996 3.4 C2, am I mad?

For a while now I've been trying to get my first 911 which was supposed to be a 964/3.2 carrera. The problem is I just can't seem to get one which is remotely appealing. Armed with a £14/15K budget I thought I was in the right ball park to getting a good usable car but having travelled the country and looked at so many so called "immaculate" cars I've really given up on the idea. So I've started to look at the 996 as an option. Given my budget a good 3.6cc appears to be out with my range so I've been looking into trying to get a 3.4 with a m030 pack and a LSD, although I'm rather confused with reference to the LSD option as I always thought the M220 was a LSD but I've been told it's a 40% locking diff whatever that means? Anyway, I've singled out a 1998 3.4 with 62K on the clock with every invoice and previous MOT that has at least the m030 and a locking diff? replacement clutch at 53K and NO oil leaks for £12K. I'm I staring at a heart breaking proposition or are the horror storries more of an internet warrior crusade than the reality of owning such a car, and is £12K to steep? Thoughts and advise very much appreciated.

Never settle for second best[&:] Nothing against the 996 but if you have your heart set on a 3.2 every time you get in the 996 to drive you will say to yourself. If Only................................ Wait - one will turn up[ ]

I was in the same position as you and decided to go for the later model. I have just picked up a 996 3.6 C2 with 62k, sat nav, sun roof, fsh, new tyres, no leaks, carbon pack for your budget and really happy with the car and the drive. If you find the right car and haggle you will get a 3.6[ ]

Go to the for sale section Ewan has a C4 for sale.

Car look good but just to far to travel.

Where are you? If you like the look of mine I may be able to come to you as I do travel about the uk for work reasons from time to time. I don't usually use the 996 for this, but it would be fun to take it on a trip. But, I'm off to St Tropez tomorrow for a week, so realistically I can't do anything for about the next 10 days. But certainly a 3.6 lt 996 is within your budget.

@ chard, I have to say the 964 is my favourite 911 EVER!.

Central Scotland, wrong end of the country.[8|]

I have a 99 3.4 C2, i use it every day and I love it, you have to be prepared to look after it and it will cost you a little to own, but nothing outrageous, if you are worried about the IMS have the bearing changed, I did mine and my wife's Boxster, if you tie it in with a clutch change its not too expensive and you can forget about that hassle. They are great cars and you will smile every single day and look back at it when you park it Go for it!

Well I just bit the bullet and committed to buy the 996 3.4. I must say the lsd and m030 pack make quite a difference over the standard cars I've tried. The car needs a little tlc cosmetically but there are no clunks or bangs to be heard and no mayo in oil filler so here goes. Just hope I'm not on here in a few weeks time with engine disaster tales!

Excellent news! But you know what they say...........

Will post some during the week, just need to collect it first. It's like being 5 again waiting for Santa to call!

Wonderful news, congratulations!

Congratulations. I loved my 3.4 Carrera. Health to enjoy.

Richard - I didn't get your email, so have hosted the W103 Engine Lid Corrosion Recall information on the club server. You can download it from here: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/legacy/clientftp/Register/996/misc/w103_996_rear_lid_corrosion.pdf It might be useful for anyone else who has the problem. This is a US Technical Bulletin, but it was a UK recall also.

Thanks. PM sent.

Unfortunately not a chance of getting the lid fixed. The service action was carried out 8 years ago so that's it. Was quite interested to hear from the dealer that they've see a few like it, another thing to look out for before making a purchase. On another note, I've been poking about in the front bulk head and to my horror after clearing the leaves I've found a very rusty battery tray.[ ] Anyone else had this issue? I was going to attempt to remove the tray and get a direct replacement but I'm concerned about damaging the captive studs. Advise much appreciated.

Are they saying it WAS done on your car? If not then I'd have thought a recall would still be valid now. On 993s certainly some recalls are still available (and free) if somehow the car was missed at the time.

Did you try talking to Reading?

No I didn't talk to reading. I was told that because the recall work had been carried out 8 years ago Porsche no longer carry any obligation especially since the car is outside the anti corrosion warranty. Swiftly followed by "when can I book your car in for a service sir".

I guess that because it was a repair that was done FoC, the normal paintwork repair guarantee you get with an approved bodyshop wouldn't apply. Presumably it has reappeared since the original 10 year warranty ran out.