Buying a Used 996

Hi Fellas, I am in the market for a 996 and have been following along on this forum for tips and advice. I used to have a Corvette and the online forums were always a great resource and it's awesome to find a similar once for Porsche's here at Rennlist. The buying guide has been really helpful so far, but as I begin the search, I simple wanted to solicit input from this group on the best place to pick one up. I met with a private seller today, but also have access to a wholesaler who can find me a car at auction. Obviously, the service history would be incomplete at best. It will be a second car for me and I am looking to track it every once in awhile. Today I drove a '99 996 6spd coupe. This example had 113k mi on the clock, was mechanically strong, had full service history, but had a minor leak from the RMS even though it had been replaced at 68k mi. Paint was pretty rough, but interior good. He'll take $21k. Here's the link: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/car/615009091.html Any further advice on where to pick one up, what to look for, etc would be great. Thanks in advance, Payton

The listing is deleted.

Hmm... still works for me. Essentially, it's just a few pics with very few other details. 1999 Porsche Carrera 996 • 6 speed • Garaged • 1 owner • 1999 Porsche Carrera 996 • 6 speed transmission • 1 owner with very extensive and through dealer maintenance history • New clutch @ 80k miles • All records from zero to present mileage + owner manuals + 2 sets keys http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/car/615009091.html

Price??

It works for you because it is cached on your machine. Sounds like the kind of car that you could feel confident getting a PPI for. Get it checked out if you like it.

The price seems appropriate and you appear comfortable, so why not go ahead and buy it? After a PPI of course.GL

That's some big mileage on a 3.4L but price seems to reflect that.

As far as where to buy? Who knows? I bought mine off a car lot and it has been pretty much trouble free, for a Porsche. I don't think anyone would recommend doing that. So much depends on the prior owner and so much just has to be given to chance. The major issues that can happen don't show many tell tale signs. That being said, at 113,000 miles, I would think it whould have already happened, if it was going to. Just pick one, buy it, POST PICS HERE, and stay tuned to Rennlist.

I have a 2003 Targa for sale in the Rennlist classifieds. 15K miles, no winters, no rain, an absolutely PERFECT 996 Targa. Go look at the car. It's nicer than new. Just reduced the price as well.

Payton, Glad to see you are finally coming to the darkside, it was good to talk to you the other day...Go check out my car on 996 GT3 forum, I just got it back today.. -Dan

I've had 2 996's and they are great cars. If you are going with 99 or 00, find one with less miles for mid 20's range. A few more bucks could save you a lot more cash down the road. These cars are very durable and you'll enjoy it every time you drive it. If you want a little bigger engine and a few body updates, go for an 02 or above...but you'll pay 35 or more for a good one. Enjoy! Oh, and ebay and autotrader are good resources. Always get the car checked out by a dealer/mechanic. A good owner will already have a dealer sign off on the car, because, with regular service, they'll know the car.

Fellas, Thanks for the great advice and I appreciate the input. I'm going to look around for about a month and will be sure to post back to this group with pics. I think it's probably good advice to look for something with a considerably less miles for just a few grand more. BillJ, You were right, the page was cached and here is the new listing... http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/car/623365850.html Thegman, Gorgeous Targa for sale. Unfortunately, out of my price range and hardly the car I would want to track since it's in such pristine condition. I would hate to be the first one to pepper the front end with rock chips on the track! Thanks again fellas and I'm looking forward to joining the club. Payton