Any Opinions on These 2 Cars?

I have resumed my search for a 996 even though I continue to read the horror stories of the dreaded IMS failures. Any opinions on these 2? I know one is a C4 and the other is not. Also I know get a PPI even though its meaningless in respect to IMS. Thanks. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item257605c7db http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...item3a7a38617c

Both cars look good, if it was me I would go for the one with the lowest miles. But a PPI is a MUST. (Unless you really want the AWD) The prices seem fair.

They both look pretty nice. Personally, I like the more heavily optioned C4. I know the miles are a little higher, but that doesn't bother me. The full-leather interior is really a nice upgrade on the early 996.

They both look clean and relatively low miles, and both in the low 20's. I am partial to my 99' C2, same color with 60k miles. Many will tell you to avoid the MY99s, I disagree. I have only had reliability with my Porsche and have not done the IMSB upgrade. Have you driven a C2 and a C4 to make a valid driving/handling comparison ? GL with your search-GREAT prices.

Go for the rear wheel drive (only) experience. Plus the "C2" has 22,000 fewer miles. That's substantial.

Just my opinion - between these two specific cars - the C2

All things being equal I'd rather have a C2, but honestly I always go for newer cars over ones that have lower mileage.

C2

Joe Case Genuine Motorcars are sketchy. I almost bought a car from them but after a PPI and finding $4000.00 worth of work needed they dropped their price only by $500.00 and I walked away. They claimed they had a buyer in Boston but that was bull because they still have it for sale.

The C2 is in great condition. I have the same car in Glacier White with the full leather. It is great car. And don't believe the BS out there about the '99's. That car like mine was manufactured in 3/1998. Amazing for a car that's about to have its 15th birthday. I updated everything on my car while keeping a stock look. People ask me if it's new. That black C2 is one of those cars. Go for it, but get a PPI first.

I may be selling my C2 (almost identical to the one you posted). PM sent.

Xman 95, I hate to hear that because I just made an offer on the one in Florida, contigent on PPI of course. Could you please explain what happened? Thank you all for your input. I too have driven many miles to look at a car only to be disappointed. Man this used 996 buying is stressful.

They were very nice until i brought the car back from PPI and it needed a $2500 HVAC boot repair, fix a oil leak (possibly RMS or IS bearing and new tires. They gave me the impression that they would fix any repairs until i brought it back. offered me $500 off their listed price and said if i didnt take it they would sell it to a dealer in Boston would offered to pay their list price. I walked and they called the next day but i had put a deposit down on a 04 cab for same price. The silver 2001 cab on their site is still for sale. If you need a good PPI mechanic in tampa i have a personal friend who owns a shop here.

Dont settle on a car just bc you are dieing to have one. I just keep looking and found a much better deal and in better shape. Hang in there.

KrazyK, whatever you do Do Not Rush In to buying a 996! There is a ton of them out there to buy with Great Deals, but also alot of them out there just waiting for the Next Sucker to come along. Just take your time & like everybody says get a PPI, I promise when you see the ONE you'll Know It & you'll be like a kid in a candy store! jmo

If you do get the C2, there are a couple of cosmetic things you can do to make it look 100% better. First, the headlights have been updated to clear from the original amber, but the PO didn't replace the triangles to clear. These are $40-50 for both sides. Second, the PO didn't update the rear lenses. Fortunately, you can find these on E Bay all the time for $200-300 set. I would do this, of course, after any mechanical issues are handled. Good luck!

As others have said, a PPI is extremely important. I would not buy any car this old without seeing it in the flesh topside, inside and underneath and decide if it is what I want to buy. I looked at an '05 Turbo almost 2 years ago with 35K miles that was horribly corroded on the chassis, transmission, motor and all suspension. The seller had a home in the northeast and drove on salty wet roads a lot. He also have a home in Florida. The car passed a very thorough PPI mechanically but the terrible corrosion was too severe to repair. Dealers and detailers can make a terribly abused beater look almost new. A trained eye can pick up tell tale signs of what the "before" was. "Lipstick on a pig" comes to mind. And BTW, I looked for several months for the wife's Boxster, 15 months for my first 996, nearly a year for my Turbo. In the end, I got the best cars money could buy. Good luck!