Carerra 4 advice please

Hi folks, I've been mulling over wether or not to move to a 996 from my 03 Boxster before the residual REALLY start to get hit hard, but stopped short until now. I've seen a 2000 C4 for sale through an OPC for sub. £40k (well a fiver sub of £40k!) Before I wade in with both feet, I'm wondering if the serviceing and running costs of the C4 are significantly more than the C2? This car has done 50k miles, so I am assuming it's had the biggy 48k mile service and an RMS check. The car was supplied by the OPC selling it and it has a full Porsche service history. Are there any pit-falls I should be looking out for? Thanks in advance!!

Looking at all the cr*p about 996 reliability I wouldn't advise my worst enemy to even consider one, C2 or C4. Even if it holds together the residuals can do nothing but nose dive with all the bad press at the mo'.[ ] Back to thread - C4s are harder on clutches so need replacement more frequently according to my servicing specialist and I have had oil seals replaced at the front diff assembly (- more rotating parts - more bits to break in theory). As for how they compare behind the wheel I haven't got the faintest idea.

I think that's perhaps a little harsh. I believe that the majority of cars do not have any more realiability issues than anything else. The issue, of course, that any issues that do arise cost rather a lot to rectify. Whether these costs are then covered by warranty, extended or otherwise, is a separate topic. But you could clarify all this by asking a few questions, then you would at least know what the potential risks are. Whatever car you buy, buying 2nd hand (or pre-used if you prefer), means that you have some element of risk. You do not know what the previous owner has done or how they have treated the car. Has the oil always been topped up, has it been overrevved, etc. Buying any sports car runs this risk, since they are by nature more likely yo have been driven hard and therefore more suscetpitble to abuse. The external appearance of course, is not necessarily a guide. As the sales have risen, so the number of people with problems has risen. Unfortunately it is hard to know whether the percentage of failures is constant or rising, since the figures are never published. Unfortunately, as the numbers rise, so the residuals will become more like other cars. As Merc and BMW expand their empires, so the residuals on these are decreasing. It's all supply and demand, coupled with badge snobbery. Of course if oil hits $100, then perhaps a 911 won't be worth much at all. I wouldn't think the servicing is that much more, since you don't have to do any routine maintanance to the driveshafts, except check the gaitors and cv joints (5 mins). Of course there are more parts to fail, so long term it will no doubt cost a little more. Running costs will be a tad higher since the car uses a bit more fuel (since it is heavier) and tyre wear may be a little higher, but nothing to worry about. From a residual point of view, your Boxster might be worth 30, so after 5 more years you might see 15 (maybe more), so a depreciation of 15K. The C4 might depreciate to 20K, so a depreciation of 20K. Whatever way you slice it, I would suggest that the Boxster would be cheaper to keep.

The 996 is a terrific car, with, in my experience, first class build and reliability. However, (nearly) all cars depreciate and this reflects the true cost of ownership. An earlier car may suffer less depreciation, but higher running costs. Unless you need the extra rear seats, why not consider a new '05 Boxster 'S'.

Great car, 2000MY added POSIPS side impact protection & clear lights & slightly better exhaust sound as standard, C4 also has PSM as standard fit, which is BRILLIANT! It will wear it's front tyres more quickly, usually get around 20k out of fronts on a C2, more like 15k from a C4! It will also wear front pads/discs (suspension!) parts slightly quicker, but not by much as the 4wd itself only adds 55kg. Feels slightly more "tied down" than a C2 & is slightly better on the twisty stuff in the wet, but only by degrees! Boot is also smaller due to 4wd (30 litres less). You could buy one for less privately, facelift C2's are around for the mid-£40ks privately & 50k is fairly leggy if you are going to put a fair few miles on it each year. But buying from an OPC does give more peace of mind Whats the specification, colour (in/out), extra's etc

I've run my 2000 MY 996 C4 for 1 year now. Other than normal servicing the only real problem was the air mass sensor had to be replaced under warranty. All the negative reports re RMS etc are a bit of a concern but I had more go wrong with my last BMW than the 996. I await the result of the PCGB survey to put things into perspective. The 996 C4 is just fantastic. Will[ ]

my previous 996 (C4 Cab) was great - three years of trouble free enjoyment. Before buying any second hand Porsche you would be advised to have the OPC check up (I think its covers over 80 points) and then take out extended warranty.

I am now 6 months into 996 ownership and although there have been a few issues (RMS!), I still absolutely adore the car.Lets be honest worst case senario is the RMS is a £500 job from and OPC. Not necessarily the end of the world! Servicing is no more expensive than my Audi A4 diesel! All cars have issues, and when taken into consideration the 996 is a fantastic "all round" performance vehicle. Comfortable at 10/10s and also on a 2000 cruise of the highlands............

I have a 2002 C4. Love it. Really feels planted. Touch wood, have not spent a penny on it other than routine service costs. Spizz

Sadly the OPC in question (Aberdeen) made me a derisory offer on my curent car, so I've decided to hold off for the time being. In reply to Olivers obervations re. the 05 Boxster S, yes that is indeed an option worth considering with the obvious benefits of the warranty and extended service intervals, countered by the hit on buying (and immediately losing money) a new car! Having bought my Boxster new last year, I'm very wary of going down that route again. I guess I'll see the winter out and look at the value of my car in the spring. Thanks to all who took the time to reply