New to the 911

Hi all. I am new to this site, really impressive and full of information. I am considering buying my first Porsche after many years of dreaming and i am looking at a 98/00 911 Carrera 2 (996) Can anyone provide me with tips, advice and pitfalls to watch out for when buying this model. Thanking you all in advance. Aidan.

Aidan! A good start is our Buyer's Checklist you can download from here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=269468 As this is your first Porsche, I would recommend that before committing to a puchase you get a good PPI done by a specialist. It may cost a few quid, but it can save you that and more in the long run. The trouble with 12-14 year old 996's that they are relatively cheap to buy now. People are attracted to the low prices, not realising the cost of running a £80,000-when-new Porsche. These cars will run fine with rusty inner brake faces, rotten aircon rads, etc, and when faced with a hefty bill they move them on after a couple of years. They may look nice and shiny on the surface, but have problems lurking underneath. Reckon on £1500-2000 pa for running costs on a weekend car (brakes, tyres, servicing, etc) and you won't go too far wrong. My advice would be to try to find one from a true Porsche enthusiast, with a history of previous Porsches if possible. You are looking for something that has been cherished, with a good service history backed up by a decent wadge of recent bills.

Hi Richard, thank you so much for the welcome, and the great advice. It is really appreciated. If I see one, do you think members might know it if I provide some details? Regards, and thanks again. Aidan[ ]

Always worth a try. Someone might know it.

Wow, 2k approx annual cost is great value for a car of this type. What's the biggest issue / failure on the 996?

Hi all, I have come across a 996 from 1999 - C2 Coupe, manual. Would you know anything about it? Reg S453 UEW - Ocean Blue Graphite Grey Leather. Thank you in advance for any information or help. Aidan.

Hi, Very nice sounding 04 C2 in latest Porsche Post with low mileage and decent spec at £19,995 private sale. Might be worth an enquiry depending on your budget.

Thanks for that DRDT. I will certainly have a look. Aidan.[ ]

Hi all, i would like to get a maehanical check completed on 996 I am interested in. It sits close to the junction of the M11 and the M25. Any recommendations on someone local, on the 111Point check or inspection specialist? Many thanks, Aidan.

HP Motorsport, Hainault, have a good reputation. http://www.hpmotorsport.co.uk/

Thanks Richard as always. Aidan[ ]

Hi Richard, I used HP Motorsport, Hainault, as you recommended, and I would just like to add my positives comments for future reference. I dealt with Joe there who could not have been nicer, more supportive or straight. He co-ordinated with the seller to get the car dropped over - did a drive, had her on the ramp, and did a thorough look over. At the price he felt it was not value for money and was very clear on the issues (discs need changing, bushes to be replaced, near side cam adjustor, tension washer oil leak, some filler on body work but nothing major, possible wheel bearing <but this could be mixed tyres on car>), but did say couple of thousand would sort it, so align the buy price! What a professional company, and true Porsche supporters. Thanks again for the great guidance, and I would like to confirm the excellent reputation of HP. Now, I just need to negotiate the price! Regards, and thanks again, Aidan.[ ]