Some thoughts on purchasing

I have been looking to pick up a 996 for some time and keep looking but have either been priced out (bring a trailer) or have not found a good version to call my own. I currently have shortlisted a few vehicles and thought I would get advice from the forum. Car 1 is a 1999 early build cabriolet and has service records it also has low milage, from the Carfax it has been well maintained BUT it als mentions that at 11,000 miles or so the camshaft was repaired/replaced. In all the carfaxes I have read I have not seen this and it appears to have been a cam timing issue. Thoughts on this? Is this a deal killer? Car 2 is a targa-which I personally like it also has service records and has slightly higher milage but has had the clutch and IMS replaced. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Hmmm...cam shaft issue or bandaid for worn timing chain pads is my initial question on the cab. I like the Targa over the cab, but there are definitely some maintenance issues to consider with the glass roof.

Here is the actual text from the Carfax... Vehicle serviced Recommended maintenance performed Engine compression checked Camshaft adjuster solenoid replaced Engine/powertrain computer/module checked Camshaft(s) replaced/repaired Oil and filter changed

I doubt the camshafts were replaced. The variocam soleniod, actuator and pads r common repair items on the 3.4l motor. Even if the cam was replaced it wouldnt bother me. I do like the targa better but u have given us barely any info on either. Need a pic of the option code sticker in the frunk.

Sorry about the lack of info! Car 1 is a 1999 cab black on black build date 7/98 42K on it asking price 29K, good service history Car 2 has is a 2002 Silver with black Targa, 65K on it asking price 33K Good service history on both the Targa has and the clutch and IMS replaced 5K ago. Here is the option sticker on the Targa...

Here is the sticker from the cab..

A few things to think about without discussing condition, service records, etc. 1. Do you like the look of a .1 or .2 better. Different headlights, bumpers and aero. Therefore a slightly different look. 2. Do you want the 3.4 or 3.6 liter engine. Both are great, but little things need to be done with both engines for durability. 3. Do you want a Cab, Targa or Coupe? Which one gets you more fired up? The 996 in any form is an awesome car. Comes down to what you really want. Without getting into the important details, it looks like you may have two good examples at first glance.

Kinda hard to pick. Comes down to which u like more. Low option early build cab or a more hp mk2 targa. Both look like good examples

If I had to base it on the limited information, I'd go with the Targa which will produce a greater return in my opinion especially if the seller is willing to come off the price. However, you should really consider getting an invasion PPI on either car. This will show is either is suffering from cylinder bore scoring - as many know, a serious problem with these engines. You need to know more about the IMS swap too. When was it done and what bearing was installed. You need to pull live info on camshaft deviations, fuel trim, rough running index as well as a manometer test.

Thanks for all the good advice. So this car is slated to be a daily driver, I have a long commute mostly on the freeway and am hoping to get a lot of milage out the next purchase. The Targa floats my boat more and I have spoken to the independent garage that did the clutch and ims (L&N) retrofit. Their opinion is that the car is solid and in good order they had mentioned that the dealer had performed all of their recommended items for service. The cab is not my first choice but this one seems to be well maintained, and I am leaning in this direction because of milage, and the fact that it is an early build and about as analogue as it gets. A few things though it does not have a hard top which I would have to purchase for the winter months and has not had the IMS done (I would do this at the next clutch change) . I will get a ppi done on either car. Here are the links to both cars... I would excited by either! Pre-Owned 2002 Porsche 911 Targa 2D Targa in Chippewa Falls #MU13688 | Chippewa Valley Mazda 1999 Porsche 911 For Sale in Walnut Creek, CA - Nohr's Auto Brokers (nohrsauto.net)

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Those are very different choices there brother. That �99 looks really nice if you want a convertible. Low miles, ambers all around, great looking BBS wheels�hand built�tough call. You�re considering two very different Choices. I�m wondering if you really want a coupe, and should therefore wait for the right one to come along. Both the targa and the cabriolet have potential fixes in the thousands that could pop up.

FWIW it looks like the cab has an exhaust, or at least different tips on it. As many others have stated, this really comes down to a personal choice. Personally, I'd take the early 99. You can always throw a hard top on it if you'd like a bit more peace and quiet on your commute, plus you're less likely to encounter IMS/bore scoring issues down the line.

No matter which one you decide to go with, get a thorough PPI before you buy it. Service history is really nice, but records could indicate reactive rather than proactive maintenance and the inspection should hopefully fill in the blanks. Just my 2 cents.

Oh, and the Targa gets my vote, pending a PPI. I am not a fan of a Cab without heated seats.

Thanks all I am still pondering, I love targas but not a fan of silver and black. My last three cars (all BMW's) have been silver and black. I would prefer a coupe but just can not seem to find one with good service history. The biggest problem is that my current car (BMW Z4 Coupe) is nearing 200K and will require some major maintenance. Maintenance that I would like to avoid as I doubt the car is worth what I would have to put into it to keep her rolling. Hence the need (whether real or imagined) to make a decision soon. Still looking but will probably make a decision soon. Thanks all for the advice and help!

If you really want a coupe, then there is a coupe out there for you. Definately don't want to sub-optimize on purchasing a 996. FWIW.

I drive my cab in the winter and never longed for a hard top. Noise aside, heat has never been an issue in the 996.

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So just how noisy is the cab? Like can not have a phone conversation? Thanks!

It�s not bad. I can have a phone call with my AirPods in no problem. My AirPods do not have noise cancellation. By the late 90�s, these tops have gotten to be pretty good at noise reduction.