Looking to buy my first Porsche - New forum member

Hi all, Sorry to ask such a stupid question (I'm on the Tyresmoke forum and see these post all the time!), but I am loking to buy my first Porsche and just don't know where to start. I currently drive an Audi S4 Avant (4.2 V8)... love it, but just need to get a proper drive to work... I cover around 18,000 miles a year, but the missus' car can also be used when the 996 would be impractical. I've looked on autotrader, eBay and on a few independant dealers, but don't know what year has what technology. Any help/advice would be much appreciated. Kind Regards Paul

Hi Paul - and welcome [ ] The first 996's came in RHD form to the UK in 1998. There was a subtle change in 1999 to the colour of the indicators, in 2000 the build quality improved and sublte changes were made to the interior (LED comfort lights in the door arm rests) and improved materials quality. In 2001 the Turbo was introduced which lead the way to the 2002 'face lift' with different headlights and a revised engine. As far as technology, most of the options were available on all cars across the years - the PCM (sat nav / phone) was upgraded I think in 2000 and again in 2003, the PSM (traction control) was originally only available on Carrera 4 (four wheel drive) then after 2002 as an option on two wheel drive. Otherwise things like Litronic (xenons) were available accross the face lift as options and standard on things like the Turbo. Biggest change was the engine revision from 3.4 to 3.6 litres and from memory the change in gearbox linkage from rods to cables. As with all cars, your budget will dictate what you'll manage to get but there are plenty of cars out there - some abused - some cherished - it can take a few months 'kissing frogs' - but the right one will be out there [ ] Are there certain things you're looking for? Hope this helps Philip

Thanks for your quick reply Phillip. I guess like you say, budget will dicate my choice... I guess the main thing is reliability and quality of interior. I've owned german cars for the last 10 years (VW and Audi) so am used to both (allbeit the interiors on some were like black holes!). I haven't driven a 996 yet, I wanted to go armed with a few 'what to look for' incase I drove one and bought it out of lust rather than considering there maybe more than one 'perfect example' out there. My limited understanding is there is the C2 and C4, the C4 has more HP, but looses some for the 4 wheel drive system. I am also thinking about getting one with Tiptronic... are there different versions ? Thanks again Paul

Hi Paul, Hmm - the 996 was Porsche's first attempt to 'common platform engineer' with the lower cost 986 (Boxster) and the early cars didn't have the same teutonic / made from granite interiors of earlier 993 cars - but they're awesome value for money now. A suggestion for you - pick one at a dealer that's in budget but that's in a colour you HATE - then have a test drive - you'll be guaranteed not to buy it but at least your heart won't get the better of your head [ ] The launch models were Carrera 2 (two wheel drive) and Carrera 4 (four wheel drive) - convertible options on both, followed by the Targa (sliding glass roof section), Turbo (monster car [ ]), GT3 (race derived stripped out version), GT2 (basically GT3 meets Turbo and has a wild result). Later the C4S added the visuals of the Turbo (wider rear track) without the Turbo engine. I'm not aware of the 996 C4's having more power - I believe the engines were mapped slightly differently for the additional front diff of the C4 - I've owned both C2 and C4 and the C4 is a much more practical every day car - you don't worry about the weather so much. But the C4 is less 'driftable' if you're thinking of track days - if not, C4's are a sweet drive IMHO. As far as I'm aware the Tip box stayed the same throughout 996 production - can anyone else here add more? The five speed tip is ok - but the six speed manual is infinitely more Porsche in my opinion. One piece of advice - these cars are hellishly expensive to fix if something aweful happens - and the 996 has suffered from a few engine problems [8|] - the best thing to do is either buy a car with an official Porsche warranty (e.g.: from a Porsche dealer) - or if you're buying privately, have the car inspected by an Official Porsche Dealer (OPC) which will cost about £170 from memory - and then enable you to (if the car qualifies on age and no modifications) to take out a Porsche Extended warranty - it's worth every penny of the £750 it'll cost if you have one major problem. Philip

Second this! Once you have come across the car you want (assuming you are looking for private) get a PPP inspection from Porsche (obviously with the aim that the owner will fix any issues or you using it as a basis of walking away) and get the extended warranty, at least for that first year as you get to know the car better (I would continue to extend but that is personal preference/risk). Anyway, main reason for posting is the Porsche extended warranty is going up in price soon. I think as soon as next month (think new price will be £895)

Power output is the same, C2 or C4. The main difference is that eGas (fly-by-wire) throttle was introduced with the C4. Bear in mind that from the basic C2 manual variant, everything else is heavier and slower (albeit marginal), until you get to the GT3, Turbo, etc.

D'oh - thanks - I forgot this [8|] I'm sure the eGas is fitted to all cars with PSM so C2 from 2002? Philip

Yes, that's right. edit: Ooops! eGas was from MY2000

Thanks for that. Were there any changes to the five speed tip over the 996 production run? P

(I feel a bit worried posting this on the 996 forum) Paul, Have you already made the "996" decision? There are very good reasons to buy a 996 - especially if you want that "modern car interior/drive" feel to it, but if you are going to do some test drives have a look at the 993 too. I say this because I started looking 18 months before I purchased and did not know what I was looking for. Budget wise it looked like 996 was the obvious model until I started looking seriously. After a few months I'd made up my mind it had to be a 993 - just because I have a modern car for doing modern driving and I wanted the Porker to be something very different... which the 996 is, but the 993 is even more different.

Paul, Just one more thing - I'm not sure how tall you are - but I'm 6'2" and find the sunroof cars, which loose some interior height, are a bit more cramped than those without. Just a thought P

This is a very true observation - there was a simply stunning 993C4S going recently - if you're into the German car thing, and looking for that 'classic' Porsche feel - the 993 is wonderful and perfectly useable as a daily driver. P

Yes - it was completely revised for the 2002 facelift: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=233497

All very good advice so far. To add 1. The C4 will have a smaller boot than a C2 because of the front diff 2. C4s have slightly heavier steering, and subsequently slightly less 'feel' than a C2, so purists go for the C2. However, C4s also have less of a floaty feel at the front (which might feel slightly disconcerting for a first time 911 driver) than C2s and have better all weather abilities. Most of the time only around 5% of power is transfered to the front wheels anyway. I've seen some magazines quote C4 0-60 times faster than C2, due to the better traction of the line, but it's marginal. 3.The C4 will have slightly worse fuel consumption and higher tyre wear than a regular Carrera. 4. The Tiptronic gearbox uses a torque converter. The Tiptronic system is dynamic in that it adapts to the driver's style, with 11 different mappings to suit. You can leave the Tip' in 'M' (semi-auto sequential - gears changed by pressing buttons mounted on the steering wheel) or 'D' (full auto - although u can still override the 'box by pressing the buttons). The gearbox will not let you over-rev or stall, it will change up or change down accordingly. The big move came with the facelift model (Sept 2001 onwards) as has been described, with the biggest difference being 320bhp instead of 300, and visually - a glass rear screen and turbo front headlights.There are lots of smaller differences some of which have been noted, but also - Mechanical boot and engine compartment openers changed to electrical, matt soft touch finish buttons as opposed to gloss,LED in rear view mirror, and remote openable front lid, a fruitier sounding exhaust and the turbo trip computer.The car became 25% stiffer for the coupe and 10% for the cab'.It has been said that the engine is more reliable on the 3.6 as well (if this is true, it will only be a small percentage). If funds allow this is the model to go for, if not try and get a MY 2000 car which have the updated lights, updated Bosch Motronic and E-gas as standard. I agree you should get the car inspected by Porsche and get the warrranty (moves up in price by around £175 in November), this will give you peace of mind and is good value for money (and includes Porsche Europe wide Assist). Have a look at Richard Hamiltons excellent FAQ for details on the warranty and Porsche inspection [ ] Issues across the Carrera range and things to look out for include:- 1. Coolant tank cracking (around £300 from Porsche to fix - not covered under warranty) 2. Rear Main Seal leaking (covered under warranty) 3. Easily corroded disks (around £100 each from www.eurocarparts.com ) 4. Squeaking suspension bushes. (£245 at OPC) 5. De-laminating windscreen (insurance covered, usually around £50 excess) 6. Broken glove-box hinge (£17 easy self-fix) 7. Cracked rear plastic screen (around £250 for a new one to be re-sitched in) 8.Rust behind door catches in earlier cars (and wont be covered by Porsche's 10 year body warranty) 9. White residue in oil filler tube (most likely condensation due to short journeys, but could be a sign of an engine gasket failure leading to coolant in the oil) (rare) 10. Engine failure due to crack in cylinder liner (rare) 11. Fuel sender entangled in fuel pipe (£220 from OPC - not covered by warranty) Make sure the car is 'C16' (have a look under the bonnet for a large white sticker detailing the options list in code form, or in the Service booklet), that means it was built for UK spec and is not likely to be an import. Good luck, you'll be driving a truly amazing car no matter which you choose.[ ]

Rodney Looks like your buyers guide is coming along nicely! [ ][ ]

Actually I can't find the magazine with the technical stuff [8|], it's all a bit vague ATM....I'm trying tho![ ]

Have you got the October 2004 911&PW? I'll try and scan it tomorrow and email to you.

Paul I had the same sort of queries when I decided to move from a Boxster to a 911. I started with a 996 C2 coupe tiptronic which, for good reason, I returned to the dealers and ended up with a 2001 996 C4 cabriolet manual. I only needed to add a wind deflector and a Tracker and it was ready to go. Fantastic car - and I do not regret the change. Don't get me wrong, the Boxster is and was a marvellous car [and anyone who says that a Boxster is not a proper Porsche needs his or her head examined] but I wanted something a bit more powerful and the 996 cab fitted the bill perfectly. If it needs anything it would be connecting the on board computer, possibly cruise control, park assistance and slightly better headlamps and door speakers. Of course, the Sports Exhaust would make it a very different sounding car, but these are minor things in my enjoyment of the 'new' car. Good luck with your search and choice.

Guys, Thank you for all your advice and time, it is very much apreciated I have a few cars ear marked to look at, both approved and independant supply. I'm trying not to jump at the first car that looks shiny. After driving the safety minded Audi quattros for so many years, I really want something differnet...... so a C2 Coupe or Cabriolet is now my sort list of 996's. Just one question (more?!?!?), when did the TARGA get introduced in the 996..... I love sunroof's, but as commented previously the headroom in a coupe with one maybe restrictive. The comments about the 993's are very valid and I do like to look and tought of an original air cooled Porche... but the off-set pedals and driving position put me off when I sat in a friends... I guess I've got used to creature comforts !!! Which ever I choose, I'm sure I won't be disapointed. I'll keep you all posted. Cheers Paul [ ]

I know how you feel about going from quattros to a Porsche - I also had four quattros, and after a brief excursion with a Subaru WRX, arrived at a 993. I too missed the creature comforts, hence the 996. Go for it - you won't regret it. I am 6' 1" and headroom with the sunroof isn't an issue for me. Try it before you decide. The Targa was introduced for MY2002.

Took me 18 months to find a car i was happy with and Ive ended up with a 996 on an 03 plate. Not many extras but a staright car that flew through the OPC check (199) to get the official warranty. I bought mine from a big indie in Coventry. Lovely car, C2, Black leather in Lagoon Green metalic. Not the colour most would go for on here but absolutely stunning when the light catches it right. I'm well happy

Everything is looking a little grim at the moment... my current car part exchange value is £4.5k short of the settlement figure !!!! £12k loss in a year ! [ ]

Cripes - what's the car? Philip

Audi S4 Avant - Sept '03 - 4.2 V8 Quattro. Basically settlement £20k, part-ex £15.5k Gutted !

Found a private buyer... so all systems go ! Test driving a 03/03 996 C2, Silver with Met Blue interior on Sunday morning...........

Woohoo [ ] Way to go - the trade is in such dissaray (too many cars, not enough buyers) that people are getting silly low bids - well done - nice car the S4... I had an Arctic Silver with Metropole Blue C4 in 2002 - I loved the colour combination - post some photos if you do the deed - good luck [ ] Philip

I have a friend who is selling his 996 C2 Cab if your interested on a 2000 plate? The car is Zenith blue and has the hard top with it. Let me know

Is there anything to look out for with the 996. The car I'm looking at on Sunday is from a Porsche dealer, 996 C2, May 2003, 27.5k miles, PSM, Carrera Spoiler, CD player, Carrera 5 spoke alloys, Cruise control. Does the carrera spoiler REPLACE the motorised one? or is the motorised one still there underneath, but disabled? Just wondering about changing it at a later date... although I like the fixed spoiler. Getting very excited now! I feel a lust buy coming up! HELP! P +++

Paul There is a copy of one of the 911&PW buyer's guides here: http://www.zen101632.zen.co.uk/richard/996_bg.zip There are 3 articles in the zip file. I'll leave it there for a few days, but will delete it to free up server space at some point. It is about 4Mb. It'll give you some light bedtime reading!

Thanks. I'm downloading it... ready for bed ! P.

Just read all three PDFs.... bery usefull and I'm all set the buy the first one that looks shiney Cheers Paul

Excellent information. Spot on! [ ]

I'll second that... very good information... Roll on tomorrows test drive...

HI, Well the test drive went as planned... FANTASTIC! Only the second 996 I've driven, but just an amazing experience. Signed on the dotted line and she's being delivered on Saturday. Thanks to Porsche Nottingham who mate the whole buying process completly pleasant and painless... albeit they are 175 miles from my home..... Can't wait ! Paul.

Well done Paul, and welcome to the wonderful world of Porsche ownership! Good to have you aboard!

Nice one [ ] Welcome to Porsche ownership and many years of happy motoring - good to hear an OPC looking after people for a change [ ] Philip

Well done. I rather think you'll be looking forward to driving anywhere and everywhere you can from now on. Amazing how these cars make you want to take the long route everywhere. I just wanted to second your comments on Porsche Centre Nottingham. I bought my current car from them a coupe of years ago and they really did make the experience of buying very pleasant. Unlike a couple of other Porsche Centres I could name who seem to treat their customers as nothing other than a damn nuisance! Glad to hear Nottingham are keeping up the good work.

I thought you are a name at all Porsche Centres when purchasing and then turn into a number when it comes to aftersales? [ ] Very nice Paul, welcome to the PorscheWorld [8D]

Thanks for all the advice guys... looking forward to saturday (JUST A BIT!) Hopefully I'll be able to add to the forum, once I get to grips with the Porsche way of doing things (pretty convers with the VAG world). Cheers Paul [ ]