Hello Guys,

I've been scouring the internet for a knowledgable forum in which to get information and I landed here. Here is the situation:

I'm about to do the craziest thing I've ever done and trade a crossover SUV in for a 911. I've been waiting, dreaming, contemplating this move a good majority of my 32 years, and now it's finally time--even if I'm not practically prepared for every hiccup in the process, I'm doing it because sometimes life must lived, rather than planned. The details will be worked out as they manifest themselves.

So, with my trade-in worth about $10,000, the cars I'm looking are around $32-$33k.

I live in the DC area and thankfully, there are tons of decent cars to choose from, and I have my eye on a 2002 targa with 18,800 on the clock. There are options, of course. I could stretch my means and get a 2003, but there's no way I can swing a 997. It's either a 2002 996, or a 993. I've read WAY too many horror stories about earlier 996 to tread into that minefield.

A close second is a gorgeous 2002 Carrera, but the dealer is located somewhere in rural MD and in his listing, the car claims the car to be at 45k. Oddly enough, one of the photos is of the odometer and it clearly states about 47k. The car's still under warranty, but this oversight alone turns me off enough. The listing price is right around $29k... Of course, I would prefer to avoid the targa's elaborate roof, and its extra weight, but right now, at least on paper, it's the winner.

Primarly, my concern is with the RMS defect I've been reading about. Now, the dealer claims that this targa has all of its service records and is in perfect condition (because why would he say anything different), but a voice in my head is telling me that $32,000 is too little for a car that's barely been used (driven only on sunny days, according to the vendor).

My questions to you guys are:

1.) Is there a way I can spot an RMS leak without getting a professional inspection?

2.) Based on the year/mileage and price, does this offer smell fishy?

3.) If my goal is to drive this car every day, should I look to an earlier 993?

4.) I know that 911s are well built, but generally speaking, at what mileage milestone do 996s start to show their wear (given average driving conditions and habits).

Thanks in advance guys, you've got a great forum and I'm already enjoying it.

 

I think the Targa is a good deal but not so much that I would be suspicious. In this market there are no suprises regarding price. Just make sure you get a PPI and have it checked it out. To give you some perspective, I also recently bought a 2002 Targa with 16,600 miles and 14 months left on a CPO warranty last September for $35,500, which at that time was a great deal. I have had no problems with the car except for a rear wheel bearing that the dealer replaced for me under warranty. The targa top is a great option and I doubt you will notice any real difference in handling on the street.

 

From what I have seen the 993 is priced higher than the 996. That price sounds like a good starting point for the Targa. These cars are not flying off the lots right now. The other dealer may have had the car on the lot for awhile and took some updated pictures or transposed a number. I think you can look under the car and see oil underneath with a leaking RMS. Just get down under there or have them put it on a lift if they have one.

 

Thanks guys. I'll be sure to get a PPI before going into this. Like I said before, I'd rather take a carrera, but the low miles on this thing really seals the deal. .1 or .2 seconds slower won't make the difference for me at this point.