Looking for a new car. Drove a 996 today...

As the title said. We're in the market for a 911, and are starting to broaden our search. While I'd like to stick with air cooled, the newfangled 911's are starting to be considered. I drove this one today. http://newportmotor.com/details.html...-85l1157661394 The price, marked at $29,995, is negotiable. The guy will jump at an offer of $25,000. Car currently has 91,000 miles on it. And it's a Tiptronic, which does put me off a bit...but I can get over that. We've been trying to get a feel for the pricing on these cars, but not having great success. If everything checks out during a PPI, is $25k a good deal, too much? Not enough? Carfax comes back clean. Whiel the dealer doesn't have any mainenance history, Carfax does come back with lots of "vehicle serviced" stuff. Also, during the test drive, I'm not sure, but the car may be a little squirrely in the front end. The steering wanted to follow road grooves and bumps a bit, but only occasionally, and during braking as well. It was mostly evident around road grooves, and we've got some pretty nasty ones here in Seattle. It just seemed to be "sensitive"

Well, if your signature is right, this car is wrong for you! No way to tell if it was nicely maintained, and who knows if it's well sorted. On the other hand, if you pay $25k, and the engine blows up, another $11k and you have a like new engine with zero miles, all for $36k. I would hold out for a nicer 99.

Hi Wolfe Come on over to the dark side, the water's fine . Knowing how much you like to Auto-X, I'd recommend holding out for a 6-speed. Though if you drive a lot in the city or during rush hour, you may come to appreciate the Tip. There shouldn't be any price difference, it might just take some more patience. The stock 996 suspension is pretty floaty, so I'd also factor in ~$1k to up grade the suspension. The front end shouldn't feel "squirrely" even in a C2. The MY99's have several issues that were fixed under warranty, so I wouldn't be too worried about the number of services. Look for an RMS replacement and check under the engine yourself for leaks prior to purchase.

For a '99 it has the updated tails and headlights. The MY02 rims also don't hurt, although I can't tell if they are polished or chrome.

Judging my the Carfax's multiple "vehicle serviced" notes, I'd say it was maintained. While I'd like an older car, I'm not putting off the 996 as a possibility. It certainly was comfortable, and my wife even said she's be willing to drive it, which I'd like to see. She hates my car, I think because it's uncomfotable for her. Engines for these are only 11k?

Ohhh hey there! Yeah..the Tip is putting me off, but I could grow into it. I'm a stick kind of guy, even in heavy traffic I prefer a stick.

Go with your gut...........an automatic 911 is just wrong regardless of how good technology has become.

Don't go for anything but a stick unless you NEED the triptonic. You'll regret it if you already prefer stick. Be patient. It's worth the wait.

Yea, you gotta figure yourself out before you ask opinions on a particular car. Tip or 6 speed is a big personal preference. There are so many 6 speeds out there, you should never have to settle for tip. Ours has a tip because my wife drives it mainly. And I grew up on automatics, so fortunately I am not stuck with the feeling that a car is not sporty unless I'm doing all the work that an auto does for me. The tip lets you play with rpms so you can hear the exhaust if that's important anyway. One unconfirmed sidenote: I have heard from several service guys that tips don't seem to have RMS problems as much. For price, check ebay closed auctions and autotrader, etc... Throw away the bluebook for pricing on these cars...

Welcome to the 996 Forum. I agree with the other comments about the Tip. If you really want a stick, get a stick. There have been a few guys here that bought a Tip only because their wives couldn't drive a stick. After a month or so of ownership they reported back that their "better half" didn't like driving the car. Then the guys were stuck with a Tip they didn't want in the first place. Good luck on your search. BTW - here is a link to a couple of posts by Rennlist members who are selling their 996's. https://rennlist.com/forums/showpost...42&postcount=1 https://rennlist.com/forums/showpost...75&postcount=1

There have been a few guys here that bought a Tip only because their wives couldn't drive a stick. After a month or so of ownership they reported back that their "better half" didn't like driving the car. Then the guys were stuck with a Tip they didn't want in the first place. That's my situation. Puchased a 2005 tip, so wife & daughter could drive it, now daughter is moving to N.C. and wife wants to drive her Cayenne. I should have got a manual. Next time for sure. But get what is right for you.

It's talking, don't buy it!

These cars tend to follow the grooves in roads, esp when you move up in wheel size and down in sidewall height (big difference when I moved to 19's) NO tip esp if you like to DE. You can hold out, or pay an extra 4-5K and get one with a lot less miles and a 6 speed, maybe even an Aero if you are lucky. For example I am looking for 31K, for my 6 speed, factory Aero with 63K mi. on it. Keep looking....

Wolf, I posted a message to your query over on the Pelican site (in the regional forum). Don't believe everything the aircooled faithful tell you.

Gator911 is selling his.

I saw that, and I'll give those guys a call, thanks. While I'd liek an odler, air cooled car, I'm not going to totally dismiss the h20 cars, since I already drive one. I did find it a bit "big" though, and I prefer a smaller car. Damn..it was a nice ride though.