Thoughts on my purchase ideas

Hey folks, another new guy here. I think I've narrowed it down in terms of what I am looking for. Budget is 30k or less, looking at 02-04 996 CS or C4S in black/black, seal gray, or maybe dark blue or guards if the right one shows up... As for C2 v C4S, I've been reading the other threads and have learned alot through searching... my specific question is would you have any concerns about an 02 or 03 C4S with 65-80k miles? I really prefer the widebody look (don't really need AWD in Phoenix) but am worried the mileage might be a problem, and C2's can be had at that price with 35k-50k miles... It won't be a DD, I had an Audi and an NSX (any Primers here?) that I put less than 5k a year on as pleasure cars... Thoughts? Thanks very much...

aside from the obvious that newer (and mechanically simpler - i.e: 2wd) examples will be less risky, it boils down to how a particular car has been maintained and driven. i'd buy a regularly-driven C4S with 70k miles from an anally retentive owner with detailed receipts who is clearly passionate about his/her car than from someone with a C2 w/ 40k miles who threw it on a city commute. as anyone will tell you, definitely get an inspection performed on any one that you are considering - well worth the $150 or so!

Are there many problems that people have had with the AWD system? I've only heard great things about it, but admit I am far less read on the issue than you lot! Thanks, Rob

The AWD system is very simple, and any of the cars you're considering have PSM, which (in my limited experience) seems to take a lot of the already slight load off the center diff. Anyone here fried a VC without some serious PSM-off jackassery?

Thanks Jon, aside from the random autocross and playing on the freeway, it probably won't get too abused. I'm thinking 70k on a C4S might not be all bad if it has records and a clean PPI.

Have you driven a Cayman S yet. I was considering early 996, but drove a 2007 Cayman S for similar money with a warranty and fell hook line a sinker.

I was faced with this same question earlier this year. I ended up buying a 2002 C4S with 74,000 miles on the clock. It was owned by a meticulous guy, who had all the books and records. I use it as a DD just like the previous owner did, and it runs great! The good thing about a car in that range is that the mileage allows you to buy a car that would be much more expensive if it had lower mileage. Also, by the time a car gets to 70,000 miles or more, you seem to be less likely to headed towards a catastrophic engine failure (IMS, etc.). The bad thing is that there is a little more wear and tear on the seats, shifter ****, etc. All that stuff can be reconditioned, repaired or replaced. I have never regretted my choice - I'd do the same thing again.

The C2 possesses greater sportscar like characteristics than the 4. I have both, and I will never, ever, purchase a 4.

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Both a C2 and a sportscar? What kind? A Morgan? A Lotus? It's an old debate, and while a C2 and a C4 may have slight difference in steering feel (or something), there are many other cars that have vastly better "sportscar" feel than either if that's what you want. And there are many cars that are much faster than either with less feel. Having gone from a 200hp 2200lb 911 to a 996 C4S, I can tell you that the AWD in no way compromises performance for the worse. Coming from a real 911, the front end stick the 996 gives will amaze you.

Just drove a Carrera S w/ PDK...honestly can't say it makes me NOT want my 4S. Nope, I still love the widebody. Currently w/ 82k miles and no worries.

Thanks for the replies, that is good insight all around. I love the widebody, so if I can fond the right one, that is the direction I'll go... pickings are pretty slim on the rennlist classifieds and autotrader... are there other places to look? thanks very much. As for the Cayman, love it, but I have to have a backseat!

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+1 Well said.