In the market for a 996!

Hey all! With the sale of my 928, I am in the market for a 996. I wanted something newer, faster, and with a manual but I didn't want to give up the white-knuckle, bet-your-engine thrill ride! Ha! So here I am. I am excited about my next car. Particularly since I am planning on buying a car on the west coast and driving it home to NJ. I have never driven across country, and I think its about time I do it. I may or may not bring a friend along. Logistics for this kind of purchase are a bit tricky. I think my safest bet is to pay for the car, register it and insure it before I leave, and fly out with the plates. I am open to all suggestions. But the first job is to find a car. Now that I have the cash from my sale, I have begun looking in earnest. I'm looking for a sorted non-cabriolet, preferably not in silver but mechanical sorted-ness is paramount. No really high milers. I am not a big fan of aero cars or factory wings, but I'm a weirdo. My budget is 20K with a little room to move. All that said, here are some cars I am interested in. Any and all opinions appreciated. Yellow car on Rennlist https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...-s-ed-car.html Just a tad outside my range, but nice looking. If the car has been used for DE is that good or bad, or neither? VivGs Car https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...57k-miles.html Love this color, and looks well taken car of. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...048838352.html Silver, but says RMS and IMS taken car of. I plan to ask what that means (what solution? Who installed?) https://santabarbara.craigslist.org/cto/6062984951.html 1999 Black on black, looks clean, no mention of RMS/IMS. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=441514724 1999, Not a big fan of the bling bling rims, but this keeps popping up in the searches. Would have to get a thorough PPI. As I said, any opinions appreciated on these or if you know a decent candidate in SoCal/NorCal/Western States, I am interested in hearing about it. Thanks!

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Found this one in blue. Price is a little north of what you requested but I just bought mine in Houston and I got $4.5K off listed price. This is one owner before it was sold at auction. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...modelCode1=911

Wow, that is gorgeous. 32K on the clock! I will keep it in mind, thanks!

Talk to VivG. He's a known and respected member here and that will make up for it being a tad outside your budget.

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I sent him an IM this morning. Looks well sorted. Thanks!

Keep your eyes on the "Today's Craigslist Find" thread.... If Cali doesn't pan out for you, here's a relatively clean looking car available just up the street from me that offers a low cost entry into 911 ownership. But it's from Florida... LMK and I'll go take a closer look at it for you.... https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/ctd/6061999635.html

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I subscribed to that thread last week. Lots of interesting info on where the market is. I would consider Florida for the perfect car. And that's a nice price. Thanks for the offer, I will let you know.

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My guess is that at the price there is something more to tell about it as that is lower than just for the miles. It does look like a clean car though and with a 20k budget you have room for just about anything it could need other than a catastrophic engine failure. In fact at that price you could drive the hell out of it, put minimal work into it, and if/when the motor goes you should be able to recover at least half the price as a roller. Pretty low risk if you look at it that way actually...

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+1 My curiosity is so piqued, even though I'm not in the market myself. But, I promise to shut-up about that car now. Enough's enough...

I bought my first 911 when I lived in the midwest. It was a 2002 C4S. I bought it in the San Bernardino, CA area and drove it back home (a little over 2,000 miles). This was a great experience, and it really allows you to get to know the car. I think you will enjoy it. A few things to keep in mind: - State laws vary with respect to sales tax. I don't recall exactly how it worked when I bought my car, but I do remember that the CA law at the time allowed you to buy a car in CA without paying sales tax as long as it you took the car out of state within a certain timeframe (I think it was 24 hours). I did this, and I paid sales tax in my home state when I registered the car. - I stopped by the Department of Motor Vehicles in CA with my sales receipt from the previous owner, and I paid $15 for a title transfer into my name. I transferred the CA title to my home state when I registered the car. I kept the original owner's plates on the car for the drive. - Most auto insurance policies give you 30 days to officially add a vehicle after you purchase it, but you'll want to check your policy. I called my insurance company and added the vehicle before I drove it home. - Payment is always a tricky one, as you'll want to do it in a secure manner and avoid the potential for a scam. In my case, the owner and I had accounts at the same bank. We went to a local bank and I had a banker transfer the funds directly from my account in to his account. Simple and easy. - Definitely get a PPI and tell the inspector that you plan a cross-country drive. Make sure the oil has been changed, fluids are good, etc. The car that I bought needed new tires, but they had enough life to get me home. I drove home and bought new tires when I got there. Enjoy the hunt. It's really one of the fun parts of the experience.

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Thanks Dennis, that's really helpful. I guess a lot depends on whether the PO is ok with his plates being on the car for 5 or 6 days going across the country. No risk involved for them, but you never know.

I think you could get temporary plates at the DMV, but I'm not sure how that works. You may actually get them in your home state if the sale is finalized before you drive the car home. That's worth investigating.

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Yeah, that's kinda the plan I am most comfortable with. My plates on the car just sounds like a better deal. And as it stands, I am going to have some time between purchase and when I fly out to get it registered, because I'm going to have to clear things up at work before I leave for a week. Thanks for all the help.

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If you buy a CA car, the plates stay with the car. The seller fills out a release of liability form with your info on it and mails it to DMV. That takes the car out of his name. Some state, like NV require the seller to turn in the plates. Many states require a VIN inspection before you can register the car. You better check with NJ DMV. I've done a few fly and drives and always had a blast. I highly recommend it. No better way to get a feel for your new car than to spend a few days and a couple thousand miles behind the wheel!

Buy it here and drive it home, then deal with the registration and sales tax. In some states, the plates stay with the owner. In California, the plates stay with the car. I found that out the hard way many years ago when I bought a 7 series BMW way below value on a whim on eBay while visiting in Michigan. I drove the car back to California with no plates and somehow managed to not get pulled over. You won't have to contend with that issue buying it here. And as an aside, try to take a few extra days and take in some sights along the way. Enjoy the ride! Best of luck in the hunt for your new ride.

Thanks guys! All cool info. I had no idea that a liability release form was possible. Makes sense. I plan on sightseeing. I am using a website called http://www.roadtrippers.com to do a little planning now, not knowing exactly where I am going. You tell it the route, and it suggests things to see along the way. Its pretty fun to play with.

Something else to keep in mind, when you find a car that you are really interested in, just ask and if someone is local you can probably get them to go look at it for you (Rennfax). I just helped out another 928er on a Targa purchase, jatee has offered on that cheap C4, and you see it all the time. We're crazy, but we're a helpful bunch when we want to be.

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Thanks guys, I am most definitely going to take advantage of that.

It would be nice if all the states had a common practice. Texas is also a plates stay with the car. Although, this makes it easier for the buyer can be problems for the seller. My neighbor sold his car and forgot to cancel the toll account. A month later he got a toll bill for $200 because of the license plate. I think the drive idea sounds like a blast especially this time of the year. I was looking at a 996 cabri in Las Vegas and was thinking the Grand Canyon drive would be nice. Heading to NJ a spring ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway would be fun.

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Very true. Most of us are just looking for a reason to take one Porsche out to look at another. Thankfully, my 911 does not get jealous when I admire another 911's tail.

Hey All-- An update, I put a deposit down on this one: http://www.smithmotorgroup.com/detai...-16290556.html I bought it through the owner, not this dealer, so I got it cheaper than they listed. I am really happy with the car, even though I have yet to actually see it. I've spoken with the owner a few times and have a good feeling about the purchase. The VIN and Lien issues have been taken car of. The owner has agreed to keep the plates on it, so all I have to do is get the title and have it insured. Car had the IMS/RMS/Clutch done two years ago. It also has some suspension and exhaust upgrades. PPI'ed by SGS Independent Porsche in San Luis Obispo, and they found no major issues. So, the plan is to fly out on April 28th, buy the car on the 29th and start driving. I've got the trip semi-planned out on Roadtrippers.com and if anyone is interested I'll start a new thread to document the trip. I will be taking the "southern" route on I-40 from California through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, then up through Virginia and on to the east coast. Any and all tips appreciated. And thanks to everyone for all your feedback for cars I posted in the Craigslist thread. I learned a lot.

Very nice looking 996 coupe, congrats... Exterior & Interior colors look like mine, cool. Enjoy the drive back to NJ, weather is great now. I used to live in LA and took similar Route from LA through Arizona, Texas and Eastward then up North to Albany NY. I drove my Jeep JK up so it wasn't as fun as in a 996 for sure. Cheers,

Congratulations Mike, Both your wishes came true in finding a 996 and you get to drive it cross country. I am sure you will have a blast. I would say keep a keen eye on the weather we seem to be having a "hail" of a spring here in TX.

You did it exactly right Mike, took your time and did your research before finding the "one". Looking forward to your road trip thread. What type of wheels are those? They look slightly different from the similar factory version.

Beautiful car, Mike, congratulations If your route through Virginia takes you near me I'd be happy to meet for coffee en route - would be a good excuse to get to know a couple of others on here, too. Whaddya say, Gnat? Arch1t3ct?

Nice looking car, Mike!!!!! Congrats and best of luck on your big journey. Looking forward to your travel blog!

Cool spec 996, those wheels look great on it. Enjoy the drive-

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Thanks everyone! I am pretty excited about the car and the drive. I am not sure of the wheels. They look like JimmyB's wheels, so whatever those are I guess. They're round! Happy to meet up! We are taking route 81, which allows us to avoid the DC/Baltimore Route 95 parking lot. So, if you can get that far west, let me know. Also, I am not entirely sure when I will be in your area. It will probably be Tuesday/Wednesday, but it could be three in the morning!

Congrats on the purchase! You'll love it. The wheels appear to be MY '02 lightweights. They are considered a very desirable OE wheel by many people, and obviously weren't original equipment on your car. They could also be the newer version that was offered on the 997. It's hard to tell in the photos. Are they 19" or 18" diameter?

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dealer site lists them as 17s .... I agree they look like the lightweights from that model year only slightly different.

Make sure and set up an emergency kit for the road trip. Tools, oil, coolant, extra belt etc...

Congrat's on the purchase! Looks like a beautiful car and the drive will be great. My only suggestion is to stay of the Interstate as much as possible. FWIW, I think the wheels are Carrera Classics , which are 19".

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Yes, those could be them. I will know more when I can see the tires. The dealer just put up the text from the option sticker and the previous owner changed some things, so I can't rely on the listing.

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Oh yeah, Walmart is my first stop. I figure water (for me and the car), jumper cables and emergency kit (reflectors, first aid, etc.). Metric cross lug wrench if I can get one. Maybe a small cooler for the water. What other tools? A metric socket set?

Instead of jumper cables, I'd try something like this: Amazon Amazon Even though it's got a spare, I'd get a can of fix-a-flat and a compressor. Under the spare tire cover there should be a little toolkit. A couple quarts of oil would be good since you don't yet know how much it will use. Make sure the washer fluid is topped up. You're going to hit lots of bugs! Beyond that, I'd have a credit card and a fully charged cell phone. Realistically, there is not a lot of stuff that you would be able to DIY on the side of the road, since you would likely be limited by parts availability.

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+1 on the jump starter. I carry one in each car. It'll also recharge your phone if necessary, handy if you have a dead phone and a dead car. Other than that, I'd plan on jugs of coolant, washer fluid, and oil. I think a 12v compressor and fix-a-flat is a good idea. Another thing I have in each car is a good headlamp and extra batteries, as well as a good flashlight. Simple problems get a lot more complicated when you can't see what you're doing. Smaller roads are more fun, but those big, boring highways usually have much better cell coverage.

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Get one of the red emergency backpacks with all the earthquake supplies, we all carry them while in SoCal. Add some extra water and you're good to go. Walmart has them. Dan

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I second this thought. After reading numerous post about not being able to open the Frunk and rear deck lid I carry this behind the passenger seat: Amazon Amazon I would add spare fuses. Long story short my dad had his lighter fuse go and could not charge his phone that he was also using for navigation. I also upped my AAA membership to plus so a tow up to 100 miles is covered.

Congrats, it has all the right mods! Who is doing the trip with you? I'd take my dog.

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If I had a dog, he'd be my first choice. It looks like a friend of mine can make it, which is great. We can cover more miles and now I have someone to drink with. I am planning on getting a battery charger when I get out there (as well as all the other good ideas), I don't want any hassles with the airline.

Congrats! Good luck on the trip.

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I hope she gives good ****!

Woohoo! We wrangled another sucker! Oops, I meant 'congrats and welcome to the team'. hahhahahhaaaaaa! I'm sure you'll be happy with the car. As for the road trip, once you leave ABQ and go up the hill, put the hammer down, and drink lots of Monster or Rock and just boogie. Stop for gas and bladder, the rest of the road east is b-o-r-i-n-g. Buy a radar detector. Ya know?

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Are you kidding, the threads on this forum almost scared me away. ha! But like I said before, not having the 928 I missed that feeling of, "when is my engine going to light on fire?" So here I am. Got it about the radar. The only question is whether I get a radar detector out there or take the one I have. I am trying to pack light. I hope it's not boring after ABQ! I've got thousands of miles to go after that! For what's it worth, we're staying on the southern route as long as possible, which means we'll try to get through Memphis and Nashville, then head northeast. Looking forward to some decent barbeque, minimum. Here is a link to the current route: https://roadtrippers.com/map?a2=t!17...23505031900865

i have a 2002 c4s for $29k (USD) + 4.0 rebuilt engine!

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Boychick, once you get near Moriarity, all the way to AR you got 700 miles of high desert. It'll be hot, it'll be windy, it may rain, snow, hail, or a tornado(kinda early though). If you are really hungry, stop in Amarillo for the 72Oz steak challenge. If you eat it all in one sitting it's free. That'll help the colon for the rest of the trip. After Forth Smith AR, it'll get into rolling hills, and then flatten out across the MS river. After that more gently rolling hills, and some scenery. No speeding at all in VA. If you have CA plates on you'll go directly to jail.

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That place is already on the itinerary, just cause it looks crazy. Yeah, i read about people going to jail for three days for speeding. Well advised. http://jalopnik.com/never-speed-in-v...-in-1613604053

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There's fwy construction on I-40 in Amarillo. If you get there near 4pm, suggest you take the 335 loop around to the north. I comes right back on I-40 and the next exit when you get back on stop at Hana truck stop for gas. Almost always the cheapest, even for 91. After you get back on the fwy, pass the airport and look off to your left. In the distance you'll see some white buildings in the distance. That's the Pantex plant. The worlds storage of the nastiest, most horrible chem, bio, and nuclear agents ever. I used to work there a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away. Hold your breath if the wind is out of the north. Then, OK city is next, good cheap gas at P66. You can visit the memorial to the Murrah building in downtown. The only thing I recall from Fort Smith is the trolley museum. Hard to find, but if you like trains it's pretty cool.

As a Texan, lover of smoked meats and perfect steaks, I say avoid the touristy Texan in Amarillo. And dont go snooping around Pantex, they are just as sensitive as the highway patrol in VA is about speeding.

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Guessing you missed the emoticon, and sarcasm about the doom of colon after eating steak. But - ok.

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I saw the colon doom. I just wanted to make it clear. As a Texan it pains me to say it but the must have steak on I40 is probably Cattlemans in OKC. Doc I sincerely hope after I get my 996 we can get together and share some meat and brew at least once. I really like your car but at 16% less I'm going to go a different route. I made airline reservations today for the fly and drive.

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No worries here. Always my advice - get what makes you happy. I'm not upset. As you can tell, it's not a rush for me to sell mine. Heck, I may put a bearing in and keep it for a while. Really, it's too nice and rare a car to give away. We have a GTG every first of month Sat morning for the 928 group. They always have a mix of cars including 924, 944, 968, 914, 996, 991, 993, etc. Would love to see your new ride sometime. It's at the 183 and Central ave area at one of the cafes. We take over the whole back room, usually 8-15 cars there and a good group. C'mon down and we'll have a cuppa. Roger is the unoff host, and you'll want to get to know him well for his great prices on parts.

Aero kits look sooo cool. Congrats on the purchase!

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Virginia cops SUCK! Lived there for 14 years and had a target on my 300srt, I had to sell it because one trooper pulled me over every time he saw me on my way to work for no good reason. Well actually, I beat the three tickets he first gave me in court and he did not like that. He'd point out & pick every mod on my car apart including the chromed turn signal bulbs in my headlight housings, LED tails, exhaust, SRT across the windshield.

Hey all -- Just an update: bought the car Friday the 29th and got home last Wednesday at midnight. Car was represented accurately, ran wonderfully for 3,000 miles (at some inadvisable speeds) and is now in its new home with fresh oil and filter. When I emerge from vacation catchup at work I'll post some pics from the epic trip.

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Happy to hear you had better luck than me!

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Yeah man, I read that thread before I left. What a bummer! And as much fun as we had, I did spend spend some time wondering if the CEL was going to go on, or I was going to hear something bad on a cold start.