Which MY???

I've found 3 cars that are piquing my interest... 2003 White, 56K miles, 50K mile service, $40,000 2002 Silver, 54K miles, 50K mile service, GT3 skirts, Bilstein shocks, H&R springs, AP exhaust, $36,000 2001 Silver, 34K miles, 19" Champion wheels, GT3 skirts, $37,000 I'm so torn. 2003 - Newest, best looks, really stretching my budget 2002 - 2nd newest, 2nd best looks, best performance 2001 - Good looks, gorgeous wheels, LOW mileage, cheap. Any suggestions to help prioritize? I have to figure this out for myself in the end, but would appreciate any experienced opinions. Thanks, Joe

What is it that you are seeking in this next vehicle? If performance outweighs 'newness' get the '02. I would not get the '01 regardless. Any of them CPO'd?

I say buy the best your budget can afford...and I am thinking the newest one. How much of a stretch on your money is it? If given those 2 choices, I agree I wouldnt consider the 01. My bet is the 03.

If the '03 will not lower the price to $37500 range, and the '02 is not beat up(redlined, I think a PST II tool at the dealership can detect if its been redline many times), with all it's pluses(Aero Kit and upgraded suspension, I'd definitely go with the '02. Good Luck.

I would go for the 2003 because it appears to be stock. I tend to shy away from modified cars. While white may seem a harder to sell color, it's not without its fans. I think if you consult any type of Porsche authority, they will tell you that - with all things being equal - always get the newest car you can afford. And even though there are no changes per se with the 2003 cars, there are always running changes with Porsche which don't appear at first blush.

If the asking the price is $40k why not counter the offer at $37k?

I am sure that you will get up to three different answers if at least three people respond, but here is my .02. 1. Buy the newest you can afford, keep in mind the budget. Better to have some room for mods and unexpected repairs. 2. Buy what you would be happiest with, this is a purchase of passion, not necessity, if you go cheap and it really is not the color/options, etc you want, then you won't be happy and you will just look forward to your next p-car. 3. Style and engine change at 02, more hp, updated front/rear facias, and interior are more desired by some. 4. There are a ton of cars out there, if you are not totally satisifed - keep looking! 5. I think the 02 sounds good, close mileage to the 03 (low mileage is not always a huge point for me - reasonable mileage, overall condition, and maintenance are). The car sounds closer to your budget and already has some good mods (if those are what you like) - but if is not the color/style/options you want - KEEP LOOKING! 6. This post could go on for pages, determine what are must haves and look for that car in your budget. There will be plenty of opinions, but as you said, it is ultimately up to you, so please yourself and do not be swayed to heavily by opinions - only facts. I would love an '07TT, but my budget tells me a '00 Cab is more realistic! In any case, have a ppi done. Good Luck!

Leave the '02 alone! I'm looking at the same one. Get the '03

Why are the 02 and 03 cars so cheap??

go with #2

The '02 is cheap cause he has a new TT and needs to lose the '02 Or at least that's what he said.

I'm with Tamiya Guy on this one. I don't want anyone's mods/options...give me a stock car. And give me the newest one I can afford. I've had white cars, and for everyday use, it's hard to keep the front end pristine at all times. But for a garage queen, white will keep its luster and dazzle you each time you take it out for a drive. Good luck!

With the exception of a race car, I would rather have a car that's bone stock. I realize that a lot of Rennlisters mod their cars. But there are a lot of hacks out there. So I'm just a little wary unless I know exactly what I'm getting.

Thanks for the input guys. My intentions with this car is to have a summer/good weather car for the next 10 years (approx 5000 miles/year). Aside from the regular maintenance, I don't want surprises. Each year I envision: - 2 to 4 6-hour trips - Cruises around the city - 10 Autocross events - 2 hotlapping events at the local track (total 30 laps of 1.3 mile course) I do have a sense of competitiveness in me, but the racing is more for fun and learning the car in a safe environment. If I wanted to stay competitive (classwise), I'd keep my 350Z. I'm a fan of white 996s, as long as it's a good car. I like Lapis blue as well. Silver I'd be content with (but is that good enough?). We don't have a lot of 996s here, but I still would like to be somewhat unique. I don't mind spending a little more than budget if it's a good car as it will probably avoid costly maintenance issues down the road. I was thinking that the Bilsteins would be peace of mind. I know the stock suspension on the 993s doesn't last very long. How is it on the 996s? PSM is an attractive option to me until I get used to the car. I'm comfortable pushing the 350Z without the stability control, but I'm thinking a rear-engine car may snap out on me a little quicker. The '01 has it. Is it a common feature on C2s? My thought right now is make sure the '03 is in good shape (PPI and review records) and see what price I can get. [BrockPorsche starts his happy dance] Sorry for rambling, but I thought this might give you some insight as to where I'm coming from. edit: Can someone point me to an online maintenance schedule for 996s?

There should be a little booklet in the car that describes the maintenance schedule. Or use http://www.renntech.org

Go pre face lift. I can't stand the later headlights, the the cheesy chrome, and squared off bumpers.

And here I thought the major was at 50K miles... It's actually 60K miles. So, am I looking at major maintenance in the near future for these vehicles with 54-56K miles? I guess if it'll show up in the maintenance records, and if not, I'll add that to my "actual cost" of the vehicle.

I AGREE... WELL SAID. Once I was ready, I searched for 3 months and even when I found the car I still didn't jump the guns and the guy lowered the price even more, could of paid less, but I was happy (after a PPI) to pay 32k for an untouched unscraped stock 911... And got the $1600 for the "super package" 20k/2years warranty which paid off when after 2 months I had to replace the coolant reservoir... I now have put over 10k miles with no other problems... a perfect car so far... all because of patience and of course, a little bit of luck. happy search! that's the best part, it's like petting.