Looking for some advice...re: a 996 newbie purchase

Hello! I'm a newbie to Porsche...well, to sports cars really. Was 'set' on an M3...then found this: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2503913895.html It's SO clean and nice and drives like a dream. So, my question. First of all, does $23G seem reasonable? Secondly, it seems like 996s are kind of frowned upon in Porsche-land because of the Boxster front-end. If I don't like this car after having it for a while...would it be tough to sell and get my money back out of it? Also...are there inherent problems with these that I should look for or be aware of? I know I'm asking completely inexperienced questions; but, I hope someone can give me a little insight. Thank you, so kindly, for your time.

It looks nice in the photos. If you decide to proceed, make sure to get a good pre-purchase inspection. I'd recommend having this done by 3zero3 Motorsports in Wheatridge. They work on both of our Porsches. There are some well known and well documented issues to be aware of with the 996, and you'll find them on this forum. They include IMS/RMS issues and more.

The $4K out of the 6k is clear bra and front leather. I wonder what the seller did to the car seat that needs $2K worth of work. Ask for receipts. IMS retrofit with a new clutch replacement would be more attractive to a buyer. Get a good PPI and budget for suspension, brakes and clutch. The seller should have spent the money on that with 63K on the clock. 996s supply is healthy so don't expect to sell this car quickly unless its priced real cheap in the future.

I think its clear - NEW leather front seatS - $2k seems cheap if NEW - savanna wears and looks dirty, the owner might have wanted to freshen up the look - either thaat of he's a fat a$$ and brokr the damn thing nice looking car, fair pricee...get a PPI and see how it shakes out... cant think of any "issues" off the top of my head but stick around and see what people talk about roound here....the "theme" may come to you

Seller said his daughter sat in the seat with her wet swimsuit on and the chlorine ate through the leather. So, he put new Porsche leather on both front seats. His tech said it needs new front brakes; so, that's another $850 after I purchase it. Clutch felt good; but, what do I know - it's the only Porsche I've ever driven with a manual tranny.

man I suck at typing

Leather work can get expensive. I had the leather replaced on the outside bolster cushions on both the seat bottom and the seat back for both of my front seats. I think it was $250 per panel with OEM leather, so that was a quick $1,000. If you replaced the entire seating surface, it could easily exceed $2,000.

Savanna is hard to maintain. I am experiencing that right now with my CTT. Lots of Lyxol cleaner/conditioner and lots of care. Car looks great IMO and if all records and PPI come out OK just pull trigger. Good luck

If the brakes just need new pads you can do that yourself very,very easily, pads are about $200 all round. I did rear rotors too recently and they were $62 each. If you at all handy, brakes are pretty simple. There is a Youtube video on how to change the pads and rotors. Just enter "DIY 996 brakes" in Youtube.

Thank you pterfloth. I really appreciate that info; definitely helps me make up my mind. I think I'm going to pull the trigger.