2001 996 Questions--Please!

Hello, I have been reading many posts (and learning everything I can from you all) here because I am seriously thinking of making the switch from my 02 Z06, to a 01 996 C4. I have questions if anyone can help: On the Codes it says D02, is this a California car, and if so, does it have more emissions (and less HP)? Also, how can I get a actual build list, and would that have actual cost and options on it? The car is a real pretty "silver-type" but with a copperish hue, any idea what color it is? The car also has a complete Areo Kit with the "whale-tail" instead of the movable spoiler, was this an expensive option, and does it add a lot of weight? The car also has really nice 18 in wheels, with shiney "rivited" rims, and carrea 4 on the hub, anybody know the type they are? What are the 1,2,3 on the driver-side kick-panel for, memory seat positions? How can i tell if the head-lights are special, (they do have the washers)? Sorry for all the newbie questions, but if anyone can assist me, I really appreciate it!!

This color is called Meridian Metallic. The lights in the picture are Litronics (a.k.a Xenon). Here's a clearer pic. Wheels might be 18" Sport design. Even if they aren't, you can probably find a picture of them at this link: http://www.wheelenhancement.com/Style.htm

Yes the 1, 2, 3 or for memory positions. On one of the doors there is a list of option codes that the car came with, you can then look those up on porsches site (most of them) or on the internet. I believe the aero kit was 8k, and I don't know the weight. However, I don't think you could tell a difference while driving the car, except at high very high speeds.

Can a Porsche dealer with the VIN number and they can look up the options and the paint color. (That looks like Arctic Silver). If the wheels are "sport designs", those are the best looking, hardest to clean wheels you'll ever own. The headlights look like lintronics which are pretty nice. All cars pass Calif emissions, so I'm not aware of anything that would indicate a "california car". Good luck and have fun.

The option codes are not on the door. They are under the front hood. There should be a white sticker under the hood with a lot of 3/4 digit numbers/letters. These are your option codes. Some of them can be decoded here: http://www.kindel.com/Porsche/options.asp For others, you can post the numbers on the boards and you should get responses back.

This place is so cool Thanks a bunch for the very quick responses... This helped me out a lot! One more question: Since the car has 24k and is coming up on the warranty, can i extend it anyway?

If you purchased your car through a Porsche dealer, I would ask them why they did not certify the car and offer you the extended warranty. If you bought it privately, your only options are to get an aftermarket warranty. I would suggest that you ask on the board about this option. One thought - It is easier to get an after market warranty if your car is still under factory warranty. Don't wait for it to expire. Also, if it is about to expire, I would take it into a dealer for a thorough check to see if anything needs to be fixed and would be covered under warranty. Could be a few hundred well spent. welcome to the board!

In my opinion, if you are not familiar with a Porsche and the things that can go wrong with one, then I would look for the same kind of a car at a Porsche dealer and get it certified with the 2 year/100,000 mile warranty on top of what may be left on the factory warranty. I would hate to be holding the bag if something major were to happen. The repairs can be very costly and sometimes they come out of nowhere. Generally Porsche dealers that sell a used car only sell the cream of the crop they get. They are gone through very thoroughly and bring everything up to date as far as service, recalls, and making sure they have +60% left on the brakes and clutch. A clutch job at the dealer can cost up to $1800...So make sure the car you are buying has those things checked. And drive lots of them. All Porsche's are fast and handle very well....but know what a new one and a used one feels like so you can judge the condition of the car better. My first Porsche was a Boxster that I bought from a dealer. It was in perfect condition, had all service records since new, looked amazing, but it had to have $2,000 worth of "minor" work within 30 days. If I had bought it somewhere else or private party, I would have had to eat that...Just traded it in for a 996 C4 Cabriolet, also from a Porsche dealer with the warranty, so I am worry free for 2 years....

The code should be C02. This is the country code for the US, meaning it has US specs. The car is a 50 state car. There is no California version. Any Porsche dealer or even the parts department can put the VIN in the computer and tell you was the car has. Or, you can get them off the option sticker.

Thanks again, The option codes do not equal what the car has (Areo-kit, 18in wheels & Litronics) Is it common for someone to do this after purchase? They are all Porsche equipment... kind-of curious. I really appreciate all the info you guys/gals know, really The "dealer" is not Porsch specific (exotic) but will deal on my Z06, which will help with the state tax issue. I am checking with the Porsche dealer to trade the 01 (if I buy) to a 03 4S, and they seem very willing due to the 01 and how clean it is, and this overall deal is better for me. But now all the talk about the possible deals on 996 due to 997 has me really thinking....Decisions, decisions!

yes, its very common for people to do post-purchase upgrades...in fact most everyone does something...

Yes it is common for people to add porsche equipment to their cars after purchase. I don't think the value of 996's will drop as much as some people think. You will still have people who want the 996 over the 997, just as there are people who want the 993 over the 996.