Car Shopping... Need help
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Car Shopping... Need help
Hi guys,
I’m new to shopping for a Porsche. Looking at a used 996. I THINK I know about these cars but have a few questions for you “experts”.
I’m looking at a regular Carrera - 911, 6 spd, not a C4 (all wheel drive - right?) or Turbo.
OK.. Any BIG differences between 99 - 04?
Are there different interior trim levels?
Do all these cars have a Sun Roof?
Options…. Navigation? Crono? - (What’s that include?)
Heated seats…? Are heated seats included in an interior package?
I have an 05 Corvette, have had other Corvettes, 99, 91- these cars are bullet proof.
All my Corvettes were 6spds, I never replaced a clutch, did replace brakes on each car once in 90,000 miles. Sorry to ramble on about Corvettes, it’s all I know.
05 & up Corvettes have 3 interior levels, as you go up more features are included… Example, heated seats, memory seat & mirrors, better radio(?) sound system, sport seats, etc… (can’t be bought alone, only in a package). The only real option is Navigation system. Nav is only available with the top interior package at an additional cost Thus… a Corvette with a Nav system will be the top level…Can I expect the same with a 996 or 997?
Will a 60,000 mile Porsche be OK? 90,000 miles? I see some with 150,000+ miles.
It looks like I can buy a 99-00 for $25 to $35K.
What does C2 (rear wheel drive - C4 mean? What’s “S” mean? …a little more HP?
Sorry to sound ignorant…. Any info will help…
THANKS
I’m new to shopping for a Porsche. Looking at a used 996. I THINK I know about these cars but have a few questions for you “experts”.
I’m looking at a regular Carrera - 911, 6 spd, not a C4 (all wheel drive - right?) or Turbo.
OK.. Any BIG differences between 99 - 04?
Are there different interior trim levels?
Do all these cars have a Sun Roof?
Options…. Navigation? Crono? - (What’s that include?)
Heated seats…? Are heated seats included in an interior package?
I have an 05 Corvette, have had other Corvettes, 99, 91- these cars are bullet proof.
All my Corvettes were 6spds, I never replaced a clutch, did replace brakes on each car once in 90,000 miles. Sorry to ramble on about Corvettes, it’s all I know.
05 & up Corvettes have 3 interior levels, as you go up more features are included… Example, heated seats, memory seat & mirrors, better radio(?) sound system, sport seats, etc… (can’t be bought alone, only in a package). The only real option is Navigation system. Nav is only available with the top interior package at an additional cost Thus… a Corvette with a Nav system will be the top level…Can I expect the same with a 996 or 997?
Will a 60,000 mile Porsche be OK? 90,000 miles? I see some with 150,000+ miles.
It looks like I can buy a 99-00 for $25 to $35K.
What does C2 (rear wheel drive - C4 mean? What’s “S” mean? …a little more HP?
Sorry to sound ignorant…. Any info will help…
THANKS
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I will not give the standard - read the board - do a search - BUT I would recommend it. I own an '05 C6 Z-51 as well - with nav. BTW - I used to run the C6 audio FAQ before I turned it over to TheKomoman
Porsche 996s
Models
C2 - base twd Carerra
C4 - base awd Carrera
S models have a wider rear end and turbo model suspension
C4S - is the top model in the base 996 forum - full leather is highly desirable
Turbos are discussed in another section
2002 models have the major upgrades - 3.4 to 3.6L and quite a few other desirables - often refered to as facelifted models
There is your start... So much to learn - for instance, there are - 20+ spring/shock/shock bumber combinations for the 996 from Porsche.
enough to scare you away.
Porsche 996s
Models
C2 - base twd Carerra
C4 - base awd Carrera
S models have a wider rear end and turbo model suspension
C4S - is the top model in the base 996 forum - full leather is highly desirable
Turbos are discussed in another section
2002 models have the major upgrades - 3.4 to 3.6L and quite a few other desirables - often refered to as facelifted models
There is your start... So much to learn - for instance, there are - 20+ spring/shock/shock bumber combinations for the 996 from Porsche.
enough to scare you away.
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OK.... 02 & up... (Are the 99-00 engines bad? Failure bad?)
20+ spring/shock/shock bumber combinations... Does is really matter??? To me?
I was not considering a Turbo
That is a LOT of help - THANKS
20+ spring/shock/shock bumber combinations... Does is really matter??? To me?
I was not considering a Turbo
That is a LOT of help - THANKS
Last edited by arthur6; Mar 27, 2008 at 12:44 PM. Reason: More info
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Here are some answers to your many questions.
1. 02-04 has Turbo HID headlights.
2. 02-04 20+HP and 3.6 liter.
3. 02-04 interiro glove box.
4. 02-04 some has electronic hood/trunk release. My Cab has them.
5. Much less RMS leaks issue. (Rear main seal).
6. Better looking rear bumper. (my opinion).
7. Coupe does offers sunroof.
8. Full leather option vs. partial or vinyl.
9. Perforated seats or supple seats (soft). Porsche crests on head rest, heated seats (optional). Sport seats with body color scheme (optional).
10. Navigation syst. is on later models (optional).
C4S is widebody with rear almost same as TT. I preferred it over the others C2, C4.
1. 02-04 has Turbo HID headlights.
2. 02-04 20+HP and 3.6 liter.
3. 02-04 interiro glove box.
4. 02-04 some has electronic hood/trunk release. My Cab has them.
5. Much less RMS leaks issue. (Rear main seal).
6. Better looking rear bumper. (my opinion).
7. Coupe does offers sunroof.
8. Full leather option vs. partial or vinyl.
9. Perforated seats or supple seats (soft). Porsche crests on head rest, heated seats (optional). Sport seats with body color scheme (optional).
10. Navigation syst. is on later models (optional).
C4S is widebody with rear almost same as TT. I preferred it over the others C2, C4.
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Not now but it will!
You need to tell us what you are looking for out of your Porsche.
Ownership is not as cheap as a Vette and there are concerns over the rear main seal (RMS) or the intermediate shaft breaking (not unlike problems with the '05 Vette). Engine replacement is talked about over here more. Look for a CPO - Certified by Porsche preowned car for maximum comfort. These cars are pretty bullet proof but expensive repairs to a few drive vocal internet posters to the forums.
Older nav systems are not worth paying for. 2004 and up use the DVD system and can use the latest nav software. Older ones use Cds and they are not being supported by porsche.
They come standard with sun roofs.
Enjoy the hunt to find the car you want - It can take months. There has been no other better time to jump up to the Porsche side - prices are fantastic - if you search.
You need to tell us what you are looking for out of your Porsche.
Ownership is not as cheap as a Vette and there are concerns over the rear main seal (RMS) or the intermediate shaft breaking (not unlike problems with the '05 Vette). Engine replacement is talked about over here more. Look for a CPO - Certified by Porsche preowned car for maximum comfort. These cars are pretty bullet proof but expensive repairs to a few drive vocal internet posters to the forums.
Older nav systems are not worth paying for. 2004 and up use the DVD system and can use the latest nav software. Older ones use Cds and they are not being supported by porsche.
They come standard with sun roofs.
Enjoy the hunt to find the car you want - It can take months. There has been no other better time to jump up to the Porsche side - prices are fantastic - if you search.
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Posts: 332
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Here are some answers to your many questions.
1. 02-04 has Turbo HID headlights.
2. 02-04 20+HP and 3.6 liter.
3. 02-04 interiro glove box.
4. 02-04 some has electronic hood/trunk release. My Cab has them.
5. Much less RMS leaks issue. (Rear main seal).
6. Better looking rear bumper. (my opinion).
7. Coupe does offers sunroof.
8. Full leather option vs. partial or vinyl.
9. Perforated seats or supple seats (soft). Porsche crests on head rest, heated seats (optional). Sport seats with body color scheme (optional).
10. Navigation syst. is on later models (optional).
C4S is widebody with rear almost same as TT. I preferred it over the others C2, C4.
1. 02-04 has Turbo HID headlights.
2. 02-04 20+HP and 3.6 liter.
3. 02-04 interiro glove box.
4. 02-04 some has electronic hood/trunk release. My Cab has them.
5. Much less RMS leaks issue. (Rear main seal).
6. Better looking rear bumper. (my opinion).
7. Coupe does offers sunroof.
8. Full leather option vs. partial or vinyl.
9. Perforated seats or supple seats (soft). Porsche crests on head rest, heated seats (optional). Sport seats with body color scheme (optional).
10. Navigation syst. is on later models (optional).
C4S is widebody with rear almost same as TT. I preferred it over the others C2, C4.
02-04 do not all have Litronic headlights (HID) - it is an option
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I have my 05 Corvette, Chevy Silverado, Wife's Grand Cherokee and two motorcycles. I’m retired, don’t commute.
I don't use any of my cars near enough.
The Porsche is a car I've always wanted, I'll probably only use the car for weekend trips and weekend race-around-the-local-two-lane-highways. Planning on keeping the car a year, two at most… I put 12K miles/yr on my Corvette, I’d like it to be more, same for a Porsche… Then moving on to??
I don't use any of my cars near enough.
The Porsche is a car I've always wanted, I'll probably only use the car for weekend trips and weekend race-around-the-local-two-lane-highways. Planning on keeping the car a year, two at most… I put 12K miles/yr on my Corvette, I’d like it to be more, same for a Porsche… Then moving on to??
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Get an 02-04 model (IMO) - don't even worry about factory NAV, it sucks.
It is very simple to install an aftermarket double-din touchscreen NAV/DVD player that kicks butt and looks nice in the dash.
Good luck with your search and let us know what you come across before you buy. #1 thing to do when looking at a car that you like is get a "pre purchase inspection" from a knowledgeable Porsche shop to evaluate car's condition.
It is very simple to install an aftermarket double-din touchscreen NAV/DVD player that kicks butt and looks nice in the dash.
Good luck with your search and let us know what you come across before you buy. #1 thing to do when looking at a car that you like is get a "pre purchase inspection" from a knowledgeable Porsche shop to evaluate car's condition.
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Posts: 332
From: Stuttgart
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I have my 05 Corvette, Chevy Silverado, Wife's Grand Cherokee and two motorcycles. I’m retired, don’t commute.
I don't use any of my cars near enough.
The Porsche is a car I've always wanted, I'll probably only use the car for weekend trips and weekend race-around-the-local-two-lane-highways. Planning on keeping the car a year, two at most… I put 12K miles/yr on my Corvette, I’d like it to be more, same for a Porsche… Then moving on to??
I don't use any of my cars near enough.
The Porsche is a car I've always wanted, I'll probably only use the car for weekend trips and weekend race-around-the-local-two-lane-highways. Planning on keeping the car a year, two at most… I put 12K miles/yr on my Corvette, I’d like it to be more, same for a Porsche… Then moving on to??
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Posts: 332
From: Stuttgart
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Look for a C2S then with mileage over 14K but less than 40k. A CPO car still needs PPI prepurchase inspection and shipping a vehicle is not as expensive as you may think. I bought mine from Chi-Town and shipped it to Stuttgart - no regrets!
Last edited by Steve Germany; Mar 27, 2008 at 01:31 PM.
I'd recommend an 02+ if you have the money, they seem to typically have less issues, and are more refined. With that being said there are tons of 99-01 owners without any issues beyond regular service. I personally like the 02+ headlights, plus they have a 3.6l engine with 20 more hp. It's really not that big of a deal, not too many changes but it seems like if you have the money you might as well get a 02+.
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i think it also has to do with the car itself. our 99 c2 hasn't had any issues. bought it w/ 33K and it runs like a gem! our friend just bought a 99 c2 as well w/ no issues. i'm crossing my fingers as i hear stories about 99's having issues, but so far, so good.
we just do our regular mainten. on them, we autoX, them, etc., so they aren't babied at all.
GL in your search! i wouldn't say to stay away from a 99 c2. in fact, you can get a pretty good deal on them if you don't want to spend $$$ on a 997 at this point. just do some research on the vehicle and have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy it. =)
post up some pics when you get your new ride!
we just do our regular mainten. on them, we autoX, them, etc., so they aren't babied at all.
GL in your search! i wouldn't say to stay away from a 99 c2. in fact, you can get a pretty good deal on them if you don't want to spend $$$ on a 997 at this point. just do some research on the vehicle and have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy it. =)
post up some pics when you get your new ride!
