Condition vs Spec

I went to view a C4S today, it wasn't one I had previously considered, as the spec doesn't include some of my 'must haves' (PSE, sports seats), but I wanted to have a look if for no other reason than to see whats out there for comparisons. As soon as I sat in it, I was surprised and impressed at how clean and well looked after it clearly was. I know some of the best advice given out is 'buy on condition' but this particular model looks like it missed out on the spec sheet when it was new. (no sunroof, no sat nav, no sports seats, no pse not even any aluminium interior bling). The only 2 options from that list that I'm interested in though are the seats and exhaust. I could potentially source a set of sports seats relatively cheaply from ebay if it really bugged me enough, but the lack of a sports exhaust will be something I might struggle with, especially with them costing an arm and a leg to retro fit. I guess theres an option of a dansk or similar exhaust, but I would have liked it to be all original. It's condition really does have me super tempted though. Decisions decisions...

Pick up the sport seats and Do the FisterD mod to the exhaust. http://fdmotorsports.net/fister-exhaust-996

Quotes source post: 10559129

My Turbo has a sun roof. Never use it. Sitting still the sun beats down on me and when moving the blasted wind drumming makes me feel like I'm riding in a heavy metal band bass drum. For the 1st owner it was a source of rattles that had the car in the shop a lot getting them sorted. Built-in NAV is out of date about the same time the car is sold new. I gave up looking for a Turbo with NAV and found a nice low miles one sans the NAV. Afterwards, I used an aftermarket (Garmin) that cost less than $200. If it goes bad or becomes woefully outdated I can replace for far less than a built in NAV unit, especially one in a Porsche. Can't help you regarding sports seats - I've no experience with any. But the stock seats in my cars are comfortable even after 12 or more hours in the saddle, so to speak. As for exhaust the stock exhaust is fine for me. Around town that sports exhaust may sound cool but sometimes my vehicle usage has me driving hundreds of miles per day for several days in a row and the last thing I want to have follow me half way across country is a loud exhaust. But I always like a used car in good condition. Always. That never gets old or goes out of style. Start out with a used car in good condition and keep it that way. Up to you, of course. Only you can decide what trade offs are acceptable. I do have my must haves: My must haves are A/C (preferably auto climate) and cruise control. (Turned down a nice Cayman for a heck of a price because the original buyer ordered it sans A/C -- "track car" -- then changed his mind.) And one last but very important must have: Good condition.

+1. If the price is right I'd jump on it. You will be able to get seats and exhaust to keep you happy. I'd still get a PPI done to ensure there are no unforeseen issues.

you can get the sport exhaust and the seats later. those are the easiest to fix. Not having a sunroof is a plus, not a negative. It makes the car rarer still. Real Porsches do not have sunroofs I have a basic car. Only options are bi-xenon and center painted console to match exterior (which you can add later too). No sunroof, no sport seats, but I did add an OE PSE.

If it helps, I have sports exhaust and swore I would never own a Porsche without it. On short runs, I still enjoy the sound, particularly with the top down. On any longer drives however, I tend to turn it off and enjoy the sound of the standard exhaust and the almost turbine like power that you feel in the seat of your pants. On my next car, I will consider it "nice" to have but it will not be a deal breaker for me.

Quotes source post: 10559182

Perfect plan! Overall, I would ALWAYS opt for condition over specification on cars (with women, it's optional!). I've made that mistake too many times in the past.

Definitely go for condition vs options... I also wanted sport seats and ended up not getting them, but I can't tell you how much I enjoy how pristine my car was kept every time I get in it... Much more than I'd be enjoying the sport seats! PSE is no big deal, as mentioned have a local exhaust shop do the 'fisterD mod' or send your exhaust to FD and have them do it. Sunroof delete does make the car unusual and to some more desirable because of the uniqueness, slightly lower weight up high, and slightly more headroom. I don't know about 'real Porsches don't have sunroofs', I do enjoy mine, but if the condition, price, color, service history, etc. are right with this car, I wouldn't let the options configuration stop you. Unless it's a tip! :rofl

It took me a year to find a Base Modle 996 coupe Crests , heated anything , Nav or electrical stuff I did not need

PSE, heated seats and biggest sunroof you can get http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/a...oem-parts.html

I wish my car didn't have a sunroof. I never use it and it's just one more crevice to keep clean. The 40 pounds missing from the roof would be nice, too.

Quotes source post: 10561429

I wonder what's involved to remove the dead weight (sunroof)... Probably entire new kevlar or cf roof would make sense; http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...intensive.html

condition vs. spec, who says you have to choose! There are plenty of cars out on the market (or coming into the market)...if you shop around long enough, you'll be able to get BOTH. The worse thing you can do is "settle" for a car that you might not learn to like. Trust me, get the car YOU want because you're the one that's gotta live with it.

Condition > Spec You can easily do exhaust and sport seats. You cant make up for years of neglect and poor maintenance habits (And yes, this can be applied to women as well )

So, theres nothing worse than a woman with a neglected, poorly maintained seat and exhaust. Your post reads very,,,,OTI.

I'm assuming by PSE everyone meant to say PSM. Agree with many who say you don't want 10year old Nav. My Fister Ds sound roughly the same as sport exhaust and do not drone when cruising on the interstate.

Quotes source post: 10573643

I assumed they meant P orsche S port E xhaust...