2004 C4S purchase. Should I?

Hi, I am considering a 2004 C4S that has come available. It has 20k miles and looks to be in very good condition based on photos and a description. I want to go look and maybe drive it around, but I had thought that I should ask for advise from my fellow Porschephiles. Is this a good year for the 911 or the C4S? Are there any gotchas that I should look for? Are there any other pages out on the Interwebs that I should read before I go and look? I currently own a daily driver 95 993 and have been very happy with the car for six years. It is just past 70k miles and is beginning to show signs of aging, but still runs strong. I would be very sad to part ways with her. Before that it was a 79 Targa that I was sad to see go after four years. I have a feeling that it will probably be that way with all Porsches that I own, but sometimes it's okay to move on. I did move a 914 out of my driveway last year and that made me sorta happy. It was a project car that I rescued from certain death by rot. I just didn't have the time to continue it. I do all the basic servicing of my 993, but would I be able to do this on the 996? I am a bit daunted by the increased complexity of the motor. Is this a valid concern? What are the other trade-offs? So, would it be a good idea to run with this car? Are they still good daily drivers? I would think so, but obviously depreciation takes a good smacking. I really don't care too much, but I also would not like to see it drop too fast. The sales price for this C4S is $58k. [Edit] - The only options that I see that it has are 18" wheels, Bose sound and Navigation. The exhaust looks like the double ring type. Is that a normal type or sound package? Reading the Buying Guide now... Thanks for any advice given! DS

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Yes. No. I too moved from the 993 to 996. Maintenance is much easier on the 996. Yes. As a DD, better than the 993 IMHO. Seems pricey to me, but I don't keep up with the market pricing any more and the C4S always carries a premium. Best of luck! Michael '02 996 Cabriolet

I bought my 2004 C4s Cab, this January for $58.8K. It had 24k miles, but it was Porsche certified, so I have the 2 year 100K factory warranty. Very happy with the car, and you can't go wrong for $58k. Check the year the car was sold, and you might have some warranty left, and then you can buy an extended Porsche warranty. I like the turbo look on the C4s, and I picked it over the 997. Good luck.

I also went from 993 to 996 and it is far more useable as a daily driver than the 993 in terms of comfort and peace of mind. It also has more power and responds more quickly in the lower rpm ranges. A search with 993 in the 996 forum may help but ultimately your unique experience when you test drive the car will be the most telling. CPO is the way to go. C4S is a GREAT looking car.

I've had a C4S and a now a Turbo. If I were you, I would spend $58 to $60k on a 2001/02 TT rather than the same amount for an 04 C4S. Either way, make sure it's CPO'd.

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Don't mean to follow you around the 996 forum today, but for almost 60 large, there's no way I'd be C4S shopping--I'd be tagging along with you looking for a turbo.

If you can get the price down, go with the C4S. If you can afford the $60K, go with a TT. Either way, you won't regret it.

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+1 - BUT, if you can get the price down to lower 50's - I'd say do it

for $60K, I'd be looking for a 997S

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Hmmm. You made me think about that one. For me, I think I'd still take a 996TT over the 997S. Better engine (no RMS, true dry sump), AWD, 420 horses.

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I was in the market for both (before the Turbo dropped below $60k) and was around $65k for the low miles ones (20k). The 997s was around the same or a few K more. I drove BOTH and the Turbo was by FAR my choice. The 997S is STILL $65 to $70K Difference NOW is that you can find a 40k to 50k mile 2001 or 2002 for LOW $50's. You CAN NOT find a 997S for low $50's (unless it has 90k). SO, if the OP wants to buy a Porsche in the low $50's, buy a 2001/02 Turbo with 40 to 50k miles CPO'd.

First of all, thanks for all your comments, guys. It really does help. Okay, so what I am gathering is that $58k might be a tad tall on the price. If I could talk them down to the low $50s, that sounds more appropriate. This is not at a P-car dealer, but at one of the exotic dealers, so does that mean no CPO? I am hoping to trade my car in with them, but am worried about being undercut. I have always been a big fan of the 'hips' on some of the models. Ergo, why I own a 993. The stock 996 has never appealed to me with its streamlined look, as I still want the hips. The C4S seemed to be the next step, since I was sort of daunted by the cost of a Turbo (both purchase and operating) and I just imagine my insurance costs skyrocket up with the word Turbo attached to the word Porsche. I need to start looking at photos of the 01-02 Turbos, but this black C4S is pretty stunning. What about maintenance of the Turbo compared to the C4S? What about being a DD? I am still flexing towards the C4S, but am very open to a dialog WRT the Turbo. Money is somewhat important since this has to fit with some of the other goals I have. I am not in a hurry, but for whatever reason I am drawn to this car. [shwing!] DS

I agree c4s is one sexy bitch!! But for that money the earlier turbo is the way to go for oh so many reasons. #1 being the engine block is NOT the M96, but the tried and tested version used in motorsports and the GT3. Maintenance, barring catastrophe, should be pretty similar. These cars do not require a ton of maintenance, unless of course you get the mod bug. Also at the price you should be looking at Porsche dealers as their warranty is far superior in my opinion. But really at the end of the day, it's just a car so buy what moves you.

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Okay, this makes me feel a ton better about looking at the Turbos. How about insurance costs? How much more should I expect? Duly noted. Won't their prices be higher than PP, though? I will have to start checking their stock for the right car. I will pretend I didn't hear all of that last remark... ;~P DS

Turbo is the way to go, similar maintenance costs, save for turbo problems, ie diverter valves and some other parts that are systemic to the turbos. Check the turbo forum for more answers. Either way, get an after market warranty and ALWAYS get a PPI. Simply call your insurance co. to find out the price difference. Mine went from $90 to $120 a month. One more thing, if you CAN, spend $60k and get an 02 with 20k miles and CPO. Otherwise, $55k SHOULD get you an 01 with 40k miles.

Okay. It seems I should begin my search for a Turbo, but I am still going to go look at this C4S on Saturday. Just for kicks. Who knows? They may even make me an offer I cannot refuse! Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions.

My 2004 C4S Cab has been rock solid... bought it new Jan. 2004 and it now has 65,000 miles on it. Go for it!

For that money, shop for the turbo, you get the dry sump ( bullitt proof ) motor, and will be driving a car that will thrill you every time you step on the gas. With the current pricing of used turbos, there is just no reason to go with the C4S, you get the same car with the turbo, except with more power and unlimited possibilities to modify it for even more power if you choose to.

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If we are going to get into comparing cars within the 911 model range, one need merely refer to Prof. Clarkson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIQg3...eature=related

Good advice from the proffesor there!He did forget to mention that the C4 is more than just a body kit, as you do get the AWD and bigger brakes. As much as I love the C4S model, it just seems like you are paying a premium for this model that it hard to justify IMO.

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Suggestion...Go to 997 Forum and look for my FS C4S Aero for sale. Delivered 06/2007 and maybe more than you are looking for but what the heck!

now sure wtf you did with the side parts of the rear bumper...and not feeling the red S but now THAT is a siq car... a 997c4s with aerokit. wide, baby wide. and the whole dry sump means little to me and many others. sure it's GT1 but the 3.8 is a very solid engine n/a power baby. add the 2nd gen ceramic brakes... updated interior... game over.