My first 996 ownership journey

Hi all, just joined the forum as I begin my journey toward my first 911. A 996 is the only 911 within my budget (for a really nice car) so this is where I'm aiming. Whilst I'm experienced in running older and classic cars and have a reasonable automotive knowledge and skill set, I openly admit that I'm not up to the job of effectively appraising a 996 and their specific quirks. Whilst I feel confident with the usual used car checks such as recognising factory paint, spotting non-factory panel gaps etc, I don't know what I'm looking at on a 996, beyond all the usual stuff like IMS, bore scoring etc. I've always tried to buy cars privately because (perhaps overly cynically) past experience has taught me that typically, traders/retailers' margin seldom delivers value for money in terms of superior quality or prep standards. However, from my initial research, I'm starting to lean toward buying a car from a specialist with a strong reputation for prep and quality as the safer bet in the long run, given my marque inexperience. So my first question is, who are the go to guys with bullet proof reputations for quality and prep standards, where their retail premium is absolutely worth paying for, and who are more likely to stock 996s? I could also do with some guidance as to the market for these cars, as like most, I want to buy well and be able to sell easily in the future if I need to. My default mindset is the lower the miles and fewer the owners the better. To me, and I may be wrong here, but the higher the number of owners, the greater the likelihood of deferred maintenance and quick flip shenanigans. I know that ultra low miles cars come with their own set of issues and challenges, but like for like, a high miles car subject to the same use parameters will be more worn out than a low miles car - common sense, right? I see lots of cars with 7, 8, 9+ owners and can't help being rather put off by these - my subconscious position being to hold out for a 2/3 owner car. Likewise, I can't help but be turned off with cars over 100k miles, again preferring a car with less than 70k. I can't give any robust reason why that is my preference other than I feel that if I ever want to sell in the future, others may adopt a similar mindset, preferring lower owners and miles, making it easier to sell? This is where I could do with some insight into the 996 market - is there a prejudice against higher owners and miles, or are cars with say 8+ owners and 100k+ miles no problem to sell on? All and any guidance and advice much appreciated.

Welcome to the forum I think you conclusion re looking to buy from a specialist for your first porsche makes a lot of sense. If you click on the site partners on the top banner there are a few good starting points there. In terms of a specialist for 996’s in particular you could also look at friends green porsche https://www.friendsgreenporsche.com/ . I have no experience of them other than they have a very good youtube channel and come across as caring about their reputation and the cars they sell. Whatever route you take, enjoy the buying experience, its a first step on really getting to know porsche so make the most of it ;-)

Buy on the condition of the car and it’s documented maintenance only. Mileage and number of owners is just a reason for sellers to hike up the price, often unjustifiably. You can buy a low mileage 2 owner car for £30k or a 100k mile car with 8 owners for £17k, and both will cost you plenty more over the next 3 years. A lower mileage car, won’t necessarily cost you less in adhoc repairs and maintenance. I actually would rather buy a lower priced car, make sure it’s genuine and save the premium to then spend on what actually needs doing, how I want, when I want and then knowing it’s sorted in the right way. Independent specialists or traders like FriendsGreen are all very well, but for a car of this age, you are paying a massive premium and are unlikely to ever see that premium back. A £30k car at a specialist, is likely to be worth £23-26k sold privately. Why pay that premium?

Welcome. Take your time and do some research. YouTube can also assist a little. The forums will be full of advise. Don’t get over the top with the ims issues. They do exist but not to the extent that is mentioned. Show season is beginning so attend some popular shows. Good community here to help. Regards Vinny

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It's a 20 to 27 year old car, there are going to be a few owners, after what other cars of this age range command such value and offer such performance out of the box. what's your budget ? the alternative is a 987.2 Cayman, that knocks off 10 years of age for the same money

Thanks all - condition and mileage key, got it. Just wanted to make sure higher miles and owners cars are not tricky to shift in the future. Looking for manual, coupe, 2WD, unmodified and unmolested, with as much original paint as possible (can't hide crash repairs behind factory paint) - a survivor if you will. 911 is the key, no other model will do. Prefer brighter colours such a Speed Yellow and Guards red, which I know were not very popular or fashionable when these were on the market. Silver, blue and grey everywhere, but would not dismiss for the right car and price combo. Budget is in the £20s, based on face value proposition.

Hi & welcome. Where are you located as that'll play the biggest part of what options you have? Also, what sort of budget are you talking and is there any preference on what 911 you want, turbo, C4S, cab, coupe, tip or manual? Just for reference, my 24yr old 996 is on £171k, gets used daily, knocked about, driven in the sea, gets nicknamed 'trigger's broom' off some members and rarely gets touched by a garage........but I guarantee it's in better condition than 80% of 996s out there. The no.1, 2 & 3 major factors buying one of these is condition, condition & condition.

If you’re really keen and don’t mind spending out a bit, Josh at AutoFarm has his speed yellow C2 for sale - but it’s not cheap, but it will be very well presented without a doubt.

If budget's in the 20s, then get a rebuilt gen1 997.

I'd defo be looking at private cars there are some really great cars to be had at a reasonable price no need to pay premium trade prices for which you don't gain anything, Find a nice car it's all about condition, then get it checked at a good indy, pocket what you save for futureproofing, i also wouldnt get to hung up on owners and miles, high owner cars seem to get more oil changes and pampering overall.

I bought with same mindset when I bought mine 5 years ago, low mileage, low owners and I don't regret it. I bought on 47k / 2 owners and now on 57k, enjoyed the car and except normal maintenance no nasty issues so far. All original paint with the stonechips to go with it, I don't believe paying a premium for a specialist is worth it..... each to their own though.

EPorsch in Surrey will do you a late 996 or early 997 with full borescope and warranty. They always have at least some stock in this area. They will also reputedly put their hand in their pocket if the car blows up or scores during the warranty period. If you are near there then worth a look. You'll pay a few k more than private but you'll also be dialling out most of the ownership risk.

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Yeah, that's the kind of thing I had in mind.

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Noted. I've been described by fellow car enthusiasts as a waxer/detailer rather than a racer. My satisfaction from the hobby comes from having mint, original cars, but appreciate we all look for and value different things. I'm in the North West, Cheshire/Merseyside/Lancashire area, but will travel for the right car, with Hartech within reach for maintenance.

Bob along to our next monthly meet near Mottram Hall. 1st Saturday of every month. There's always at least 2 996s there. There's some decent Indys round here too for servicing as well as Hartech so you're spoilt for choice. Join some of the local TIPEC facebook groups as I find that's usually the best place these cars pop up for sale and also for local advice. There's a decent lad off here who does CO2 blasting and underside coating etc. based in Skelmersdale (Burscough) so handy for minting the underside up.