So many 996s, so many questions... gurus please advise!

Hi all - a few months ago I sold my Cayenne TT with the thought of getting back into a 911 this spring when another car comes off lease shortly. I was originally thinking 997 but now that it's time to look I see so many nice 996s available making for a lot of option and color choices, as well as model year. Given the pricing it seems to make sense as I'm sure I'll enjoy it just as much. So here's the question - I've looked here but have had a hard time coming up with something that documents the differences between years and any issues / pros/ cons. Is there such a document that anyone has or can point me to? Would like to know from those of you who have had 996s for a while, what your preferred model year would be if you were looking now and what specifically the major items are to look for with regard to mechanical maintenance and rebuild. Also, if you feel the 997 is where you would rather look if buying now, I'd love to know why. Thanks in advance.

Welcome back. I'd say you can go to any model/year and find some great deals. Are you looking for a Cab, coupe, or maybe Targa? What is your price "ball park"? As far as 996's, it seems MkII's have a few more advantages over MkI. 3.6, updated styling, etc. Would you be interested in buying a GT3 or TT?, C4S maybe? narrow your search, there are some very nice specimens to look at. Low miles & options can also increase the price a few thou along the same model line. Any Pcar can have mechanical issues depending on prior ( or lack of) maintenance; so it's more important to ask about prior ownership, maintenance history, "rennfax" or "carfax". Most owners here will tell you to buy the newest car you can afford; 997 would be a good choice if you are so inclined. I have recently noticed alot more 05-08 997's showing up for sale, so that market is soft, too.

We need to know your budget in order to give advice on this. If you're in the range between the high end 996 cars or the low end 997 cars, then I'd stick with a 996. I'd take a well equipped 996 C4S or turbo over a stripped down 997 any day. If your budget allows you to get a 997 with some options, that might be a good way to go. If you're getting a 996, here are my thoughts: - I like the wide body cars, which are the C4S and the turbo. I'd get a 2002 or later because there were lots of updates starting in 2002. Since you're used to the power of the Cayenne turbo, you'll probably be disappointed if you get a normally aspirated car. - Full leather interior makes a big difference in these cars - look for one that has it - Don't waste your money on factory nav. The 996 nav systems are pretty out-dated at this point. You are better off getting an aftermarket system installed if you want this. - I'd like to have sport seats in my car. I'm finding that it's a pain to add them later, especially if you have an unusual colored interior. If you like sport seats, try to find a car that has them. - A 996 GT3 would be a great car to get if you can find a good one. If you like to take your car to the track, this would be a great way to go. Other than that, just enjoy the process. Shopping for a Porsche is fun.

Thanks guys those are some good thought starters... I know I left it very open ended when I posed the question. I really have not set a tight budget number yet. I love the CS4 and do have that high on the list and seem to find quite a few. I'm a bit torn as to whether I want a cab or not. Had a cab a long time ago, 90s and loved it but undecided at this point. GT3 would be great if a good one can be had at a good price but I haven't seen many available yet in my search. Definitely will focus 2002 and later on the 996. I appreciate that suggestion, 3.6 etc. The engine change I was aware of but not sure what other changes came with or after that point on the 996. I have seen plenty of 997s, and see more realistic asking prices than I did 6 months ago. I need to pull together a list of cars with nice options and compare because I'm still thinking a nicely decked out 996 is the way to go, dollar wise. Anyone else who wants to chime in with opinions it's appreciated. Also what are some of your favorite options to look for. Full leather is practically a must for me for instance. I like sports seats but they seem quite scarce.

I definately agree on: 02 model or later Full leather interior would be a really really nice option (i don't have it) 40th anniversary car (2003) is a nice to have with a higher output engine 345hp 6speed, gotta be a 6speed lot's of service records (hopefully back to day 1)with no more than 2-3 owners Clean carfax & autocheck newer is definately better 03, 04, & 05 (yes 05 was the change over year with both 996 &997 cars wearing that year). Depending on what you are going to do with the car sports seats are nice for track days, comfort seats with lumbar, heat, power, and suppler leather are nice for long drives. Factory sports exhaust are nice as you have no need to upgrade the exhaust and you get the best of both worlds. Upgraded factory wheels like turbo twists and sport designs are nice as wheel. Carbon fiber interior is sweet but expense to replace when it cracks.

A couple of other things to consider: - There are several seat options available. There are standard seats, comfort seats and sport seats. I have the comfort seat option, which is 8-way power with power lumbar support. They are very nice, but don't have as much lateral support as the sport seats. You can also get them in either standard perforated leather, or soft leather (ruffled). Both are nice. I have the standard leather in my C4S and the soft leather in my Cayenne. I think the soft leather is actually wearing better as the cars age. - If you can find a car with factory PSE (Porsche Sport Exhaust), that would be very desirable. This essentially allows you to change the exhaust tone with the push of a button on the dash. - You are probably seeing some cars with wood or carbon fiber interior trim pieces. It's much better to buy a car that has this already if you like it, as opposed to adding it later. - There were more changes in 2002 than just the engine. The suspension was tuned, the interior materials were upgraded, a glovebox and cup holders were added, and I think quite a few more things. I'm sure there's a complete list around here somewhere. - Litronic (HID) headlights are a nice option to have - I wouldn't buy a car without them - You many not need heated seats in Atlanta, but I think it's a nice option. Good luck with your search.

If you are willing to spend the time looking, and aren't afraid to buy a car long distance, there are a LOT of cars out there, with low mileage that can be had for relatively cheap dollars. Case in point - 6 months ago, I bought a 2004 996 Targa with 24K miles, full leather, etc etc, for $31,500. Unfortunately, I totaled the car recently, but it allowed me to move up to a 996TT, 2001 with 25,000 miles for $43,000. But to get cars in a low price range, you need to spend some time looking!! That's fun as well, but these type of cars don't just fall into your lap. You will likely need to look at a distance of up to 1000 or 1500 miles from where you are, be willing to find an independent shop to do a PPI, and then sight unseen, buy a car based on a stranger's evaluation. It can be done comfortably if you are willing. But in any case, welcome to the insanity. There are a lot of car-ay-zies on this board, and I welcome anyone who says they want to join us. Next question? larry

I agree with Larry's comments. Be patient. Do some research and be ready to pull the trigger when the time is right!

Yes I came to the conclusion that I need to be open to cars which are located quite a ways away from GA. I appreciate the prior post regarding a couple of recent purchases and would really like to hear from others what you believe the real purchase prices to be on some of these models where you have specific knowledge of a deal. A lot of the ads I see are still hopefully priced rather than realistically, but I am finding both. Any input on pricing is greatly appreciated. Having recently sold a CTT I know that listings run the gamut. PSE is another great add to the list of things to look out for as are the HIDs. Thanks. Larry - how did you ever part with that E?

I agree with all of the previous comments, 2002 or greater is good. Also, my '99 had PSM (I believe all '99s had it standard) and I just didn't even look when I found my 2002 cab however is does not have PSM - I think I'd like to have it now that I've had both. A 996/997 cab will be far different than your last 90's cab. 2002 and beyond has the glass rear window (heated). IMO the 996/997 cabs are far superior drop tops than the 993's (begin flaming here). FWIW -- In June of 2010 I picked up my 2002 C2 Cab, 6 spd., Arctic Silver, full supple leather, sport exhaust, Bose w/CD changer, full power seats, and a few more minor bits and pieces with 22,500 miles for $32,000. This included a 5 year 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Good Luck

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99's did not all have them. :-) Mine does not.

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Slip: There are many things that go into the ownership of cars like these. I had always dreamed of having an early Porsche, ever since I saw one on campus in the early 70's. Finally brought the dream to reality when I found Kermit, and had it restored. It was a multiple year project and it gave me a very unique experience with the car. I knew every inch of it!! But when I was between jobs, and was unsure of the future, having a Garage Queen just didn't make any sense, so I sold it rather than have to go through a fire sale if things got to that point. Then, after things settled down a bit, I wondered - "what do I want from my Porsche?" Driving it every other weekend for an hour or so didn't satisfy my obsession, so I started looking for a more modern car that I could use as a DD. That's how I came to the 2004 Targa, and eventually to the 2001 Turbo. I still miss Kermit. Those early cars are unique. They are raw, no luxury allowed, sports cars. They smell, have spotty heat, no A/C, and all kinds of issues, but I loved it when I had it. Certainly, the 2001 Turbo is a different animal totally. But I think that you never quite get over the original Pcar that you bought. larry

996 Pilot - curious where you bought the cab and which type of warranty you are referring to. Since you did not specify I am assuming it was not CPO from a dealer? Larry - agree I've loved all 3 Pcars I've owned but the first one always is a bit special.

I don't star bucks it to browse the internet so I don't meet the modern standard of guru

Uhm, ok thanks for that.

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You will prob be in the $30's with the option you like.... especially the full leather, they tend to be a high option car.

Full leather is standard on the C4S and the turbo, right?

My C4S (which is for sale here => https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale...-2002-c4s.html ) has full leather interior. I believe it was a standard option.

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My 99 has PSM - it's under my right foot location.

Any differences in years is going to have the constant of "the more there is the more there is to go wrong". 4 wheel drive, fancy controls for traction and such raises the number of things that can go wrong. Almost like the number of gorlfriends you can have. Trouble comes sooner with the more you have. Leather is great but some of the other options unless direly needed for snow or pikes peak racing I'd skip. Oh wait, wasn't it a GT3 that broke the Pikes Peak record? Hmm thats a super C2 no options but power isn't it?

I bought my Aero C4 for the woman factor........drats! I married! I keep on forgetting about that.