First time Porsche buyer would appreciate wise council

I have been looking for a 996 with relatively low mileage and at a relatively low price--not an easy task. I recently found this 2001 beauty at a dealership in CT. I would love to hear people's thoughts on it. It is low mileage (28,000), has had 3 owners, and seems to have had a fairly uneventful history (although there was an engine electrical test). Anyway, would be very grateful for any council you 996-ers may have to offer. http://www.champagnemotorcarcompany....zip=&distance=

http://www.champagnemotorcarcompany....zip=&distance=

The pictures look very nice. I don't think it really has the "full leather" option but someone else with a mk.1 can correct me if I am wrong. Nice of them to include the option code sticker, you can decipher all of the options on one of the online decoders (I'm too lazy tonight). The tires are Generals, probably fine for cruising around on, but not something you'3l find on most 996's. The price seems bit ambitious, certainly not low in my opinion. I'm not a fan of cold-air intakes either but that is easily changed back. PSM is certainly a plus, you can just see the button in one of the pics. Anyway, it looks like it is in great condition, definitely have a PPI done by someone else after you drive it and come to terms money-wise conditional upon the PPI before handing over the cash...

A "99 to "01 with 60k miles would go for maybe 22-24k ... An "02 with similar miles maybe $25-$27k in good condition . The ,02 - "04 has 3.6l engine with more power , so would argue less but not zero major engine issues and a number of other worthwhile design upgrades. Some theorize that very low miles creates more issues on these cars with rms seals and ims bearings ..on the other hand if all is still good at 28km in 2013 who knows. So do you want to pay ~$5k premium over regular '01 ? The wheels and fabspeed are nice. If you could get this for 24-25 and buget 3k for new clutch and ims upgrade .. Plus plug and oil change .. This might be good deal .. Else find an "02 with a few more miles in similar price range ....

PPI !

I agree, does not look like "full leather". From the photos, it looks like leather seats front and rear, plus a few leather trim items (door handles, e-brake, etc.)

Yup. Not full leather and for that price you could easily get into a nice MK II car.

BAH - I think its a beauty! it needs a new expansion tank and cap for sure find a stock air filter and throw that K$N thing in the trash read up on the good and the potential issues of low mile cars - and live the dream baby !! that's a time capsule! looks flawless

All you have to do is decode the options tag under the frunk. Just glancing at it on my phone doesn't appear to be too much there.

Over priced by at least 5 grand but, hey if thats what you want, thats what you have to pay.

I agree, overpriced... you can find a newer car for the same price... I would pass on that one...

non-stock exhaust (at least the tips) goodness - tough group - when have we seen any low mile cream puff MKI's the thing looks great.... the forum likes to say "run" from anything not perfect (which is like 90% of the cars) and "overpriced" on the ones that are perfect I say hammer the best deal on the car, get a PPI from someone other than this place, if it checks out and gives you wood - buy it

Car has non-stock exhaust, non-stock air intake... it is an early car... when you consider that for about 3K more he can get into a 2005 or 2006 car.... and 50K miles is nothing for these cars... 2005 Porsche 911 Coupe 2006 Porsche 911 Coupe

Super clean car. Yes, a tad overpriced but what a great example of a 996. You dont see light gray interiors that clean very often. Like ivangene said, ppi the **** out of it and work the price down. It doesnt matter if the forums are uncomfortable with the math. You know your own comfort level. Great looking car!

You are also paying for those hideous 19" wheels. Stick around this forum and pay for a membership so you can access member classifieds. There are nice cars that pop up here for sale at more realistic prices. Light gray interiors dirty up quick and are higher maintenance.

I agree with Chao but stand by my comments too

way too expensive.. got my MY03 C2 with full GT3 aero kit with 85k miles for 27k out the door from a used car dealer

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FIFY Ed. Also keep in mind this is going to need a 30K mile major soon. Items like coil packs which age with time and not necessarily miles will have to be addressed. Just because this car has low miles, it does not mean it is a new car without expenses. There are people here who have replaced clutches around 30 to 40K miles. You have no idea if the previous owner knows how to drive stick. You can probably get a better value out of your dollar by buying a 35 to 40K mile car with all the maintenance records at a cheaper price compared to this car. If you are planning to put 4-5K miles every year on this car, then these 10K miles will not matter much in a few years and your car will still be under 60K miles.

I agree that the price is too high. Nice looking car if you can handle the grey interior. My cousin has those wheels and they are really heavy. Id look for some used 5 spoke lightweights and pawn those anchors. Good luck.

Nice looking car. A bit over priced....but that's where the haggling begins. Concerns: - the K-N filter; drop it quickly for the original. Not a big concern as the original is included. - 19" wheels were never approved for this car. They look nice but will degrade ride quality, lower acceleration (you're having to spin up more weight---you can even see this happen when guys put on larger brake rotors) and may negatively affect handling. You're going to spend a lot of time cleaning those things. Good luck with the sale & PPI.

Potentially a nice car, but not at that price. That is strong 2002-03 money for similar miles and options. But this does not mean the dealer won't come down significantly. Often dealers will purposely overprice a really nice car on the outside chance that someone will just buy it on a whim. Another issue to recognize - the car may be on consignment. The owner has given the dealership a number they will accept and the dealer has to make a profit on top of that number. So he prices it up. You can't blame the dealer for doing this, you just have to know what the car is actually worth and what you are willing to pay.

UGG - I conceed its over priced so negociate a good price We always say find the right car - and aside form the goofy wheels, exhaust tips, and KN POS the car looks great - step one complete go to step 2 - hammer them down $5k move to step 3 - get a PPI and verify the car is as it should be

I agree with everyone. Negotiate that thing like it's a 924.

just adding my 2 cents From my extensive searching for 2002-4's, I can tell you the price of the car you posted is def on the high side for a 99-01. Like all the others have said, if its the car you want - haggle the crap out of them. For what its worth, although there are some 2002-04s in the Northeast that are in the $30's - there have also been a bunch of highly optioned ones that sold in the mid $20's Good luck Will

You are purchasing the car from a dealer. If it was from a private seller, it would be listed for around 24K It is a very nice example with very low miles. The dealer more than likely has 21K in the car. If you want it and can afford it, get it. Get rid of the K&N. Go back to the stock equipment. Good luck and happy motoring!

You guys are tough... The focus and attention on purchase price is certainly important.. However with the vast amount of expereince we have within this forum, sharing the annual cost of mantaining these wonderful cars would be helpful to Porsche virgins. I am under the beleif that first time Porsche buyers dont understand that the operating cost of these cars can be much higher than most normal cars, (toyota, etc..) Avoid buying a car that will cost you mkore than the road than you expected. Preventive maintenace with these cars is key, and i think people getting into a used Porsche understands what that means... Hey i am not trying to scare people, i am just trying to provide a more holistic veiw to all the costs not only the initial purchase price. Having said that its easier to negotiate purchase price than maintence. I have owned and loved my 996 for seven years, PS, i will be selling my car this spring..

First of all, it is neither a cab, nor is it Guards Red, so deduct major $$$ for that! Just kidding of course. I agree with most that it is high for an MK1, plus the tax the dealer will have you pay (vs a private party purchase). Do your research and check your market and see how the price compares with other cars. The lower miles are nice, but a MY01 that averages only 5k miles per year would have 60k miles on it today, so that car could also be considered a low miles car. With that being said, if it really, really speaks to you...pay for a PPI, then you will really know what you are dealing with. You may be able to use the results as a negotiating tool as well. If the car is as clean as it looks, then pull the trigger. Don't get emotional. Make the dealer an offer and be prepared to walk away. If they don't take your price on the spot, they may call you in an hour. If they don't, and you can't stop thinking about it...then go buy it. After all, its only money and, years later, when you go to sell it, you will lie to yourself about what you really paid for it anyway. I do. What the hell are you waiting for?

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this guy is 1/2 right

Nice looking car negotiate a price that you feel is fair then buy it. Might be a little under powered though with that engine option: "Engine 6 CYL. 0.0 LITER "

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Yeah but good on gas :-) mike

Speedy, Cons: price, n00b K&N mod, wheels, not a C4S(just kidding disclaimer) Pros: its a Porsche, its a 996 IMO you could get an 02+ car with better options, improved interior, improved larger engine for the same money. Dont get in a hurry. There are many out there for sale.

Hey Guys, Thanks for all of your advice-- I really appreciate it. I chatted with the dealer and told them that I thought the car ought to be priced in the low/mid 20s (maybe somewhere around 23-24k. The dealer thought it was a low ball offer and told me they wanted 29. Period. My quest for the perfect 996 continues! Happily, there are many of these delightful beasts out there! I will join the Rennlist community and keep my eyes pealed on the classifieds! Thank you all!

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Were I the (St,d)ealer I would have IMMEDIATELY junked that K&N rather than have the buyer suspect, conclude, that the MAF/IAT has been, is being compromised, or even the engine in the long term.

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I concur! I just didn't want to be the first to say so. Try to find an '02 or newer if you can. This one seems pricey to me, but that seems to be the consensus here. Of course, my experience has been that every car out there - according to the experts on Rennlist - is too expensive. Unless it's their car for sale, in which case they are giving it away. If you find a nice car that needs nothing, it's worth a few grand more than a cheaper car that needs a little bit of attention. If this is your first Porsche, go to Tirerack or your favorite retailer and price a set of good tires, front and rear. Budget accordingly.

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Exactly. Some day I'm going to find that $17k 40,000 mile 2002 some people keep telling us about. It's probably be driven by an imaginary girlfriend.

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Doesn't the ads usually read "driven by an old lady"?