Wish list for used 996 - would like your comments...

I'm about to enter the market for a used 996 and have been researching the options I want for the car. For those of you who already own 996's, I'd appreciate your comments pro/con on any of the options I'm considering... What is good, what is bad, and what am I missing? Thanks in advance! MUST HAVES 2002 996 Coupe (I want the newer 3.6L, 320 HP engine and can't afford a 2003 or a C4S) Guards Red [G1G1] -OR- Seal Grey [Y1Y1] exterior Black interior 6 speed PSM [476] STRONGLY DESIRED Black all leather interior � I really love the leather dash [AH ?] Supple leather - the regular seats seemed too hard [982] 18� sport design wheels - love the look, but are they too heavy? [XRL] Comfort Package (power seats, memory) [P01] Advanced Technic Package (Bose sound, Bi-Xenon lights, CD-radio) [P04] Parking Assist - have this on another car and love it [635] Delete sunroof - wouldn't use much and don't want the noise/leaks [652] Aero Cup Kit II -OR- Carerra spoiler w/side skirts [XAG & X76] I know the aerokit or spoiler will be hard to find and I'll likely have to install myself later DON'T WANT Sports seats - squeeze me too much Sports suspension - I've heard it's too stiff for a daily driver [X30] UNKNOWN I would like the Sport Exhaust option [XLF], but is it available on the MY02? PCM Navigation System [662] - is it any good for MY02? I've heard the PCM II for MY03 is much better?

I agree with all your options (nice taste) except for the Supple Leather, I think the regular leather seats look much better, and the Sport Design wheels (too hard to clean + Heavy) I would go for the Carrera 18's (and I did) As for the Sports Suspension, I just changed mine to ROW M030 and I don't think the ride suffered too much, but handeling sure improved! I have an 02 with PCM and love it! It works very well. Yes, the Sports Exhaust is available for MY02.

I personally think the PCM stinks. I have an 01 and I get very frustrated with it. It does come in handy sometimes. BUT is very poor compared to other systems and Porsche is NOT shipping update CD's on a regular basis if at all. You're better off with a Garmin or Traffic Pro. Also, any upgrades or changes to the stero system are frustrated by the PCM since most aftermarket stuff is made for the becker head units.

The US 030 is only slightly stiffer than standard and I like it. You will get a better deal on Guards red b/c it is a less popular color. A sunroof delete model is a needle in the haystack ... i would write that one off. Park assist on a HP sports car? .... i will let you figure that one out!

Good choices on the options. This being a used car, though, you'll have to take what comes. Full leather is not an option commonly found in the recent used car segment. Ditto with the sunroof delete. Same thing with parking assist. I doubt many US cars were ordered with those. Comfort package and the advanced tecnics are pretty common. You should have an easy time finding cars with those. Sports exhaust for some reason was not commonly ordered. Should be easy to install, though. Same with the aerokit. I think you will find more aerokit cars than cars with sports exhaust. Good luck!!!!

I think you have great taste. I own the exact car you are looking for. Guards Red. My wife says to sell you ours so we can get a Lapis blue one she likes at the dealership.

BTW, don't turn a car down just because it has sports suspension (030) or sunroof. It will needlessly narrow your field of choices. The sport suspension is not that stiff for daily driving, and will prove itself worth it for that occasional spirited driving. You will especially appreciate it should you decide to do any DE or autocross. The sunroof NEVER leaks, unlike the old targas. There is NO additional noise, unless you have it open while drivng across rough roads. One more thing. It's a buyer's market out there in used Porsche land. Don't be afraid to ask for and be prepared to get excellent deals. I know from personal experience. Prices were so low it made more sense to keep my car.

I agree about the PCM. I put a Traffic Pro in and it's fine for my needs. Bose IMHO, while not nearly the best, is essential if you don't plan your own upgrade. Re the wheels. I prefer the Sport Design look. Yes they are heavier and harder to keep clean, but I like their look. I think the stock rims show too much of the brake disc. I also agree that it is definitely a buyer's market. Is it ever! Another thing you could do is give your specs to a broker like Brian Buxton and let him find exactly what you want. I've dealt with him on several cars and find him exemplary to deal with! He's also a Rennlist sponsor. http://www.myinky.com/ecp/me/

A huge thanks to all of you for your comments thus far - very helpful indeed. The Rennlist board is a fantastic resource. I look forward to the day when I join the P-Car owner ranks and can start giving back to the board... Here's my new list that I'll likely use for my search. More comments are always welcome... MUST HAVES 2002 996 Coupe (I want the newer 3.6L, 320 HP engine and can't afford a 2003 or a C4S) Guards Red [G1G1] -OR- Seal Grey [Y1Y1] exterior Black interior 6 speed PSM [476] STRONGLY DESIRED (the more of these, the better) Black all leather interior � I really love the leather dash [AH ?] 18� sport design wheels - love the look, even if they are heavy [XRL] Comfort Package (power seats, memory) [P01] Advanced Technic Package (Bose sound, Bi-Xenon lights, CD-radio) [P04] Sport Exhaust option [XLF] Aero Cup Kit II -OR- Carerra spoiler w/side skirts [XAG & X76] TIE BREAKERS Parking Assist - have this on another car and love it [635] PCM Navigation System [662] DON'T WANT Sports seats - squeeze me too much