99 vs 02 value

I am looking at a few 996's, but my top two candidates are a 99 well equipped with options that are important to me like an LSD and full leather and an 02 with not a lot of options. Both have reliability concerns addressed with newer IMS and RMS fixes and the 02 is on its original clutch. The 02 has 73k and the 99 80k. MK1 vs Mk2, doesn't matter to me, both have their pros and cons to me. In this case, I like these two equally. That said, I know the 02 is worth more, but how much more does everyone think? $3k? $4k? Thanks in advance!

I had the same dilemma... I went with the 02 for the added HP, and I like the front much better. Remember, in the end, you don't want to regret your purchase over saving a few dollars that you can afford. When I was looking at a tip/cab, the prices were easily 20-30% higher for an 02 vs a 99. In my search, it seems like options didn't command that much of a premium (fully optioned vs stripper was only maybe $1k or so different). Color made a pretty big difference, because I didn't wan't the standard silver, and they tend to be significantly cheaper. In the end I just got a killer deal from Craigslist based on comps I saw. - '02 C4 Cab, 1 owner, 50k miles, garaged, seal grey, Tip, full leather, hard top, no issues (other than brake pads and rotors) for $26k. I had to fly to NY and had a fun 7 hour drive back home. Check out Autotempest.com, and you can search all of craigslist across the US, until you find your perfect car. Shipping a car shouldn't be much more than $1000 from anywhere in the US ($500 for shorter distances), and a PPI runs between $150-$500 depending where you are (FYI my $150 PPI was WAY more detailed than the one I paid $400 for on 2 different 996's)

Its a hard question to answer without more info for both cars. (condition, maintenance history, aero or not etc.) With the limited info you provided I would say the difference is more like in the 4K- 7K range. The maintenance history of the car is very important and I would give that extra weight in your decision. Other than that buy the one that really turns you on. With me I normally know the "one" when I see it. Good luck.

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There is your answer, assuming both pass a PPI to your liking... I went with mine for the crazy orange interior, cool paint, miles and price over the MK2's I was looking at.

Which car makes your heart sing? Buy that one. Best of luck and have a Happy New Year.

Thanks all - Street - As I mentioned, the 99 is better equipped and the options that I like better is the LSD (which is huge), full leather, better factory stereo. It does have the 4 spoke steering wheel, which I don't like but I would think is easily fixed! The 02 basically has power seats, CDR22 (so no Bose), Carrera II wheels and that's about it for major options. no heated seats. Both cars are well maintained and completely stock. two different styles though. the 99 is owned by a 2nd gen PCA guy, who was very meticulous and particular. He is like most of us here and does a lot of research and picked his repair shops very carefully. Everything is up to date. It needs nothing. Just a new steering wheel! ;-) The 02 has been serviced by the same dealer it's whole life and they managed it's service - they would just tell the owners what it needed and they would say ok. The current owner bought it from the original owner who he says was a buddy of his. I sense he has never heard of Rennlist or any other P-car forum. He learned about IMS the hard way and had to get a new crate motor, but he paid the dealer to do it. Porsche did pay for the motor though. What I don't get is, that he did not to a clutch at the time and it's still original with 73k on it. It will need brakes at some point too, but not a huge deal. I am going to be 44 in March and have had 44 cars, so I don't keep anything for too long, so resale is important to me. honestly, the 99 turns me on more, but shipping is going to be double and with an 02 with 7k less miles for ~$2/3K more when you factor in shipping, am I crazy not to do that? I do like it and the color combo a little better, but I do like the MK1 a little more for a few reasons..

I think that both of the cars you're considering are going to hold their value if you only plan to keep a car for a short time. They have already taken the majority of their depreciation at this point. I'd follow others' advice and just buy the one that you like the most. You'll drive yourself crazy if you worry too much about your investment or about resale. Buying a 10+ year old Porsche is an emotional thing, not a rational thing. Enjoy!

I never plan to get rid of them, I just can't afford to keep them all. ;-) I always say I am going to keep this one forever and my wife and kids just roll their eyes at me....

^^ I said that until I sold a car and it became my biggest and really only regret in life. That experience I think will cause me to keep this one for as long as I financially can (which is hopefully forever). I dont do that with every car but I wan to start keeping my "fun" cars.

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It sounds like you should pull the trigger on the 99 only because it has the options you really desire. Or wait for an 02+ with LSD and full leather. If this car is going to be a daily driver the miles difference is meaningless. If the reality is that this car is going to be sold in a year (following your ownership history) then you need to get in really cheap. IMO these cars have not hit bottom on depreciation until they are in the $12-15K range...maybe even $10K. The market is flush with used 996's and frankly the car is burdened with well documented engine problems that buyers (like yourself) are aware of. That said I am driving my recently acquired '03 with 124K miles - original clutch (getting stiff) and IMS. No leaks and solid all around. I just updated the suspension to ROW M030 which totally transformed the car. Next up are brakes. Next year sometime when the clutch is toast I will throw in the LN IMS bearing for good measure. So I guess I am proof that not all 996 motors are problematic. Good luck.

Thanks! LSD was not an option after 00.. I agree though, the market is flooded and I think these cars will drop even more, which does scare me a bit given my short term relationships! Hopefully I do keep this one for a little while. Next year my wife needs to get something, so that my cure the 2014 itch.. Then maybe replace my BMW in 2015... ;-)

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I've been accused of suffering from the same affliction! My 2002 C4S has been my daily driver longer than any car I've ever owned. I've considered an upgrade several times in the last year or so, but I just don't want to get rid of this car.

You had 44 cars as a daily driver or were some of them projects that you flipped as a hobby?

A few race cars in there , but I don't think that included all of them. Two flip cars might be in there too, a BMW Isetta 600 (limo) and 83 320... I just get bored quickly!

Couple of thoughts... Condition is everything. Are they both pristine, documented, well maintained cars? If only one is, grab that one. The interior finish on the MKI's was very easily scratched. MKII's interior finish was *much* better. For interior appeal, I'd take a partial leather MKII over a full leather MKI any day. Not from personal experience, but my understanding is that the factory 996 LSD's were pretty marginal and wore out quickly. The '99 would likely require rebuilding, and again in the not-to-distant future if you plan on tracking the car? I know there are plenty of fans of MKI cars out there, but for me, it's worth finding the right 2002-2004. I think something like a 50K mile 2002-2004 C2, no issues, minty clean for $24K-$27K is the perfect 996.

Big surprise just a bit ago. Ran the carfax on the 99 and it did not line up with what I have been told regarding number of owners and there was an accident reported that he did not mention. So it might be this 02 or will wait for something better. Think the values still have some short term adjusting to do.

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+1 I'd even go to 70 or 80k miles. You'll be doing the same maintenance either way. And the maintenance is expensive in general. Might as well save on the up front cost. Just make sure the car is well maintained and not abused or neglected. 2003 Carrera 4S Speed Yellow / 1955 356 Continental 1500 Rust Red

Maintenance doesn't matter in this case. He isn't going to have the car for more than 6 months anyways. I would get the one that depriciates the least.

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Hopefully more than 6 months! I have gone 3 years before! Once race car for 6 I think. Anyway, maintenance is very important to me as an owner but also for when I sell.

If you've bought and sold 44 cars (more or less), you know more about what you're asking than anyone else on this board (unless they are a dealer / curber). That being said, I would agree that both of these cars, all other things being equal, will likely hold their value (depreciate for sure, but only slightly). But, on the flip side, neither is likely to appreciate.

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Thanks, I just didn't know the 996 market as well as all of you folks! I have only had a 951 and 986s before. All this said, another car all together came up and it passed a ppi today! Very excited! As many said, it should excite me and this does! I wanted an mk1 more, but to me I couldn't justify paying $20k for one when I could have bought this 02 for 20% more and it has 7k less miles and newer factory crate motor. Mute point now since I went a completely different route... Once the deal is done, I'll post it up! I will also highly recommend someone by this 02 I almost bought, which is still for sale.

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40th Anniversary cars have LSD and extra horses.

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Exactly! ;-)

Or just install an OS Giken LSD which will be better than a worn out stock unit...