Looking for a 2002-2003 C4 Cabriolet

Hi, I'm in the market for a 2002-2003 C4 Cabriolet. I haven't decided if I want the manual or the Tiptronic yet. Still want to do a little more research on that aspect. Where would people recommend searching to find one? I'm willing to do a little bit of travelling from Washington, DC to find the right car. What should I expect to pay? Which non-cosmetic options would people recommend? I definitely am interested in Traction Control (was that standard in 2002?) and the Xenon headlights. I have also heard about the adjustable suspension. Was that available in 2002? Anything in particular I should be looking out for? I've read a little bit about the rear main seal issue. I'll research that a little bit more as well. Thanks, David

Go to www.porsche.com and search the used inventory for dealership stock. Check eBay and other auction sites. If you're lucky, you'll find something close to what you like, and get a certified pre-owned under full warranty.

Yeah, and also make sure to look at the classifieds section of this website. Most people that use this site really take care of their cars. There are more than 120 911s for sale right now: https://rennlist.com/ads/

If I'd known then what I know now, I'd have gotten an '02, instead of an '03, because of the MOST buss in the '03, which limits what you can do w/the stereo......do some searching on the subject!!!!!

As you mentioned in your note, you have some idea of some options that you want. These cars are all about the options so make sure you understand exactly which ones are important to you and shop based upon those requirements and colors desired. There should always be a white sticker under the hood that lists the option codes for the options that were installed on the car. I would also recommend getting a certified one from a dealer for piece of mind. If you get it from a non-dealer, make sure you get a PPI done to have it fully checked out. PSM (Porsche Stability Management-computerized traction control) is standard on the C4; optional on the C2. Lastly, take your time. It took me four months to find the "right" car.

I was curious and since I had a few minutes I ran the search of dealers all within 150 miles of D.C. (with some in D.C.) for you and found these cars, starting at about $64K and up to $600K, see below: http://don-rosen.porschedealer.com/p...ntoryid=119704 http://arlington.porschedealer.com/p...ntoryid=134701 http://tischer.porschedealer.com/pre...ntoryid=103347 http://brandywine.porschedealer.com/...ntoryid=139193 It's probably a misprint, but this C4 Cab is the one that is $600K: http://cherry-hill.porschedealer.com...ntoryid=119466

All good advice. I will followup on it. Anyone have recommendations on a good place to get an inspection done in the Washington, DC area? I'm in Montgomery County, Maryland. David

I'd recommend 02 since you can upgrade stereo like adding aftermarket NAV that's based on DVD and can be upgraded with bluetooth etc. You'll want heated seats since that's expensive to add afterwards. Getting a hardtop is also a good idea since you are in DC unless it's a summer only car. You also want 18" wheels, Bose, windstop, xenon at a minimum. PASM is the active suspension, which I think it's a nice to have. Getting one that's certified from Porsche would be best. Prices at dealer can be talked down since 997 cabs are out now and 996 are just sitting. Check autotrader, craigslist, ebay for private sell but be aware of the RMS issue and try to get one with some factory warranty left if you buy 3rd party. For PPI, dealer or Porsche specialists should do it well. If dealer doesn't charge too much, I'd go for that. Some seller will split cost of PPI too.

Thanks for the advice. Is the RMS issue one that is fixable? Is Porsche doing it under warranty? Is is one of those things that they will repair if it manifests, but otherwise they will not do anything? A previous car of mine, a 1991 NSX had a transmission issue that affected a small number of cars, but it lead to a catastrophic transmission failure. Only a small number of cars within a certain build-number range were affected so they didn't recall the whole lot of them. However, if the transmission did go (even after warranty in some cases), Honda went ahead and replaced the whole thing with a new gearbox. I'll research exactly what kind of failure that is and what range of cars might be affected. David --

RMS is a design flaw. While it can be fixed for about $800, there is no guarantee that you may not have it again. RMS is being fixed by Porsche on cars in warranty only. Some have got Porsche to pay for the repair once warranty run out. Porsche doesn't replace RMS on non leaking engine. You don't want them to change RMS unless you have a leak anyway.