looking at 1999 carrera tomorrow...thoughts?

Hi all, I'm new to 996's but not to Porsche's in general. I'm going to be taking a look at a '99 Carrera tomorrow. Here's the link to the ad: http://www.fairfaxmotors.com/Used_Ca...ice=&toPrice=& 82,000 mi, and asking $24,900. Is this a reasonable asking price? Asking because in light of gas prices and the general economic situation, the market for similar sorts of cars (I've been looking at M5's too) has really been tanking. Can anyone give me a general idea what a car like this is selling for currently? TIA!

The price in my opinion is in the ballpark. Can't tell much more without seeing the actual car in person. If you go forward, make sure you make the sale contingent on a PPI. It won't be cheap (~$400), but it will be money well spent.

will definitely get a PPI if the car looks good and has records. I've also been reading up on the particulars of the 996 on here. Thanks!

Looks like an early '99 with the ambers lenses, guess you're cool with that. Nice wheels are worth something, front tires have tread, but how about the rears? Might be able to negotiate based on cost of new rears $400+. The mileage isn't bad, but a little high. I don't know, but shoot for $23k and see if ya score.

don't understand what fuel price has to do with tanking prices of the 996??? 996 drives highway about 23MPG and city about 18MPG and this is with "heavy foot" driving!! Try to get it for 20K .......you can drive a P for the same mileage as a camry (almost) PPI...they are going to find a lot wrong with a 10 year old car......but it is worth the money

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Hmmm, my foot must weigh a lot more than your because my city mileage is 14-15mpg.

I wouldn't pay 24.9K. You can do better. I'm sure they would be happy to take 23.5. Get that PPI it will really help in nego. the price down. They probably paid 20-21 for the car max.

First questions to seller: Does it have full service history? Does it have all the books that were with the car when delivered? Does it have both keys (and do they work, of course)? Does it have the radio code card..and is it the one for the car? (See many with a card that does not correspond the the car as the radio has been changed) If fitted with wheel locks, is the socket with the vehicle? (Again, seen cars with sockets that don't fit the car) After that, have a PPI. 99 model year with that mileage should have had ignition lock update, coolant tank and cap update, wheel alignment, probably MAF, clutch, RMS/intermediate shaft seal, and maintenance. My personal opinion is no books, no history and only one key is no buy.

Thanks for the helpful comments, all. Took a look at the car today. Drove it for about 45min. Everything seemed to be in order on its face. I didn't detect any overt problems during the drive. The car has all its records since new and seems to be serviced properly. Carfax is clean but shows 5 owners. I think three of those were leases... The records include the work that the dealer's shop did when it took the car in. Work order showed that the check engine light was on and that the vanos actuators and valve cover gasket were replaced. I think the shop's work totaled to $2300. The clutch was replaced at 50k mi (now at 82K). Only mod I detected was a Fab Speed exhaust...it sounded good but droned a *bit* at highway speeds. I think I could live with it. The only issues I detected were that the radio needs the code to be entered, the key fob does not lock and unlock the doors, and the hinge of the center console storage box is broken. Dealer said they would sort out the code and the fob. Thanks for the advice, GMS, I will ask about the second key and wheel locks. How does the car sound? Next step will be a PPI next week. *edit* The car also comes with a 150,000mi engine warranty...looking at the legal language, it appears to be 50% on repairs for moving parts...

radio code might be on the options sticker under the hood. Service guys typically write it on there so its easy to punch in after they are done with cars. get the key programmed as part of the deal. make sure you walk away with two of them. I just replaced one for 1/2hr dealer labor and a key head part for $160. I did the key blade and pill swap myself. they are not cheap. Get a 3rd party PPI.

i just looked at this ad. Some rennlister was just selling this color combo and year from Texas. you may end up with a better deal and piece of mind buying his car.

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I think it is because I live closer to the ocean and my P "sees" the ocean everyday.....makes her happy....

Though this seems like a decent car, I've decided to pass on it. Will be happy to provide any info. on the car to those interested.

What changed your mind?

It was sort of a combination of things: the car was OK, but certainly not pampered. I would rather buy from an enthusiast (PCA/Rennlist member). I also decided it wasn't the best time for me to get a 996. All the compliments I got at the dealer on my '90 BMW 535i with 220,000 miles sort of made me think I should keep this car a while longer....I owe nothing on it and it basically owes me nothing, too. With all that put together, I think I may just lurk a while longer until I possibly find a 996 I'm really excited about. No rush.