Hi everybody, I'm looking into buying a 996 turbo very soon. I found this nice one locally but it has been modded quite extensively with full suspension, big brake kit, roll bar, etc. Dealership is asking $47,500 and it has 42k miles, should I stay away from this car or is it a good deal?

http://www.topline168.com/web/used/P...rk-CA/1034033/

Thanks for the help!

 

I can't comment on the price, but the car does look very clean in the photos, but you will normally find that photos normally make everything look better than what it is. As the car has bigger brakes and a roll cage you can bet your life it has done some track time. Get a dealer to check it out and see how many ignitions it has done in range 1 and 2. Then check all the usual stuff you would when buying a car, i.e. previous accident damage etc.

 

I would probably walk away. Those mods add nothing for me except MAYBE the suspension unless it's preposterously hard/compromising. You'd have to drive it.

If you are also planning on tracking, then this is a dream car for you, but short of that...I wouldn't bother. There are nicer examples with lighter (or more useful) mods out there for equivalent pricing.

Plus that beige interior never does it for me.

 

The car looks in good shape. It does have a few nice upgrades such as the suspension and the sunroof delete. These make the car lighter. It looks like it has been set up for track use. I'm guessing the stock exhaust and wheels were put back on for the sale. Has the car been custom tuned? When picking out your car decide what type of mods you would like to do. If you can find a car that has already done the mods you will save a ton of money. You just need to make sure the car is solid and has not been abused. Good luck finding the car for you. I'm not normally a fan of the tan interior but I think it looks good with the red exterior.

 

I do plan on modding it and tracking occasionally, that is why this certain car peeked my interest. I am communicating with the dealership right now to find out exactly what aftermarket modifications are on the vehicle.

 

Please do yourself a favor and get an independent PPI done on the car. The dealership you are purchasing from has one thing in mind... and it is not you, it is your wallet. Check the usual things like 2'nd gear pop out, clutch, possible accidents, etc.

 

Are you familiar with a good shop in the LA county area? Or should I bring it to a Porsche dealer?

 

I'm in Northern California but I'm sure someone will chime in and give you a good recommendation. The Porsche dealership will be fine also but will cost a bit more.

 

A few of the expensive mods are already done for you. Looks like a great car if you're going to be visiting the track at times.

 

i wouldnt touch it unless i knew who had modded it and exactly what they had done to it

maybe i am being too picky but thats why i keep a file folder with every receipt and piece of paper in it in case i ever sell it

i would also get a full ppi done by someone trustworthy

 

I would walk away.. you dont know how it was driven

 

BBI Huntington Beach..worth the drive.

 

That car has certainly seen the track. I wonder which owner tracked it- the first or the second. I used to own a boxster in that color combination and i liked it for the first couple of years, but it is not a very desirable color any more for some reason. The tan interior really goes well with the red if you like the red. When I drove my red pcar around i got a lot of attention and it mostly wasnt positive.. When my wife drove it on the other hand...
My current pcar is a less conspicuous grey which i prefer after owning the guards red car.
Anyhow the price seems like a lot for a tracked , 2 owner car, but discerning pcar drivers see value in mods, especially if they are quality mods installed by a professional shop (sharwerks, etc.)
If you really like it, go check it out or have it PPi's by another dealer and make sure you arrange it and pay for it and have the inspecting dealer only give you the inspection report. I read somewhere on 6so last year, when i was shopping for my car, dealers are only paying 25-30k for tt's in that year range, but that info is year old. I am not sure if the market is up or down from that now (or if it is true).
Scott

 

Selling my 2002 Turbo with 29k miles. Let me know if you're interested...

 

That car is stunning.