Hi im about to buy my 1st 911?

Hi everybody i just want to get some advice. As i stated im about to buy my 1st 911 with tiptronic gearbox and i am looking to spend around £15k and i realize it will be a 996 911, i know the ims bearing can be a problem on 996's? What other faults and problems are common to 996 911's which i should be aware of? Also is the coupe or cabriolet better? And is the carrera 2 or carrera 4 better for my 1st 911? Thanks and i would appreciate any advice.

There is a wealth of information on this forum. I would start by looking at https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=269468 Also, read the members cars, which give some indication of ownership. Some of your questions are down to personal preference - the only way is to drive C2 vs C4 both of which have merits, as with coupe vs cab. If you plan to track, then you would probably veer towards C2 manual. IMS is an issue and often emotional to owners it affects, but in context only affects a small percentage of total production numbers. RMS is not major, but costly due to engine out - usually a chance to change clutch and other components. Check brakes, suspension and tyres are correctly rated. Rust not a major problem, but needs to be checked. Maintenance is key to Porsche ownership so factor this to stamps in book and long term costs. They are fabulous cars to own. Good luck!

Whatever you buy and wherever from, get an independent inspection carried out. We bought a 996 C2 coupe to replace our previous 3.2 Carrera, and although it was sourced through a well respected independent Porsche specialist, we still paid for an independent inspection. We used: Peter Morgan Consulting Ltd Independent Consultants to Porsche Drivers Tel: +44 1672 514038 www.porscheinspections.com

C2 vs C4: The C2 has a larger boot so more storage, it has more 'feel' to the steering so it's more like a classic 911. The C4 has a much heavier feel to the steering but has the added value of 4 wheel drive and Porsche Stability Management when it's needed (rarely) I'd go for the C2. Coupe vs Cabriolet: A matter of taste and priorities, the cabriolet is very reliable and a good system but adds a significant amount of flex to the body. The buyer's guide should help you with all the other issues and things that go wrong are all listed there too Good luck!

I am selling my 1999 C2 Cab, it will be on the market buy the end of the month. If it is of interest, please call me on 07870 692557, for details? Thanks

Drive both, get an independent inspection don't worry about the Ims they can be changed, seeing as your buying a porsche you should be able to afford the change. I have a c4s and I love the handling it's mind blowing to me. I owned two imprezas one a wrX and the other a prodrive sti and my c4s handles much better. The boot space is more than adequate for a pair of Gucci loafers anything else you have to pick there's always the wife's car or a cab. What ever you choose welcome to the world of Porsche let us know when you purchase

Two years ago I decided to move up to a 911 from my 986 Boxster S (owned and enjoyed for 7 years but approaching 100,000 mi). I started off looking for a manual C2s, but stumbled onto a specced up midnight blue former PC Solihull demo 2003 MY C4 Cabriolet manual at Continental Motors in Oxfordshire with just 32,000 miles on the clock & a full service history. I had it inspected at by Tony Wright at Wrightune and he gave it a clean bill of health. Got a good trade in price and bought the C4 Cab. I have it serviced at PC Swindon (at Porsche Classic Centre rates) and other than new rear tyres, a new battery and replacing the pixelated display on the climate control unit have had no problems with the car. A joy to drive and own. Good luck with your search.