Help with 996 purchase

I am thinking about picking up a 996. I know the differences between the early cars having 3.4s and the '02 on having 3.6s. Can you owners tell me where the weak and strong points are and any particular areas that I should make sure I check before buying? Thanks in advance.....

how about looking at the sticky for 996 section

DJ, I'm a bit confused at your comment.....what are you referring to? This is clearly a post requesting advice on mechanical/technical issues with various models. I'm not able to address any, other than the RMS issue, but hopefully someone else can shed more advice. Regards,

I'll list a few things I know of concerning the differences between the '99-'01 and post '02 cars: 300 hp & 258 ft-lbs of torque @ 4600 rpm vs. 320 hp and 273 ft-lbs of torque @ 4250 rpm Better mid-range torque curve on post '02s Turbo style front on post '02s (doesn't look like a boxster) - 25% less lift Slightly redesigned rear bumper - 40% less lift Real glass in the cab top Post '02s can be retrofitted with the Carrera Powerkit (345 hp) Higher quality materials used in the interior 25% increase in torsional rigidity Standard 17" wheels weigh 8 lbs less 18" wheels weigh 24 lbs less 15% increase in air flow to the radiator Slightly better fuel economy OK, more than a few things In my opinion, especially on the performance side, the $15k market price difference between '99 & '02 cabs is well worth getting an '02 if you can swing it. Now the flip side is you can throw in a supercharger for a '99 and still have some Euros left so there are arguments to be made for both sides.

have a 99 996 cab with 23k miles and test drove a 02 with 16k miles local dealer brief impression is 02 feels more nimble. nicer exhaust note,better throttle response and noticable but not big accelleration improvement, Dealer wants 62k or so can get 38k on trade or so does that sound right.Other option is to make a few mods to 996 for far less $

It clearly sounds like the '02 cars are an improvement. What is the 'RMS' issue?

I'm no expert, but I just bought my '03 C4S, 6k miles, for 65k....just a barometer for you.

Do a search on the RMS issue (Rear Main Seal) since this has been beaten to death on this board. This last thing you want to do is awake a sleeping giant. Trust me, the discussion get out of hand and sometimes personal.

The car I drove yesterday was an '02 with 12k miles optioned lightly (no PSM, manual seats, std interior, no CD changer) and they are asking $64k (it is certified). Could probably get them to $60ish. So the price on the one you are looking at is about right if certified from a dealer. If you can get them to $60k, and I think $38k in trade is about right also (prices look to be $40-$42k retail for cabs with that mileage from motivated sellers (not posers )). Honestly, if I had your car I'd be tempted to keep it rather than suffer the $22k + tax difference. Your car is still a low milage 996. For $22k you could supercharge it plus get a new paint job and upgrade the interior. Plus you are much closer to the flat part of the depreciation curve.

Ingenere, I purchased a 2003 C2 996 with 3.5K miles a month ago in Phoenix for $57K, had it certified for $1800 more. No psm and manual seats, but has full-leather, heated seats, CD plus Bose, 18" Techart wheels, and a few other options. Less $59K certified with low miles. You may do better! Still have the TR?

Ok ALL Porsches are good Porsches, if you can spend the extra $$$, buy an 02 +. There is a hugh difference between the two cars, before my 04 i had a 99 Cab. It is a much better car.