Yup.... I'm nuts

Well, it took a year of debating, waffling, saving, questioning, reading, but yesterday, around 2pm I put together a deal on a 2001 C4. Dispite it's 96700 miles, the car feels better now then any new car I've driven. Purchasing it at the Porsche dealership local to my parents house, who just replaced the clutch, IMSB and RMS. The ONLY body issue I could find was a bit of a scratch on the inside of the drive mirror, basically between the mirror and the body. I'd love to know how that was done. The interior could of been brand new for all I know, it was in that good of a condition. I'd of prefered power seats on the car, however, at the end of the day, once I get the seat set I won't be moving it to much anyway. Also, car has the turbo wheels on it. Those things are freaking wide.... really wide... Anyway, this week I just need to finish the financing paperwork, get insurance, and I'll be picking it up on Saturday. I'm not having an outside PPI done because it is from a dealership, and there is NOTHING I could find that would make me question this car. I appologise for the crappy cell phone picture. The dealership never took pictures... and my cell phone kinda sucks for pics these days. .... It's gonna be a long week...

Congratulations ! Looks like a unmolested original car. Tip ? Interior looks black ? Litronic lights ? What kinds of personalization are you planning.

Congrats ! Looks like a C4 was a good choice considering the snow there . Will it be your daily driver ?

Well its a Porsche. Can't be all bad. Can't be all good either. I picked up mine on Friday. These cars are like crack.

Seee, you almost hit the nail on the head, it's a manual not a trip, but otherwise your right with the options. As for mods, the car is supposidly completely stock, but compaired to the other one I drove it seems a bit louder, and shifts just a bit better. Not sure if that means the other one was messed up or this one isn't stock. Need to drive it for a bit to see what I want to change. Depending on my mood I may convert to 2wd, and remove the clutch spring. IDK... Maybe come carbon on the interior. When I first started looking I saw a turbo with the black interrior that had the carbon package and thought it was gorgeous. North, yes it is going to be my daily. I'm gonna sell the Saab to a guy at work cheap (it has it's issues. Just wasn't worth fixing to me) and this will be my only car. So every day I'm going to have a big problem, do I take the Porsche 911 or the Triumph today? For whatever reason, I've always wanted both since when I was young... and now I own both, and I'm only 24. Must of done something right. Actually the car is something of a present to myself for paying off my student loans, and a 25th birthday present. Though it's about 3 months early for my birthday, and a year and 3months late for the student loans. I will admit though I got lucky with the loans, between my parents and my grandfather helping out. This is the option list off the dealers website: 197 - Stronger battery 273 - Electric outside mirrors 274 - Illuminated vanity mirrors in sun visors 339 - All wheel drive 424 - CD storage 454 - Cruise Control 476 - Porsche Stability Management (PSM) 480 - Six-speed manual gearbox 535 - Alarm system (315 Mhz) 562 - Airbag driver and passenger 563 - Side airbags POSIP 567 - Windscreen with graduated top tint 571 - Charcoal filter 573 - Automatic Climate Control 602 - Third brake light 650 - Electric sunroof 651 - Electric windows 946 - Partial leather seats A1 - Black AJ - Partial leather black P02 - Technic Package USA Coupe XPA - 3-spoke steering wheel in leather XRL - 18" SportDesign wheel

since you didn't do a PPI, which was a mistake fyi, you should do a post purchase inspection.

Power seats are IMO a huge waste of cash anyways. Set it and forget it. Why would you ever consider altering a AWD back to 2WD?

Congrats on your purchase. Nice to hear your excitement for a 13 year old Porsche. Post some pics once you have possession.

Congrats and enjoy in good health. Your options show 18" sport design wheels. FYI you currently have the turbo twists on your car.

Your wheels are actually the "Turbo Look" wheels, IIRC they were option code 415 and were an option on the 2001 C4. I previously owned this same model and I think you will enjoy the car. I would drive it for a while as is before possibly converting to 2 wheel drive. I don't like under-steer but I found the car was actually fairly neutral handling and you may like it as is. Congrats and enjoy.

Nice car but I agree that even though it's a dealer a PPI from a good Indy would help. These cars cost a lot to keep on the road...if there is anything lurking it would be found in a PPI and fixed or negotiated out of the sales price. Great looking car and I too have a C4 and wouldn't consider taking it to 2wd.

Congrats redrider! Funny how I keep reading stories about purchases of 996's with high mileage that drive and look as they are new. Materials and build quality can't be that cheap if the car still drives and looks as new with high mileage on them! Sorry, what's the point of converting a 4wd to a 2wd?

Congrats!

Congratulations, what's the deal with the rear wheel arch just behind the wheel?

Congrats!

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Looks like a salt stain?

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Bingo. Still nasty up here. Was alternating between rain and blue sky while I was there. I was gonna wait another couple of weeks before buying a car so the weather definately changes and it wont be snowing. As for the 2wd conversion I'd need to drive one before I did it, but I've always found myself prefering rwd cars. Just a thought. As for the PPI a friend who is a mechanic is gonna give me a ride back to my parents house. I plan on having them take a look before finishing the deal. At this point its still just a deposit, so if I need to walk away I still can. It would be going to a shop if I had any concerns, but I really don't. Also a bit of back story on me, I'm a mechanical engineer who does acceptence testing on large equipment and I tend to be picky. Oh and the carfax shows all the servies has been done. Am I forgetting anything?

Oh the rims... yea... noticed that too. From what I was told they are the actual turbo wheels. Any way to check? The tire size suggests they are real turbo wheels.

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They won't be actual "Turbo" wheels as fitted to the 993 Turbo. They are of similar design but different size and offset to fit narrow body cars. Likely 18 x 7.5" ET 50 front and 18 x 10" ET 65 rear. They could be either hollow or solid spoke. Solids have a couple "ribs" on the back, hollows are smooth/flat. Part numbers are on the back of the spokes for verification.

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I'll have to check when I take delivery. Thank you.

Nice looking car. Very similar to mine, but with 50,000 less miles on yours. Mine works great as a daily driver, so I suspect yours will do just fine - its just barely broken in! Wish I'd have pulled the trigger on my first P-car at 24. I waited until I was almost 40. I balked at the first couple I was close to buying out of fear of maintenance costs back in my 20's. Ironically, the most expensive per mile car I've ever owned was a 1 year old "smart car" Chevy Blazer back in the late 1980's. Between rampant depreciation and having to rebuild the 2.8 GM V-6 at 80,000 miles because it "just wore out", I'd have been much better off buying the 911 Targa I passed on to go the "safe" route with the Blazer. I think in the end, your 996 decision will end up far from nuts.

Great car, enjoy!

KC, somewhat referencing your post, I'm going to say this in case there is a lurker out there on the fence. My thought process was based a lot on what you just said. When I paid everything off (Nov 2012), my mom put the bug in my ear about getting a nice(r) car. Not that my Saab is bad, I just think she wanted me to get rid of the motorcycle. So, I started looking at the BRZ as something that will be motorcycle fun, just with 4 wheels. Build quality and ride where... adequate. Nothing great, but not what I would call bad either. So that day I was out with my parents taking a look, considering it a bit. Somehow we ended up at a BMW dealer, and an Audi dealer that day. Ended up liking the idea of one of those as a CPO. Had myself psyched on that idea. At the time, there was a 911 at the BMW dealership for 20k. Wasn't anything impressive, was first looking, got scared of the RMS problem (hadn't even heard of the IMS problem at that time) as well as some of the other reviews of people who just hated the 996. Figured I could buy that car, but not actually be able to own the car and drive it. Eventually got to looking at leasing a new 3 series. Would of been around the same price to me as the CPO for 3 years and selling. Both are around 27k, before insurance. (Seem to be quoting the 911 in the same ballpark... but that's left out) Numbers get better with older cars, but for something new, seems to be around there. Eventually started to consider the Cayman, though I forget how that started. Was convinced that was the right car. Went to a dealer, drove the Cayman, and a 996 (they had two, both at 20k, both C4) back to back. I still say the Cayman is the better sports car. If all I wanted was to turn laps, Cayman over 996. However I felt it was a little cave like inside. One I drove was noisy, and just not as smooth riding as the 996. Was sold on the 911 that day. Drove a 997 C2S that day as well. I'd love that car, and do prefer it. Actually part of this is why I'd consider converting to 2wd. I prefer the feel of the C2S over the C4. Though now I question how much of that is 996 vs 997 instead of awd vs rwd. The 996 C4 has a feeling of being attached to the road with velcro, the 997 C2S was much lighter on it's feet. But I'm getting off topic. Ended up going with the 996 obviously in the end. There was a lot of going back and forth on even getting a Porsche at this point. I don't live in the best part of town, though I do park in a garage. Wasn't sure how much I wanted to stand out. At this point, screw it though. So, why the 996 over everything else? I figure no matter what, depreciation won't be horrible, if for no other reason then it's a 911. But, at the end of the day, in 3 years, I can completely write the car off without any insurance, and still be ahead of what I'd have into the BMW with everything going well. Its still a dumb financial decision. The smart one being keep driving my Saab until it blows up, but as far as dumb decisions go, I think this is the best one. Plus I get to drive a freaking 911 every day. Do the work myself, and the numbers only get better too. Ok, wall of text. Sorry. Just dying sitting here waiting for some things back... I want my car....

Looks like you put more thought into the process than 99.9% of car buyers. I suspect there will be many more Porsches in your future. Best of luck to you in all of your endeavors! And welcome to the club.

Congrats! Sounds very similar to myself! Just bought a 99' C2 a week ago. Was looking at the BRZ as well. Couldn't justify the price for the power/quality (28k, really?) picked up a 911 for half that and have plenty in the kitty for upkeep and a few mods. It's not my daily driver though. Good luck with the car! Looks great btw. Just get that salt off of it! Ken

converting to 2 wheel drive? where do people come up with this? while your at it a 3.8 conversion would be nice as well! listen i love mods as much as the next guy,but getting involved with the drive train is obsurd...do a PPI make sure the car is solid,and enjoy!.....good luck

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I agree, they are like crack. I have never had a Porsche and purchased 2 in 2 months ....Looking forward DE day this April at Mod-Ohio. I wish I had C4! -------------------------------------------------- --------------------- --------------------- 2000 911 C2 - Ocean Blue 1986 911 Carrera Targa - Guards Reds

KC... that's the abridged version too. I've driven and researched cars from used Imprezas to the 997 C2S cab. Quicker, the car better get used to the salt. It's going to be my only car, and unlike in GA, we use salt and don't shut down for a dusting. I couldn't believe the e-mails I was getting from our Atlanta office about how much they were shutting down. Heck it crashed the remote log in servers.

Nice man! It's good to see a fellow sub 30 year old with a 911!

Congrats! You're on the right track in life, getting your debt paid off BEFORE buying nice things. Don't let the alarmist tone of this forum scare you, these are actually very robust and reliable cars that can be affordable to own, especially if you DIY. If you don't DIY, find a good independent mechanic. Don't ever take it back to the dealership.

I'll admit, the alarmist tone is what scared me off in the beginning. As for the work being done, by the time it goes to a shop, something is very wrong. I have friends with lifts, ASE certified friends, and plan on picking up the software to read the computer myself. Also, the whole paying off debt thing is part of why it took me over a year to buy something. I don't know if I had this in my big explanation or not, but I have always paid cash for vechicles. Sticking to the idea of if I can't pay cash, I can't afford it. Well, while doing all the leg work on picking out a car I realized I should stick to this philosophy. Now, while I don't have the cash per-say today, I do have it. I've recently started investing and saving. So with interest rates where they are, there simply isn't a reason to not finance. Basically, given a week or two, I could pay off the car, just need to take some money out of the market first. All goes well, and I can continue to save/invest as planned, I'll have enough for a house in another couple of years (not sure I actually want one to be honest) and be a millionare in my early 30's.

e code, I'm actually from Albany, so not only am I another sub 30 911 owner, I'm somewhat local as well.

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Us capital region members need to have some C&C's soon

Paying cash for everything is a damn good way to go. The average American household owes $15k on credit cards, $150k on a mortgage, and $33k on student loans. If you can avoid that trap you are unique in a really good way.

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New Country had been having C&C last year, dunno if they are going to do it again or not. I have a few things I want to do to the car this year (997 shifter, new engine mounts, Gentex mirror, OBC hack, Gundo mufflers) ... but it was 13 degrees this morning when I got up to take out the dog. Not exactly garage weather just yet!

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Best purchase ever for winter wrenching. Crank it up, have a cup of coffee, go work in a pleasant temperature garage.

congrats!

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Why is this absurd? Dumping the front drive components is a very easy mod, removes a significant chunk of weight, and makes the car more fun to drive. In my opinion, it lightens the steering a little and improves already-great feedback. Where's the down side? It's spelled "absurd." If you're going to call people out, at least spell it correctly.

I read the whole post, OP, and I have no idea why you think you are nuts. Seems like an awesome ride. Enjoy the car! BTW, a "post-purchase" inspection, although it may seem like closing the barn after the horses are gone, can still give you a good idea of any deferred maintenance items that ought to be addressed.

For the Post Purchase Inspection, as I said, I have friends who are certified mechanics, who will definitely look at the car. My only deferred maintenance item of concern is trans and diff fluid... but those were due at 90k, so basically it's just due, and the question is do I need to do it or has it just been done? Also, the nuts thing is a reference to my first post here.... Linked here One, I can't believe it's that high. Though I do remember something being like your in the top 50% of people for net worth (it might even be higher) by simply having a positive net worth. But your right, I'm lucky in that I'm an engineer who found a good job right out of college, then live somewhat frugally to the point where I can live off of about 1.5 pay checks a month. All told I'm putting away over 20% of my gross salary every year. I'm hoping to retire early, to a sail boat and just sorta float around for my 50's. Yes it's a long shot, but it's a dream. For the capital region guys, maybe a drive out RT2 when the weather is nice, for lunch at The Golden Eagle at the Hair Pin turn in North Adams MA? I've always thought they had good food, good view, and it's funny watching everyone go around the hairpin. Oh... anyone have any idea how the approach and departure angles are with these cars compared to normal cars? There are some pretty steep curbs here (just driving off the sidewalk would be less steap)

So, picked the car up Saturday, need to fill it up on the way home from work today. I have to say, the reactions to the car really are entertaining. From the girl that was checking me out when I was just leaving the dealership, to the couple of people who just HAD to pass, to the little kids glued to the window. Actually I took it to dinner last night with a friend and it was funny to watch some people walk by trying to pretend they aren't checking out the car. Already ordered the Aux in cable, and am going to start figuring out how to add either a USB port somewhere or get the regular stuff to actually plug into the cig lighter. My radar detector pushed out a couple of times. I couldn't run the splitter to plug in both my phone to run Waze and the radar detector at the same time. That thing would pretty much just fall out. I also need to find a place to stash the two plugs once I'm done. Maybe the CD tray delete or something. Any idea?

Here's your cigarette lighter solution: http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...Code=POTE996CM Removing the worthless CD tray is a no-brainer, and helpful in an interior that is challenged for storage space.

Nice... I still like the idea of a USB plug too though. I should be able to do it cleaner then a second cig plug, and get to skip the stupid splitter.... hmmmmm.....