2002 911 carrera for 18,000 bad idea????

[txmountainman]

HI! my name's Chris and I'm new to this forum in the aspect that i have just created a profile but I've been reading on and off here for about a year now. I researched getting an 03 boxster s for a long time, saving and researching and saving some more because I'm a poor boy. I researched it so much that i went from in love to hate to love to deciding I don't want a rag top. lol anyways a cayman is almost impossible to find here in the states for under 20 grand, i don't know if it is from lack of people owning or lack of people wanting to let go! however i stumbled across an awesome looking 2002 911 metallic blue that i feel in love with. It has around 68,000 miles for around 18000 dollars. at first i thought it was a steel till i checked it out on edmunds and its actually par. so I'm wondering, is 2002 a bad idea. if i save for this car and the engine blows, i doubt i will ever be able to replace it because as soon as i buy it I'm going to quit driving this 18 wheeler in the oilfield and get a low paying 9-5 and have a life for once and would love to spend my afternoons in a PORSCHE! I know this is a bit of a long thread but i appreciate all yalls patience and responses Chris

[jaspergtr]

In my opinion (because I'm looking at the same thing, but probably for a different reason), I'd check out as much as you can about the history, and have an inspection done. This should answer your questions.

But 996 C2's are going for under $20k now. Just keep in mind that these cars are 10 years old, and may have their own issues. It may be inexpensive to purchase, but maybe slightly more to own/maintain.

[robsled]

I would do some lurking on the 996 forum. There were some serious issues with early 996s when they were new! The thing is hopefully the problems would have appeared by now and have been addressed. Rear main seal and intermediate shaft are the two biggies. There is a proactive fix available now to take care of the problems before they happen. 18 grand is the going range seams like now and probably will drop even more in the near future. You could get lucky and not spend much more than the purchase price....If not you could easily spend thousands for repairs. Like the other post.....extensive and detailed PPI by a Porsche shop is an absolute.
Good Luck!

[jkcorradovr6]

Just do lots of research. Seems like a good deal and maint is key. If you're not mechanically inclined maint will cost you. Oil change and such are not typical prices. These cars do get a bad rap bc of their reputation, but in all aspect it only a small percentage and there are fixes to prevent catastrophic failure.

[996TTCABX50]

You are doing research and getting educated, just don't give up on the dream. These are great cars and a blast to drive. Just know they are addictive - and that's a good thing.