Bad Idea? 1999 996 as first Porsche

First post here. Just beginning my journey of looking into purchasing a Porsche. I'm a 30 year old guy in NC with a wife and kid. Currently selling my motorcycle and looking to buy a "fun" car. (Our Subaru Outback was a responsible purchase, but it bores me to tears). Budget is sub-$25K. Will pay cash, but don't want to necessarily sink thousands in deferred maintenance into the thing on purchase. I came across this car locally ( http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/4652442946.html ) on CL. Talked with the owner on Sunday. He's a 70-something former doctor who has had the car for most of its life. I plan to do a PPI if I like it in person. It has not had the IMS or RMS done. Has had two incidents where the car was backed into and then repaired (one side, one rear end, I think). My worries are that I'm seeing conflicting reports of the reliability of the 1999 model, and that the RMS/IMS hasn't been done. What do you guys think? Are the body repairs an issue if the PPI comes back clean? Also, any recommendations for PPI in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC?

Welcome and good luck with your search. As for the car the drivers seat does not look like it has 35K miles on it. Maybe its from the pic, but it looks a little too worn and discolored compared to the passenger seat. But don't let my observations change your mind on the car. You have to see it and drive it in person and decide for yourself.

Bad idea? Hell no, it's a great idea! Do the PPI, buyer beware, blah, blah, blah. It's a 15 year old car. It's gonna have some bumps and bruises. It's never going to gain in value, but it won't lose a whole lot more either. It's a car. Not a priceless antique. When it finally falls apart, sell it and get another. Check it out, buy it if it all looks good, drive it, and fix it when it breaks. Don't get trapped in the mentality that "It's special, it's a Porsche. It has been deflowered and will never be worth a penny if it get scratched or dinged." There are 8 bazillion 996's running around. Drive it and have fun. You're going to get 15 different opinions from 10 different guys - this is mine and is somewhat heretical, but I've been driving them for 30 years. I've never understood the OCD/compulsive/obessive relationships that guys have with these cars. They are made to drive. Do what makes you happy. Rick

Yes my first thought was seat looks like 100k miles but car does look nice with good colors so have a good ppi done and take it from there. I personally would keep looking and buy from an enthusiast on one of the Porsche forums.

Thanks guys. @RedTele -- good point on not being worried about dings. I have a very steep driveway with a garage that isn't big enough for anything larger than a motorcycle, so it's either street parking or c a r e f u l l y driving up and down the driveway. My wife ripped the bumper of our 09 VW TDi off its clips... So...what I'm saying is I want some dings. Actually I'd like an older model, but the 996s seem to have the best $/fun ratio going these days. @rmc1148 and 996pp -- good catch guys. It's something that was a bit concerning, too, especially with the owner's stories of driving up and back to Boone regularly. Are the odometers a known issue on these cars? And what do we think about the inherent reliability of the 1999s?

Jake: I think a '99 996 would make a great first Porsche. The general consensus is that the dual row IMS bearings found in the '99 models are less prone to failure - no one knows for certain, but I believe the data from the IMS lawsuit shows a 1% or less failure rate. If that is accurate or even close to accurate, then wait to replace the IMSB until you need to drop the engine or transmission for something (clutch). The cost to replace the IMSB at that point is minimal. I think the RMS issue has now been reduced to nuisance status. If it is leaking, it isn't the end of the world. The 996 is very easy to work on, easy to get parts for and there are enough of them on the street that the various forums have tons of info on how to keep it running via DIY. Being able to wrench on the car yourself is the key to keeping ownership costs down. Talk your wife into letting you spend $2,000 on a 4-post lift and you will never regret it - they let you do a lot of your own maintenance and really give you a lot of flexibility in your garage. Now, this particular car, I think I might stay away from. I think it is priced about $4,000 too high to begin with. Also, low miles are not necessarily a good thing for a 996. For one thing, the IMSB's that have failed seem to be in low mileage cars like this one. If I were you, I'd go for a little higher mileage car - you can find a nice Mk I for well under $20,000. If you spend $17,000 on the car, take the savings over this car and spend $1,000 on some tools, $2,000 on the 4-post lift and figure the last $1,000 on some parts and/or mods. Also, I think very few people regret buying a black interior - that "salmon" interior, on the other hand, might not age as well. Nothing against the salmon color as I like unique cars, but black leather almost always ages very well.

I love the 996's. I have 3 of them. They're light and great value now. That one looks pricey to me but you're on the right track with enthusiast owned. At that age budget some money for repairs and given the prices of 996 motor rebuilds I would focus on cars who can evidence the IMS was done. I've seen lots for sale in the Northeast recently so drive a few locally to get a feel for them and if you like them, which you will!!! Don't be afraid to travel to find the best one. Also find a local shop for maintenance, they may know of some good ones for sale too

My $.02, There are a lot of cars to choose from in that price range. This one I would rank in the lower half of the $15-25k range.

i think a 996 as a first porsche is a great idea. that's what i did. i drive it all the time. great car. DIY to save $. they are not too hard to work on. just search, study, and learn from this great site and pelican parts. renntech is another great resource. i'd pass on that car. that interior color is a challenge imo. get an aero 01 with black interior (and maybe sport seats).

A 996 is the perfect first Porsche. Don't get sidetracked with the IMS hype, just replace it and the RMS when you do the clutch. Drive as many 996's as you can to learn what they should ride like, then when you find the right one you will know! Have fun!

Buy one with the IMS and maintenance already done. It will save you thousands in the long run. I just bought a '99 996 and just did all the deferred maintenance. I'm kicking myself for just not spending $2k more upfront instead. Don't be afraid of miles either.

It was my first..loving it.

Jake we need to talk.

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Sounds good, Pete. Whaddaya wanna tell me? But seriously, would love to chat about your 996. PM me your number and we can talk.

RL is not allowing me to PM you. Contact me at [email removed] It's .co not .com

PETES AMAZING CAR IS FOR SALE. SOMEONE BUY IT!!!

Bad Idea not to buy it

Get the latest model with the lowest miles in color combo that turns you crank and fits in your budget...

Welcome to the forum. I've been away from this forum for @ 1yr as I was chasing a dream of purchasing a 2002 - 2004 Maserati Spyder GT which almost came to fruition. Prior to my Maserati affair, I was seriously considering a Boxster S. Well, I have searched and researched and obsessed to the point of "tire kicking" fatigue and have settled on a 99' Carrera cab (Triple Black) which should arrive by transport this Friday (via my autobroker). This is my first sports car and I'm excited as I'm sure you are as well. Search yourself and the answer will be before you. I wish you the best in your decision. Please try not to "overthink" it like I did. Analysis paralysis will inevitably set in and prevent you from moving forward (IMHO)

Jake, exactly which 996 you choose is up to you, but I'm new to the Porsche club as well, and I can tell you, owning a P-car is infectious! It is hard to want anything else after getting thoroughly acquainted with your first 911. I had actually never driven one, but always wanted one... got a deal and shipped it home... at first it was a bit scary, but this forum gave me lots of help with the small DIY items as I started to fix up my car. Join the club!

I don't personally care for silver cars, but IMO that interior works with the silver and you may never see another with that color combo. So, if it speaks to you, buy it. I think the seller is $3-4K too high. A PPI might help determine if the mileage is actual. Maintenance paperwork and Carfax are two ways to see if the mileage is accurate too. The electronic instrument clusters can be relatively easily changed out and the replacement cluster's mileage will be what is shown.

I love my '99. If it's well maintained and has the appropriate pm done, I won't try to talk you out of it... *edit* after seeing the pics...I'd keep looking. There's nothing wrong with _a_ '99, but I'm not a huge fan of _that_ '99.

Welcome to the forums, im also in NC. Good luck with the car, if you get it there is a car and coffee meethig this saturday in Greensboro. pm me for more info.

I agree that one seems a tad pricey. Definitely figure out the color/option combo that you like and hunt for it. +1 on turning wrenches yourself in order to maintain the car. Plenty of people put them in the shop, but you can save some money and become much more familiar and confident in your car this way.

Pretty bone stock car for 21k IMHO, I call this configuration "the lozenge." Hard to tell from the pics but it appears the plastic has discolored, was the car stored outside? The low miles are a good thing, obviously, as they are on all cars (rennlist stupidity aside.) The red interior is quite common and does NOT help the resale value. It also looks a bit tatty. I would start at maybe 15k? If your really worried about IMS/RMS/other-nonesense then just get an aftermarket warranty, same for any car.

Price seems a bit steep to me. For that price, personally I'd go for one with maybe more miles but is 2002 or newer (I like having a glove compartment, larger engine, etc). In general, 996's are pretty reliable cars. ANY 15 year old car will need repairs, and parts can be ridiculously expensive. So, make sure that you keep a repair account. If you don't need to use it, fine. The good news is that there are TONS of 996s for sale. And, because of all the IMSB hype, they are still very affordable. No idea what Pete wants for his car, but he has some great mods. They are great cars an you will love any 996. It will 100% meet your "fun factor" needs. (I agree... that seat looks pretty worn... is the seller fat?)

If that indeed is Palladio Metallic (which is not silver, but gold pearlescent), it is identical to my 1999, with its Boxster Red interior. They are great cars if kept up, only very minor problems with mine. Good luck!

Maybe it's just me, but that interior looks awfully orange, headed toward labia pink. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be happy with that interior as it continued to age...

It is difficult to get an accurate photo of that interior color, lol. One should absolutely look at it in person as it is either a love it or hate it color....

Just buy Pete's car.

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agreed on price being a bit high. heres a recent sell that i thought was a great deal on a well sorted 02 996: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-22-500-a.html look how much they did to the car....wow

Wow -- yeah -- they did a lot there. Thanks, all for the welcomes and replies!

I've owned my '99 since '06 so I'm somewhat biased on MY99 C2s. I don't track it, but I don't baby it either. My miles average 4k a year, and I like to drive it in the winter. I could't replace its reliability for the kind of money its worth today, and I don't think I would enjoy another 15 year old Porsche 911 more than this one. Buy the one that feels right to you, and have fun driving it.

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Yeah, replaced a lot of worn out 90K mile parts.

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Which has made it all brand new and not 15 yrs old (ie most of those items will come due soon on a 99)...plus the big pm items are covered off. Id rather pay more for that 02 than for the 99.

First, a Porsche will come with high maintenance costs. They all do. Just the nature of the beast. Second. I was thinking about this earlier... What the average age is of someone who buys a 996 today. Maybe I'm thinking into a bit much, but older men seem to like the 996. If you ever attend a PCA event, the 60 year olds tend to arrive in a 996na or turbo. The younger crowd is attracted to dropping a 964 down low, 993 is a 40-50 year old know what he wants kind of man. The carrera and sc draws all types. 997 and 991 draws whoever can afford it. The different ride characteristics tend to drive these trends also. The older crowd looks for something comfortable and easy to drive. 30 is kind of young to be in a soft 996, unless it is a turbo. Especially if you are coming from a motorcycle. A 30 year old motorcycle rider would tend to gravitate more to the air cooled side of the spectrum... And probably enjoy it more. The 996 is just another modern sports car, albeit a Porsche, but still a modern, soft, comfortable, easy sports car. The air cooled cars are machines.

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From what I can tell your logic doesn't seem to hold up for the 996 owners that frequent this forum. Twenty something year olds to seventy something year olds post here. From my experience those people that you see at local PCA meets are typically older, though not all are by any means. But even then they own a wide cross section of Porsche models. I would say far more 997s than 996s in the PCA gatherings I go to.

Here is a recent poll of the age of 996 owners: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...96-owners.html

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Wow, you are all over the place with assumptions that seem somewhere between flawed and utterly ridiculous... Age: 996 is attracting an ever younger crowd because it's accessible financially and plentiful. This makes me believe that you haven't ridden in a decently set up 996 with a capable driver. The air-cooled cars make less power and are more of a handful than the 996 and its successors. The air-cooled cars are cool, collectible, and have a certain charm, but the 996, despite its weaknesses, is an excellent driver's car. The mad oversteer from previous generation 911's is tamed with modern suspension. The older guys with money are the ones that buy the current models...they take the depreciation hit that makes it possible for the rest of us to get into 80-100k cars for 20-30k

"Heat-rejecting window tint all around" Fancy word instead of tint windows

If I'm honest, I'm most attracted to the older, air-cooled cars. SC, 3.2, 964. But the values in 996 are really compelling.

You see older folks at PCA events because they're the only ones that like joining an official club and going to official events where there are other older folks, while anxiously waiting for the next paper magazine to arrive in the mail. Why would younger people wanna socially hang out with their Mom or dad? No the young people like to hang out in random parking lot gatherings on a late night shooting the $hit with their peers of the same age. I also notice this with the BMWCCA crowd but that one isn't as bad.

OK, the cat is out of the bag I'm 59 years young. I yearn for a turbo but at the same time I like my non -turbo stead. We man always have a Porsche as one of our the bucket list items. At the same time I never thought I could afford one until the 996 came along. I looked for one that already had all the mods. So, I pull the trigger when it drop at my local exotic dealer. When I came thru the door I told Jose my sales guy to write it up and the rest is history. My 1999 with 69,000 miles on it should had exploded a long time ago. When I saw the car being so clean and also included a GT2 cover was enough to convince me that the owner care and love this torpedo. Come on guys please don't hold back. That car is trash. It's obvious that the owner is a pig and didn't take care of it. You wouldn't see me dead inside that piece of **** trash bucket. It probably is infected with Ebola. lol

99 cars have big advantages, here is a discussion on why: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...dvantages.html

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Agreed. I was skeptical about Metropol Blue interior due to the flash from the camera that took the pictures. In person it is a dark navy as opposed to a medium bright blue. All that said, that car is overpriced by about $4k and I still wouldn't like that interior color in person.

99's are the 996's best kept secret! I'll be reluctantly posting an ad to sell mine today due to the need for a bigger car but my 996 is easily the best car I've ever owned and I'm glad I waited to find a 99.

My first and only porsche is my 2000 996. Bought her with 20K in 2011. Great starter Porsche, wets your appetite for the newer ones. I drove my dentist's 2014 911, and I have to say my 2000 996 feels great compared to it. The new ones are nice, but this one was automatic with paddle shifters and just left me liking my 14 year old one better.

Hey Jake, I contacted that guy on the car too. Like everybody else said, I concluded it was too much $ so let him hold it for a while. Also, concerned about has it been outside and the drivers seat looks like crap. That's Ok when you are sitting in it but I would have to consider replacing and that color would be hard to match I bet. I'm thinking of dipping my toe in 996 waters as well. What do you guys think about cabrio's. I'm not really a topdown guy but they seem to be cheap and plentiful. Who can't be seduced by cheap and topless? I feel like I have to get rid of a Mini Cooper track car (not the one in the pic, a fully caged one -if anybody wants to take in trade for a 996) before I can justify another vehicle I don't need!

^^^ Personally, I'm not a cab guy at all. But, when I was looking for a 996, seemed like there were 10 cabs on the market for every coupe. And, for the folks here that ARE cab guys, everyone seems to love their 996 cabs.

I had a 2000 cab before I got my coupe. They feel and drive like complete different cars. I had owned my cab for about 3 years and only had the top down in my first year of ownership. Personally I would not go back to a cab.

I agree, the coupe is the one to have. And yes, there are a lot of cabs with auto trans for sale but not many manual coupes. Just posted my '99 coupe in the for sale section here. Really don't want to see her go but needs must. Be good to see her go to a member here though if anyone's still looking.

Hey all, I'm new to the list and new to Porsches. Been a motorcycle guy most of my "adventurous" life. I recently purchased a '99 996. Black on black C4 Coupe. I live in San Diego and decided to look all over the country… I found one in New Jersey, it checked out (well enough), I booked a one way ticket, took delivery of it at 2am and hit the road home the next day! It was actually listed here as well as locally and on Cars.com. I got it at a great price and a lot of work had been put into it prior… i.e., clutch, IMS, ignition, RMS and a multitude of other services… I won't say it wasn't without its issues on the way home, (typical hot starting gremlins, I THINK is the crank sensor- I have one purchased and plan to do the DIY soon, however once back to SD it hasn't had the problem… I think it was heat soak, but who knows, I'll switch it out anyway) Anyway, what better way to bond with and get to know your car! I sure did both. Needless to say, go for it. You won't regret it. B PS: It has 88k on it… 91k when I got home.

Welcome to RL. Branfry. Join the San Diego Region PCA. Great bunch of people!

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Was at the PCA/SD new members meeting a couple weekends ago at Tom's shop. Maybe we met? B

Ah, yep, I was there. I had the silver 914 that day.

Cool� I had the black 996. With at the time, "Jersey" plates. Incidentally, I just read your Fabspeed thread. I'm looking to upgrade my exhaust� now I'm a bit uncertain of 'em� was thinking of going with the Supercup� sans cats. Hmm� Regards, B

^^^ check underneath carpet for any flooding issues since it was from jersey. Welcome.

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Ha. That would explain the "swooshing" sound I hear under the seat. Actually it's originally a CA car� only out East for a couple years.

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The last couple years is when the major floods happened out east.

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Buzzkill!

If you find a flounder under the seats, that's a bad sign. Oh, yeah, I saw your car with the Jersey plates at Tom's. Quite the adventure to drive an unfamiliar car cross country!

Hello 996 owners, my first post and my first Porsche, seems like the perfect thread for my first post. So far it's been a great first Porsche for me!!! I picked her up 2 weeks ago with 36K miles, silver, 2000 model year. After the PPI, the mechanic said I found a "unicorn". I have no regrets, hands down the most fun I've had in a car and can't beat the price on these 996s. Good luck making your choice.

This looks like a nice 1999 996. I am considering jumping in as well to a 1999 soon - will be my first Porsche. http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...sting=91964487

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Welcome. It is always nice to see pics of your car when you make an intro post. That way people don't give you a hard time and say things like "Pics or it never happened!!!!"

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Will you be in Coronado this weekend?

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Yep, I'll be there both days. Taking the silver 914.

Tlissota - I had considered that black "Aero" - but found some issues with it. Torn drivers seat, and looks like an aftermarket aero wing, and wrong rims. There is a MUCH nicer blue Aero in Miami for sale. I have no relation to the seller, but had considered this car when buying mine (I just bought a 996 Aero this week): http://www.vertexauto.com/cars-for-sale.aspx Also there is a 996 C4 Aero for sale in Boston. Saw it on Craigslist.

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Thanks for the tip. That is a really nice car. I wish it was local as I would like to find one locally - this is my first go around. On the C4 - aren't they risky on the earlier model years - meaning the 4 wheel drive is not that great?

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Also - pics of your car?

My first Porsche was a 1999 996...drove it for 9 trouble free years. It was my DD for 6 of those years. No RMS..No IMS...sold it and new owner has has new issues at all...A great, really fun car to drive! On the flip side, I bought a 1982 911SC with a "bullet proof" engine (65k miles) right after I sold the 996 and after 2 years of ownership...I got a broken head stud....$6.5k to replace....I love my SC but would buy a 996 anytime.

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C2 not C4 - right? Is the 1999 C4 reliable?

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Cool, I'll look for you. B

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Hope so. I just bought one!

bought my first 911 this past September -- a wonderful 1999 996 Carrera 4 cabriolet -- silver with red interior, 6-speed and only 58K -- i did a PPI and was told it was so clean, if i didn't buy it he would! Got the IMS and a new clutch done immediately and a few piddly things -- couldn't have bought a new Camry for the total price i paid and i can't be happier .. .yes, it's 20 years old, but it runs like new and it's a beauty... i say just get out and drive and enjoy it.... and if you are in Raleigh... bring yours out to the luftgekuilt this May... i'll be there from LA!!!

Almost 6 year old thread. Maybe he�s still got it?

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Welcome Deb, Who you talking to? I don't think the OP ever bought one or came back after a few posts. Yes they are great cars if you happen to get a good one...Or, they can be your worst nightmare!