Noob on the forum but not new to performance cars/track days etc.

With the market being the way it is, I have decided it is time to pick up a 996 and have some fun! I am looking at spending no more than about $30K, and I am seeing some nice C2's and C4S's locally and online from 1999-2002.

I would definitely prefer the larger 3.6 motor (I'd buy a 3.8 if I could swing it!), but I am not sure whether there are important differences to note, performance wise or otherwise in these cars. I've driven a 996 Carrera 2 and 996 turbo, but not the Carrera 4. I do not remember the year of the Carrera 2 (probably an '00 or '01) but it was a blast to drive. The car had bilsteins and a GHL exhaust that sounded killer.

My plan is to pick up a car and take it to PCA DE days and open lapping days now that Denver has a new and outstanding track that is opening any weekend now...when the snow stops!

I am guessing the C4 is easier to drive on the track, but that is not the appeal. A C4 could be driven all year round here whereas the C2 would be parked for a minimum of several months.

 

Welcome...

 

Thank you cap'sx51

 

Hi!
Good luck and welcome... You're on the right forum to learn about it.
renntech is also a great resource with a ton of knowledgeable people....

Go C4S if you can... The look of the wide body is really mean...
You also get the chassis, suspensions, brakes of the TT.
Not that the C2 or C4 is not a good car but might as well get the full experience. (and PSM is standard, nice if you have to drive a lot in the rain or snow)...

I would also stay away from 99-01 and go with the mkII, seems more reliable, but I don't know if you'll find a good C4S below $30K :-(

my 2 cents...

 

I knew the C4S has the TT wide body; I did NOT realize that the chassis, suspension and brakes were upgraded from the base Carrera. Those are reason enough to go for the C4S I think.

Looking around, I do think I can get a 2002 mid mileage car (40-50K) for 30k.

 

Welcome aboard Zev... post pics when you get it.

Rudy

 

I've had mine for a year now and enjoy it. I don't need all-weather tires on the coast, but you'll need a set for winter if you dont run then all year. standard tires, I use pole position 730 020 Bridgestones and they are very secure in the rain, and we get lots of rain. good luck.

 

Welcome aboard! You can't go wrong with any Porsche vehicle but 02 and up have a bit more power and minor upgrades here and there that definitely makes it more appealing and the one to choose. I drive mine as a daily driver and rain and thunderstorms don't phase it! Hearing the engine sing is my personal treat for a hard days work.