Some basic questions

OK, I've been looking around the site and first things first it's got a whole heap of useful information on here I've got c £25-30k to spend on a 996 and had originally been considering a C2 manual. However, there also seems to be some C4Ss that fall into that price bracket so I am now potentially reconsidering options. However, before I continue searching and go out test driving, there's still a few (mostly basic) questions that I need answering as follows: 1 - I have the impression that the stability management isn't standard on all models and there's more than one version. Is this true and is there any difference between the versions? 2 - I know the C2 changed around 01 to a 3.6 with some re-styled lights etc, were there any other major changes? 3 - Is there a 996 C2S model? 4 - Do any C4Ss come in manual or are they all tiptronic? 5 - How does the tiptronic work i.e. is it flappy paddle nonsense , gearstick operated or fully auto (or a combo of both)? 6 - What the hell is an "RMS" leak?!? Any other thoughts on C2 vs C4s given I would have to go for higher miles on a C4s (appreciate test driving is the way to go to make up my mind, but am keen to hear people's views)?

A 996 C4S for £25-30k??? Are you sure? 1 - PSM and PASM were options on most models. It came standard on some models and I'm sure someone on here will you which as I don't know myself. 2 - There is a thread on here somewhere which lists all the changes - try and do a search for it as this topic has been well covered. 3 - No 996 C2S model except for the clowns who stick an S badge on the back of their cars (hopefully no one on this forum, tho' I did see a pic of someone who had stuck such a badge on his 993 Targa!) 4 - Both manual and Tip. Just that the majority you may have seen are specced with Tip. 5 - Gearstick operated on the 996 (araik). 6 - Rear Main Seal - an oil leak that occurs between the gearbox and engine. Some OPCs will contribute towards the fixture of this if you don't have an OPC warranty. 2 wheel drivers are said to offer a purer driving experience however a C4S is often thought of as the most attractive 996 there is. Hope some of this helps! ~ Maxie

You won't get a C4S for under £30k unless it has mega-miles or Cat D. PSM was standard on all 4-wheel drive models - there is a thread listing all of the 2002 Model Year facelift changes. Main thing is engine to 3.6L as you say, front and rear bumpers - interior options / materials upgraded - better Sat Nav - electronic bonnet and boot release.

Yup - seen a few - one here at trade... http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...el=911&min_pr=20000&max_pr=30000&max_mileage= Thanks very much for the other comments - all v useful. Re the purity of the drive - I'd always imagined going for the 2wd but having read such a large number of good reports about the C4s I'm just not sure (guess driving them is the only way to go!).

That's a pre-facelift C4, not a 4S. Don't confuse the Tiptronic S designation as a Carrera 4S it's not

Well at least that's cleared that up then! At least this makes my decision easier Thanks for clearing it up...

No problem! All these confusing terms to help bolster up the prices

Haha - yeah same story with every car manufacturer!

I think most of the bases have been covered, but re Tiptronic, it is a proper 'torque converter' auto, not an SMG/F1 style hydraulic clutch system (i.e. flappy paddle as clarkson coined) You can select gears via the wheel, or stick it in D and go cruisin'. Only 5 speeds though vs the manual's 6. It does clever things too like not change up as you drive through bends, and is adaptive to your driving style.

Oh yes there is a C2S!! Well ok its the Tiptronic designation!! God only (and Porsche knows) why though!!

....just when you think you know what's what...... Cheers for the useful info though guys. As interesting as the tiptronic sounds I'm still more keen on a good old manual

C4 and C4S Hi I have recently (5 months) bought a C4S 2002 model but did look at the C4 which is also a very desirable car. Main differences are C4S has bigger brakes, wider tyres, 3.6 motor delivering 320 bhp and is also of the facelift variety and will therefore hold a higher price. C4 can come in the turbo body (extra 40 mm wide at the rear) and is a lovely looking car IMHO If you can stretch to a C4S go for it, but if not, really look for a low mileage good condition C4................ All the rest: Man v Tip, colours of car and especially interiors is a personal prefference thing and only you know the answer to that, but i always see "buy on condition" on here and couldnt agree more. Personnaly it has to be black interior Try to drive as many as possible before you commit to buy, and when you see the right car buy it, I dithered a couple of times and regretted it..... but i learnt fast... Are you going to drive the car very day?? If not have you considerd the 993 ? Happy hunting, PaulC4S

PaulC4S - in 2002, all 996's came with the 3.6 litre 320bhp engine and also the facelift. The C4 did not come in the Turbo body, only the C4S did (as well as the GT2). Yes - its a bit confusing.....! ~ Maxie

The 996 is a Carrera2 Tiptronic S not a C2S, sorry to sound pedantic. Eat drink and be merry TB :lol:

Hi, Yep, lots of ditto to the replies. When I read your post I thought my car has gone rock bottom. :wink: However C4S prices are holding their own. As Maxie has said no C4 came stock with the TT body. But I did see an Indy selling a turbo bodied C4 several months ago. This was down to the previous owner spending really silly money on the after market mod. There are also some C4 cars out there with a Turbo after market front and rear bumper. It is really is down to what you are after. For your budget there are excellent C2S examples out there. Which if you want the pure real wheel drive of a performance car you cannot go wrong. The C4 and C4S offer more safety which was my rationale for purchase. Also as many would agree the 996 C4S is the best looking of the range. I have owned my C4S for 21 months now and loved every minute. Plenty of power for me at the moment. Enjoy the hunt and make sure you take your time and many test drives. Regards Alan