I did indeed search and found a few contradicting answers, but I wanted a response tailored exactly to my questions as I haven't found answers to all of them yet.

I've been a BMW guy my entire life, but a Porsche guy at heart. I just haven't had the money to step into one until now (and I still might not).

I just sold my E46 M3 and am looking into a 996, but am unsure on what exactly to look for and what I could get for my money.

My budget is capped at $35k for the car + extended warranty if necessary and anything else I may need. Realistically, I'll be able to cover emergency repairs if necessary, but I'm a huge fan of preventative maintenance. If I'm able to drop $1500 at any given time should I be in alright shape or is it more than that?

1) How much car can I get for 35k?

2) What is the difference between a C4 and a C4S?

3) Is it basically pure preference over the the RWD/AWD setup or is there more performance with either? The car won't be driven in the snow, but I'd like to be able to have confidence while driving in the rain and such.

4) How do higher mileage cars do (45k+)?

5) Will I have comfort issues in a 996 if I'm 6'5, 250lbs, with a size 13 shoe?

6) Is there any years I should look out for?

7) Are there any warning signs that should immediately make me walk away?

8) I don't plan on modding it aside from a few visual upgrades, but how well does the car respond to engine modifications?

9) Are the tires really that expensive to replace? I averaged 1200 for a new set on my M3, but I'm hearing bigger numbers.

10) Oil changes can be DIY from what I understand. How much does an independent shop usually charged to do one though?

11) What options are a must have for the average driver who will be using it as a DD?

Any other helpful information is welcomed.

 

Check the classifieds, they had a 996tt for 37!

 

Can't help you with all your questions, but I will with those I can:

1) Be patient, and check all the classifieds and your dealer(s). It will give you a good idea of what you can get within your budget. Every market is different.
2) C4 is a narrow body, C4S is the widebody - more of a Turbo look
3) Weight penalty with AWD. Lots of folks love their C4S though
6) 2002 and up is best. More HP
7) Leaky Rear Main Seal is the biggest.
9) $1200 will get you VERY close to replacement Michelin PS2s
10) If you have ramps, it's one of the easiest DIY oil changes out there. I have an E46 M3 as well, and the 996 is way easier to change.

Best of luck in your search!

 

Oil changes are very easy to do yourself, the car takes about 8-9 liters of oil but extended drain intervals

at your height the best thing to do is get into one

I had a friend who's 6'3" with similar proportions get into my car and he wasn't comfortable.

 

5) i'm 6' 1'' 225lbs and i feel like i have plenty of room, the m felt like it had a bit more room but not by much
9) i have heard people being very happy with sumitomos which are very inexpensive, i have toyo t1r's and paid under 1,000 and am very happy with them
10) ive heard arround $200.00 from an indy shop, apparently its very easy to diy though for 80 bucks or less

i came from an e46 m as well, really hurt to sell it as i really loved it but i dont regret it for second

definately get a ppi and dme report

 

Send me a PM, I have something for you.

 

Thanks for the help thus far.

I received your PM c2mojo, but I'm unable to respond due to my low post count.

Send the info to juanizmyname@gmail.com

Also another question - how reasonable is the Porsche dealership with younger guys? I'm in my early twenties and still get **** from some dealers because of my age. The BMW dealership I went through was awesome, but it's been the only awesome one out of a ton of been to.

 

1) How much car can I get for 35k?
You can get a C4S with few mods and moderate miles for $31k and that leaves you $4k for a warranty

2) What is the difference between a C4 and a C4S? Wide body versus narrow, bigger brakes, full leather interior standard on the C4S

3) Is it basically pure preference over the the RWD/AWD setup or is there more performance with either? The car won't be driven in the snow, but I'd like to be able to have confidence while driving in the rain and such.
IMO shouldn't be an issue for consideration if not driven in snow

4) How do higher mileage cars do (45k+)? 45k is high mileage on a 6+ year old car?

5) Will I have comfort issues in a 996 if I'm 6'5, 250lbs, with a size 13 shoe? You should definitely order the center console delete option from Suncoast. It will give you more leg room

6) Is there any years I should look out for? No. 2002+ has some improvements including a little more HP

7) Are there any warning signs that should immediately make me walk away? A PPI must be done by a qualified Indy. Otherwise on your initial inspection just use common sense

8) I don't plan on modding it aside from a few visual upgrades, but how well does the car respond to engine modifications? Unless you supercharge it engine mods are a waste of money IMO

9) Are the tires really that expensive to replace? I averaged 1200 for a new set on my M3, but I'm hearing bigger numbers. Depends on the tires you get. They can range from $800-$1,500

10) Oil changes can be DIY from what I understand. How much does an independent shop usually charged to do one though? Get a floor jack and jack stands. Oil changes and brakes are a piece of cake

11) What options are a must have for the average driver who will be using it as a DD? The only absolute must have is PSM. Everything else is personal preference

 

Great response from Deckman.

 

Recommend you sit in one first and see if you'll fit. I'm only 5'10" and need the seat bottom all the way back to work the pedals properly - only an inch or so clearance above my noggin. With a helmet on, I'm rubbing the roof liner, or too far back for proper hand position. Everyone's different.

 

1) How much car can I get for 35k? RIGHT NOW - a lot! make offers, people are interested.

2) What is the difference between a C4 and a C4S? both are AWD. “S” has bigger brakes and turbo look plus interior upgrades.

3) Is it basically pure preference over the the RWD/AWD setup or is there more performance with either? The car won't be driven in the snow, but I'd like to be able to have confidence while driving in the rain and such. AWD makes turns easier but less fun. As a daily driver, AWD might be a little safer; it all depends on your driving habits.

4) How do higher mileage cars do (45k+)? In general, a well maintained 911 will run forever! And believe me, there are people out there who take very good care of their 911’s and those are the cars to find.

6) Is there any years I should look out for? 3.4L in the 1999-2001, 3.6L in the 2002-2004. People say there are more electrical problems with the 3.4L model, but I haven’t had those problems –yet!

8) I don't plan on modding it aside from a few visual upgrades, but how well does the car respond to engine modifications? Yes there are things that help, but if its your DD, they aren’t usually worth it. Generally they will just make the ride rougher or the car louder

9) Are the tires really that expensive to replace? I averaged 1200 for a new set on my M3, but I'm hearing bigger numbers. Yes, you can find decent tire for 1200. Make friends and build relationships at shops and they will help you out.

They truly are GREAT cars! I think you will thoroughly enjoy owning a 911. Let us know what you find!