High Mileage 996 c2 2001 Cab

I am still on the hunt for my first 911. I just test drove a high mileage (156K) Arena Red, 2001 c2 MT6. When I looked over the CarFax I found that it hit a tree at 6K miles, and was repaired and then driven for another 150K miles. I test drove it and it pulled straight and stopped straight, pulled strong through all the gears. Priced right to sell at $15K, but would I be a fool to purchase a car that has been in an accident? Of course, if I get serious about this one, I'd get a PPI, and the dealership is willing to let me take it. Q: Is it ever worth it to get something that has been in an accident, at any price? Here's the listing; https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/...792900967.html

I say go for it. I'm not an impulse buyer, but if it's time to start your personal Porsche story and it turns out relatively well maintained, then this may be the way to go for a budget buyer. The accident documentation shouldn't mean much at this point, other than a great negation tool. It was obviously appropriately repaired and any potential secondary issues have not appeared. The depreciation from miles have caught up with the accident reduction, in my opinion. Look for less than 5 previous owners (shows owners were not looking to pass the trash), and proper maintenance. Avoid ticks or knocks following a cold start. At 156K miles, she ain't going to run forever, but a roller is worth what $6K to $8K? So your loss exposure is about as low, or lower, than any other 911 owner at this point. I like the situation at this price point. Use the CarFax to its fullest potential during negotiations and drive off with a smile on your face that will hopefully last the next 4 years. Most dealers will allow a 3 day return policy, if they don't allow a PPI.

If it hit that tree at 6K miles, it's likely it was either fixed at a dealer body shop or a high end independent body shop. I doubt any corner was cut in the repair, especially if the original owner proceeded to keep the car for another 150K miles after. They must have been pretty pleased with the repair work.

Thanks nav4111... I told the sales guy that I want to take it to an Indy (Matrix Integrated). They have a great reputation here in Portland. The CarFax says it hit a tree. I might look at some other options before pulling the trigger on a $200 PPI. There are a few other deals around here at $17K with lower mileage that compare better. Although, if I let this one go for much longer I think it will be gone. Wife isn't too please that I "all of a sudden" want a Porsche. She did comment on this one that she liked the color. So maybe she's coming around to this? She still says that she won't get in it. Is that a bad thing?

I wouldn’t worry about the accident. The price is way too high, take your time....In my case, 20K for a 2002 Cab Tip, 90K miles, all dealer records, great seller, clean PPI, etc.

If its well cared for the motors last. My car has over 200k on the clock. They like to be driven. The price seems fair if the ppi is clean.

Quotes source post: 15563861

Read my other post. I've grown up with sisters and have daughters now. Women will never understand our love for machines and we'll NEVER understand their need for 100 pairs of shoes and three closets full of nothing to wear! Women will nickle and dime a marriage to death with endless purchases of make up, shoes, clothes, and eating out. Men go for the big homeruns - we like large televisions, electronics, zero turn mowers, ATVs, and expensive sports cars, etc. etc. Just explain to her that this is something that you want and would like to include her on the purchase. Don't expect her to want to go for rides in it. You see, women are wired for security, that's why most buy large SUVs. She won't feel secure in the 911. You'll just have to understand that the car may be for you personally and trip will be spent in the "other car". Keep your head and don't get discouraged!

While that�s a nice cab, at 156K you may be looking at a motor refresh in another 50k miles. Someone posted a link to a 50k mile Guard�s Red 99 on the Craigslist thread. Owner was looking for $20k. That�s a steal in my book.

Quotes source post: 15564130

Thanks... I'll take a look. I've seen a few on CL today around $16-$18 with a lot less miles that might be a better deal in the long run. PPI might check out but might need an overhaul in 50K as you say!

Quotes source post: 15564130

^^^This^^^Be patient for reasonable miles and service records of some type.

Too much for that car in my opinion. There are several options I have seen on CL lately with 100-105k on them for 13-15k. Cabs as well. Keep looking and don't be afraid to travel....Now if they will take 11k for it it could be a deal.

Quotes source post: 15564759

^^This! What's the budget, what are the wants/needs? Start a post of what you are looking for and I bet we find you a car within weeks. The less involved the wife is the better (until you think you found the right one) in my opinion. If she was all in on the idea and is a "car girl", that's different. Good luck!

Quotes source post: 15564802

My price range is up to $35K for something that is really sweet. I have to say, that some 996 deals on the lower end are really enticing though. If I can get a 996 that is nicely sorted, well documented, I wouldn't be opposed to that. I'd prefer a 997, just from a "looks" standpoint (exterior/interior), but I am more interested in the driving experience. Personally, I can't see the headlights while I'm driving so that doesn't concern me too much. The car drives the same with or without the scrambled-eggs. I'd like to use it as a daily driver approximately 3-4 days per week. I travel a lot for work (50%) of the time, so it wouldn't be driven every week, every day.

Unless you are looking turbo there is no need to spend 35k on a 996in my opinion. You can find a really nice example in the mid 20s if you ask me.

The eggs are fried, not scrambled. You�ll need to know these important details if you become a 996 aficionado 😜

Quotes source post: 15565083

Agreed. I started this search with 964, moved to 996, then 997, and now reconsidering 996. I want to drive this car, not stare at it. I like my eggs fried, slightly runny.

The whole headlight thing is so ridiculous to me. Its a Porsche, pretty quick out of the hole, handles like its a roller coaster, and tops out over 170mph. Why people care about the headlights are beyond me, I cant see them from my drivers seat, and most people who see the car see a PORSCHE, not a headlight lol. A 100k car for in the 20k range, sign me up every day of the week. These cars look better from the back anyway lol.

Quotes source post: 15565143

Mike, Totally agree. The only time they'll see the headlights is in their rear-view mirrors. Your car looks great. And that is why I'm back to looking at 996 P-cars.

Quotes source post: 15563861

DA Told my wife I was just gonna look... came home with an 03 996. 3 years later she�s still none too happy but I have no regrets. And she still hates riding in it... too rough a ride for her.

Quotes source post: 15565157

Thanks

Quotes source post: 15564451

^^^That^^^ There are still deals out there for these cars. It won�t last forever either.

I also wouldn�t worry about the mileage. The .2 need plugs at 30k where the .1 need them at 40k. You seem to be covered there. The water pump is a question but Porsche extended the warranty on it. The waste gates seizing due to corrosion is another issue. Your car may or may not have the protective enclosure. PDK or M? Nit sure if I saw. Get a PPI done. If M, check to over revs. If PDK, agree the warranty makes sense. If you need new rubber, budget 2k from Costco (Michelins). The .2 fixed the issue of the .1 door panel warping. You get a turbo, 380hp, pretty fast. Do you have the spec you can post? If you like it and the PPI checks out, do it.