1999 C4 or 2002 C2.... Which one would you buy?

Hey Everyone.... I'm looking at getting my first 996 and I have 2 choices that I am currently considering. 1) 1999 C4, 50,000 miles 2) 2002 C2, 80,000 miles Option 1 has an included Hardtop and heated seats, Option 2 only has the wind screen and cd changer. Option 1 costs $1000 more. Which one is the better deal? Which one would be more reliable? which one would you get? Your advice is greatly appreciated

If the ppi's come back without issue, I would go for the 2002. Are there maintainance records for either of them?

Seems to be documentation on the 2002, not sure about the 99 (wasn't originally considering that one). I was told that on the 2002 the key sticks, and also saw on the picture that the ducting bringing air into the airbox is missing??? I know that is an easy fix, but should I be concerned? I assume the only problem with driving it without the duct in place is that the engine probably is not getting enough oxygen, but that shouldn't cause any permanent damage I would think? (Of course I will replace it immediately... not planning on driving it without it there).

Based on Raby's affinity for the '99, that's what I'd pick if I was in the position. In the interests of full disclosure, I chose my '99 because it is AWESOME, rather than any preconceived notion of mechanical superiority.

I think you'll be fine with either choice. I'd pick the one that you like best based on colors, options, etc. assuming they are equal in terms of condition and PPI results.

I'd go with option 2

there are three options that i think all 996 cabs should have heated seats (this can be added aftermarket but OEM is preferable) PSM (can't add afterwards) windstop (this can be easily added) do either have PSM? if so, i wouldn't touch either. hardtop is basically useful if the car is driven year round in snow states. being in CA, i personally don't think it looks good, nor is it functional as you won't be dropping the top down once you have the shell on. if i live in midwest or east coast, i think it would add value if i drive the car during winter. 2002 looks and sounds better, has an updated interior too with proper cupholders. the bose option is a nice improvement over the hifi in the 99. having said all that, 80k is a bit of miles so i would buy the 02 if the car is meticulously serviced, no RMS/IMS issues. Also, which car drives stronger? It's interesting that even two 2002 C2 can feel differently. Sometimes the one with more miles pull harder. I guess it is due to maintenance.

All things being equal, and not knowing color combination or wheel choice, I'd go for the '02

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Not sure what you mean by this. If you mean sleeker design, I agree but at the expense of being more flimsy. The Dual cup holders on the mk1's seem more robust but a bit clunky and outdated. Other than that the glove box and instrument cluster are the only other other updates that some would care about. Even though I'm an MK1 owner, price/condition being similiar, I'd probably get the '02 because it's 2wd, 3 years less wear and tear. I would get the MK1 if it were c2, coupe, cheaper, and I were going to track it more than casually cruise in it. My $.02

I like the digital speedo in the centre. Wasn't this moved to the left in '02. And the dual row intermediate shaft bearing.

I think you need to decide if you want a C4 or C2 first. then narrow down the year.

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Hmmm... based on your post I suspect that your favorite feature is cupholders. After 25 years of 911 ownership, this is still last on my mind. As to the hardtop, it is second-to-none. I am incredibly pleased with my hardtop on my 996. Ten minutes on or off. What's not to like? Psm and the benefits of a c4 are great if you are in a wet locale or spend a time on the snow. My C4 is hands down the best snow car I have ever driven- Audis and Subarus get in line... BTW, I see a ton of cabs in SoCal with the hardtop on. Must be for the better cooling and noise reduction. Cheers, TomF

If you live in snow country and plan to drive it in snow, go with the C4. If not, go with the C2. That's my $0.02. Are you insane??? I didn't even know my car had cup holders when I bought it. Noticed it about a week later. Then, a few days after that, I found that it extended to TWO cup holders!! Was one of the finest moments in my life! [If you look closely at my avatar pic, you will notice that both my instructor and I are sipping Starbucks mocha lattes on the straightaway between Turns 7 and 8 at Chuckwalla Raceway. Then, simply placed them into the cup holders when entering Turn 7 (counterclockwise run). What could be better than that?

my wife is my cupholder, great mod.

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Among other things, 02 has more hp, more tq and a glass rear window. Plus, personally, i didnt want the weight/complexity of awd. Although it is a great system, im lucky in that my p car is a fair weather car. Also, i think the c2 s just drive a little lighter than the c4. I also prefer the mk 2 (2002) styling and front end/lights. I probably wouldnt be concerned about the mileage on either car. Ymmv

I bought my 02 Targa with 77k miles in May. Had to fix a lot of little things like door latches, window regulators, etc, but have been very happy with it.

Thanks for the tips everyone.... I've decided to try for the c2. See how the ppi turns out. I do live in the north east but this is just my good weather driver ( I have a bmw 335 with xdrive for my DD). I was a little concerned with the miles, but I know these engines should last a long time if maintained, and I'm probably going to be putting less than 5k a year on it, and not tracking it.

I would choose the 02.