Typically there's a model year that, due to each previous year's incremental changes, adds up to a must have. I 've been there with the first model year thing (not Porsche) and it seems that it usually takes a couple of years to iron things out.

There's a couple of things going on here- first off, the 996's values looks like they have stabilized a bit sans 5-10%, (never good fully grasp the idea of taking a 40k hit on a brand spanky new one). Your not really giving up much to buy one of those pre-driven 996's , AND they are one good looking, handling machine. Since I've been grazing this forum and a few others, I was just wondering what fellow 6speed members thought about which model year you like best or would like to have. Not to ramble, but I need a car to offset my 930's duties as my primary car or just keep on using my F350 crew for church

 

A customer just brought in an '02 that was absolutely flawless today. He paid $40k for it with 33,ooo miles. I would say the best model year would be one between 02-05 that you get the best price on.

 

yeah, there was many changes in 02 that improved things from 01.

 

My choice would be an 03 X50.

 

02.

Improvements...glovebox, stiffer A pillars, stiffer overall than a 2001, hollow spoke wheels.

I don't want pccbs...they are expensive to replace!

No fiber optic system to remove if you upgrade the stereo/head unit.

The x50 is nice, but aftermarket options blow that away...pun intended.

 

I've been keeping an eye out for a nicely priced X50 03' but I've been seeing some really expensive ones.. so I might have to op-out and get myself a clean '02.

 

IMHO the last year is usually the best year. Completely biased opinion of course.

SWR

 

Get the 2005 Turbo S.

 

+1 The last of the 996's, if I had done a little more research before I bought my 04 I would of bought an "S". Look at resale values for the 993 Turbo S, i'm quite shocked at the listing prices, don't really know if there selling though?

 

+1 I was quite shocked to see the prices also!
Theres no way I am going to pay 60,000$ for a 966 Turbo S, when I can pay mid 70's for a 2007 997 Turbo. I think I'm going to stick to finding an '03 in the mid 40s.

 

Or mid $60k's to mid $80k's for a 2002 - 2004 996 GT2...

 

+1 Bro

 

don't waste your money on an X50 unless you never plan on modding it. Todays turbo technology is light years ahead of std k16's or k24's. And replacement turbos will offset the x50 cost.