The search is over!...(nearly)

I have spent the past couple of weeks bugging the hell out of my poor local dealer to drive various cars from his inventory and I think I have finally made my decision. Today I took out an �03 C4S (which they had listed at $75k) and an �01 C2 Cab (listed at $62k) and decided that I liked different things about each of them. C4S: Awesome power, handling and brakes. Since I live in the NE and plan to drive it every day the 4 wheel drive will also be very handy. C2 Cab: I like having a convertible option (I currently have a little MR2 Spyder) and the sound that the engine makes with the top down is intoxicating. Bottom line � I want them both! So I am now starting a search for a C4S Cab. 6-speed in one of the dark blue colors or one of the silver colors Here are my thoughts to date and I would appreciate the collective knowledge of this group correcting any things that I have wrong. 1. I really want to stick to an �02 or later since I like the extra power and (more importantly) I think those plastic rear windows suck. 2. Options that I am going to insist on are limited but I have narrowed it down to: PSM, CD Player of some sort, leather. Anything important I am missing here? 3. Options that I would like are navigation, aluminum details, heated seats, power seats. Anything else I should be looking for? Other things... Budget is a factor and Kelly Blue Book says I should be able to get a 2002 for around $65k. Are they usually over / under? I am guessing that the release of the 997 will cause prices to drop and, since I have been waiting 30 years to get to this point, wanting another couple of months won�t matter that much if the price will be significantly lower � any thoughts on that appreciated. Finally � if you know someone who is within a couple of hours drive of North NJ and has one for sale (or is considering selling one) then I would appreciate it if you could let me know.

I don't think they started making the C4S Cab until the 2004 model year so you won't be able to find a used one that easily. You could get a C4 non S Cab from previous years though.

Xenon headlights are worth every penny. I prefer the sport seats over the comfort seats. The M030 U.S. spec suspension is fine. You can also omit this option and get the ROW030, X74, or other suspension kits later if you want a lower ride height and more aggressive setup. The 18" wheels look great if you decide on a C2. Skip the CD changer and high end stereo system. The puny sound does not justify the price. Think strongly about getting PSE if you like the sound of a Porsche flat six. Finally, I'd get a C4S if you live in the NE. You'll end up driving it more often. I congratulate you on your patience. You should not have to bug your dealer to get test drives. They should be bending over backwards to make you happy and sell you the right car. My local Porsche dealer lets me test drive anything in the lot. In fact, I just test drove the 50th Anniversary Boxster S this morning and had a blast.

You are completely correct. A C4 will suffice. Am I right in thiking that the only difference between the C4 and the C4S is the wider body, venting and the brakes? Thanks! Barry

OK - I will consider the Xenon a strong plus - thanks. Can you explain the comment about the PSE and the sound? Finally, my dealer has been very patient and not complained once - even when I took a detour to stop at my house and show my wife a car.

The C4S also comes w/the turbo suspension and some options are standard like full leather. Some like the sport seats, some don't. Make sure you sit in them before deciding on them. For me, they push my shoulders too far forward. PSE = Porsce Sports Exhaust - it sounds awesome It's much better to get from the factory as it won't cost you an arm and a leg to wire the electronics (loud/soft switch). Yea the stock stereos blow, but if you want to upgrade the stereo later it's much easier if you have the pods for the subs in the doors from the factory.

Question for those in the know.... There seem to be a number of 01 C4 Cab.s out there which can be had for considerably less than the later models. As I can't get the S variant anyway am I really missing much (other than I still don't like that plastic window)

They made lot's of improvements to the 2002 model. More HP, stiffer body, better aerodynamics, etc. That's why there is a big difference between the prices of the 2001 and 2002.

What do you guys think of this one? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2480243925 They have it listed at 76k on their website.

If you could get it somewhere in the 60's then it would be a good deal. $76K seems kinda high. You can get a brand new 2004 40th Anniversary car for $75K right now. Not a Cab or AWD though.

"C2 Cab: I like having a convertible option (I currently have a little MR2 Spyder) and the sound that the engine makes with the top down is intoxicating. Bottom line � I want them both! So I am now starting a search for a C4S Cab. 6-speed in one of the dark blue colors or one of the silver colors Here are my thoughts to date and I would appreciate the collective knowledge of this group correcting any things that I have wrong. 1. I really want to stick to an �02 or later since I like the extra power and (more importantly) I think those plastic rear windows suck. 2. Options that I am going to insist on are limited but I have narrowed it down to: PSM, CD Player of some sort, leather. Anything important I am missing here? 3. Options that I would like are navigation, aluminum details, heated seats, power seats. Anything else I should be looking for? Other things... Budget is a factor and Kelly Blue Book says I should be able to get a 2002 for around $65k. Are they usually over / under?" I've got an 01 C2 cab that will smoke any and all C model 996s Porsches made to date (supercharger). It also has the C4S (turbo) brakes. It has a suspension much better (and more adjustable) than the C4S - PSS9s with GT3 sway bars. I have PSM, 6 CD changer, navigation, alum dials, heated GT3 seats AND heated factory supple leather full power seats. The car has a ton more and can also be had for $65k. It's not dark blue, but it's black which I ordered instead of the Lapis blue available in 01. Edit: Sorry, I just realized who started the thread and we have already communicated via e-mail.

I have an 01 C4 Cab and I love it. I would think that there are alot of 01's out there cause they are probably coming off lease. If you can afford an '02, go for it, there are a host of improvements, and who would say no to more horsepower, even if the added weight difference makes it negligible. HOWEVER, if you'd rather save some coin, the 01's are great. So it has a plastic back window...in the winter you should have the hardtop on...and with proper care the plastic will stay good as new for years. The added HP is offset by the added weight (from structural stiffening). What are glove boxes used for anyway (other than for accumulated crap). If you get the car from a dealer have them certify it, then you'll have an extra 2yrs/50k miles on the warranty (should cost about $2k). As far as options go, there are only a handful that can't be added aftermarket. All C4's come with PSM. PSE has a switch when factory installed so they can be loud when you're cruising, and quiet when you're coming home late after a nite with the boys If that's not important, you can get installed aftermarket, and don't worry about the switch. Xenons can be retro-fitted, but they won't self-level. The hi-fi is kinda crappy, but if you have a convertible, you won't really be able to tell anyway. Instead of a CD changer, get an Ipod and plug it into the AUX input. This will give you thousands of songs instead of just 6 discs, and you'll save a ton. If its still that important to ya, CD changers pop up on ebay alot, and are an easy aftermarket install. Leather is great, make sure there are lots of dead cows (the way an expensive sports car should be). Heated, power seats are a must, any car with the technics pkg or advanced technics pkg should have them. The alu bits can be added after market... If you are only gonna drive the car in nice weather, and don't need the AWD, GET BEN'S CAR! and when you do I want a ride good luck...keep us posted...