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YOUR RESEARCHAbout to buy a 996 but can't decide between these two....
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Recommend 03 3.6
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Suggestion
Based on everything you said, I recommend the 03 3.6.
About to buy a 996 but can't decide between these two....
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Leading evidence: 'Recommend 03 3.6' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend 03 3.6' (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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Suggestion
I also like the way they drive better - about 75 lbs lighter and you can definitely feel it when you're using the car the way it's meant to be driven.
About to buy a 996 but can't decide between these two....
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Hi,
I'm about to buy one of two specifics cars, both 996 cabriolets, both carrera 2, both manual, same colour and similar options on them. They are:
1 - 2001 3.4L, private sale, one owner from new, always serviced by Porsche main dealer religiously the same week every year, 48k miles, all original paint, is due a service next month...a really nice car. The only thing it really needs is the wheels refurbished. There are a few marks on the leather seats.
2 - 2003 3.6L, sold by independent Porsche specialist, 62k miles, full service history from a mixture of main dealers and independents. Again, a very nice car, comes with a comprehensive 3 month warranty and nothing wrong with it. Serviced before delivery.
The price difference is around �1,000, the second car being the most expensive, however this isn't really that important to me.
I really can't decide...option 1 is a lovely car but the 3.6 seems the more gutsy to drive. I like the styling more on the 3.6 and especially the glass rear window.
I've read conflicting reports as to which is the more likely to have problems with RMS, IMS bearing and bore scoring so I'm uncertain how this affects the choice. Some writer say the early 3.4 is strongest, some the later 3.4 and some the 3.6...
For me the key priorities are lowest depreciation (or maybe appreciation over a few years?), reliability, avoiding unexpected big bills and of course enjoying the car. It'll be used as a second car covering under 5,000 miles per year, though with some long summer touring.
Any thoughts or advice appreciated, I'm going to decide in the next few days but the decision isn't easy....
Based on everything you said, I recommend the 03 3.6. It has a slightly higher failure rate of the IMS and that is something that can be dealt with right up front....or you can do what tens of thousands have done and ignore it and not have a problem with it at all. I also prefer the slightly higher milage in fewer years...it suggests it has been driven more...which is good for a car. However you are the one who has poured over the service records and driven both cars so you are really the expert in this matter.
The early 3.4s were the toughest. I also like the way they drive better - about 75 lbs lighter and you can definitely feel it when you're using the car the way it's meant to be driven.
