Which 996 would you buy?

Figured this would be a good place to post this question. I am a long time fan of the 3.2 Carrera and late 993 C4S and Turbo, but the more I read, the more it seems the 996 is the better option for a car that will be a daily driver on good weather days. And given the fact that the 993 C4S seems to be holding it's value pretty well, no reason not to go with a newer 996? Plus, if you are looking for good HVAC system and quieter inside noise, then the 996 seems to be the better option. I love the '87-'89 911 Carrera, but I want good heat and A/C. So, if you were looking to FINALLY get in to your first Porsche, have decided it will be the 911 (even though you like and respect the 928 and 944 Turbo, but the wife doesn't), which 996 would you get given the following: 1) Looking for the most reliable version of the 996 (of course PPI, good maintenance history, etc is a must on any car considered) - but which 996's are less likely to have the RMS problem, etc 2) Which would you get to drive on a daily basis and really enjoy the trip in 3) Will see driving in all Iowa weather except winter (but why not drive a P-car in winter, they do it in Europe, thus the mention of the C4 or C4S). 4) Need to return enjoyment for the time and money spent with it in regards to the driving experience. 5) Price range would most likely be the $35,000-$45,000 range for the right clean, maintained example Any and all input appreciated.

Welcome!! 1) No one knows, however, always buy the most recent year you can afford. 2) Any version of the 996, with the excpetion of the GT3 which was designed for track use. 3) I live in NY and drive my C4S all year round, but good snow tires are a must - C4 or C4S are great 4) No one will know this but you - but if you don't buy outside of your means I'm sure you wont regret it 5) At that price range it will be tough to get a C4S, however, a C4 is certainly doable. Hope this helps, Rob

Thanks for the input. This is the kind of stuff I am looking for.

I would buy the one that offered the lowest miles, and most warranty remaining. ANy model will work fine. Just be patient and find the one for you.

I would have liked to have gotten the 40th anaversary editon but I fell in love with the first pretty face I saw. I think the extra power, lsd and upgraded interior make the 40th a very desirable vehicle. I do not think it falls in your price range right now though. I live in NJ and we get our share of snow. I have good snow tires on my C2 and I have not had a problem. Good luck with your hunt and don't make the mistake I made by falling for the first one you see. Don't get me wrong, I love my C2, it is my first P-car and I did not know about the 40th. If you have not guessed it by now I did not know about Rennlist until after I bought my first P-car....

LSD would be nice, especially if I didn't end up with a C4 or C4S. I definitely won't jump at the first one I see and am prepared for this process to take some time to get the right, first P-Car. Good things come to those who wait...

Eric - you don't need awd to get around in the snow/ice, just an extra set of wheels with good snow tires. At the top end of your price range, you may be able to find a 2002 C2 with some miles on it. There were lots of good improvements made in '02 (plenty of threads on that topic), just buy a good service contract and go have fun. You'll have more depreciation that a 993 but if you plan on keeping it awhile, you'll be ok. I'm a former Iowan myself - GO HAWKS - FIRST PLACE IN THE BIG TEN (hope you're not a Cyclone fan)..... Good luck!!

I know about not needing AWD to get around in Iowa winters. I currently (and will continue) to drive an '04 Mercury Marauder that I have a set of dedicated winter wheels and tires on and go anywhere in anything we have had this year. Including 6" of fresh, unplowed snow with no extra weight in the back. Then again, I am sure the Marauder has more ground clearance than a P-Car. Looking for my first P-Car to share mileage duties with the Marauder and to just enjoy as much as possible - like I do the Marauder. The wife will get the truck/SUV she decides on as long as it is big enough to pull a boat. I guess I have always figured I wanted the C4 for the handling and traction benefits. Then again, I have never driven any 911 and am a little intimidated by the handling traits of the 911... I went to both U of I and ISU. Definitely liked U. of Iowa better. And they definitely have the better sports program.

oh man you definitely need a set of snow tires with a rwd car. I got caught in snow last Saturday. It was raining in NYC and twenty minutes later on my drive back to NJ it was like I was ice skating. Had to dump the car just off the highway but not before twice spinning the car. NEVER again. That snow wasn't supposed to come until midnight! I still had a whole 30 minutes

I know that feeling. First snow this winter back in November came with 8 inches and they only called for 1". I got caught with the stock 18" wheels and tires on for the 45 miles drive home from work. Was not fun. Got home, pulled the wifes car out of the garage for more room, pulled mine in, and put the winter wheels and tires on. So glad I spent the little bit for dedicated snow and ice tires and steel wheels for the winter.

If what you say in red above is true, then you will find that after you have an oportunity to drive one, you will have a much better idea on what you are looking for. If you go with a Cabriolet then it is in your best interest to get a 2002+ as it comes with a glass window. It has been said before that it is best to buy the newest year you can afford. Make sure you test drive a few. Read my story and maybe you just might want to fly out to CA and meet with the salesman that took me on my test drives. Good luck in your search.

There was lots of improvements in 02+ models over the previous ones. Better torque at low RPMs for one, glass window in cabs etc. I would definitely go for 02+ models if you can afford it / find a good one. On RMS - dont worry about it. Its rare and absolutely blown out of proportions. Besides, repairing it is less than $1k and will most likely fix it for good with the latest seals. If thats the worst you have to spend on a problem in a sports car, then be happy! (Ask the Ferrari guys what they pay in maintenance....) Oh - like Chris 996 says - go out and try different models back to back. DONT buy the first and best. Besides thinking RWD vs. AWD, you also need to think cab vs. coupe, PSM or not, track or just plain roads etc. All to narrow down your choices.

02 C2

I definitely want a coupe, not a cab. Probably want the PSM and not concerned about tracking the car. It will be a driver to enjoy on everyday roads. And, from what I have been reading, need to focus on an '02+. The big thing, once the weather starts getting nicer, will be to find some to start test driving and figure out which I want. That will be kind of tough to do around here. Just finding 1 or 2 to test drive close by will be tough. I think a P-Car purchase will involve some traveling not only to find one, but just to test drive them

On RMS - dont worry about it. Its rare and absolutely blown out of proportions. Besides, repairing it is less than $1k and will most likely fix it for good with the latest seals. If thats the worst you have to spend on a problem in a sports car, then be happy! (Ask the Ferrari guys what they pay in maintenance....) What you post is true, but let's not forget that most guys who buy used cars do so because they aren't rolling in money, and even an unexpected $1K hit could hurt. I think it's prudent to always buy a CPO 996 and then you'll have at least two years of worry free driving.

Just do not buy it at a Ford dealership

Maybe, fast1. But I purchased a used 996 cab not because I couldn't afford a new one but because I finally grew tired of taking the depreciation hit in the **** on my last Porsche and the M3 before that car. But I concur with you, I wouldn't go anywhere with a CPO on a used car.

Well said. Plus with all the money saved, plenty left over for Mods and RMS fix or for whatever may happen.

Go with a MY2000 C4 - you can get a great, low mileage example for under 40k, and you have some $$$ left over for mods. Don't max out your budget, just don't do it.