Looking to buy this 996, what do you experts think?

I�m looking at this 996: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...204845904.html -year: 2000 -miles: 85k -price: $18k -vin: WP0AA2990YS621575 I like the Guards Red color and black interior. I realize it will need some work such as IMS but I�m curious to know what you experts think of this car AND what would be a fair price for it. Thanks in advance! JC

If it passes an invasive PPI, then go for it. It is fairly priced. Although tow hook being installed makes me wonder a little bit.

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Thank you! And great eye catching the tow hook.

Not sure how the prices are, but that seat looks terrible... I also wonder what will happen when you remove that clear bra on the frunk....

Great color and good price Just get the most thorough/invasive PPI you can. Any maintenance history? Does it have a clean CARFAX report? Remember this is how a CARFAX report works: Clean CARFAX = means nothing Accident/mileage issue on CARFAX = severely lowered value

I like the car, but I would discount an offer by the cost of having the IMS done. 2000 is a transition year, some cars had the 1st generation dual row IMS bearing, others had the 2nd generation smaller single row IMS bearing which is most prone to failure. No way of telling which is which without separating the engine from the transmission. At 85K miles without documentation of a prior IMS service, whichever IMS bearing the car has is due for a change/upgrade as the consequences of failure are disastrous to your wallet, and will seriously harsh your mellow.

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I like the Guards Red color and black interior. I realize it will need some work such as IMS but I’m curious to know what you experts think of this car AND what would be a fair price for it. Thanks in advance! Nice example at the price, but here's the hard pill to swallow. You'll must get the cylinder bores scoped. At least have someone scope bank 2 for scoring. Don't trust the seller when they say "no mechanical issues"... that's just seller BS. Get an pre-purchase inspection if all possible. If you can't and still want the car, then at least get a Durametric and test the health of the engine. Look at camshaft deviations, rough running index, fuel trim, etc. Listen very closely to passenger side of the engine for any signs of ticking sounds. Also, check for any signs of intermix. The coolant should be clear and orange/red in color. The mk1 cars suffered for many problem with D-chunk and intermix. Obviously, there are cosmetic issues. The guards red cars of this period all have clear coat issues. If you notice on the front bonnet, the clear coat is bubbling up. I'm not talking about the clear bra on the front. Usually these cars that see a lot of sun, all tend to lose their clear coat over time. The darker paint color are more prone to the problem. Also the interior will need some TLC from a leather upholsterer. Again, be careful, an engine rebuild will cost more than what you pay for the price of owning this Porsche.

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As a guy who is getting an engine rebuild due to a mediocre PPI, I could not possibly agree more with this sentiment. There are, of course, plenty of cars which will never have an issue, and you are free to take that chance, but the problems can be more expensive to fix than the price of the car.

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Don�t remember D-chunk and intermix surfacing very often while researching the 996. How common of a problem are they?

Very, look up 996 Y2K Syndrome

Tow hook, seat condition and fuse box cover missing??? Van Nuys?...need ownership history and additional maintenance history on this example... Mike

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+100!!!!! My guess is they JUST bought it, pulled it off the tow truck (hence the towhook) took some pictures and posted it on Craigslist. They've driven it 30 feet and in their expert opinion it is in great mechanical shape! No problems will pop up that quickly...but will once it has been bought and driven 50-100 or maybe even 1000 miles...or however far it is from California to TX. Get an INVASIVE PPI...or just gamble with your money. That's what I did when I bought mine, I gambled that the seller wasn't dumping trash on me. He'd had Jake install The IMS Solution, and had kept up with maintenance so I figured it was less risky. But I COULD afford a full rebuild if necessary. I got lucky..although I'd still like an FSI rebuild someday. (I keep thinking about getting in line, but I don't want to be without my 996 for several months!!!) Others have not been so lucky and have paid for it.

Thanks for all the good info everyone.

I'm not so sure an accident on Carfax is a kiss of death. If pictures are taken, it's a minor accident that is cosmetic and a reputable shop does the work, I wouldn't hesitate. Plus, a lot of accidents go unreported just for this reason.

There are a good amount of very nice 996 cars out there if you look hard enough and are not in a hurry. IMO.....pass There are too many little flags as previously pointed out You are looking at thousands of dollars of maintenance that would need to be done, if there is not documented proof. These cars are not cheap to maintain, much less play catch up on maintenance. Advise, buy one from a Porsche enthusiast with documented history, Pay it upfront, or pay it later, you are still going to pay it to own a Porsche 966

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Very good point, makes lots of sense to me. Thank you.

Just to add a little bit of levity - you're gonna pay but it's worth the price of admission. As our great local expert @Porschetech3 put it best - good luck finding another car that gives you more smiles per dollar.

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...or a 996.

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An accident reported on CARFAX isn�t the kiss of death but it definitely reduces the value of a car. Because no matter what you do to the car that accident, no matter how minor, will affect the value when you sell it. I�m not saying that I agree but it�s something to look at.

" The market on 996 is currently on fire." Wow, sweet!

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What every BS seller wants the buyer to think. hahaha

A dealer selling a 996 with <100K miles for only $18K in this market is a bit of a red flag. If you look further, look at the Carfax. See if it's been in warm weather most of its life. If it lived in a cold climate there is more chance of bore scoring as people don't drive them in the winter and often start them up for a few minutes & turn them off. They also let them sit to warm up. I noticed that the mechanics on the east coast are more worried about bore scoring where the ones in southern California don't see it that often. If you get a PPI done and the oil is freshly changed, it'll be impossible to tell if there are warning signs of IMSB failure.

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Assuming the VIN and CarFax is correct, it lived in the Denver area from 2000 to 2017 and then Utah from 2017 to 2020. A dealer in Flagstaff had it for a month before selling it at auction in August of this year. It's now in California without registration or any smog test attempts. None of this is necessarily a deal breaker but it would make me want to learn more.

A C2 coupe in guards red with under 100,000 miles is a pretty desirable version of the 996.(the market being on fire is a bit hyperbolic). $18,000 is probably a fair selling price with a new IMS and clutch. But I don�t think you�ll get a discount for that full service; probably more like 1/2. So maybe aim for $16,500? Honestly though that feels low. but all of that depends on it checking out in person and a decent PPI.

If it's close by, go check it out. Worth a shot. At the end of the day, these cars are ticking time-bombs anyway. All the maintenance in the world won't stop these engines from blowing up. You should see the Boxster engine I am messing with. The car was horribly maintained. No IMSB upgrade. Engine oil was dark black. 145K miles on it. I couldn't find a part on it that looks like it might've been replaced on it, even the water pump! Still runs fine. lol

I went to look at the car today and when I showed up, according to the owner of the shop/dealer, the car had sold hours before I arrived. It was very strange because as of yesterday I was told the car was available and even told that the price was negotiable. Very strange indeed, nonetheless maybe it was a blessing in disguise. In any case, thank you all for your help. Lots of great info from all of you, much appreciated. JC

I once bought an '01 with 85000 for $14,000. It had never been washed, had no PPI but my own viewing and test drive, had the original IMS, and was scarred from a life of use as a sports car. It went like stink, and never gave me a problem. I sold it for $16,000 after three years of enjoyment I have owned three 996's, of various mileages and in various conditions. Often I read people's opinions on the condition of a car for sale, or questions I have received on a car I am selling, and wonder if the people writing them understand they are looking at a used car. If you want a perfect car, buy a new one. Scrubby seat bolster, dings and dents, chipped paint, non-structural body damage, these are the hallmarks of a 20 year old car that was not treated as though it is a rare orchid. The stories of IMS and bore scoring are awful, but keep in mind the percentage of cars to which these catastrophic failures occur is quite small, and even smaller in the early cars. If you are able to get a PPI, and don't mind spending the time and money it requires, it can't be a bad idea. You will probably get a list of other issues that will need to be tended to, and can calculate your actual cost for the car. This forum is a tremendous resource for fixing the cars. If you have a mechanical aptitude, most of what that car will need is doable at the home garage.

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Count it a blessing from above! They'll be better examples on the horizon. Lots of people start selling these cars around the winter. Keep your eyes open for great examples. Just don't jump at the first thing that pops up. Think about it like a skilled hunter... patience is at your advantage.

I went with a car that was reasonably close, checked all the boxes I was looking for, Tip, convertible, reasonable miles, and signed. I knew there would be some trouble up front. It made it about half an hour from the dealer and died. Alternator. Not the biggest deal in the world. Paul Miller Porsche in NJ looked it over and confirmed what I felt was the problem and gave me the number of their preferred shipper. Had it shipped home and its been good for a couple of months of use. I've been working through maintenance items since I've purchased it like coils, plugs, air filter, oil and filter, expansion tank, and once I get some time, coolant and water pump. I went into knowing there would be some surprises and things that needed attention. I wasn't really all that upset or surprised when it had trouble. It is what it is for a 17 yr old car. As others have mentioned, there should be plenty out there to choose from. I was on Ebay and Auto Trader a bunch until I settled on a choice. I actually got tired of looking and decided to go with the one I have now and I'm happy with the car.

I am sure you will find the car that will suit your needs. Tbh there where to many redflags on this one and the story that it has just been sold in front of your nose fits in the story.

Here's my advice as a relatively new owner. Listen to the people here. They are (mostly) all here to help you and (mostly) all correct in their statements Find the nicest car you can afford. Repairs are not cheap, so factor that into your selection. For example, there's a nice car with a blown engine near me for $10k, or you can find a nice low mile car for $24k. Same math, at the end of the day. My preference is to find a 1-2 owner car, with documented history, in the most expensive zipcode, with no excuses but enough flaws that I can afford it. That's what I bought. Don't be married to one particular car. There are A LOT of 996 out there, and the one you want (or a better one) will come along. Don't compromise on point 2 above. Think about what you really want. A stick sounds great, until you realize that the clutch is heavy and you are in LA traffic daily. Or a convertible sounds nice, but your wife hates the wind and is always cold, so you should have bought a hardtop. Search these forums, look at youtube videos, learn, learn, learn. I'm far from an expert but a few months in, I know a lot more than I did at the get-go.

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Agree w/your list except re: #5. I've got a "stick" 2000 C4 Cab, a 2002 MR2 and a 2014 Z51 Vette Stingray. AlLLof them are convertibles and NONE of them have a "heavy" clutch that would be any problem driving in bumper to bumper traffic anywhere if that's that I had to do. I only drive my convertibles w/the top DOWN. My GF knows this prepares herself for the drive when we take one of them out. I also have a MB SUV and BMW sedan, so it's not like I only drive verts but it they are my preferred transportation for "fun" drives. Also, driving a "stick" is a learned "skill" and, once learned, it's just 2nd nature and nothing you even think about when driving any manual transmission vehicile including a BIG RIG which I am also licensed to drive. Yeah, driving an automatic is "easier" but, if that's your priority, why would you even by a 911 (of any vintage) begin with? Driving a Porsche or any other "sporty" vehicle is about the enjoyment of driving the car and, for many of us, part of the driving experience is being able to CONTROL how you want to drive the car which is why we prefer driving a "stick" as opposed to an automatic, even if it comes w/paddle shifters which (no matter what car it is) really isn't the same thing at all!!!

I just paid $16 for a 2003 with 86k miles. Motor is amazing. Has all its powe. Almost no oil leaks. Just a tiny bit wet. It has the LN ims bearing, rms, clutch, plugs, water pump, alternator, new cats. New rear brakes. All documented from Stuttcars. Excellent interior. Exterior is a disaster. One accident. One side has bad respray. RH wheels with bad curb rash brand new sumitomo tires. Eibach lowering springs. 10 owners!!!!! I do regret buying it. But talked him down from $19.5k. Oh and 2nd gear synchro is done. Yay!! Hope that helps.

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Very good advice, thank you.

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You'll be way past that $3.5k in short order. A wise man once said "The cheapest Porsche you can buy will be the most expensive Porsche you'll ever own..."

Thank you ALL for the valuable advice. It's funny how things work out. It so happens that shortly after my initial post here I had someone from Rennlist message me to say that they had a 996 for sale. I followed up, we texted and talked a few times, and as of yesterday a deal has been reached to buy the car. I originally placed this post on behalf of my nephew who was looking for a 996. He was busy finalizing the plans for his wedding (which took place this past weekend) and he was getting too eager with a few 996's that seemed to be a little questionable. So I offered to put a post up on his behalf to inquire about the Guards Red 996 on this original post. You ALL provided so much info so thank you once again. My nephew (Dimsum1986) will be taking a flight from Los Angeles to Seattle this weekend (with his wife) to pick up the car and drive it back home. Hopefully he will chime in at some point with details and pictures. But all I can say to the seller is, Thank You! You have been very professional the last 2 weeks working with us in trying to get the PPI done, providing the many pictures and answering all of our calls. JC

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I respectfully disagree with this blanket statement of being "way past that $3.5k in short order." I bought a '99 with 60k miles for $16k. I spent $3.5k on you know what. Since then it has been nothing but reliable and affordable. You just never know, man. You might luck into a prince, or get a frog.

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Your nephew stole a really good '99 996 from the BaT bidding community this week. He will surely enjoy his new 911. Mike

Congratulations to the OP To me buying a used car, beside checking all the boxes, it�s your gut feeling when taking to the seller and to ask the right questions. I always try to test drive a few examples before pulling the trigger. I passed up a few good deals because the owner sounds like they are hiding information. I think the perfect car is from sellers that you know take really good care of their car and don�t cheap out on maintenance at the dealer. i just purchased mine without a PPI on a 2000 cab 108k miles. Two owners. I have purchased many used cars before and have never been so scared driving home in my first Porsche. Lol. The ims and score boring issues research really did scare me.