Opinion on some issues with a 996 I am looking at.

99 Black/Tan/6 Speed/Always Garaged. All Stock including Factory 6 disc changer. 51,000 miles. Car bought in L.A. and second owner bought it 2 years ago with 20k miles. Says he has maint. records and will send them to me. Interior is "like new". Leather conditioned monthly. No dents, dings, accidents nor smoked in. He was up front and disclosed issues. 1. Said there was an "Oil Leak" that he had fixed at dealer for around $2k. Rear Main Seal? Thought that was around $900 repair. He will be sending me paperwork. 2. Said the passenger seat belt light will not go off and dealer said $450 for new belt receiver. This a normal problem? 3. He said the gas guage is working properly and gives correct miles left in tank etc. but light is on and dealer quoted $600 for bad "Gas Sensors"? Said the dealership told him he was not supposed to fill the tank to the rim because it could damage sensors which he did. He will send paperwork but he decided not to get it fixed. You guys ever heard this? 4. Scratch on front bumper (Mother in Law bumped in driveway) that he tried to wax out and some wear on the steering wheel. Other than that he said cosmetically the car is perfect and mechanically as well. Of course I would do PPI. 5. Cali Cars have less power due to restrictions? If so, easy to remove? Haven't seen the car in person and he is sending me more detailed pics. Reason I am considering this is he is moving cross country at end of month and needs to sell so he wants what he owes the bank. Seems to be up front and not hiding things. $24k Good Deal or Dangerous???

Walk. There will be others. C.

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I would pass... sound like a troublesome car/owner...

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No, never heard that. Sounds like BS.

Interesting - I live in CA and bought an '02 C4S out of NC back in 2006. At that time I found that California cars tended to have higher mileage and sell for more than out-of-state cars. I'd keep looking. BTW; don't htink it's true anymore that CA cars have more smog equipment and therefore less power. My NC car met California emissions stds.

I have tried to read as much as possible on this forum and finally decided to post when I saw this car that seemed like it could be a good deal. This will be my first Porsche and I ALWAYS research a car to death before I buy one and I am not happy unless I get a car that was taken care of like I would take care of one. I was looking at some of the mid 80's 911's at first but then realized I could get a 996 for not much more than a quality older one....plus the performance and technology difference. Thanks for the feedback. My gut had me leary. I'll keep searching. The Porsche Parade here in Charlotte was what got me started on this quest! That was awesome! Several hundred cars lined up all over the streets of uptown Charlotte.

Pass-- The car has Gremlins!

there are so many good cars going for a song these days, I would keep looking

I agree on passing because of gas-whatever, but remember people the car is almost 10 years old....so a scratch left and right, a seatbelt thingy not working....this things shouldn't be reasons to walk away. who cares what he owns the bank...if you want the car offer him what you think it is worth and have a inspections done.

Not necessarily a bad deal. Price is good. If you like it, have a reputable shop that knows 996's inside and out do a PPI on it.

Why are these 99-01 996's losing their value so much? Are these prices going to continue to fall? The 993's and 80's 911's are as much or more than 996's with less miles. What gives?

+1 on the PASS!!! Something doesn't feel right about this car...walk.

Do a little homework...search is your friend..it's been coverd ad nauseum in every Porsche forum. 99-01 cars blow up if you look at them sideways..everyone knows that. ;-)...The 993 is the last REAL Porsche..everyone since then is a just a watercooled poseur...Dealer is correct that you should NEVER fill past the normal shutoff of the gas filler, (ie never squeeze thas last 1/4 gallon in) You end up dumping raw gas into your gas tank VAPOR extraction system, and permanently kill the carbon canistor, and end up with an emissions light that will not go away. Has nothing to do with the tank level sensors

Yeah it was! I was a Co-Chair for the Paddock that parked all those cars. One of the coolest days I've had. Keep looking, I bought a '99 back in November with 44k and no issues for the same price range. I found one from a dealer in Summerfield, right outside Greensboro. Keep checking Auto Trader Daily. I drove close to Atlanta to look at a '99. You'll find one if you are persistent in looking and open to ride a few miles.

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So the car had an RMS leak which was fixed (that would be okay), but now it's leaking again? If it's leaking again, I would pass on that. If he had items 2 & 3 diagnosed for $1,000 to fix, tell him to have it done and plus you'll pay for PPI. If car passes PPI, you'll pay half of the repair ($500) more. He's confused about CA power rating difference, that was like 20 years ago.... Federal adopted CA standards a long time ago (so did most of Europe for that matter), no more difference.

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That's why we're all here in the 996 forum. Consider it your lucky day, you get omelette headlights with your sizzling steak flat 6.

No, the car is not leaking again. He just disclosed to me that there had been an oil leak that he had repaired for $2k but did not read/learn what it really was. Not a mechanical guy I take it but he has the records. If a PPI were to check out it seems to be a good deal at $24k yes? I tried to download pics but I think the ones he sent me are too large because it failed when I tried to attach them to this reply.

Really? I haven't seen a 99-00 996 that had decent miles (Under 70k) in the $24-$25k range. You guys might kill me when I say this but I use to be into the 90-96 300ZX TT's. Couldn't help it. I was 15 when that car came out in 1990 and I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. (996 and 997 have had similar effects on me). I owned a couple of them from 98-02. I bought one from CO that a Nissan Mechanic owned. You could eat off any part of the car! I then picked one up in NE from NC. I'm not scared to travel for the right one. I think that's half the fun anyway. Drive it back and make an adventure vacation out of it!

the only cheap cars are the unwanted cars, you get what you pay for....... yuck. i can also show you a $2000 76 911, but like i said, you get what you pay for...... These cheap shoppers crack me up, craigs list and ebay, eeeek. what a market for the thieves. if you want a good one, step up to about $30k and you'll be fine.

he he, plate, is what he said....... with all do respect...... and a grain of salt

also, you don't seem that cheap....... I'm referring to all the poor 996 value comments...... eek.

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Assuming the car doesn't have any other issues I'd say that's a great deal. But does it have any other options or goodies? 18" wheels? Clear headlight and tail lenses (not the bright amber on early '99s)? My car didn't have many options besides 18" wheels and LSD (limited slip). But a lot of guys here only like full leather interior or supple leather seats (which I don't care about). You get the idea, you should look and drive several cars and then shop around, like buying a PC with the features you want. Just make sure you get the car you want, especially if you're willing to travel. Might be worth it to pay a little more.

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The "gas thing" sounds like he just fouled the sensors. I did that with a bit too much race gas in the spring. I bought a cheap OBDC reader at NAPA, which confirmed one or more of the O2 sensors were fouled, and just reset the code. The CEL has not come back on. I dropped by my porsche shop the other day and they put the Porsche code reader on the OBDC and there were no codes... all is well. It does sound, by the guy's descriptions of things, that he is not a mechanically knowledgable person and is completely reliant on the stealership to service the car. If you do decide to seriously consider the car (and the price seems quite attractive!) have a PPI done. You may get a great deal because this current owner has a lack of understanding of the car's real condition.

There are 231 996's on ebay right now. Ask me how I know. Find one you like. Take your time. Oh, and don't bid against me.

They are not that abundant, you have to be patient. Also remember the asking price for these will always be higher than the 24-25k. The three I looked at at were 3 - 4k higher than the final price it took to make a deal.

Wolf, for around another $4,500 you can buy my 99, 6 speed, no gremlins, new motor, with warranty. No stories, no BS all receipts for motor and clutch assembly total over $13,000. New Motor now has about 5k on it and is warrantied until August 09. Delivery is possible.....Rick http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...1999&cardist=0

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Rick, that seems like a good price for a good car. I'm shopping a little newer, or I'd give you a call. Maybe Wolf will.

Carpundit, Thanks.... This car is a fantastic deal... absolutely NO issues, just need to sell soon.. Thanks again and lots of luck with your search!! Rick

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This is a pretty good deal. Only 10K more miles on the body than the $24K car but with a brand new engine and new clutch for only $4K more, 1 year warranty, nice wheels and no issues. Maybe you boys can meet in the middle somewhere and get a deal done? You will be hating life when that cheap car with only 50K needs a clutch in a year for $2500-3000.

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Rick, nice wheels, tint, side skirts, some interior options/upgrades, not to mention new worry-free motor. Wolf -- would be a nice choice....

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Thanks Dave for the kind words.....

Thanks Rick for throwing that out there. You guys are pretty good salesman too! Great looking car but I think I am going to hold out for the color combo I am looking for. Black/Tan.

Also Rick, someone like yourself (And I'm sure most forum members) would be who I would want to buy a car from. Obviously you love automobiles and I am the same way. From classics, to my 78 Jeep CJ-7 to exotics. When someone buys a car from me they always say they cannot believe the condition and I'm sure yours are the same.

Wolf... Yes I have always been a car guy and I spend hours detailing, and just looking at my cars. My brother asked me recently, what do I do for enjoyment (because I don't play golf), and I told him I get my enjoyment from detailing my cars. He thinks I'm nuts!! Best of luck searching for your color combo.... Just please consider an aftermarket warranty when you find the perfect car for you. PS, my other ENJOYMENT is my 1 year old grandson!! Rick

Wolf any luck yet??

No, the seller I was working with was lacking followup and details so I walked. I am actually considering looking at mid eighties 911's as my intro into the Porsche world. My investment is smaller but can still enjoy the driving experience and PCA. I drove an 83 911SC Targa today and was surprised how hard it pulled and hugged the road. I think I may look for 84 and up though so I can get the 3.2 engine and I want a coupe not a targa or cab. I am going to be patient and if I do not run across the right car then I may just wait and get into a 996 down the road. Thanks though!

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I have a very nice 2003 cab that I may want to sell...

Wolf, I'm sure I'll hear about it, but have you ever driven a "nice" 928?? An unbelievable, luxury sports car. I have had mine for 11 years. Rick

Wolf- I just jumped over to this forum for a bit, and read this thread- I've been reading on the 911 forum mostly, since this past fall. I understand your conundrum- here's what happened to me... I had decided that I was going to get into this Porsche thing with a classic 80's Carrera, because going back many, many years, that was what I had always wanted. So I began the process of researching my first Porsche purchase. Patience indeed- that process in itself took over a year, as I learned all I could about 911's, the different model years and platforms, known issues, etc. In that regard, I would recommend Peter Zimmermann's book, if you don't already have it- the used 911 story. It was an invaluable resource to me, in addition to this forum and several others. He often posts often over on the 911 board. Finally, with the price of 996's coming down so much, I found a nice 1999 with 47K on it, for under 30K (this was over one year ago), so I bought it- my thinking was, hey- it's got AC that works, 300hp, power everything, and- it's a Porsche! It was an awesome car- I drove it for almost 10K miles in the year I owned it, with no problems whatsoever. I don't think there's a better value for a 295hp sports car out there today-but guess what? It just wasn't an old Porsche... So I sold it, and bought a 3.2 Carrera. I've never been happier with a car- I love it! The reality is, I loved them both, and I wish I could have kept both- they're both awesome cars in their own right. But I found that what I really wanted was an old classic Carrera- they have a very unique feel, sound and even smell to them. But- I sometimes miss the "comforts" of the 996. To have both would be perfect- I think they would make a great compliment to each other- just do enough homework and drive enough of them to be sure you know what you really want going in. Good Luck! Just my .02, YMMV, JMHO, and all regular disclaimers apply.....

Funny you should ask. I drove one this weekend. 88, 5spd, GTS (I think) low miles, great shape. Drove and sounded great. There was a pretty bad shimmy in the steering wheel but easily fixable I'm sure. I then drove an 83 911 Targa on Sunday. Not as much power but I liked the driving experience better. The 928's are great automobiles but something about the 911's classic design trips my trigger a little more. Maybe it's the long hood etc .of the 928 but I ruled it out for now. Unless I just can't find a reasonably priced 84-87 911 Carrera then I'll hold off and go for a 996. I think ideally I would like to have an 80's 911 for a year or two and then jump to 996. We'll see.

DL Lawrence Thanks for the input. You were in a very similar spot that I am in. I agree with your assessment. Also, This will be a third vehicle for me (Company Car, WooHoo Free Gas, 78 Jeep CJ-7 Stock Exc. Cond.) so as I enter this Porsche world I don't want to make too large of an investment. I know the older Carrera's are not going to lose much value if you find a good one but can still deliver a great driving experience and have that classic feel/smell you describe. I think I have decided on a coupe because of the lines of the car etc. but there seem to be a lot more Targa's out there.

Funny- I've got the same two other vehichles also- a company car (with gas card!) and a Jeep GC- take your time, dude. Believe it or not, there's plenty out there.

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Dutchie, Beautiful Cab you have there. I can't afford it. Anyway, I'm putting my insurance pay-out in the bank and sitting tight. The economy and the state of my investments both have me nervous. Confession: I am looking at a 1984 BMW 633CSi for sale near me for $1,500. CP

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What!!???

Don't forget the 993's. Fabulous cars. Not as modern as the 996's but have the feel of the older 911's. Holding their value well against the 996's. I have 2 but I'm not biased as I am buying a 02 C4S as a DD.

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Yeah, crazy. I know. But if I can pick it up for $1,200 and throw $1,000 at it for immediate needs, I'll have a fun, unusual car for the rest of the season for short money. And there's a part of me that just wants to own something I've never owned before. My wife is urging me to buy the blue '86 Carrera for sale near here (she thinks it's pretty, and she's right), but there's that whole economy thing again.... So a cheap, near-beater BMW may join the family.