Buy the newest you can afford, unless you are buying the 99 as a base for a lot of mods.

The 02 is a very different car from the 99'. It is more than just a cosmetic face lift, the frame is more rigid, the engine, suspension, transmission are beefed up and different and in 03' the electronics are completely different as many systems began communicating over fiberoptic(some people think this is good/bad since it prevents many aftermarket stereo upgrades without removal of a lot of existing equipment).

There is nothing wrong with a 99' if that is what's in your budget, if you can get an extended warranty all the better, but still keep in mind the maintenance on these cars, regardless of year.

Tires... Your lucky if you get more than 12k, I have seen a much as 25k and as little as 7k from many 996 owners. figure $1000 bucks from tirerack.com

Clutch... They don't make them like they used to, the dual mass flywheel based systems in these cars last significantly less than other cars. I know guys who got 150k miles on their 911 between clutch changes who only got 50k miles on their 996 clutches. Figure 2000 bucks, and have your RMS changed at the same time with the newer style seal as the part is only $40 bucks and the labor minor when the transmission is out of the car for the clutch change.

Brakes... These seem to have normal wear, but parts such as rotors and pads can be expensive

Oil changes...Synthetic oil only, so 200-300 bucks from a dealer or still about 80-100 bucks in a do-it yourself mode due to materials.

major services, don't ask... Also the spark plugs on a the pre-02's need to be changed at 30k not 60k and they are accessed from below the car, so If you are doing it your self, get the jack-hammer out and make your self a "pit" in your garage now, you'll need it....

Not trying to scare you, I just want you to be an informed buyer...

Cheers,
Corey

 

In response to RWDFT - about option codes.

I don't know my code off-hand for the "dynamic driving differential" but input the codes under your bonnet into this link
http://www.kindel.com/Porsche/options.asp

 

lots of good information guys...keep it coming. i'm also going to be looking for a 911 in about 4 months. i like the 02-03 front bumper and headlights, but i fear that only the 99-01 will be in my price range when the time comes to buy. so i'm also trying to be aware of all the maintenance issues.

Paul, i love your ride. is that a "Boxster" red interior?

 

Performance Products... Used clear silicone to apply.

Paul

 

Yup Boxster red... Kinda unique huh?