Used 1999 Carrera Question

Hello, So I'm looking at a local 1999 Carrera that was posted on Craigslist for $10000. The car has approximately 170,000 miles on the clock and looks nice for its age. My concern is the ad mentions the vehicle has a problem with the engine knocking around 2500 rpm with a rattle if you bump on the gas. The ad also mentions that the check engine light is on and that the vehicle idles rough in cold weather. I'm looking for advice on possible issues at play. Thoughts? Please see the full advert below for reference: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ra...576688727.html Thanks for taking the time to read and reply!

Pass on the car. Salvage title, engine issues, starter issues, coolant warning, CEL. New engine $10,000-$15,000. Any knocking that "a minor issue" is a major issue on the Porsche.

Same car is on ebay. Google the serial, sold for 7k. Also listed for 10k at a couple other dealers in the last two years. I would worry less about a salvage incident that happened 100k miles ago and more about the rattle, etc. I would pass on it unless you are a mechanic. Or get a decent boxster if 10k is your budget.

Are you crazy? Walk away from it unless you want to buy a load of very costly repairs.

I'm not overly concerned about the accident but was curious about the common causes of engine knocking with the M96 engine. I've been looking at Boxsters as well - basically I'm playing the "Best car you can buy for under 10 grand game" looking to save some money and enjoy myself at the same time. I'll pass on this one - thanks for the advice all.

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Glad to read you passed on the car. I think you can find a better car than that one for $10K, but you might have to pay more than $10K. If not then you need to rethink owning a Porsche. For most people these are not cars to buy and then try to bring up to condition. It is expensive and often more so than one estimates.

No disrespect intended..."CHEAP to BUY" must NOT be the sole criterion when buying a Porsche since the cost to OWN/KEEP one is/should be a major factor as well. Best of luck in your search.

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QFT. Even when DIYing the Porsche, you must remember that cost of parts and fluids is still that of a super car.

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$10k seems like an impossible number for a remotely usable 996 ... not saying it doesn't happen, but IMO the odds are severely against it. I don't know much about Boxsters, but they sound like a better option in that price range. Although if $10k were my entire budget, I might be looking at something Japanese, like an RX8 or a 350z.

Keep in mind you are looking at a 15 year old car. Any 15 year old car will have some degree of work needed. I somewhat disagree with "super car" costs though. There is a great aftermarket for parts and a good Indy mechanic base for Porsche owners, depending on where you live. Will cost more than a ford though... For 10k you can get a pretty good Mustang GT !

FYI: i just sold my 99 with 176k for $8k (!). Ran well. Clear title. Clear carfax. however top needed to be replaced. I could have sold for more if I had addressed a couple things and not went over-the-top with details, and if I had been willing to show the car, answer a million questions about the car, etc etc Just didnt have the time and someone else now gets to enjoy it But ran well. 99s are not worth over $15k IMO.

Oh, and some fatherly advice (I am making a leap here that you are younger than I).if I may...panties don't automatically fall off when you have a Porsche, son. Especially when it has broken down and can't fix it.