Getting ready to buy...guidance needed

Hey all. I have been lurking around the boards for a bit admiring everybody's rides. To introduce myself, I�m a 33yo newly-minted surgeon who has been looking to buy a Porsche for sometime. The first Porsche i fell in love with was the 996 C4S. I am now in the position to purchase one. As far as my budget, I'd like to keep it at 45k or less. Preferably under 50k miles. Also, I plan on paying in cash (i hate being in debt). I am not too concerned about resale value, as plan on keeping my car for the foreseeable future. In performing my due diligence, i realize that my choices are as follows: CPO 997C2 Private sale C2S Private/Dealer sale 996 Turbo Private/Dealer sale 996 C4S (i can save 5-7k with this option) I have heard the phrase "buy the newest you can afford" and it makes reasonable sense. That would push me toward the 997. However, I am one of those wh actually really likes the MKII 996 look. It seems as if the turbo is the most bang for the buck, by far. Furthermore, the Metzger engine is quite bulletproof/reliable with no IMS/RMS issues. That being said, how much should I be concerned by the prospect of buying a 10year-old car? Issues with maintenance and parts availability? I have a buddy with a 1996 993 with 200k miles and another with a 2002 C4S with 80k miles, and they both swear by the reliability and nearly non-existent maintenance worries of their vehicles.Long post, I know, and I realize that I�m kind of allover the place, but I�m just trying to make the wisest and most informed decision on what i see as an awesome opportunity to own my first Porsche. Any input is much appreciated. I look forward to joining the community Thanks in advance. YB

For 45k you should be able to find a very nice 996TT with your choice of colors and options. From your list this will be the nicest, and definitely the fastest, option. Granted, this car is above your price range. But having seen it in person, it is essentially a brand new 996TT. http://leith.porschedealer.com/preow...66355/info.php You could always borrow a little money...

Hi YB. Welcome to rennlist. You've got a tough decision! I think you will be happy with any of the cars you presented in your post. You've obviously done some research and you understand the issues. I'm partial to the C4S, and mine has been very reliable with 116k miles on the clock. I've also spent some time behind the wheel of a 997 C2S and I was very impressed with that car. At this point, I think you need to drive some of these cars and see which ones you like. You should also consider which options you like. I'm partial to the full-leather interior and to AWD. Good luck!

I don't go by the "buy the newest your can afford saying", that saying came for early air cooled Porsches. When talking water cooled. The m96 engine is the weakest, the 996TT or a 9A1 engine from the 997.2 2009 and beyond is the way to go. If you do decide to go with a m96 engine then ensure you have the spark plugs pulled and it borescoped as well as having a compression check done when you do the PPI. It will cost a lot more but it worth the money knowing you don’t have an issue with the heart that's half the cars value.

IMS replacement is expensive - Welding up coolant pipes because they came un-glued isnt any cheaper these cars are great, but any one of them can suddenly have an issue that cannot be foreseen - preventative repairs are the best weapon against a disappointing event - and in the end, the cost of the car is only the admission cost If you can and it is available get a car with CPO or the best warranty available...drive with a huge smile on your face and ignore both "potential problems"

Since all your candidates are fairly new, maintenance history may not be as important as it is with older cars. Nonetheless, check the "medical records" before deciding. relinuca

Hi YB. My brother in law has a 11 year old 996 TT that he bought 2 years ago. He is super successful so has a lot of toys and can easily afford anything he wants - but saw a black 996TT and like you, really liked the 996 design and bought it on the spot for $50K. If well cared for, a 10 or 12 year old 996 really doesn't show its age at all. Mine still looks new and most people who ride in it think it is new. If I were you I would pocket the savings and do one of two things: 1. Buy the 996 C4S and change the IMS bearing if it worries you. OR 2. Buy the 996 TT Obviously ensure you do a proper PPI for both cars from a dealer or indy tech - should cost about $250 to do one. Good luck, and buy one, and reintroduce yourself with pictures. I can tell you the car changed my life for the better. No matter how tough a day I had at work - driving home in the Porsche eases away all the stress and that's frankly PRICELESS.

A 996 TT with as many service records as possible with no engine mods is the way to go IMO. Once you know the car/engine is sound, then you can add the correct engine mods if you choose.

that makes no sense with no engine mods then you can add the correct engine mods you know - just sayin'

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I think he means not chipped. Chipping it will definitely reduce the engine longevity. A less aggressive chip could be done on a virgin engine which is better.

You can't go wrong with any of the vehicles you've mentioned, assuming they pass PPI, but if it were me in your position there would be a 996TT in my garage. Good luck and welcome!

997 interior is nicer , and seems to be less engine issues ...but tt is much faster ....having said that , I'm happy with performance of c2 996 But for 45k I'd probably go for 997 if it was optioned right ....

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I know of a 997 that just had IMS go on the Canadian forum. He was lucky and found a replacement engine which seems to be hard to come by becuase they are getting picked up by so fast due to failures. Interior in a 996 4S and Turbo are just as nice as a 997.

45k is no mans Porsche land for me. More than you need to by a 996. Not enough for a 997. That being said buy a real nice 996c4s, let the Porsche bug bite really hard. Then move in to a 997.2 when funds allow.

I like clicks advice. Buy the one you fell in love with. C4S then upgrade to 2009 or newer later...or just enjoy!

I like the idea of a CPO car for a first Porsche. That said, my next Porsche will be a C2S.