Purchase advise - 996 C4

I need some advise (and I'm new to this list - my first post). I'm from MB and BMW background but I just drove a 2000 911 Carrera 4 that a local Jag, L/R, Volvo dealer has in stock. It is silver, has 44,800 miles and looks very clean outside and engine bay. It has TSW 20 inch chrome wheels with F-235/30-20 and R-285/25-20. Is this a "normal" upgrade and ok for the tire size? And I imagine that the TSW wheels are a bit cheap for a Porsche. Other than that it is stock. I'm not sure of the options that it has. Inside it had wood/carbon fiber in the dash - don't recall since I only had minutes to look at the car. It was listed at $45,000 but he said he would take $41,700 and maybe less. Btw, I love the car! I told the so that I would give up my two cars for this one! Thanks in advance, Tomas

seems high to me. what options does it have? i paid 36k for my 99 C4 with 47k on the clock with a bunch of options. i didn't that was a great deal, but i liked the car and it had all the options i wanted.

Not sure of the options it has. It's all leather seats, has a CD player, and a 3 spoke wheel. I am hoping it has the upgraded headlights. I forgot to mention that we do not have a Porsche dealer within 250 miles so I have very few to look at. I thought of driving to Houston to look at some 996's and that is 360 miles away. Thanks for the tips! tsp

Hi, The 996C4 is excellent to drive, if it is a 2000 then the headlights will look like mine if you have the xenon options. Regarding its price I am not used to the "cheaper" price of the US market but 45 K$ seems high especially if you do not have things like electric suroof, PCM, electric seats, xenon etc... For the wheels upgrade, the maximum a 996C4 from 2000 can take is 18 or 19 inches but certainly not 20". You will looose confort and precision in driving (that is my opinion but there is a post somewhere for an upgrade to 19"). I paste the post I made on my car as I cannot find the url address of the thread : sorry Try to get a picture of the label from underneath the front hood to have the code for options and we will start from there. 996 C4 3.4 june 2001 (Porsche Approved Car) 31000 miles when bought (about 35000 now) C05 : France XPR : 5mm spacers XSC : Porsche logo on headrest XX1 : floor mats with leather rims XX2 : floor lighting X54 : stainless steel exhaust X70 : stainless steel Carrera logo (when door opened) X71 : Aluminium dials background X97 : Aluminum/leather shifter and parking brake X99 : Full natural leather 236 : 18" alloy wheels 288 : light washer 413 : 18" alloy wheels Turbo Look 1 425 : Rear wipper 437 : electric seat left 438 : electric seat right 448 : Porsche color logo on alloy wheels 454 : cruise control 537 : lumbar adjustment left 601 : Litronic 650 : Sunroof 659 : On board computer 662 : PCM 663 : PCM phone system 692 : CD charger 939 : soft leather back seats 981 : full leather on top of X99 982 : soft leather And an extra one quite interesting : PSE !!! YES !!!

20in wheels are not a normal upgrade for the 996...I think most people even suggest avoiding going to 19s. You are also correct in saying not many people would put TSW wheels on a Porsche...maybe more so BBS wheels or things along those lines. As far as pricing, $41.7K is too high. I'd look to pay mid 30s...high 30s at most if you absolutely love the car and everything checks out.

I agree about the wheels, too big, drop them to 18's. I actually think the price is close, but don't pay more than 40k.

Thanks for all the advise. I am going over to look at it in a few minutes but I still can't take it out for spin. Too bad cus it's raining outside - good test for the 4. Nico, it has the same lights as yours. Also power seats (both), sunroof, CD, leather, and PCM (std on the C4 I think). Not sure what else - I will check out the label you mention. Again - thanks for all the posts. My first Porsche and it is a few bucks for me. I'm giving up a 96 MB E320 and 02 MX-5 LE in Blazing Yellow for this car. tsp

Just make sure you get a PPI done from someone who knows the 996 before you decide to buy.

Ok guys... update on "my" car. I drove it again. Still has a bad shake/shimmy from about 60 to 70 mph. The dealer service dept blames the 20 inch wheels/tires. They said one was bent and they had it "repaired". That is all bad but the service guy also told me that the PO also lowered the car! NOW I am concerned. I left some money on the car but I am thinking of bailing out on this one. Any nice 996 C2 or C4 in Texas for $30-$40K? tsp

You shouldnt have any issues finding a 2000 in good/excellent condition for $40K...it takes some time but the search is half the fun! G'Luck!