Trying To Decide Which Year To Buy for 996

Ok, here's the deal, I currently lease a 02 CLK55 ///AMG and had my fill of the Automatic world, time to head back home to favorite platform (PROSCHE) being a past owner (993, 986, 986S) I was talked into a drivers comprise two year ago by my wife. Needless to say when my Boxster S lease was up I found myself in the local Mercedes Benz Dealership ordering a CLK55 AMG. The power of this car was amazing (353hp/363tq) but I had the dumb stick and not to mention the handling which requires aftermarket assistance to get close to the handling I was accustom to. Well it's been two years and I had enough of the comprising life. I am now in the market for a pre-owned 996 C2. My question is simply this - What is the better year to choose from 00/01/02 obviously the newest the better but having to save for two kids and college I may not be able to do the 02/03 years. Is there anything to watch out for regarding the 00 and 01 models ? Were there any service campaigns I should be concerned with ? Reliability issues, etc ? All comments are appreciated. Thanks again and I look forward to discussing 996 related issues with you..

the 02 is totally different animal than the 00/01 from a performance prespective. Its only ~20hp, but it makes a difference. If you can afford an MY02 or later get it, you won't be disappointed. That said, I love my 01. They had pretty much worked out most the bugs on 3.4L by then. There is a long list of TSBs, but nothing campaign worthy. RMS is a continuous problem, but haphazardly afflicts all model years. if you get an 00, or even an 01, try to look for a dealer certified car, so the warranty period will be longer. Get a PPI once you buy your car, costs $200 or so from any P-car dealer. Get a carfax, will tell ya some history on the car, and were/when it was serviced. Good luck

MY02 or newer

Ditto. 02 or better.

Dam That was Quick - Thanks Amigo's I will shoot for a 02

Well, Search the FAQ... I know I hate when people say it but it is true.. there are lots of resons to own one over the other... Do you care about warranty... ? Do you need PSM or care ? How much can you spend ? the list is endless... But for my 2/100ths of a dollar I will tell you my thought... I think the 99 C2 They can have their list of issues but from what I read so can all of the 996's. For many reasons the 99 is depressed in price. You can buy a clean example in my area in the mid $30ks (low depending on milage). Automatics obviously are way less and for low milage there is a bit of a bump up (What I did). I have a 99 and have had my share of maintenance issues but I have taken my dealers advice... I have an extended warranty and trust them to help me out and so far I have enjoyed good fortune and MUCH, MUCH enjoyment. The car is truly amazing... for the $30k watermark the performance, quality and driving experince are just excellent. I know you can get into later years but even the jump to a 2000 is substantial (in most instances I found $10k or more. I know it gets you e-gas and PSM over Traction control, (you can get some of this in late 99's I believe) it was not worth it to me. Low bank rates on pre-owned and a good supply or clean cars provided me a great car in a price range I would have not even hoped for... I know there are detractors of the 99 but I love mine... I do some PCA events and the car is hopefully going to be with me for a very long time. Hope that helps... <shrug>

RJMDAD996 - Just curious but why not another 993? I'm curious because I am considering selling for a 996 too. After several months of research and test driving I've found the 996 a fantastic car and one I'm wanting. Funny but the 993 camp is quite opinionated against the 996. I'm not a hater I'm just a fan of Porsches, almost every kind (water/air, front/rear/mid, sportscar/SUV). I've heard the 2002 and newer are completely different beasts. I found one that may work out to be 50,000 but with a little high mileage (30000)but I don't care. It's just like Itzkirb's.

I perfer the styling of the 996 over the 993 - Again it's all relative.

Understood. I hope it wasn't offensive.

'98

buy mine!

so you can buy my SY GT3?

Hmmm perhaps.... =)

Yellow seat backs, belts, carbon shifter, thick steering wheel, PCCB, this is car is truly a blast, even just to look at.

Autotrader lists 444 '99 911's from $10-$70K avg $46K 358 '00 911's from $17-$70K avg $53.4K 316 '01 911's from $41-$155K avg $63K 238 '02 911's from $55-$179K avg $72K Quite a few to choose from depending on your wallet size.

Don't ever tell a 993 owner that you're 996 is as good as their 993. You don't want to go there. All Pcars are classic, there's no mistaking any of them. I would go for 02 or better personally. 993's are killer cars though, especially the C4 or TT. Decisions....

Well, "they" speak very highly of you but "they" do seem to be a little concerned that the other "they" seem quite opinionated against the 993... I'd go with a 993 (in fact, that's what I did) and let the 996 settle a little (and maybe pick up a GT3 if the 997 is a disappointment) or at least get the '02 facelift because it's distinctly stronger on retained value and I just prefer the cosmetics.

Well, I think this would be a good opportunity for you to reacquaint yourself with say the 993 Turbo, but it sounds like you're asking to discuss the 996 only, I didn't notice that when I first suggested a 993 era vehicle. Cheers,

What are the stock hp differences between 99/00-01/02+ years? Thanks!

02 996 has larger displacement engine and extra 20 horses..

My suggestion is similar to others, but as well as buying the latest model year you can afford, also look at the build date and in service date. I was looking at 2 cars recently an 00 and an 01. Both very similar, the 01 better optioned, but of course $9k more (despite higher mileage). The more I started to look the more I liked the 01 and here's why. The 00's build date was 9/99, so it was a very early 00 (in service was 2/00). The 01's build date was 6/01, ie a very very late 01 (production switches to the new model year in July/August). There's almost 2 years difference there. In service on the 00 was 8/01 btw. Through a strange twist of fate, the day I went in to buy the 00 they told me that it had been (seriously) wrecked on a customer test drive about 30 mins before. I used this as leverage to get a very good price on the 01 and am currently delighted to have a car that has about 44 months of warranty remaining on it (it's certified). I don't believe I've even seen an 02 for less than $59k and most hover at about $60k - out of my price range, whereas the difference between the the 00s and 01s is smaller. C.

CGT: I am still not sure if you made yourself clear over the last several months on every board here at Renn List. Do you like your 993 better than the 996, 964 and etc.? Is the 993 the superior car and the better value for the money.

Well Amigo's It's Official I have confirmed my contract on my new 2003 996 Targa which is fully loaded - I take delivery this coming Saturday I went to see the Black Beauty last Sunday and took her for a test run. What a wonderful performer, graceful and fast - The glass panel roof was too dam cool - I love the natural light that comes in the cabin. The car is Black with an Aero package, Black Supple leather and the new sound system, 18" wheels with PSM and heated seats, power seats (passenger also) with lumbar support. I really fell in love, what I dream car. I will post pictures of my Black Beauty after I pick her up this weekend.