Another New Member/Shopper

Hi Guys - Posting to introduce myself, and hopefully get a little help in my search for my first Porsche. I have been looking for 3-4 weeks at available 996's, mostly in central California, Sac, SF Bay Area. I have a budget of 15k-30k. I could probably go a little higher if the perfect car comes along, but I think I prefer to find something in lower end of my range and have some reserves for early maintenance or upgrades. I have tools, a good shop, am reasonably good at turning a wrench and have prior experience with car and airplane projects. I don't have a strong preference for a MKI or MKII. I do think I would prefer to find something newer which points to a MKII, but a 1999 model seems to be a sweet spot for availability and value. I have also seen a few 03 S models that seem promising, but of course those are at the higher end of the range. I have had my eye on several listings. I keep coming back to this one, so I figure that it's a good starting point for some advice or discussion. http://backwebs.homenetinc.com/norhs...A2993XS623982/

I think that's a keeper. I just sold my '99 factory aerokit with 148k on the odometer but only 74k on the engine for $15,750. It had leather dash, which that one does not appear to have, plus upgraded gearshift and e-brake handle and some other minor plusses. I think the aerokit adds around $3,000 in value. So, I think the price is about right, maybe get them down to $13k even. The left tailpipe is hanging lower than the right, which could indicate a need for motor mounts, but that's not a big deal (if you drink the motor mount koolaid, you'll end up changing them out anyway even if they are perfectly good). I love guards red cars. I prefer black interior, though. Tan interior just doesn't wear as well (although I actually think guards red over tan is the best looking combination when new). I don't care for the chrome wheels. But, if you want to swap wheels and are ok buying used wheels, you can probably sell those chrome ones and upgrade to a set for a minimal cost if you keep your eyes open. Bottom line, that's a great price point to get into a 996. It's a beautiful car, appears to be in nice condition, the lower miles on the engine is a plus. If your engine does grenade, you can sell the carcass for about $6K and only lose about $7k in value in a worst-case scenario. That will help you sleep a lot better at night than if you drop $25k or $30k on a newer car. Then, once you fall in love with the 996 model, you can always sell this car later for what you paid for it (it ain't going to depreciate any) and upgrade to a newer/nicer car. That's basically where I am right now - just sold my 996 and am in the hunt for a 996 Turbo. So, good luck. I like the car you've found. Get a PPI, and buy it if it comes back relatively clean. There will always be something wrong with a car at this price and mileage point - so don't freak when the PPI finds some stuff wrong. It is a low-risk situation, and odds are that you'll have a great experience with it and wonder why you didn't get one sooner.

By the way, since everyone has "spring fever" for buying a car right now, that color combination at that price probably won't be around long. But, if you miss out on it, there will be plenty more come on the market. Don't get in a hurry - get a PPI. You don't want to be in that "worst case scenario" in your first month of ownership. It has happened to guys before - get the PPI. Get the PPI. Get the PPI.

Since you have just started looking, my advice would be to take your time and learn to be picky about each car you look at. Look at and test drive several cars so you can tell/feel what is normal as far as noises, tightness of the car, gearshift feel, brake feel, rattles, etc. The best thing to do of course is search the 996 forum for buying info. There are dozens of threads including newer ones that give good insight. Some will disagree, but low miles are always a plus in my opinion. Engine problems caused by low miles can be addressed pretty easily, but it is much harder and more difficult to track down and replace all of the suspension and body bits that wear out with mileage. That's not to say a well maintained higher mileage car is not a good option, but just be aware of what the car might need if you jump into one.

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I couldn't agree with this more. Excellent advice! One bit of caution - This (and other) 996 forum is an easy place to get overwhelmed with the paranoia that this car will experience catastrophic failure at any moment. You can chase those threads and spend thousands preemptively replacing parts and worrying about every little noise and behavior. Don't fall victim to that mindset. Simply due to the nature of man, very few of us post up what a great week we've had with our 996, but everyone who loses an engine creates a thread. Take all the doom and gloom with a grain of salt. Pick a car you like and feel good about, buy it, drive it, enjoy it!

Thanks for the input guys. I am certainly subject to spring fever myself, but doing my best to be patient. I will absolutely get a PPI on something like this, and the good news is that I have a good friend with a euro performance shop in the area to look at the car. This car is also in the running. I tend to agree with kcattorney regarding the interior color and wear and that's a concern (minor) on that red/tan one. This one has a black interior that looks a little nicer. Similar engine history but not well documented. Probably not a good value compared to the dealer car, but worth throwing out there. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4952106159.html I also like this car too. Obviously. it's at the upper end of my range, leaving me in a worse position to deal with any early 'surprises'. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4946168626.html

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Yeah, I have gotten over that. It scared me off a couple years ago when I was looking at same era Boxsters and Caymans. I maintained enough of an interest in the cars since then to develop a good layman's understanding of the IMS risks and a few other common nags. I'm not scared any more, but I do want to shop smart.

I was kinda sorta in the same boat a few months ago. Always wanted a 911, not in a "need" sort of way, but if it happened it happened. A friend told me about the 996's and that they were cheap, they are, and I bought the first one I saw and first one I drove, no inspection, no second guessing, and it's been great. I didn't get an inspection because everything anyone is worried about (IMS and RMS to some extent) won't show up on an inspection anyway, IMS you need to drop the transmission and a small RMS leak would or could go away with a good wash... A good test drive and listen can sniff out the rest. There are A few of these cars out there, and IMO, it wouldn't be worth buying one that sounds and feels like it needs a lot of work. I ended up with the first car we/I looked at (my girl friend put more pressure on me than the sales person) because it fit what I was looking for which was that it had to be a Porsche, 911, manual, and affordable - the car fit all those things and there was no reason for me (had to get a loan anyway) to wait and see what else came up and at what price. So right now, rather than wanting to buy, I'm driving a fantastic early 2001 model, the 3.4 engine, interior is great, convertable top works great, what look to be new Contential DW tires, shifts fine, and it looks like maintance was done on it. Not saying you or anyone should jump on something right away, but sometimes it just dosen't make sense to wait and see what else comes up. (Although someone was selling a 911 SE for $14k last winter, leaked oil and didn't idle, but that could have been a buy) Only complaint I have is that the dark blue really shows dirt and I haven't found bikini girls to wash it - yet.

I think the red/tan is the best looking of the group. Harder to keep tan clean but a classic look. I don't like the wheels/tire profile on the black one. I own a black one and I think the guards red is so much nicer. And I'd suggest you find some OEM 17s when you change wheels. Much better for real world driving. Don't be seduced by the milage. Age is also a wear factor. The motor mounts, bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings, shocks, all can be damaged through non-use as well as use. To give it full fluid changes, new plugs, and the other items already mentions will cost you some money but you will have a great car when done, and at a great price. If you really like it, buy it (after the ppi). And as already suggested, don't worry about the fabled failures...just drive it. And don't worry about dings and rock chips and all the other natural things that happen to cars. You will get your money out of this car by using it and enjoying it. What else can you buy that is anywhere near this car for the same money (including the money spent to upgrade things)?

I have emailed the dealer to confirm availability and ask about cooperation on a PPI. John, the 'age out' items you mention are certainly things I have in mind. I have a collection of toys (Bronco, MG, boat, motorhome), all of which have parts that fall victim to aging. I try to use them as much as possible in order to get something out of them while they age. I'm also not the type to worry too much about the dings, although I was hoping to find one in good shape and at least TRY to turn over a new leaf with the 911. Meh...old dogs, new tricks.

I vote for the c4s. It's a wide body and the lines make it one of the best looking 911's period. Get what you want buyers remorse sucks when you are more educated and can make a better informed decision.

C4S is the best looking 996. I'll have my '00 C2 up for sale in a week or two. If you want details shoot me a PM.

I reached out to the dealer on Friday to confirm availability and ask about cooperation on scheduling a PPI. No reply, then I noticed that the listing is gone. I guess spring fever is right! The search continues.

So, I'm still keeping my eye out for the right car. I found another one that I'm zeroing in on and I thought I would share some info. It's odd that the current owner had it for 5 years and only drove 2,000 miles, but otherwise this sounds like it could be a good car. Any feedback based on below? "Current mileage is 71,561. We purchased in 2010 with 69,708 miles. Previous owner replaced battery on 5/3/06 at 48,283 miles, which I replaced 3/2012. On 12/31/07 at 60,927 miles it had a front end alignment, and 60K Service. The service included oil & filter change, cabin-air filter change, ribbed v-belt change, air cleaner change, new spark plugs, & alum. seal ring, brake fluid flush & replace. Also there was an oil leak between engine & transmission, which was fixed and new shaft sealing ring was installed. A month before I bought it the air pump control valve was replaced and the intake manifold gasket.. In June 2012 I had the Kenwood Excelon navigation/audio system installed. It has 7" LC touchscreen, HD radio, AM/FM/CD/DVD/USB unit that was a custom install by Car Audio Innovations in Sacramento, and it looks like a factory install. It cost $2,152.00 for the unit & installation. I have the manuals, and have done the service on it myself. I change the oil every 6 months, regardless of mileage. " "2002 Porsche 911 Carrera S, 996 Style, 60 Cylinder, 6-speed manual, excellent condition, Kenwood Exceleon Double Din Sound Systems, with NAV, XM, etc. Artic Silver Metallic, Black Leather, Sun Roof, Must see to appreciate"

great looking car I say!! If the price is right and the history looks legit, I would be all over it assuming the price comes to a term you are comfortable with.

"60 Cylinder"

More subtle than "60 Cylinder" is that he calls it a Carrera S. No such car, or am I crazy. Both forgivable if the rest checks out. I get the impression this guy wasn't all that into the car.

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Asking $25k. Will have to revisit that after a PPI.

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Looks good! And I hear those 60 cylinder motors are really fast!!