Livin' on the edge - my 996 C2 experience so far..

I have been a bad boy. Just bought a '99 C2 about 5 hours away from me. Had a great experience with the long time owner/seller, fantastic trip home- love the car. It's an Arctic Silver 6 speed with 40% LSD, heated/leather/sport seats, hollow spoke 18's and some other miscellania. 118k on it, very few records, but no paint or damage ever. Only mod is Pelican cup holders and K&N intake, otherwise stock. I am, however living on the edge. I didn't do any PPI, no compression/leakdown, no 'expert' witnesses at an indy shop or dealership. Obviously a clean, well cared for car. I found the one I wanted, drove it, liked it, bought it. No hand-wringing or sleepless nights. I have neighbors who paid more for their Camry than what I paid. I was diagnosed with cancer about 5 months ago, and it was just time for a newer 911. I have spent a great deal of time in the 993, and felt the need for a 996 ever since. After several 944's, Lotus Esprit, Corvettes, etc. I just went for the one I've wanted. First impressions- this is a much more refined car than the 993 and previous models. It seems more comfortable, poised, and easier to drive fast. There's no hot oil smell, no lukewarm, wet air con from the vents and no darting back and forth across the roadway where it's rough. Lots less wind noise, and to me it's more comfortable for trips. The marginal radio is even audible, and not too bad sound quality. I'm not knocking earlier models, but they seem a little primitive next to the 996 ride and drive. I do get that that is part of the appeal of earlier cars. I also get it about the plasticky 996 interior, but that isn't why I bought it. (If I need to be swaddled, I drive the AMG S55.) Overall, stellar to drive and looking forward to all the great advice and tips on here, you guys are great! Let the pumpkin bashing and finger pointing about my irresponsibility begin!

Man, sorry about your diagnosis...that sucks! Hope you're not gonna lay down....fight it like hell and get out and drive that beauty hard like she was meant to be driven. Congratulations on your new ride!

Great story, sometimes you just gotta jump and check water depth afterwards. With your attitude you will be fine, good luck.

No intermix, then likely no problem. I bought my 2000 cab the same way, and in just short of one year, I have put 21,500 miles on the car. The 99s have a dual row IS bearing, so your call on whether to replace with an LN open unit.

Arctic silver C2 no PPI crew with pumpkins, holler. Beautiful car. Good luck with it and your health. Dave

Sometimes gotta go with that gut feeling!! Glad u sleeping like a baby as that's how life should be, especially when u get to wake to that bad boy !!

Hey gulliver, I live north of nashville. I'd love to come drive and or at least be a passenger sometime. I've had one 996, but it had issues. I'd like to see how a well sorted one goes. congrats!

Nice car! I wish you well with it and health...

Good luck with the new 996. I didn't get a PPI either...already had a certified check made out to the seller before I even saw it. Flew out; drove 10 hours home. No car charger, maps, other person with me...was it dumb; some would say so. Was it the best 1 on 1 time with a new car, I think so. Best of luck with the health, hopefully you can beat it quickly and without much/any major issues. I'll keep you in my prayers.

YOLO, congrats and enjoy your new 996.

Congratulations At 118 k miles if anything was going to blow it would have. That being said I would still proactively replace a few items if you have no service history

As a three-time cancer survivor over the past 11 years and 996 owner I know how your are feeling. I bought my 996 once I was told I was finally "done" with my cancer center and doctors. Beautiful car and it will be a great distraction and mental release on those days when you might feel crappy. Great color choice! Enjoy the car and fight the good fight!

What a nice refreshing post from a Porsche fan. Nice to hear your take on what is or isn't important when buying a used Porsche. You sound like you are in control of your destiny. Welcome aboard the 996 train. Nice looking C2!

Love the 99s... We seldom see them here, and there's a reason for that :-)

Great story, I myself just bought an 04 same color with a black interior. No PPI, well documented records and I'm loving it so far...

Great car, now change the pumpkins for clear corners! They would look great on the silver.

Yep, I bought my 99 with no PPI, no idea what I was doing. Flew up & drove it home, about 20 hour drive. That was 60,000 miles ago, still loving it!

Nice ride, love the twists! 2004 C2 Arctic Silver/Black interior. No PPI, no records. Car looked good ran great, and came from a reputable dealer in Dallas. Bought it in January, and have put 13,000 miles on her. I still have the pumpkins too. Good luck with the diagnosis. While the 996 probably won't* cure you, it'll make life on the road to the cure much more fun! *there's no research to disprove my statement...

Great looking C2! Welcome and congratulations If you decide to change the pumpkins Click Here . Enjoy and keep us updated.

Thanks, -all of you, for the warm welcome to 996 land. I've been lurking awhile and gathering some great info. You guys are a good bunch. I have Stage II C melanoma, currently undergoing a year of Interferon treatments. The medicine is not nice and neither is shooting myself in the stomach 3x weekly with a #27 syringe. Still, others have it lots worse than me. I happened through the Children's Hospital Cancer Wing during one of my Vanderbilt visits - That is a life-changer, and I know I have nothing to complain about. I'll be done with my treatments in another 7 months they say. I am thrilled with the Carrera so far- I know it's only a car, but what an incredible machine! Thanks again for the welcome, guys!

I personally know a few people who have won the fight against cancer and I am sure you will too. Enjoy the car!

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Damn, mind if I make that part of my sig?

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Wait, wait - I,,, well I just don't get it. Lets review: You bought a 996. it is over 100k. You actually DROVE it on public roads. The trips was longer than the distance to the nearest Starbucks(2-3 miles). And, and - well, you mean it didn't asplode into a billion pieces and leave you stranded in the dead of night in a blowing snow gale? Blasphemy! I've heard of such magic, but here we have internet evidence of such wanton recklessness. Just kidding! Glad you had a good trip. Enjoy some more.

Great looking car... congrats!!!!!

I say leave the pumpkins! I'm thinking of replacing mine - the smoked ones make my car look like it's missing something! Good luck, and enjoy!

Very interesting point Andy!

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Depends on the car color I think. Red, white = better without pumpkins. Dark blue, black, charcoal grey, etc = better WITH a spot of amber. Silver is on the boarder. Still, just because they don't require an amber front reflector in Europe, doesn't mean it's "cooler" without one! See the photo of the OP's car at the top of this thread!

It's funny how some enthusiasts in Asia and Europe have the opposite conversation. "Leave the clear on there...No upgrade to the ambers...."

Sometimes living with your heart on your sleeve is the way to find the most pleasure. I am a week and three days into my 2003 996, black on black, original 17" wheels...and I agree with your description of the car compared to earlier models. I'm not going to allow fear to poison my enjoyment of the car. This is a Porsche, not a Yugo...this is Porsche not GM...and if the history of Porsche wasn't as good as it is, this forum wouldn't even exist. Back in 1992 I bought a Ferrari 308 GTSi with 88k miles on it. The Ferrari Owners I knew were all going crazy as they walked around their garage queens with a glass of Merlot. The 308 was my daily driver for almost three years. I sold it with 124k on the odometer and for just $2000 less than I paid for it. Only one break down in all those miles, the original clutch cable broke on a Friday afternoon at 5pm. By noon the next day (Saturday) I was back on the road. I can't imagine that our 996s are any less a car. If something breaks, so be it, that is life. But that is no reason to doubt your own judgement. Now just drive the wheels off the car and enjoy every day of your life. Regards, John