Drove my first 996 today -- now I need to buy one

I'm a former SC and 964 owner who has been in the market for a new pcar for about 6 weeks now. I thought I wanted a 986 S, but just wasn't convinced I wanted to pay the current prices (almost $20K for a 03-04 model, and $16K or more for the 00-02 cars). So I also looked at a 987 and a 987 S, but they just didn't have quite the same feel to me, and I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that kind of money. So I decided maybe it was time for my third 911 (drove a great 3.2 G50 car this week, but it sold) and that's when I noticed the apparently reasonable prices on 996s. But I had never driven one, and had read SO MUCH about how they didn't have the spirit of the air-cooled cars. Well, I drove one today, and I do not agree. The folks who say the 996 isn't a "real" 911 either don't know how to drive or just aren't paying attention when they are driving. The feel of the car in terms of handling and feedback to the driver is clearly a 911, and is noticeably different from the feel of the 986 and 987 cars I drove. It has a real connection to the earlier 911s. Even the engine sound is different and resonant of the older cars. And the way the car grips coming out of corners, the way it brakes, the turn in....all 911. And on top of that you might get working AC... So now I think my search is focused. Can folks help me on pricing? I don't really care about colors or options. I want a coupe, 6 speed, and I want one that has been properly cared for and maintained that is mechanically sound. Would prefer a car with lower miles but will consider a 100K car if it's in the right shape and at the right price. What sort of numbers should I shoot for on a: 99-01 car ?? 02-03 car ?? BTW: I'm aware of all the IMS/RMS and related issues on the earlier cars, and I will budget appropriately. I don't mind paying $3K for IMS/RMS/AOS/clutch work after I get the car, as long as I get the car at the right price.

Location?

Good question. I'm on the east coast (Baltimore/DC). But for the right car at the right price (and after a clean PPI), I'm more than happy to buy anywhere. I'll be on the west coast in both March and May, have family in Texas and the rockies, and friends in the midwest, so if it's the right car I'll figure out how to pick it up anywhere.

Like your enthusiasm, and the fact that you recognize that Porsche did not abandon 911 enthusiasts with the 996. I have owned a MY99 coupe, 6 spd for over 6 years now and have had no surprises or huge repair bills. It has been one of the most reliable cars I've owned. Many will say you need records of repairs etc., and that you should buy the newest model you can afford. Lately several have gone up for sale on Rennlist.GL

possible sellers here: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...u-selling.html

Since you are in the DC area - I recommend checking: http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/forumdisplay.php?f=47

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You are smart to budget the 3k for possible work needed after you get the car. Just so you know the IMS/RMS is not only an issue with the earlier cars. You can do the IMS retrofit on 99 - 2005 cars which is normally done when replacing the clutch. Do a search on Auto Trader and you can see hundreds of cars for sale around the country and you will get a good idea of what the market is. Focus on owner, accident and maintenance history.Take your time and do a lot of research and drive a lot of cars. A good one will eventually be found. Just as an example I bought my 2001 C4 for $22,500 and it is mint with 62K miles. Good luck with your search.

About time there is a sensible post about our cars. The 996 has tons to offer. My buddy with a C4 964 can't believe the power this car has. Good luck with your search.

+1 Pete.

you got the 996 bug for sure...i got it too!!...even though i just sold my 996 and purchased a 911sc i really miss the smoothness and comfort of the 996. you should be able to find a well sorted 6 speed w/IMS bearing upgrade for $16-$18K make sure you get a PPI done!! funny my wife prefers the sc and i really enjoy it's early feel but i'll be back in a turbo or 996 in the near future!!... saving cash here and there as we speak!! i miss this forum!

I wonder if "IMS" will be in every post I read.

I guess I'm a lil' biased because I got an 02' but I've never had any problems (4 years now) other than the price bottoming out (well, CEL's but so far they've never been anything other than a PIA). I love the look of the older model Turbo's (993's) but I also like the creature comforts of the newer ones (996-997). And for the price I really liked the 320hp on the 02' 996. jmo

I'm sorry Fron, I forgot to tell you Good Luck! Just Take Your Time & you'll find it. jmo

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Reminder... replacement M96 engines are fairly common and some are not canddiates for IMSR. If this is important to you make sure your PPI provider checks into this for you.

Wow, thanks everyone for the helpful and enthusiastic replies! The 996 group here seems incredibly active and I really appreciate the info (I didn't know anything about the dorkiphus site). j beede makes an excellent point about replacement engines, since a lot of early cars listed in ads say the engine has been replaced. One question there: if the engine was replaced *before* 2005 is it safe to assume it will have an upgradeable IMS? In any case, it's definitely something I'll add to the list to check on the PPI. I've done a lot of searching in broad databases (cars.com and autotrader) and it's sometimes tough because there are a lot of cars with ridiculous asking prices, (e.g. 40K mile 01 car asking $33K, or a 80K mile 99 car asking $24K). I know these numbers aren't even close, but I'm not sure I can tell the seller that. I would be delighted to find a car like groovzilla describes: well-sorted with the IMS upgrade for around $17.5K (slightly more for lower miles). And I'd happily go up $2K to $5K for an 02 or 03 car (would be nice to have those upgrades). There was a clean-looking 90k mile 02 car at auto kennel in LA for $19K when I first started my search. At the time I didn't think I was looking for a 996, but now I realize that might have been a good car for me. I'll keep looking and let you all know how I make out.

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I sure hope not.

Hi Fronesis -- I got bitten by the bug 2 weeks ago. Did a very concerted nationwide search for a very specific combination: 2004/5 Yellow Cab Turbo. Ended up finding an 04 Yellow Cab Turbo X50 with ceramic brakes with 32K miles on it. I paid about $55K for it, and it was just down the road in Atherton (from San Francisco). I know that I didn't get a "smoking" deal, but after the mechanic (RMG) did the PPI, was confident that I got a fair deal. That's all that I was looking for. I'm simply amazed. For $55K, where can you get a car that is even close to this? I'm in love... with my wife. Who suggested that I up my range from the non-turbo to the turbo. I'm glad that I married her.

You did very well petonic, way to go. Any pics you could post of your new turbo?

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My wife loves 911s and drives them closer to the limit than I do. At one point in this search, when I felt like I just didn't want to pay that much money for a Boxster, I thought about some alternative cars -- Z4, S2000, etc. I mentioned this to her and she just scoffed at me: it's not a Porsche, why on earth would you bother!

Sounds like you have a great wifey.

Remember the saying "there is no substitute"..

Hey everyone, fronesis47 has a great thread going here. I am literally in the same boat with how he feels about the 996, and am at the same point in my 996 search. Not to hijack the thread, but: Consider me a Porsche "enthusiast" having owned 3 various cars in the past, but never a 911. Do you AT ALL think it could be a good idea to buy a 996 ('00-'03) at auction or even lightly wrecked Copart style? (don't shoot at me!) The reason I ask is one of my best friends is a dealer, so we do auction deals together all the time. I have about a $16-18k budget, so if I could come out at that price including some simple modifications (Turbo rear bumper, coilovers, exhaust) it would be wonderful. Only thing is, I wouldn't want to get stuck with a car that needs a $10,000 engine... Fronesis, keep us updated!

$16,000 engine.

I have also been in the search for a clean 996. I have been looking for a solid month now. taking my time, reading everything i can. Signing up to forms etc... I probably go through Ebay, Autotrader, classifieds, & Craigslist 3 to 4 times a day ahah. My eyes hurt. Non the less, i agree that the market can be a little funny. You can see a 02 C4S with 90k for 23-24,000. Then see a 99 C2 with 90k for 22-23,000. I have come to the point after looking for a month that, the prices are all over the place. For me, zeroing in on the exact combination of car is what will validate me in spending more money for the exact comb... Oh, cant forget. PPI,IMS,RMS,AOS...

Stay with it, the search is really quite fun and the side effect is you learn alot along the way. When you finally run into the right car you will know it. My search took 1 1/2 years and I, like you, looked at the auto websites every day. Get out and drive the ones that look promising. If it doesn't feel right or there is some story involved then just move on. The 996 is a great car and I am loving mine. Good luck with your search.

To DS1: I too have a contact that can go to auctions, but I just don't think it's a smart move with the M96 engine. You might get a good looking car for as little as $12K, but if it needs a $15K+ engine it's not a deal at all. To everyone else: have had a couple of interesting leads from forum member PMs. Thanks! Also looking at a car on eBay and wondering if any Rennlisters are close by and could give it a look. The seller is happy to let me have a PPI done beforehand, but before I spend that money it would be great if someone eyeballed it first. In watching eBay auctions closely, it seems that auctions often end at wholesale prices, so I'd be willing to pay for a PPI beforehand if someone had actually seen the car. Here's the listing: link

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After owning my 996 over a year, I have to agree 100% - "There is no substitute". You'll never look back, so hang on for the ride of your life.

fronesis: Exactly, thats what I'm thinking. Not to sound like a Civic owner or something, but I wish there were other engine options for this car! Problem is, I feel like any M96 is a risk unless it was an enthusiast owned and documented maintenance car. Any advice for fronesis47 or I about things to look for on a 996 that would indicate a better than usual engine?

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Cool story and a cool wife. what gives, No pics? If it's a price you're comfortable with and the car is better than average condition with some desireable options, definitely hard to pass up on the emotional purchase.

For those of you looking. Mine is for sale and I will help you import it back to the US. https://rennlist.com/forums/9054516-post173.html

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I was pretty intent on a C2....but wow that is a really beautiful car!

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OK, this is a ****ty iphone picture of my new car. OMFG. We drove down Highway 1 from Inverness to Stinson Beach (CA) yesterday with the top down. There's not a lot of non double-yellow on that road, but that didn't seem to make much of a difference to Brunnhilde (new name for my car). There is just so much power and pull and sheer excitement when driving this car. It takes less time to pass in this car than it seems to in my motorcycle (BMW '04 R1150 GS Adventure). And here's a picture of my wonderful wife who suggested that I don't compromise when searching for this car.

Not sure which one is better looking! Congrats!

I'd say you did well with your Porsche and your wife.