New guy here

Hello all, I'm finally at a point in my life where I can actually look to put myself into one of these beautiful cars. I currently have a 2011 Grand Cherokee lease which matures in September. My wife drives a Honda Odyssey which we use 99% of the time we need to transport the kids so having two large vehicles isn't needed anymore. I've started looking a couple weeks ago and I didn't know there were so many models of the 911 so I've been trying to educate myself. My budget doesn't put me into anything new as I'm budgeting $30k as my max. I think I have a small grasp on the basics of the models. 996 model - sold from 1998-2005 Carrera or C2 = "base" model Carrera4 or C4 same as C2 + AWD? C2S gets different front bumper, brakes, maybe seats too? If I missed anything I hope not to offend those owners Based on my budget I believe I'm looking at a C2 or C4 because this will be a daily driver for me at about 10k miles a year. I'm in the NE, NY to be exact so the AWD would be nice but I'm also looking to keep the cost down and keep the car "simple" mechanically so I can take care of most of the maintenance myself. I'm not sure how much more work wise it would be to maintain a C4 so maybe it's not really a big deal to go that route. I've read about the IMS issue and while some threads and comments make me feel like the 996 could be a ticking time bomb others make me feel like there are many 996 owners who never have an issue who don't post on forums to make it known. I was looking at a 2014 Mustang GT and 2015 WRX as replacements for my Jeep until I came across a used 996 on ebay while browsing and thought "wait, I can get a 911 for like $25-$30k?" I am absolutely in love with the design of these cars and want something to put a smile on my face for my morning commute. Outside of the IMS issue and obtaining as much service info and records as possible before buying one is there anything I should look out for in this price range? how does the group feel about either of these cars based on the information provided? http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...73223924&Log=0 http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...76246923&Log=0 Thanks very much!

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Those look nice, with one already indicating an IMS replacement -- a bonus against your budgeted amount. The convertibles (Cabriolets, or "cabs") are amazing, so you may wish to consider them for maximum warm-weather enjoyment. I use mine (a model year 2000) all year with the convertible top keeping the car plenty warm in the winter. If you like red, one of the members here has a 2003 cab with a full black leather interior and the IMS retrofit already complete (and the terrific FisterD exhaust) at a very fair asking price. I would buy that and have it shipped from (corrosion-free) Scottsdale. Talk about summer fun. Get a set of 17" wheels and winter tires and you are good to go (engine in the back, so really good traction even without 4wd).

These cars will not disappoint. You will get great feedback here. Always try to get the newest model you can afford. You want all the maintenance records. Keep an eye on the vehicles for sale here on this forum. You know they have been well cared for. Read, read, read. Ask lots of questions. There are stickies at the top loaded with useful tidbits.

Any car you are looking at you should have a PPI done. No repairs are cheap, so make sure you have a decent rainy day fund. You will not get any enjoyment out of the car if you are constantly worried about something going wrong and not being able to afford it.

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I believe there was no C2S made in the 996 series. There is a C2S in the later 997 series. What you are seeing in the 996 is a C4S which is a wider body and AWD. I would not be afraid of the maintenance of an AWD C4. You need to budget quite a bit for maintenance anyway, and the AWD system does not add much more cost. The best thing you can do for winter driving whether just cold roads or actual snow driving is good winter tires. 996.2 (from 2002 to 2004-5) are preferred models for most and command somewhat higher prices. But, don't be afraid to buy a well cared for 996.1 ('99-'01). Condition and maintenance are much more important than model year. Good luck and keep us posted on what you find!

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I haven't really considered a cabriolet, no particular reason why really I just seem to prefer a hardtop and unfortunately red and black are two colors I just can't get into. I did however google the FisterD exhaust and it's sounds fantastic

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Thank you for clarifying. I do like the widebody look of the C4S, if I can find one in my range I will take a serious look at it.

Snaplink, we purchased our 04 C4S Cab for $26,500 back in December. It had 106,000 miles and some deferred maintenance. Just like you our budget was up to $30k and we had been looking at other cars as well, but once realizing we could get into a P-car (our dream ) for the price of a new Mustang/Subaru/ or Toyota we took the risk on the P-car. Another consideration was depreciation on a new car, while the depreciation has been very slow to null on our C4S it was something we considered also if we ever found ourselves selling it, but that aint happening. So far we have been very happy with our purchase and have invested a few more dollars to put on new tires, AOS, water pump, belt etc. Soon we'll put on a new top. These cost have brought us right up to our 30k budget but we look like a million going down the road. And the grin on my face every time I drive my car is priceless. Good luck in your search and please get a PPI, and take your time.

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Thank you for adding your reply. I won't pull the trigger on the car until I know it's the right one. I know that I want silver or white with black interior, other than that I don't really have any "must have" options and that is probably just because I don't know what I don't know as far as every little option. As long as it has a manual transmission and the color combo I'm looking for I have a feeling I will be very happy. Can someone give me an average price for a PPI once I select a potential car?

I paid $300 for mine a couple of months ago. The tech basically went down a huge checklist and charged me 3 hours labor as that's what it took him. One thing to note is there was a mid-cycle revision in 2002. So 1999-2001 are the same car and 2002-2004 are the same car. The changes are modest, with some interior tweaks and new headlights, as well as a few chassis changes. I personally wanted '02+, as I felt it looked like a more modern car.

I'll second the comments on winter use. I had a 2000 C2 with snows, and it was one of the most entertaining winters I've had. I had a blast pushing the lowered limits in the snow. For everyday use, the car would go anywhere, barring the really deep stuff, when the low ride height would cause issues. I sold my last one, and ended up coming back. It's the only car that I've ever bought twice. I did upgrade to a Mk2, this round, but 996's are excellent, reliable, cheap, and fun daily drivers. I think they're way underrated, and will continue to be. Good luck with your search!

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https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...arrera-4s.html It's not a black interior, but it is within your budget, and it does come with snow tires.

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That is certainly close to what I'm looking for and I dig that it's a C4S. I also like the USB plug mod in the center console. For now though I'll keep hunting for a dark interior car, I appreciate the heads up.

I drive a C4S as my daily driver in all conditions. The only time that I leave it in the garage is when we have deep snow, and that's only because of ground clearance. As mentioned above, proper winter tires make more of a difference in slippery conditions than AWD in the 996 series. The AWD system used by the 996 is a mechanical system that uses a viscous coupling and it was really designed for improved performance when cornering during spirited driving. It is essentially a maintenance free system, with the only exception being the changing of the differential oil - I think Porsche recommends that every 90,000 miles. That being said, the front differential can fail and require replacement or rebuilding. It's not common, but it's possible. It happened to me! The C4S is a great looking vehicle, and it comes with many nice features as standard. These would include things like Bose audio, full leather interior, etc. Most of them are equipped with HID headlights and other features like memory seats, etc. The C4S also shares the wide body with the turbo, along with the larger, red brake calipers and upgraded suspension. It's a nice package. The 996 C4S was only available from 2002 - 2005 and was only available as a cabriolet for the 2004 model year. The interior options for the C4S are the same as the other 996 cars, including the seats. My car is equipped with the Comfort Seat with Lumbar Support option. Sport seats are another option - and a desirable one.

As I move down the path of potential 996 ownership I'm trying to get my ducks in a row financially. I was planning on taking a loan out for up to $30k to finance the vehicle but yesterday I may have a problem securing a loan for a vehicle that is a 2003 with 70k+ miles on it. For those who financed was there an issue securing a loan from your bank and did you have to shop different banks?

Look at Penfed. Great rates and great service. www.penfed.org

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Seconded. Financing 20k on my 2002 @ 2.49% about 3 months ago without any issue. They sent me a "draft check" that I just made out to the seller when I found the right car.

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There was no problem securing a loan for my car, but it's a 2004 with 35K miles and I put ~60% of the value as a down payment. I didn't pull the trigger until I had enough to buy the vehicle in cash. Loan rates are ridiculously low, so I financed the balance and stuck the remaining cash in a "just in case" account used for maintenance & repairs. Not to be a wet blanket, but financing the entire balance of a 10+ year old is a risky proposition.

Our bank told us up front that the car could not be more than 10 years old (They make exceptions for classic cars, which somehow they considered my was when they looked it up), and less than 100,000 miles. I had went out and found a car with 106,000, which they made another small concession for. We put 60% down (of $26,500), got 3.45% loan for four years. Direct deposit lowered the rate a little more. Same like Hoodoo said, we saved by putting down less (we were going to put up 75%), and having cash for a maintenance fund. Good thing we did, the water pump ($400.00) went out within 1,000 miles and then the AOS a few months later ($1,400.00), plus it needed tires $$$$. Take all these things into consideration. These are 10+ year old cars. It's tough to have a monthly payment and foot huge bills for repairs.

C4S FTW. Look around and you'll find one that's clean, IMS bearing replaced, in your price range. You will love this car.

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Will do, thanks. Sounds like a simple process. I'm lookin! I think I will most likely be buying an out of state car as it's slim pickins in western NY (at least on autotrader right now) Is there a way to include NY state tax in the purchasing of the vehicle rather than paying when I register at the DMV? I'd like to roll that into my loan like a new car purchase and keep the tax cash in my slush fund in case I need to fix something. (I have a good chunk in there already, but why not have more I always say!)

Penfed or Pentagon Federal Credit Union is a winner.

I just read this.......must have missed it before. You know my car is for sale. The C4 is a great car in the dry/wet and snow. Make sure the front CV boots inner / outer are not torn. I replaced both of my front axles with used with 20K miles on them and the boots are perfect. I also have a set of Pirelli Snosports on 18" turbo look wheels. They are good up to 5-6". Anything over that hop in the truck. Good luck with the search!

Snaplink, 996's are great cars. You will love it, especially after what you have been driving. They make excellent daily commuter cars. I agree with your logic, go with a C4 since you live in NE. Similarly, avoid the cabriolet for your area. For your 30K budget, the world is your oyster.... tons of great cars in that range. You could easily the budget to 25K and still find many good cars. I'd recommend staying with a 996.2 (2002 and up). Look for a car where the IMSB has already been replaced (and the replacement is documented!). Also, if you like a modded car, look for one that has aero-kit, coil-overs, etc. etc. Costs a ton to add mods, but in terms of resale value, adds very little. So, look for one where someone else has already spent that cash. PPI should be +/- $300. Once you narrow it down to a specific car, post plenty of pix and details here.... you will certainly get plenty of advice.

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+996 to all of this. I drive my 03 996 every day. And I live in Northern Delaware, home of road salt, winter potholes and almost every type of weather imaginable. Great daily driver.

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Not trying to start a flame war, but ... I find my cabriolet -- with a hardtop -- to be just fine in the winter. I drove mine on some pretty cold days last winter (single digits, anyway) and was very comfortable. My hardtop has the old style bayonet mounts -- which are supposedly more prone to leaks and rattles -- and yet I found the car to be fairly quiet and free of drafts. The passenger area of the 996 is small enough that it heats up quickly and the hard top seems to hold in heat well enough. It also has the rear defroster built in, as do the glass windows on the 996.2 soft tops. And the cab is outstanding in the summer, at least here in Upstate NY. Depending on the spring and fall, we get several months of potential top-down weather, and I assume you would as well. So I'd reject the categorical advice about avoiding a cabriolet; IMO, the hard top makes it into a four season car. As for 2WD vs AWD, AWD will certainly be better, but the limiting factor on snowy days is likely to be ground clearance as much as traction. Either way, good winter tires are a must.

Your desired color combo - silver with a black interior - is the most common 996 combo there is (as that was the lease configuration for most lease cars), so I'd expect this to be easier to track down. Good luck! Keep in mind that if you get an AWD car and then realize it's not quite what you wanted (as I did), you can delete the FWD components with a few hours' work and no cost (if you're willing to butcher the halfshafts). So, if you're on the fence, I'd err on the side of getting the C4 and then converting to a C2 if that's the route you ultimately want to go.

Thank you for the additional replies. I'm seeing references to MKII vehicles, would that just be the refresh on the 2002+ cars? Personally I'm going to look for a coupe, I've never been a convertible guy. I'm also really liking cars with the Aero kit. I have two more payments on my Jeep lease but if I find "the one" I will get a PPI and pull the trigger if it works out. Last thing I want to do is hurry and get something that isn't exactly what I want. I'm also now a member of PenFed.

how does the collective feel about this one? trying to determine price for options and supposed maintenance so I can gauge better where "the one" will cost. It's not a C4S nor does it have the aero kit though

find one that has the color you like, other cosmetics that you like and has fairly low miles (30k-60k) that has no stories and is bone stock from an owner that loved the car. Get a PPI you will get the best car value out there right now - they are great cars

Yep, MKII = 996.2 = 2002 and newer.

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This just blew my mind. Never consciously realized there is no C2S 996.

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While there was no specific 996 C2S, there was the 'X51 Carrera Power Kit' A pricey $14,000 option with 25 HP bump through engine and software mods. Thats about the same power bump that separates the 997 C2 vs. C2S. Pretty hard to find option though. Of the two cars you listed, the 2003 with 58K miles for $27K is exactly the kind of car I'd be looking for... Good options, clean carfax, good service history, IMS bearing replaced, looks like it's in great condition. Here's the build sheet on it: 911 Carrera Coupe WP0AA29923S620100 Option/Description/Price BAS Porsche Base Model 68,600.00 342 Heated Front Seats 410.00 411 18" Lt Alloy Carrera Wheel 1,435.00 446 Wheel Caps with Colored Crest 175.00 476 Porsche Stability Management 1,235.00 490 HI-FI Sound (Digital) 830.00 AA Black Standard Leather 0.00 M6A Black Mats - Porsche lettering 115.00 P11 Self-Dim Mirrors & Rain Sensor 705.00 P15 Power Seat Package 1,550.00 P74 Xenon Headlamp Package 1,090.00 X1 Arctic Silver Metallic Top 0.00 X70 Metal Door Sill Model Insignia 425.00 Y06 Alum/Lthr Shifter/Brake Handle 885.00 Total Options 8,855.00 Total Charges 765.00 Total Order 78,220.00

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If you want an aero, you'd better hold out for one. Settling for what you don't want can be EXPENSIVE to rectify later. I paid a few thousand dollar premium for my car - the previous owner installed the aero package (and other upgrades) - but it would have cost me somewhere close to $20K in upgrades to build a stock 996 into the car I purchased. Gratuitous photo of my own aero 996:

Aero would be kind of nice but it's not a deal breaker for me. Extending my search far enough west where shipping would need to happen to get it to me and I'm seeing quite a few 2001 -2003 cars well below my $30k max. I've seen a couple with the IMS supposedly taken care of as well. One thing that I see often is severely worn seats and I've checked ebay for OEM replacements (not interested in Recaro or other racing styles seats) Will seats from a 997 also fit? This one has my favorite wheels, looks decent? http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...72766722&Log=0 Should I be a little nervous driving the car home to NY from TX for my first interaction with the car and just ship it? White is very rare and I'm liking this one too, IMS, RMS, clutch, flywheel and engine belt. Does the top of the taco wing always have the black strip? http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...73992718&Log=0 Thoughts?

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Nothing better than driving one home. Get it inspected first, however. The driver's door on the white car is either cracked open or badly aligned -- I would look into that before going any further. White works well and is distinctive. Silver is common, but looks nice. Try for a full leather interior -- these both seem to have it -- the silver car seems quite clear on that point, as it adds a significant touch of class to what otherwise sets up as as a somewhat blas� interior. Full leather in either black, natural leather (brownish), and even the red color is more impressive than the gray. If the seats are in good shape (I happen to have a good set of the "comfort" seats in my MY 2000 cab), then you can drive for hours on end without issue.

I have never seen the taco wing two-toned like that Craigslist picture. Looks "custom."

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Hmmm... mk1 taco wing and mk1 period correct skirts on Mk2 model, one of my pet peeves... Looks like the center flap is CF or CF wrapped.

I was thinking the same but didn't want to dis his choices. Something doesn't look right about these mods including the K&N, and interior.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. "Custom" might be too much credit for that mod. I have no room to talk, as I don't have the correct wing my on MK1 - but the taco just doesn't do it for me. I'm stoked the PO who did the install felt the same way. OP, if the worn seat bolsters bother you, you're pretty much going to have to get aftermarket seats, or maybe GT3 seats, as the bolsters just don't hold up that well. But, given your budget, you may have enough cash for a 996, an upgrade to GT3 seats, and something left for your rainy day fund...

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are you saying the aero kit for that year is not the one installed in the pics?

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maybe I'm being picky on the seats, I think with how good looking the car is on the outside the interior should be the same even if that means replacement or having them redone by a local shop which might be cheaper than oem replacements but look just as nice.

My Silver/Black 02 C4S is for sale.

Snappy, you can get the seat reupholstered. My driver's side bolster was worn. Got all new leather. About $500 or $600. They did a great job. "Does the top of the taco wing always have the black strip?" No. When purchased, the wings have to be painted to match the car. I prefer them painted entirely in the same color as the body, but it's up to each person to decide what they like. Maybe just crappy photography, but the white one one in your link looks like the paint is faded/dull.

That white car is suspiciously poor cosmetically for 57k miles. That's a very very worn bolster and overall it looks too worn. Check everything. Are rubber on pedals really worn ? Get a durametric hours count and do the math. Do the hours engine run equal 57k miles ? It's easy to fake mileage with a console change. My car with100k miles looks 100% better.

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I really appreciate the insight from those who have experience with the cars. Looking at the ad for the car again I see more closely the paint doesn't appear to be in good shape. As much as it would be awesome to own a white 911, I'm going to pass on this one. I'd like to get one that needs as little cosmetic fixing up as possible. I'd like to keep the slush fund for mechanical repairs not exterior cosmetics. I'll pass on this white one. http://www.projectoneauto.com/web/us...rsey/14605089/ looks really clean to me and thanks to pfbz for checking into the VIN and seeing it has the x51 power kit "internet price" is $27,942 does that seem fair?

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No, I wasn't saying the car you are looking at has the X51 power kit! Two completely unrelated parts of last post.. The first was saying "while there were no Carrara 2 'S' models in the 996, there was the X51 power kit which was kind of like an S model.." The second, totally unrelated part was the option list for the car you linked to. No X51 option on that car. Though I do think it is a very nice car with good options at a decent price. Too bad you didn't snag KK's C4S at his fire-sale price... Don't worry too much about looking for X51 option... very few out there.

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Oops, my mistake! Thanks for clearing that up. I've looked at so many of these cars in the last couple weeks its kind of hard to differentiate. If I could have dealt with a black car I would have been all over that one. In owned a black car once and swore I'd never do it again. His was a beautiful and obviously well taken care of vehicle.

anyone have thoughts on this one? http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...65197385&Log=0 I've contacted them asking if there are service records or if he could explain what repairs the ad says have been done. Location would make a fun 2 day trip.

I like this one a lot. It reminds me of a 40th almost. The color combination, the wheels and the interior. I see it also has the aluminum package on the vents, gauge cluster, etc. I think it's priced right too.

Looks nice. Prefer those wheels to the twists.

Not sure if I should start a new thread for this but can anyone recommend a shop for a PPI in Houston TX? Thank you or if anyone is bored enough to go check one out for me in person, I would throw a few bucks their way for their time, and the first beer would be on me if this one is a winner. Talking to the salesman it "feels" like a good candidate. PM me if interested in checking it out