LOOKING FOR A 996 (1ST TIME BUYER)

I am looking for some suggestions as I will be buying my first 911. I have not decided on the vehicle, but am considering a 99 C2 CAB. It seems to have the right price point for me. I am looking to drive it daily and would like to spend $35-$40. I have been looking at AUTOTRADER, and probably will buy privately. Would like to get the car by February. I need your input for the following: * Is 99 the way to go?* Any major service issues with 99 which justify looking at another year? * Any problems with the top? * Will a good PPI, pick up the major issues( engine, gearbox, etc.) How much should a PPI cost? * Private purchase VS dealer certified I have been reading the postings and as a group I am impressed with your effort. Thank you for your attention to my matter and I look forward to your replys.

A complete service history and clean PPI are more important than the year. Try getting an extended warrantee.

You may want to check the thread on the same page by Jim Harding titled "It's only money.....I keep telling myself".

Russ, You may want to look hard for an '02 cab with the 3.6L, revised fascia, and a glass rear window. Plus, you would still have some factory warranty left. Cheers

My 1st 911 was a 2000 c2 coupe that had 11k on it. I bought it a year ago for 50k and it was in showroom condition. Full maint. history is most important...after that its just the luck of the draw!!!!!!!! I love mine! Good luck.

As most will agree...try to find one that has the certified extended warranty still (if the 99 or 35-40K price point is where you need to stay).

I bought a '99 coupe three years ago with 14k miles on it....I use the car as a daily driver and 25k miles later, I have had no problems at all.....no leaks, no RMS, nothing....other than some serious depreciation (bought it for $51k in Sept 2001....might get $37-$40k today)...good luck

Cheapest prices will be in Nov and Dec. They will creep up starting in March and April. Go look at and drive a dozen cars as you have time. This will tell you more than anything else. Then you will know it when you see it. 1999 is ok except for the coolant reservoir which will need to be replaced around 25-40,000 miles with the new reinforced part. About $300 at an independent Porsche shop.

as everyone above prof oerall check, and of course OPC waranty are the one to look for i bought my 996 C2 sept 01 with 26.876 klms 7 months ago from a OPC in Hamburg, Germany. trying to cut down price from a private seller might end up (not always) to a disaster immaculate harris

One thing I learned - try to drive as many as possible. I started off thinking that I wanted a C2 Cab. and ended up falling in love with a C4S Coupe. Barry

I had my 99 for 3+ trouble-free years. Find a right owner or car in great shape and you will not regret it. 99 should be priced between high 30's and mid 40's. Also 02's+ offer bigger engine and more solid feel, but you will pay for it.

Your comments have been very helpful. Thank you all for your attention to my (hunt). I will keep you posted on my progress. If anyone is selling in NJ, please let me know.

I got a '99 996 in June with 38k on it for under $40k. Great care. No problems so far. Clean history. Bought from non-Porsche dealer. My only major expense has been for an extended warranty which is essential from everyone I've talked to on the board and all other owners. I did look extensively and you can get a '99 996 for mid 30's to mid 40's hell I even saw one in Florida for like $31,000 for a 02 C2 Cab but THAT one was just too good to be true so I ignored the listing (it came of Porsche's website search of all places). The key is to drive the car...many cars and cast a wide net...you'll definately get the car you want AND under your terms that way...otherwise caveat emptor DOES apply! PS..also read all you can especially posts on any boards such as this. There is also a buying guide out online for pre-owned porsches which has an FAQ which I downloaded. I forget the address but the whole text is purchaseable at like $40 which is a small price to pay to avoid a $4000 problem you can EASILY find yourself buying a 996 that you THOUGHT looked clean. Enjoy and good luck... rob ------------ '99 996 C2 (mine) '01 BMW 3 series (mine) '04 ML350 SUV (hers) 2 kids <5 y/o (ourz)

Yeah - there's a dealership in Florida that seems to think it's cute to list cars they don't have for prices they have no intention of honoring. I called them 4 times over about 5 months checking on various cars I saw on Porsche's car search website. I got answers ranging from "we just sold that one, can I interest you in..." to "never heard of that car". I called Porsche and gave them a heads up - either that dealership is crooked, someone there has a serious problem typing, or the Porsche used car finder seems to plant really good deals there every couple of weeks. Based on my calls I'd say it's option 1. If it happens once or twice I'd write it off to simple errors, but with that place it just keeps on happening.

Update, As was suggested driving cars. Took out an 01 Cab from a local dealer, they want ~60K, relatively low miles. I spoke to the salesman about RMS, they did not have full service records available at my test drive. Does the dealer cert bless everything? Next up a 99 Cab (private seller) to compare. Keep you posted Thanks

If at all possible, try to find the latest model within your budjet - 02 - 3.6 engine, stronger pulls, warranty. Cert. Good luck...

Keep going - no need to rush. Make sure you try an '02 onwards to see if you like the feel of the bigger engine. Also try a 4WD one to see how you like that. Barry

I have had my 99 Cab since new in 99. RMS seal fixed first year been OK since. No other major problems. Coolant tank fixed under warrenty. Don't know if it was bad. Coolant slowly going down no water in oil. Been fine since 2 yrs ago. Mine is not for sale. I plan to drive it at least another 5 years or till another big financal hit +. I always pay cas for my toys.

A real specialist is asking me to move on to 00 because of issues with 99 engines. Please comment.

I have seen no evidence that supports additional issues with 1999 engines. The coolant reservoir replacement is more prevalent with 1999 cars between 25-40,000 miles. RMS issues seem to strike all model years. The glass window in the 02 cars would be a definite advantage. As for speed, the 1999 car has more than enough. More power is nice but a 99 is so fast anyway that in everyday driving the difference was nil . We just had a 650 mile cruise through rural Oregon and Washington from Friday thru Sunday with our club and I had no trouble keeping up when the pace got hot.

Drove a 99 black/black coupe, ~19K miles. dealer car they indicated I would get 2yrs on warranty. Asking price $46,900. My feeling is ~40K. Thoughts? Thanks