2000 Carrera convertible thoughts

Hi all. I always wanted a Porsche but I never thought I could afford one. A close friend has a convertible 2000 Carrera with 120,000kms, 75,000 miles. Blue with grey interior. He bought it 10 years ago and has kept it in a garage the whole time he's owned it. Only drives on sunny days, no rain, no snow. He mentioned he may want to sell it this year. I'll look at the local market, Niagara Ontario, Canada for price. I haven't seen it except in a picture yet. If we proceed I will be able to see, drive and assess it. Is there a checklist I should be looking at when considering a car like this?

If he's a close friend just sit down with him. Evaluate the service records, see what scheduled maintenance has been documented. I'm sure he would be candid about anything he believes the car needs if he's the friend you say. If all of that leaves you nervous you can always go for a PPI which will be very recommended here. If it's a manual has it has a clutch? Things like that.

He is close and he fixes whatever breaks, like the water pump at 100,000km. He's not much of a car guy though, he keeps it clean and likes to drive it but he's not looking for repairs. I dont think the clutch has been done. I'm looking for a check list of common problems to look for that he may not even know about. If there is none, I'll just do the regular inspection I'm used to when I buy used cars. Thanks for the reply.

Do some research on IMS bearing failures, as that year model was one of the most affected by the issue that spanned many years and models, however many would say the fact that it has survived 75K miles is a positive sign that there may never be an issue with the car. Others simply won't consider buying specific year model 911s known for the issue unless they have been retrofitted with an IMS upgrade to prevent it. Its a really big deal if it fails, as many of those cars were grenading engines due to this issues after only a few years and low miles on them. There was a huge Porsche lawsuit over this issue as practically new cars just out of warranty with low miles were needing engine replacements, and Porsche tried to stick it all on the owners. Its one of the reasons the 996 variant of the 911 (1997-2004) doesnt get a lot of love, but on the flip side can be had for a decent price compared to other year models for the same reasons.

IMS upgrade is an easier job if it's going to get a clutch, perhaps you can negotiate these things into the deal.

I’d just have it replaced period.. new clutch, water pump, IMS, RMS etc… probably run 4K…. But!!! Unless there is bore scoring in the cylinder walls (check for that as well), that motor should bulletproof for some time…. Great cars man!! I love 996’s.. especially the GT3’s in that model

wonderful replies, thanks all.

Over the past decade, I've two P-cars from one of my closest friends. The clutch died on the first one within the year after I bought it -- and he quickly volunteered to cover the entire repair. That's friendship. But I covered everything else over the years, which is more than appropriate. The key thing I'd suggest is that you take your friend out of it. If the 996 genuinely excites you (which it doesn't for everyone), and your friend babied the car, by all means go for it. FWIW - When I first bought the 987.1 from my friend, it was my introduction into the P-car world and I admittedly wasn't as excited as I could have been -- as it wasn't a 911. Meanwhile, it got me into the Porsche game. Well, about 10 years later, I know well what the magic of what a 98X is all about and went back to driving another 987. Just be sure you dig what a 996 is all about specifically -- as modern P-cars will run circles around it. Meanwhile, I feel super-lucky to have generous friends who enable me with the Porsche world -- and I hope it brings your friendship that much closer if you buy it from your friend. Hope that makes sense.

Sounds like there are 2 things going for this car: You known and trust the current owner and the price is something you can afford. But please make sure you aren't letting those two items override a host of other potential downsides... Do you really want a convertible? Do you really want that car's specific feature set? (Color, upgrades, wheels, etc.) Thinking about some of my past car-buying, I think that I sometimes let up-front price override more important attributes. Buying a car that is 20+ years old means you should plan on doing a bit of maintenance and repairs yourself have a reasonable shop situation; otherwise, you could be in for a bunch of expensive surprises. Is this car really cheaper to run than a car that is only 5 or 10 years old? A 987 Boxster (if you want a convertible) or 987 Cayman might cost same up front because it doesn't have the 911 premium, but having a car that is 1/2 the age is going to help in upkeep. You might even enjoy the mid-engined car more. I've also noticed that used car prices are considerably elevated in the current market. If you waited a year, you might find prices more relaxed. Waiting could save you a bunch of $$$ as well as give you more time to look around and really think about what the right car is for you.

Agree, modern Porsche’s will run circles around a 996…. 993, 964 etc… it’s about the experience tho. We all know a 964 has 247hp… good point… 1.5-2yrs ago a 996 vert would go for 12-20k all day. Not sure on price.I’m sure by spring prices will drop some…

Great comments, I have a 328i convertible now that this will replace so yes, I love the convertible. I expect and budget for the maintenance, this car is now, and will remain a garage queen that only goes out on dry warm days. I will also do a good market study before I pull the trigger, one to make sure the price is in line, and two make sure there isn't a better colour combination for me out there.