Looking at 2004 996

Have owned a couple air-cooled P-car's, but given the price of the 996's they are a quite a bargain. Looking to spend around $35k max and finding lots of options. The cars closer to $35k are 2005's <50k miles, low $20's 02's 70k miles. Do you follow the buy the newest one you can afford model or are the 05's a better car? Also, IMS I gather seems to not be as much concern on cars that have some miles on them? To find one that is already addressed would be great, but cars for sale at dealerships don't always have that info. I like the 996's simplicity and lack of stuff. It seems more of a traditional Porsche to me. Don't get me wrong a 997 is a beautiful car, but the budget goes up as well. Any other concerns for a 996? Do the different changes within the 996 years make certain years a better car to buy? They seem like great bargains. Thanks!

I'd try to find something with service records, but the real problem is, and especially with a manual, you really don't know the condition of some stuff (IMS, clutch) until it's apart. Not to buy into the myths about the IMS but it may not be a bad idea, if there isn't a sticker or history of replacement, to have a shop check on it, and then take a look at the clutch. Sure it's not "cheap" but then you really know what you have and/or aren't waiting for a mystery clutch to go out when it feels like it. As far as what years to look for - just start looking and wait until the right one comes up.

I would look for a 1999 with some miles [over 50k] and price in a clutch replacement with the purchase price, I like the 99's because they have cable throttle and dual row IMS - With a $35K budget you could get a very nice 99, and have $15k+ to update the car to A1 condition -

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With the 996 (and the generations that followed) the old adage about "buying the latest model because of running changes and improvements" does not apply in quite the same way as it did in the 70s and 80s. I would recommend a 996.2 (2002-2004/5) as there were improvements made over the prior generation. As noted above the '99s were more mechanical with cable throttle linkage and manual lid releases, both of which changed to electronic in 2000. With your budget, I would look for a 996.2 in the best condition you can find, with good options, good mechanical records (if possible). Find a good 996 mechanic and have any potential car inspected, possibly including the clutch and IMSB, and budget $ for anything the car needs. As time goes on, low mileage pristine cars will become more rare, so might as well get one now when they're inexpensive.

there are 2 well sorted Anniversary Cars available https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...-for-sale.html https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...ion-946-a.html remarkable cars for a few more sheckles both are members here I've been very satisfied with mine, far more car than I bargained for and came in well under my original budget

All the above advice is good. As someone who paid top dollar for my 03 996.2...and now that I've learned more (but not nearly enough) I would certainly consider the 3.4 engine models...if nothing else for the mechanical releases of the engine bay and frunk. As pointed out, you could save a large hunk of money and use it to make sure the car is 100% as you want it. I would include in that having one of the shops that Jake Raby has certified do his version of the IMS solutions. If not his then I would consider playing risk management and letting nature take its course. The 996.2 such as mine is really a nice car. A wonderful daily driver has mechanical charms that have been lost in the 997. Any car that is 12 to 15 years old is going to need something done. Motor mounts, a window regulator, brake fluid change, plugs, belts, etc. so I'd shave five thousand off the top of your budget and plan on spending that to bring it up to snuff.

35K is 996TT zone

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My thoughts exactly. You can get a perfect condition 996.2 with lots of maintenance stuff done and under 50k miles for $27,000 or so.

05s are nicer inside than 99s. get the newest one you can get

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Hey Chakka I'm totally with you on this simplicity philosophy... I totally get it and I agree that is an essence shared by the 996 and it's aircooled predecessors, and lost beginning with the 997. When I purchased my 996 new in September 2004, the 997 were coming into market... I remember how the simplicity of the 996 interior kept convincing me to go for the 996 vs. the 997. Of course getting a nice big discount on the 40th Anniversary I ended up buying vs. the base 997 I was comparing it to (similar price point after discount) was a big help too . I can honestly tell you I have zero regrets from the decision I made - especially every time I see a 997.1 with the ugly lobster claw wheels rolling by. The 996's series is a terribly misunderstood and unloved vehicle... But I'm glad that for those of us who can appreciate these vehicles we get to enjoy them as much as we do!... Best of luck on your search!...

I was one who didn't know one Porsche from another. I'm not really a sports car guy even though I had a couple of Ferrari's in my past. I primarily like bikes but I always thought the Porsches looked cool. I also knew they won many road races. I took mine on a partial trade for a great hot rod I had. I look at it and to me it looks great, I drive it and its better than great. The 996 is a lot of car for the money, maybe the best value there is in the sports car market today. What ever one you end up with, get the nicest one you can and you should be more than happy.

Thanks Fracture, that's my 40th AE for sale, appreciate the post

Thanks for the all the help! It appears I gather that the 40th anniversary edition would be comparable to what they did with the GTS. Boost power, special touches, don't know how much I like only one color option though. I'm actually a bit surprised that they aren't more money given the much higher starting price and limited production. Not that i'm complaining….

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Great to read your post. There is so much talk about the value of the 996 as a used car because of their current low prices, but you bring to the table the perspective of an owner who bought new and now years later still finds the car a great value irregardless of price. An important post. Thank you.

As a relatively recent buyer of my 996, the low prices are terrific!

The right car will make 996 ownership an enjoyable experience. The wrong car could definitely leave a bad taste in your mouth...and your pocket book. Fortunately, I chose a great car and have had nothing but rainbows and sunshine. Proactive maintenance will serve you well and help to avoid any costly surprises. I chose a '99 b/c I wanted the dual row IMS and cable throttle. The example I found happened to have a new motor & transmission...so it was a no brainer. For the most part, the money I put into the car was b/c I wanted to, not b/c I had to. That's the experience I would wish for every 996 owner, unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way sometimes. Do your homework and be patient. It will make it worthwhile. If you're a fan of "Guards Red" -the aforementioned car is now for sale on RL. (Had to throw that in there) Cheers, and best of luck to you. -Josh

I see the 997 has an IMS issue thread. It's interesting how this type of hype strays people from cars. I remember my 06' M5 with the "red cog of death" threads. Basically, don't buy this car! Yet looking online there are lots of 996's available with mid to high mileage. In my mind, that's a good thing. It seems if you find one with a good history, service records and address the IMS/RMS issue(if it hasn't been already), this car is quite a steal. I thought about upping to 997's, but they have online IMS issues as well. I feel fortunate that there are opportunities out there to own a $80k+ car with reasonable mileage for under $35k. The search is on!

You are absolutely correct. Don't settle for anything short of what you want. With a $35k budget, you are going to have plenty of options to choose from. I have no doubt you will find the right car :-) I see you are from Maryland...if it were me, I would check with Tom Chan at TPC to see if he has any leads. That would be my first phone call :-) I'm currently enjoying the '07 C2S RS he built as his personal car. Took me 2 years to finally get a shot at buying it...but it was well worth the wait. Happy hunting! -Josh

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Where?

Chakka, To spice up the debate, and addressing your concerns, why wouldn't you test drive a Cayman S with Sport Chrono? Note I wrote "S".That way you could avoid lots of the earlier M96 engine problems and get a 2009+ MA1 ?