or anything and I probably could have shaved another 1-2k off if I had felt like walking away. I liked the color and the car had low miles and a good service history so I took it. I now have 43,000 miles and the car with these problems to date: needed new rear tires ($500) needed to replace the coolant overflow tank ($200) needed to replace the hood latch ($150) Your mileage may vary. Regarding RMS, I spoke to a local Porsche mechanic who said the RMS would cost about $850 to replace if I ever needed it. Your mileage may vary. Hope this helps to answer your question. -Keith

Evan - All 996's (regardless of age) are subject to RMS leaks, except GT2/3/TT, which can leak but it is far rarer. Even the 997/S may leak - we're waiting to see if they've finally corrected the problem...