New Member & Potential 996 Buyer (Question Inside re 2002+ Models))

I've been browsing the forums for a few weeks now and just signed up. Looking to get a 996 in the coming months as a secondary car, and glad I found these forums, it looks like there's a lot of knowledge to soak up. Given my budget and the mantra of "buy the newest 911 you can afford), I believe that a 2002+ RWD coupe is going to be my best bet. What price range should I be targeting for a well-kept 996, medium amount of mileage (50-60k)? It looks like some are in the mid-$20k's these days, but I'm wondering if that's usually a sign that the vehicle needs some work. Prepared to pay a few $k extra to get one that's recently had some work done (e.g. new clutch and IMS/RMS fixed at the same time), or aware that I may need to spend a few thousand to get this done on a lesser-priced vehicle. Thanks in advance for the help.

get in touch with a local shop that does work on 996's start talking to the guys and getting a relationship going where when you find the right one 9in your mind) you can take it and trust the guys to give you honest PPI on... then start pounding the places for cars that catch your eye, post potential here too, we often can see things just from pics/ads best of luck

Thanks, I posted a query for a good PPI source in the W. Coast forum here.

Welcome aboard. Check online "religiously" on Websites like Craigslist and Autotrader. You can ask Ivangene about his findings If you were North in the Bay I will be more than happy to assist you with great PPI places and even help you shop for a "good/clean" car. I am sure there are some good places down in Orange County And Yes mid-high $20ks for that kind of miles.

Welcome to the forum. As mentioned lots of online places to look for your Porsche. Found mine on Autotrader in 06'. GL with your search. Don't let all of this forum talk about IMSB issues make your decision, Porsche owners who aren't frequent forum followers don't even know about these issues.

make me an offer on my '04 C4S... p.m. me for photos and info.

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Thanks...feel free to mention any deals you may find up there. With family in Santa Cruz/San Jose, I'm up in N. California quite often and would certainly appreciate the drive home in a new Porsche.

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Yes, planning on CL, Autotrader, the marketplace here, and there's also one at 6speedonline I think? Not sure about EBay, the last time I browsed vehicles there was many a year ago, and it honestly seemed to be a breeding ground for scams. Yes, on the bearings and seals, I know that online it's a topic, but in the real world most don't know. My brother-in-law (99 C2, which got me hooked on the idea of getting a Porsche) had no idea, he got his with 25k on a new engine thinking that it was replaced "because the first owner didn't know how to drive it properly". With any product, the internet will make you paranoid if you search enough, I just know to be wise enough about it all, but not freak out. Thanks for the recommendations on other places to search if you have any.

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yea, dont go to those self diagnosing illness/Dr. sites...you will think your gonna be dead by noon!!

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Lol. So, I was supposed to ask you about your findings online from CL and whatnot. Any tips/hints or stories to share?

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Sent you a PM

There are a ton of Porsches for sale but a lot of dogs. Just be patient. Check CL, AT, Cars, and Ebay all the time. There are nice 2002's in the mid $20's for sure. You can pay more if you want....

PS, I've read the 996 Buyers Guide that's located in the sticky - I'm wondering if there are any supplemental write-ups that I can reference for the 996 Mk II specifically?

There are a lot of cars in your neck of the woods. You'll hear a lot of differing opinions on what may or may not be a good price. Do your research, don't be unrealistic and don't allow your heart to influence your decision. Oh, and hold out for the car that you really want. It's out there. IMHO, the absolute most important step in the purchasing process is to have a PPI done regardless of its maintenance history, who is selling it (dealer or private seller), and/or its price. If you've done your research, have found the car you want and, are satisfied with the price and PPI then don't look back. Don't ask whether you've paid too much. Just drive, drive, drive...oh, and take pictures. -Eric

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Aye, PPI is ingrained into my head, and I'm not going to come back here and ask if I got a good deal or not, I won't be wanting to know the precise truth PS, if that's the Saab in your avatar, that's an awesome piece of machinery right there.

And on my soap box - keep in mind that the price of the car is not necessarily the cost. I have just been through my 2nd search and finally closed today - it will be on the truck at 8:00am tomorrow - and there is a lot to consider. The 1st one was actually easier, saw it on the dealers lot and it turned out to be the car for me, complete with CPO. The 2nd one not as easy to find a good example that was honestly represented, lot's of sales language from sellers, even private sellers and even within member communities. The seller told me he had a couple of calls but the conversations ended immediately upon the caller hearing the price. In fact, the seller started our conversation with, look, I've had some calls, you won't want to pay for this car and I am simply not selling it for any less. When I compared the one I started to research, the year, miles, lack of a significant option that was stated in the ad, non OEM spec tires, etc., I realized that I could buy a later year that had everything I wanted and spend about the same as I would to bring the other car up to the specs suitable for me. Take your time, read a lot (just remember the net is like the evening news and bad news is simply more sensational than good news), don't be afraid to ask questions, there a lot of not only knowledable but really good people in this community. I could name two specific members who with out their kindness and willingness to spend time in helping me "think" through things, I more than likely would not be sitting here thinking "cool, she'll be on the truck in the morning 2 days ahead of schedule". Happy hunting, make it fun.

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Thanks, yeah, obviously would pay more for a vehicle with a fresh clutch, brakes, tires, other parts, taken care of really well, over a $$$ deal - understanding that this vehicle is probably going to cost a few thousand a year just to maintain. Appreciate the ideas and feedback though, very helpful

PS, one more question for the group here. I initially indicated that I'm targeting a Mk II 996; however, having read a lot of threads here, seen pics, it's obviously the case that there's certainly no problem with a Mk I prime example. 0.2L, 20hp, and a slightly broader torque curve isn't much, so tell me, other than what I've read of some suspension tweaks, what's really different between these two, and with the lesser cost potentially of a 1999-2001, what would be required to give me some assurance that some of the design deficits that I would want to focus on to monitor if not treat with upgraded parts, etc.? Thanks again - briefly searched, didn't see this exact topic, but if it's already been discussed, please tell me to search more

Here is one in NorCal http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2656903534.html

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Really like the blue, emailed the guy. Thanks for the heads up!

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MKII cars have better aerodynamics, they don't have the same spark plug tubes that need to be replaced as on a markI, fewer chains driving the cams/IMS, MKII cars have turbo style headlights, different fenders/bumpers. Interior materials have gotten better over the years. The 99-01 cars have no cup holders and no glovebox (who cares!) Most MkI cars have a double row IMS where most MkII have a single row (I don't think either has an advantage here but Jake from LN Engineering says the stock double row can handle far more load than the stock single row).

ocdad, Personal message (PM) sent to you. Thx.

Thanks 911er... Company just had earnings announcement this week, and things are, well, iffy. I'm fine, but being the responsible adult (boo!), I need to wait 1 quarter just to make sure things don't slide downhill fast. If anyone has a time machine to get me to January, LMK. Wait, who am I kidding, let me go back to the 90's to buy shares of Google, Apple, et al. I do appreciate everyone's help, and can't wait for the next few months to zip by, I will have my P-car!

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don't over think it either, you'll know a good car when you see it, and can tell if the owner cared for it. If the previous owner/seller doesn't seem to care about parting with their car, be suspicious.