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YOUR RESEARCHPorsche newbie about to take the plunge on a 996
Leading reported evidence
Use porsches out there
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Don't rush, there are a lot of used Porsches out there.
Recommend pre-purchase inspection - although it cannot catch every problem
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Suggestion
I would definately recommend a pre-purchase inspection - although it cannot catch every problem that may come along, you can get a good idea of the condition on the car now.
Leading evidence: 'Use porsches out there' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend pre-purchase inspection - although it cannot catch every problem' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Recommend pre-purchase inspection - although it cannot catch every problem
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Suggestion
I would definately recommend a pre-purchase inspection - although it cannot catch every problem that may come along, you can get a good idea of the condition on the car now.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
Recommend pre-purchase inspection - although it cannot catch every problem
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Reported fixes
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Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I would definately recommend a pre-purchase inspection - although it cannot catch every problem that may come along, you can get a good idea of the condition on the car now.
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13 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T135432Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Bottom line: I 've decided to trade in my 1999 Prowler (purple with > 5K) on a 1999 cabriolet.
What questions should I be asking of car any car I am considering? Besides the RMS of course?
I should also mention that I am not looking to go to the track with this but rather looking for a cool toy for date night with my wife and occasional spins with the 2 munchkins...
TIA for any input you wish to provide.
Jeffrey
1999 has the plastic window in the back. The glass window started in 2002.
If the plastic window in the back does not bother you then, a CPO is always important. Make sure you shop all of the original locations for choices. Autotrader, ebay, at least 2 or 3 dealerships. Don't be afraid to drive 3 hours to find the right car. Always have the car checked out.
No matter what you get, it is a blast and you will enjoy!!!
Good Luck
I would definately recommend a pre-purchase inspection - although it cannot catch every problem that may come along, you can get a good idea of the condition on the car now. Also, the more service records and the fewer owners the better generally. If the munchkins are in carseats, it will be hard to squeeze the 4 of you in, even with the top down. My wife is a skinny 5'5" and can barely fit in front with the car seat in the back. Good luck.
Just for reference, my 1999 C4 cabrio is for sale.
Rebuilt motor, new oxygen sensors, 52,000 miles. Triple black, full leather, supple leather seats, embossed head rests, aluminum shifter and hand brake, PSM, CDR-220 CD player with CD changer, litronic headlights, chrome turbo twists with painted caps, tires have 6,000 miles on them. Seat warmers, factory stereo updgrade, ummm, can't think of anything else right now.
Maybe you are interested or can tell me how much the ones you have been looking at are going for? I would love to know so I know how to price mine.
Joe... Looks like you're right down the road. I'm in Palos Verdes.
I bought a 2000 C4 Cabrio last May. Tripple black and sounds similarly equiped. I've been trying to figure out what it cost new but I can't tell what the added options from the standard equipment. What did yours run in 1999 and what items were an upgrade?
Ed
There were several TSB's on that MY. Have the dealer make sure they were all addressed. Make sure you have all the service records as well, and have a PPI done. That said, despite all precautions a used car is still a gamble.
A well maintained Porsche is a joy to own, a neglected on is a money pit. Don't rush, there are a lot of used Porsches out there. Make sure you pick the right one.
Prowler, eh? Any pics? It's quite rare to see those around here
Get a PPI done that's for sure. Common problems on a 99: cracked coolant tanks, MAF and an occasional RMS...
Thanks for the input.
I don't have a ton of flexibility here if go through a dealership but I am going to try my best and get the most car I can afford (really looking for a trade + $5-10K move). I don't know if I can get a CPO through this dealer but I will definitely have the local Porsche guru do a PPI.
I would consider anything at this point (within my budgetary constraints) but it seems the 1999 C2 cabriolet just fits.
The kids are not car seaters but just small enough where the back seat will be fine for the next 5-7 years.
Here's the current toy (at the dealers):
Jeff
He neighbor. That Prowler is pretty cool. I also have a guy in the neighborhood who has a 99 C4 cabrio, a Prowler, and he parks his Vette and SUV in the garage. Drives me CRAZY. They are ALL red too.
As for the original cost of my car - I am not sure. I think you can find an answer to that at kbb.com or edmunds.com. I am not sure which of my options came as a package, and which came seperately. The CD changer and chrome wheels and caps I added myself.
Good luck in your search.
arrgh i've always wanted a prowler, too bad you arent from around here, i'd trade my c2 cab in a heartbeat! no sensible reason really, they are just such a cool, unique car.
You may also want to look into E46 M3. M3 has more room in back.
You can get a 1999 996 for $40k. Be sure you get one that is clean. They will cost you $$$ to fix it up.
LOL. Maybe we should talk? How much could it cost to ship a car?
BTW, I don't really have a reason for wanting to trade either. I love my Prowler and it is definitely a head turner...just looking for something different. Call it a mid-life crisis...I guess it's either trade in the car or the wife and this way seems less painful
Jeff
I paid $26,500 for mine ~4 months ago......if it had been in any better shape I would be afraid to drive it everyday....now I see why people that buy them new only put minimal miles on them......I treat mine like a beater & dont worry about much......lmao
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