Buying a 60,000 mile 996 - Any advice?

Hi to everyone! A few months ago I was asking a few questions about 911s and whether to prefer a 993, a 996 or perhaps one of the cheapest 997s. Time has come and I have got settled in Los Angeles and I have looked at a few cars. Apparently, as gorgeous the 993 looks, it felt too dated for me and I have decided to go with a 996. I have almost decided on a white 996 targa with grey interior, 6-speed manual and 60,000 miles. The current owner has had it from new (and replaced it with a 997 white targa a few months ago), it has a clean carfax and it seems to be in a very good condition other than some minor faults : the front bumper needs a respray, it has a couple dings at the sides - most likely from other cars' doors, one of the rear speaker covers is broken and the paint on the central console has peeled off. I have had a specialist check the car (Kami at Santa Monica Blvd & Sepulveda Blvd) and he says that it is in a very good condition and it needs nothing else other than its 60,000 mile service. The engine is in great shape, no RMS issues, the suspension and brakes the same. He also says that the car's underside is sound and it hasn't been involved in any major accident. My first question is what do you think a fair price for this car is. And the second question is what should I check (in addition to what the mechanic has checked) before purchasing the car.

What year??

OT. Don't mean to steal your thread.When did you finally sell your 996 Rick3452? Congrats! Did you get your price?

Clutch !

yup year? and price? E

It is a 2002 model. The clutch was changed at 40,000 miles when the flywheel was changed due to a recall. It feels like it has lot of life left.

You could probably get it for between $50-60K

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with $60K to spend. Sincerely, Macster.

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discounting new cars like crazy. Try $12000 off MSRP for Carreras (ad in SF Chron. paper the other day from a local Porsche dealer). Used car prices have fallen like crazy too. I visited www.kbb.com and punched in what I know about the car you're asking about and the retail price was around $34000. That's high in my book. Dealer probably would give way under trade-in for the car and seller would be hard pressed to sell it at private party sale price. Sincerely, Macster.

Sounds like a great car. Have the seller pay for the 60k service. It is worth paying more to have a car with no issues that was maintained by the original owner.

I have longed for a Targa and the miles sound OK... 2002 c2 coupes in my area are asking $40k with ~40k miles.. So deduct for the miles, make them do the 60k service and add some because its a Targa!! remember: if it has new parts, its NOT an add $, but used parts ARE a minus $ !! check brakes, tires and other easy deducts. my $0.02 GL and post pics when you get her home! E

Mid 30's is about right for a well maintained car with 60k on the clock, maybe high 30's. What sort of options does it have?

I haven't been looking at prices for a few months, but somewhere in the mid-upper 30's range is probably about right. Granted, it is a Targa, and they are sometimes hard to find if you've got your heart set on one. For what it's worth, when I was at Carmax earlier this year, my '02 Targa with 60k miles was quoted $30k... and they probably would've tried to sell it for 5-10k more. BTW, I love my targa, and you will love yours too!

Agree with the other poster about having the 60k service done before you buy it. If the seller is reluctant, maybe offer to split the cost with him or add it to the price of the car.

I got my first Porsche a few days ago!! I will be posting a few pics soon. I have a few initial, basic question with which I'd like some help with. - First, what sort of consumption should I expect in city driving and how important is using 93oct fuel? So far I am getting around 12mpg on 91oct fuel. - Second, how important is it to get an aftermarket warranty? I mean how likely is it to have big maintenance/repair issues given that it has 60k mi already? - Third, being a Targa, may I track the car without fear that the pillar flex might/will damage the targa mechanism? Also, can I install a RoW sport suspension when the time to replace the dampers comes? Thanks again!!

If this helps my 2002 C4 Cab was 39k with 51k miles. The 2002 is a great year.

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25mpg in mixed driving. Strictly city/stop/go (which I avoid whenever possible) if continued thru a full tank of gas -- which seldom happens -- mileage drops to near 20mpg. 12mpg might be reasonable given your style of driving, car and engine size. Be sure tire pressures right and pay attention to driving style. Not hard to pick up 10% (or more) increase in MPG by following some MPG friendly driving techniques. (City driving in my 400hp 06 GTO 6-speed sees fuel economy in mid to high teens. But I'm very aware of its consumption and always seek to max. fuel economy when driving this car. On strictly highway runs, 26mph not uncommon.) Use highest octane gas in your area. Not hard to do. Just buy from name brand station premium gas. Shop stations that do lots of business so gas freshest. And if station busy likely its prices lowest in area. Aftermarket warranty not usually a good 'investment'. However, if a major engine failure would find you facing hardship to get car repaired, buying an extended warranty (service contract) might be way to go be worth it for peace of mind while you own car. Be sure you buy coverage from reputable company and read fine print of actual coverage very very carefully before you hand over money, sign on dotted line. Be sure you understand what's covered, what is not covered. Watch out. Track use may invalidate coverage. Also, keep in mind any troubles (if there are any) are almost always due to miles covered, not time, so if you plan on putting few miles on car while you own it extended warranty/service contract likely waste of money. Sincerely, Macster.