Hi, I'm new here. I'm planning to buy a 996 soon so i'm in the process of researching info before I buy. I found this forum and I think there's a lot of valuable information although it can be overwhelming and confusing sometimes. Can you guys summarize some of the most important tips when buying a 911. My preference is 996 carrera coupe. I'd like to know any years to avoid? I heard '99 '00? true? oil leak issues? I appreciate any input...

Thank you!

Ricardo

 

Welcome Ricardo!
996's are great cars, but unfortunately ALL years have their issues. Don't let my response scare you, just take your time and do your research (try rennlist.com as well). MK1's ('99-'01) are fine, I strongly suggest purchasing an aftermarket warranty regardless of the year.

 

welcome to the 6- try using the Search feature, there are many similar threads. Try "buying 996" or similar.

I would suggest looking for 2002 - 2005 pcars. 2002 and up had a lot of upgrades and improvements, including larger engine / xenon lights / redesigned headlights / interior, etc.

Regardless of any pcar you are looking at be sure to get a "Pre Purchase Inspection" (PPI) done on the car before you buy. Costs about $200 or so. Well worth it.
What's your budget?

 

another great site for unbiased Porsche info: www.renntech.org - best place on the net for model year and technical info. Look for Loren (site owner) - he's a walking encyclopedia of pcar knowledge.

 

Thank you for your comments. I've been reading the forum here and at http://www.renntech.org/ and I found very good information. My budget is around 35k, I'd like to find a '02, not sure if I can get a car in good condition for that budget. I know I'll take it easy and give plenty of time and education before I decide on anything. I've been in love with the 911 since I was a kid, now I think I can get to drive one but at the same time I want to be financially responsible.... one bit of advice I read is to buy with the head and not the heart... easy to say!

thank you
keep your comments coming!

 

Rick- I hear ya.. Keep in kind though that buying a Pcar is a desicion of fun, and has very little to do with practicality or financial responsibility. Basically, you know what you make income-wise and what you can afford. Life is short, buy what makes you happy and enjoy it.

$35k budget- so ask yourself, how much is $5k more really going to matter? I'd suggest upping your budget to $40k - That will get you into a clean lower-mileage 02 / 03 if you shop around. Look for something the 25k or less miles, 1 owner.

You could spend more money on a new Prius, fully loaded.. responsible? yes. fun? no.

 

don't push me, i'm trying to control myself... I totally agree with your thoughts, for me driving is a pleasure and I believe Porsche cars are made for people that enjoy driving above everything else. Everybody here know for that you need to give some 'comfort' and performance is expensive...

I'm hooked on the search, thank you for taking the time to educate us the noob's

 

Control should go right out the window. Live once, live large. Work hard, play hard.
You probably won't go broke or suffer any dire financial consequences by stepping up your range (else you wouldn't even be shopping for a pcar)- even if you are financing, $5k extra barely changes the monthly payment amount, so quit f-ing around and go for it

Seriously though, look at the avg. price range of cars you would like to get into and set your budget accordingly. Worst thing you can do is buy too cheap and have a big mess of problem car on your hands, forever tainting your pcar ownership experience.
Lets say you find a $35k higher mileage car. Will you need to put another $10k into it over the next x years? Would it have cost you less to buy a $40k-$45k car with less miles and lower ownership expense? A lot to consider..

 

Another way to look at it is that the 10K in maint/repairs is up front unexpected expenses. Which suck. With the second options it's minimal if financing like you said. I was in the same position as the OP and was thinking 35K. I'm now looking at 45K and will talk them down since car sales are slow for non supercar sports cars right now.

 

NS- Two thumbs up on your thinking, that is the right way to go. Any luck yet?
BTW, back when I bought my 02 C2 996 w/ 24k miles on it, they were asking $44k (already a good price at the time, 2yrs ago)- I talked them down to $37.5k shipped from TX to my door in CA. Point is you never know what you can get until you ask

 

I think you make sense, that's why I came to this forum with that question. It's always helpful to hear the experience from somebody who went through the same process...

I've been reading the posts here and at rennlist everyday, I think the information here is extraordinary. If I were to buy today my target would be a 2002 coupe, low miles, manual transmission (of course). Funny thing is that cars with tiptronic are cheaper than manual, seems like the majority of Porsche owners don't like it. I noticed here in california most of cars are cabs, not that I don't like them but prefer coupes. I still have quite a few months on my bimmer lease so I'll keep looking and educating myself about these wonderful cars.

 

good luck with your purchase! it's always exciting to get a new pcar!

we had the same reservations about purchasing a pre-2001 996 c2. but, when we came across the one that we currently own now, it was in great shape inside and out. we could see all of the mainten. record and ours, fortunately has not had an issue with the RMS. we've been very happy with ours and would do it all over again! it's been a great ride. we bought it w/ 33K miles and she's still had no problems other than a clutch change out.

best wishes with your search!