Finding a proper 996 ain't easy

Greetings, Just sharing and introducing myself. For the past couple of months, I’ve been looking to get into a reasonably sorted 996. I recently drove at a Porsche road show event and the 911 is calling me away from 32 years of loyal BMW ownership (I thought my son was going to disown me when I got an E350 for my wife). I’ve been reading a ton here and scouting area cars. I narrowed down two of the best specimens (from car lots – ugh) that I took to Zim’s in Bedford, Texas for a righteous PPI. Both failed with 8 to 10K in significant maintenance issues. Best money I everspent. I just don’t want to rack up thousands in PPIs. I’m not too panicky about IMS and RMS and, absent documented replacement/upgrade, would gladly get these items done for an increased peace of mind. The private sellers I’ve communicated withare far from enthusiasts and disappointing. When I look farther afield, there are possibilities in San Antonio and Houston, but the logistics of arranging remote PPIs worries me and I just have to spend time in and around a vehicle before becoming serious about it. Just sharing my quest. Thanks for all the heavy lifting that has gone into creating this board and the bounty of great information. Mark

Mine is great, was the first 996 i drove and actually first Porsche i drove, and no ppi.

I bought all of my cars from different cities, two sight unseen, and didn't get a PPI on any of them.

Based on your thought process, it maybe worthwhile to just wait for something to popup here on RL or one of the other enthusiast forums.

They're out there, Mark. But long distance is going to be a fact of life if you're particular about what you're looking for. Fortunately, the world is a hell of a lot smaller than it used to be, thanks to the Internet and smartphones. I bought my car largely via text messages with a dealer in Tulsa and the whole experience was surprisingly easy. What resources are you using for your search? I mostly used Autotrader.com and to a lesser extent, Craigslist. My process went something like: 1. Decide what color/price/options I wanted. 2. Find cars that interested me and met #1. 3. Call and talk to the owner/dealer and ask questions from a list I'd made. Their answers resulted in a Pass/Fail on continuing with research within two minutes every time. 4. Get detailed pics of the car, including (most importantly) a pic of the white options sticker under the front hood (look up the 996 option codes), ones of the engine from above and below and anything else special about the car. 5. Pull Carfax. Many dealer listings have one available for free. 6. Get a PPI from the best shop I can find in the area of the car. 7. GO GET IT! I eliminated at least ten cars after the first phone call, a few more after the pics, several after the Carfax and finally, two that didn't pass a PPI. How about hitting some of those steps before going for the PPI. That could save you some $ on the due diligence portion of the buying exercise! I hope this helps. I looked for a long time, and in the process learned a LOT about these cars.

Step 5(a): See if there is anyone on Rennlist that could put eyes on the car for you to make sure it exists and to take the pictures that the seller might not. As time permits, I'd be willing to look at cars within 20-30 miles of zip code 94552.

Definitely get a PPI and make sure that it is engine specific, more than anything. Today we are seeing more and more cars with half- way built engines, and patched up engines than ever before.

You might join the pca club , they tend to have a nice selection of members car ads .

Quotes source post: 12602737

Don't you still have to have a valid VIN to initially join PCA? I also tend to find all the PCA ads above market value. Just my impression though and maybe it's just my chapter.

You can join as a quest member to aid in your search . Them get a full membership when you buy one . You tend to find nicer cars often with some choice upgrades and well looked after , so probably not a source of cheap cars People can ask whatever they like , as you can offer what you think is fair .

Quotes source post: 12602782

I joined PCA before buying my 4S, so I don't think you need a VIN to join.

I bought my 996 C4S through an ad on the PCA website. It was 2,000+ miles from my home. The beauty of the PCA ads is that you're more likely to find a Porsche enthusiast who has taken care of the car. The seller of my car was very helpful in arranging a PPI. In fact, he took the car in for the PPI and then he negotiated with me on price once the PPI results were reported. The other thing that's nice about buying a car in another city is that you can fly out to finalize the purchase, and then get to know your Porsche on the drive home.

Quotes source post: 12602819

Dunno, it seems like a mixed bag to me. These days, saying you're a PCA member holds the same weight and is used in the same fashion as saying you're Christian and go to Church. Not always but there are a lot of cases of this. IIRC, someone here bought a car from a PCA member and had to rebuild his engine after it was advertised as being in great condition.

As a PCA member since my first p-car, I will say that it is a worthwhile spending of cash. As others have written, you will find nice, maintained cars for sale, but no bargain basement prices, these ffolkss know what they have.

Quotes source post: 12603084

PCA is definitely a good value. When we joined you had to have a Porsche (or be the sub of an existing family member) and I wasn't aware that changed, but I'm glad to hear as it always seemed silly.

https://www.pca.org/classified-ad/310296 2003 w/ GT3 Aerokit More pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/493619...7652378336759/

I bought my 996 today from a PCA ad I found about a month ago. The car is 1,600 miles away from me so I kept trying to ignore it but I really liked the car so I decided to take a chance. Seller was very helpful, willing to do a PPI, and then negotiated price based on PPI results. The shop that did the PPI has been great too. I agree you'll probably pay a bit more for a car on PCA but if you find the right car I think it'll be worth it. I hope so...ask me when I finally get to see my car! Some notes from my hunt you may find helpful... - Dealers scare me. I found a car at a very large and reputable local dealer, couldn't work a deal, so they sent it to auction. I work in the auto industry so I found and bought the car at auction for $2,000 less than I offered the dealer. It failed inspection miserably! A 120K mile car from a dealer makes me kinda nervous. That is not a mileage band in which they excel. - PPI is a must (see previous bullet point). I bought the car, it failed inspection, and I was able to get my money back because of the inspection. - I had help from Rennlist and PCA to find shops for PPI out of my area. I also used www.pcarshops.com . - My local mechanic has been awesome. If you don't have one already then start there. My mechanic has been super helpful. He even spent an hour on the phone going over the PPI with the mechanic who looked at the car I bought. Good luck. If find something in the PHX area let me know. I can go look it for you or, better yet, I can hook you up with my mechanic.

Quotes source post: 12603129

Perfect example! $30k for a C2 and no mention of the IMSB being upgraded (not a deal killer, but people note it when they have done it)? At best that is $5k high, but probably closer to $10k... That they put the GT3 badge on it also gets me a bit too.

Quotes source post: 12603162

That's really low mileage though, which may be worth the extra money.

Quotes source post: 12603162

I would hope $30k is negotiable, but where are you seeing low mileage MKII aero cars listed for under $20k?

Quotes source post: 12602936

Obviously the same rules of scrutiny apply , get a ppi etc . But you may find a better car than you'd find on ebay , high street fore courts etc. But it wouldn't hurt to reach out to the local chapter president , they may know someone with a good car . I got mine at a local main dealer , it was a trade in they were going to send to Auction because they only like to have late models (997+) on the lot , I offered on the low side because it needed brakes and aircon rads . But it only had 30k miles on it . They took my low offer . So it doesn't hurt to check your lpc. Or to offer less than the asking . Back to pca , when it comes to selling mine , no plans to yet but when the time comes, I'll do it through the pca because I think it will go to an enthusiast who is more likely to look after it. And who ever buys it will get a cracker . I've dumped 20k ( coilover ,gt3 bits, poly bush suspension, brakes , ls diff, imsb etc .) into a car with only 37k miles on it . Talking to other pca members , I'm not alone in that kind of silliness

Quotes source post: 12603205

All used car prices are negotiable . Especialy with 996s . But low mile areo kit mark 2 996s under 20 K ? If you find one let me know , I'll buy another 996 , put the ims solution in it and put it away for a while .

I thought I was bad at math 30k - "closer to 10k" = still over 20k The aero and low miles carry a premium, but not as much as many sellers want to believe. In the 996 low miles is a big red flag for the IMSB hysteria and most people either don't want or don't care about aero kits. Really there are few options that actually amount to a premium in the 996 market (x50, full leather, lsd, and sunroof delete being the big ones). So even though it's still just a plain C2 I do think those two things do bump it a bit which is why I think it's a solid 20-25k car rather than the 18ish it would be without the aero and/or another 30-50k on the clock. It looks like a nice car, it's just not a 30k car in today's market.

29-10 They must be cheaper down below the 49th Asking price isn't selling price .

Plenty of valid VINs on eBay to use if you want. >>>>Don't you still have to have a valid VIN to initially join PCA? - curt

Mark549, Go to Greensboro NC Craig's list and under auto for sale by owner search for PORSCHE. I have a very nice 99 Carrara Cab for sale with 33,000 miles. IMS and RMS done. You won't find a nicer 99 around. Send me a private message if you have questions.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I have been looking at the PCA ads as maintenance remedies are documented by that crowd. I'm diggin in for the long haul to find the right car, within CONUS. Again, I've driven 5-series Bimmer for over 30 years, but the 911 was visceral. I drove an M5 this afternoon, but even that didn't move me from the 911 craze. Is this what crack is like? Hmmm.

I spent 18 months looking for my first 996 and then 6 months looking for my second. I had several "near misses" before buying both. Don't be in a hurry - it never fails that as soon as you settle for a car that's just "ok", the perfect car will pop up on the market damn near instantaneously. BTW, both 996s I bought I did so without a PPI. But I did a PPI on one I didn't buy and it failed miserably. Also I passed on another because the seller was acting weird about letting me do a PPI. So PPIs are valuable tools. But both of the 996s I bought without PPIs had a lot of recent documented maintenance.

It was 8 months for me to find my '04 C2 cabriolet but was worth it. Paid a premium for a car with only 56k km (35k miles) on it. Dealer had already done the IMS and had a full PPI from a local Indy who I already knew about and a folder stuffed with service records. The car has been a blast since I bought it in March this year and now has 82k km (51k miles). Always have a big smile on my face when I turn the key - and I clearly choose to drive it a lot. Worth every penny spent for sure. The PCA Canada West Region has introduced me to great people, awesome events and gives me a 15% discount at the local Porsche dealerships. All in all Porsche ownership has been one of the top experiences of my life so far. My last drive was 2 weeks ago - 4,700 km (2,900 miles) from Vancouver/LA return in 5 driving days. 1st day was 1,639km (1,011 miles) in rainy patches of weather through WA and OR down to Los Banos CA when it was finally time to stop. Great, great cars if you find the right one.

Quotes source post: 12603084

Or believe that what they have is worth a lot more than it really is.

Spent 6 months looking for mine, and almost bought a clean M5 that crossed my path, but then my car popped up, and it was local. I had a PPI done by the local dealer (private sale though) and it passed with flying colors. However, in hindsight I would have been better off using the local, and excellent, Indy. Just be patient! Mine is my DD, and in the last 2+ years I've logged 50,000 miles, with a smile on my face all the way. Never, for one second, have I questioned my purchase.

Quotes source post: 12604088

Same could be true of any seller . Hence the art of negotiation and the need to do research .

Searching for a 996 is not easy but lots of fun.Take your time as all of you said.But don't let the right one slip away. I did not follow this advice. I did not get a PPI and got it from a dealer. The first week the AOS had to be done and a week later the RMS atarted to leak .I got it at a good price and that was not a big deal to spend the money.With a proper PPi the AOS would have been discovered.I do love the car and it runs nice and tight. It did have the IMS upgrade.The dealer was not all thruthful and I probably would not go through a dealer again. I had bought a Boxster through a private sale with all service history and the car was perfect and talking to the actual owner gives you a better sense of the care that was given to the car. The 996 is a joy to drive so take your time to totally enjoy the experience when you get it. The search is part of the fun

Well, I finally got my 996 C2 to a near perfect state and will be reluctantly offering it at $27K. Currently has 44K miles. No accidents. Here is the build info: Prod Month: 11/2003 VIN: WP0AA29914S621501 Price: $81,945.00 Exterior: Arctic Silver Metallic Interior: Black Sport Seats Warranty Start: January 30, 2004 Additional Equipment 030 Sport Chassis 342 Heated Front Seats 411 18" Lt Alloy Carrera Wheel 446 Wheel Caps with Colored Crest 476 Porsche Stability Management 680 Bose High End Sound Package AE Black Sport Seats M6A Black Mats - Porsche lettering P77 Leather Sport Seats X1 Arctic Silver Metallic Top X70 Metal Door Sill Model Insignia X76 Flared Rocker Panels XLF Sport Exhaust System XSU Lowered Seats (-10 mm)

If you need someone to do a PPI in San Antonio, call these guys. German Car Specialist (Berk and Mark) 15555 Tradesman # 500, San Antonio, Texas 78249 [phone removed]

Ok . . . there is one more local car to rule out. I drove it a few days ago and it seemed to have a bit more power than the other test drivers in the area. The ride was a bit more rough and it needed a few obvious things. The guy does have a good amount of service history documented, but there are a few red flags, though. I'm ready to, as several have suggested, hunker down and wait for a black/black (grey/black could happen, too) coupe in good shape to appear and go from there, slowly. The logical choice is to get another 5-series, but after romping around in the 911, the fiver seems so pedestrian. Thanks again for the advice. Mark

I'm located in Lewisville. Let me know if I can be of any help. I went through this whole process last winter when I finally found my 996 MkI Aero.

I agree with the rest of the replies, take your time and learn about the "must have options" to narrow your stretch, reenlist has been a great help in looking for what right and what's wrong. After 16 months of searching and a miss applied resources to a Ferrari 348 Spider "now sold after 14K in maintenance spend" I found a 996 I love "until I find a 996 turbo" I found it on craigslist in new hampshire, and drove it home 1,600.00 miles. definitely do a PPI, call the dealer or indy where it has been serviced buy the owner, call the original dealers listed on the carafe report for service records and try to make the best decision possible. Personally i paid 34K for a 2 owner 2005 4S, last of the 996's with 30K, I did not steel it at that price but I felt it was a fair offer which is all you can ask. I've found buying from a private party a better experience because they already know the lowball offer a dealer will give them and will normally nogotiate better.

Quotes source post: 12606663

Just for fun I was looking at some older Aston Martins, nothing vintage but the more affordable ones from the mid to low 2000's. The styling on the outside is awesome, but man, the interior just doesn't seem to be there. Not that my 2001 996 is great, but it seems Porsche at least put some effort into it. =) More realistically looking for a winter beater c4 in the next few years, the 4 wheel drive has to work the rest can be pretty run down.

If you want a winter beater buy a subaru wrx sti

Quotes source post: 12608904

Nope, Porsche, and since I already have the Jeep I wouldn't need another SUV, so farting around with a 911 sounds like fun once the 4 wheel drive system is going. Again at that point all I would care about is the transmission works and 4 wheel drive works and that the engine is barely good enough to go another 20k miles and best efforts past that. So its' not like I'd beat anything that has the potential to have value later.

Ok, things fell into place very nicely and I will be taking ownership of a sparkling 2001 guards red/black 911 tomorrow afternoon. I know I was looking for black/black 911, but this one is gorgeous. It was owned by a long-time PCA member who was extremely honest about the car's history, service, and condition, to include recent IMS, RMS and lightweight flywheel. I had the PPI performed today at RCC Performance in Carrollton, TX and the report was very good with only about a dozen or so little things to do. A fair price was reached with an extra set of wheels and tires. I'm very happy to officially join the club and start tinkering. Short list: - Bentley Publishing manual (to go with our library of BMW Bentley manuals) - replace spark plug tube on cylinder #1 - washer reservoir (leaking) - air and cabin filters - drive belt (just because) - probably two rear tires (one was replaced later and is at 1mm) Many thanks to those guiding me toward private PCA members. Gratefully, Mark

Congrats!!!

Pics or it never happened!

A new price point I guess, tonight on Barrett Jackson an '04 c4s w 47k miles went for almost 40k. I think prices are creeping up for 996s.

Quotes source post: 12608918

Whos talking about suv , I ment the multi world rally champion base subaru wrx sti Boxer engine turbo fire breathing wonder . I'm a german car guy but one of these is better in the winter than a c4 . Faster and cheaper too http://www.subarucolors.info/wp-cont...rt-Wagon-1.jpg

Quotes source post: 12622083

A 2003 Cab w/similar mileage went for $36k.

Quotes source post: 12605672

Wow. OK, not for sale any more!

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/5233369932.html This car is the sort of thing I was talking about when I said "gt3 clone" There must be 15 of these sort of cars around the city

I am selling mine. PM me if interested: http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#!vdp?listingId=648587338&year=2003&stkTyp=undefined&searchId=2220556800 000000000000001443402311879&userId=2220556800000000000000001443402311880 &mkNm=Porsche&mdNm=911&zc=06830&partyId=undefined

[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:] https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/1110x736/image_b1153b5cf1dcf0215105af9474904e32b34f5498.jpg

Quotes source post: 12628715

Love the guards red. Enjoy!!

Quotes source post: 12628778

I knew it was fun to drive a 911, but to now own and drive is such fun. I'm enjoying tinkering around and ordering small items to tidy up a few things.

Congrats and absolutely gorgeous Mk I aero! You did well grasshopper. Plus, I assume you know about the extra 20 hp that Porsche secretly puts into all Guards Red cars, right?

Hi, Mark; I test-drove the very car you purchased about 3 wks ago. Should be nice for you. The seller seemed to be very careful/picky about his maintenance. It just wasn't the car for me. Got mine about the same day you got yours! Which side of the airport are you - Tarrant or Dallas? I'll keep an eye out for you! Carl

Quotes source post: 12637229

For both of you, this Saturday there are two Cars n Coffee meets. Both are in Plano but one is Porsche specific. If I'm off work, I'll be at one or the other in an Arena Red Mk. I Aero.

Quotes source post: 12637229

I'm on the Tarrant County side. Yes, the seller's ad only scratched the surface of his well-documented maintenance history. The super-favorable PPI at RAC helped I the decision making. I have a nice list of small things to do on the car, but nothing pressing. We cut open the oil filter and it and only found two very tiny flakes. Much better than average, I believe. I'll put in an LN magnetic drain plug and keep a close eye on it. I joined PCA today and am looking forward to learning and driving.

Congrats to both of you! They are both great looking 996's. Enjoy!

Mark; I'm in Tarrant as well. NRH.

Quotes source post: 12637315

What are the details on the car and coffee events? Thanks. Mark

The cars n coffee I often attend is the large one at the BMW dealer in Plano. Corner of the Tollway and Spring Creek. For car nuts it is heaven. Can't go myself since will be out of town. I'm in the Dallas area as well (UP) and try to get up there when I can. LOTS of nice Porsches but more Ferraris and Lambo's than I have ever seen in one spot. The weather will be spectacular.

Quotes source post: 12602173

This is actually the most annoying item. You can't even get them to take reasonable photos so that you don't waste half-local travel time. Quite a few 996ens are currently hogged by owners who don't care at all.

Mark, congrats on the red 996! Prices of air-cooled 911's just got to be too much for me, so I sold mine. Now I am looking for a 996. If you don't mind me asking, and you can PM me if you want, but do you mind saying what you paid for that car? I am holding out for one of the less common colored 996's. Thanks N

Start here. Nationwide 996s and 997s for sale