First 911 - 2002 C4S?

Having grown up in Germany, I was fortunate to have an uncle that went through a whole series of 911s back when the 2.4S was new until the mid eighties. Rides on the Autobahn and fast country roads, even as a passenger, were amazing.... Once in North America, started an interest in american muscle (Mustangs, Corvettes of which I had several). But always came back to the sound, look and feel of Porsche 911s and after many years of wanting one, finally decided to get one... I was looking for a 997 (2005-2007), preferably the "S" model and almost scored a mint 2007 997 S which was sold by the time I got to the dealer (-) Then started looking at the C4S which looks amazing and is cheaper/more available. Tried a 2002 C4S, silver on black, 50,000 miles on it, new alternator, battery, and tires all around. Rides smooth, no shake in the steering, sounds good. Has a cheesy aftermarket stereo, repainted bumpers, otherwise seems original. Considering buying it, after a PPI but concerned about resale value and reliability. Should I hold out for a 997 for the above reasons? Any advice for an upcoming first time Porsche owner? Appreciate your comments - thank you

but concerned about resale value and reliability. you and every other owner...be a big boy and make a choice....no matter which way there will be good things and bad....never all good. best of luck, and hurry you are not getting any younger

Using my walker to speed up my shopping....will look at a couple more 911s, maybe drive one or two more + pull the trigger.....Ultimately, 315hp, 345 hp or 385 hp will all be more than enough to entertain.....Mike

The advice I received when looking was "buy the newest that you can afford." Simple, but true, without going into lengthy reasoning.

Or in my circle "the oldest Porsche you can afford )

997s > 996 4S > 997 non-S Just my .02. I love my 2002 C4S.

I bought a 2002 C4S as my first 911. It still puts a smile on my face every day.

I got a 2005 C4S ... its amazing

I have a 2002 C4 Cabrio as my first porsche and needless to say, i'm in heaven

997s will have more depreciation than 996s. I think you will be happy with a 996. Spend the savings on some preventative maintenance and future work. You will still be ahead.

my choice 996 cs4. direct injection 997 are supposed to be very good. as far as resale value and reliability - cars do not appreciate, and cars break down. buy a clean one, enjoy it. if you are that worried about reliability/maintenence sell a vette. do it sooner than later. $0.02

There is a price gap difference from a 997S to a 2002 996 4S. I will say 4S if price is right

Looked at some more 996 C4S - incredible what poor shape some of these "60,00" mile cars are in - scatched up all over, swirl marks everywhere, half the dash lights don't work, zero service records, crappy after market stereos + wheels and wear not commensurate with the claimed mileage.... But.....starting to get more and more excited to find the right 911 - not hung up on year or model, more the condition and history....looking forward to having that first 911 parked in my driveway soon....Mike

Mike, I plunged into 911 ownership 2 years ago and purchased a 1990 Porsche 911 (964) which has turned many O.K. days into GREAT days. The 911 ownership and driving experience has been the best over the past 2 years. Yesterday, I took another plunge and bought a 2002 Porsche 911 C4S. I also gave my daughter my 2000 Porsche Boxster yesterday, so she's in the Porsche family as well. Good luck with your search and be patient, the 911 with your name on it is out there somewhere, it will be yours, when you know it's right. Sam

Sounds like you are taking the right path... I jumped right in, decided to buy a Porsche one morning and by weeks end had a 996. No PPI, I just winged it and prayed. One year later......the car is a joy to drive every day. Just do it!!!! You will be happy

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Many on this Forum will state that you must do a PPI when purchasing these Porsche's. Of the 3 that I own, I had a PPI done on 2 (964 and 996) and both shops who performed the PPI said the cars were well maintained and had no issues. With the 964 I had some issues that surfaced shortly after, that should have been caught during a PPI. The 996 has just recently been added and I hope no issues surfaces it's ugly head right now. The 986 was purchased without a PPI and it has been totally reliable and has had no issues at 105K. The point is, a PPI cannot find everything wrong with the car, or foresee future part failures but will find enough to tell you whether to walk away, or continue with the sales process. Enjoy your ride, and if issues manifest, just fix them and get on. Sam

After looking at a few 996/997 walked into a dealer showroom yesterday and saw a mint 2006 Carrera 2 in astral grey with sand interior. 6 speed, xenon, Bose, 19 inch S wheels, very clean, 35,000 miles, has Porsche warranty to 2012 and comes with new tires. First 911. Was not sure entirely about the color combo then went to a fundraiser last night hosted by Lamborghini and saw a Gallardo in the same color combo which looked really good so I guess all done. PPI next week, on the road by next weekend.....Thanks for all the help and the little push to just do it...Mike

I guess all done. PPI next week, on the road by next weekend..... PICS !!

I've got an 03 targa, I love driving the car,and that absolutely out weighs and fear of depreciation. Can't put a price on happiness, plus any car should be expected to depreciate,and shouldn't keep you from owning and driving a super-car.

After 6 months of searching and reading all the horror stories I bought a 2002 C4S. Love the car, all maint was done in great shape. 997 only resolved the issue in 09 so big price difference. I would recommend the car, i am loving it more everytime i drive it. Would like some more grunt though, flash and PSE mod are in the future. Beautiful cars, the 996's have been heavily depreciated and are great buys for sure.

Two years ago, I bought my C4S and couldn't have been happier with the choice. Sure they need some loving (so be prepared for it), but nothing beats swinging that rear end around corners at speeds that simply aren't possible in mere mortal cars.

If you are worried about depreciation buy air cooled, they are the only ones that wont lose value. I bought a 996 C4S and haven't looked back