I've been thinking about picking up a 2002-2003 C4S as a DD.

I know Porsche makes rock-solid car and being used as a DD is 100% with in reason.

• I live in Wisconsin, we have snow 8 months out of the year. Can a C4s be driven reliably in 3-4 inches of snow?
• I read some forums about IMS / RMS failure.... is this still an issue in the 2002-2003 model years? or was that just 97-01?
• Scheduled maintenance, how much are we looking at for 30k service, 45k, or w/e is next?
• Can I change my own oil? or take it to a quick service? This is something I cannot do with my current vehicles because the dealership needs to reset the computer.
• Is it possible to fit a kids car seat in the back, or at least a booster for a 4-5 year old?
• This would be my first purchase of a used vehicle. I know carfax has good info and I've heard of a PPI, but I'm not sure what that is or where to get one done.
• If this purchase is made through a Porsche dealership is a PPI needed?

I know this is a lot of questions and thanks in advance for any answers.

 

Help me out here guys! I'm trying to convince my wife that a 911 is a wise choice for my next car.

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Can anyone tell me of their experiences with a C4s?

 

I recently sold my late fathers C4S, although a 2007. It is a great car. It is different than a C2 and I think you will be very happy especially in your weather climate for a daily driver.
My advice get the newest year car with the lowest mileage you can afford with your budget and get a warranty or CPO.

I live in Wisconsin, we have snow 8 months out of the year. Can a C4s be driven reliably in 3-4 inches of snow?
yes if you dare but it will be better than a C2
I read some forums about IMS / RMS failure.... is this still an issue in the 2002-2003 model years? or was that just 97-01?
IMS is a possible issue but not as much as a 99 -02. RMS is possible also
Scheduled maintenance, how much are we looking at for 30k service, 45k, or w/e is next?
depends on dealer - these cars cost money to maintain expect 800-1000bucks
Can I change my own oil? or take it to a quick service? This is something I cannot do with my current vehicles because the dealership needs to reset the computer.
You can if you want to - I would let dealer do it
Is it possible to fit a kids car seat in the back, or at least a booster for a 4-5 year old?
yes but 4-5 may be the oldest due to his/her size
This would be my first purchase of a used vehicle. I know carfax has good info and I've heard of a PPI, but I'm not sure what that is or where to get one done.
PPI is done by porsche dealer - highly recommend one and highly recommend getting a car witha warranty from Porsche
If this purchase is made through a Porsche dealership is a PPI needed?
Dealer usually will do a PPI if they are selling - ask them to do it and what a warranty will cost

 

Thank you so much for the response.

 

I just bought a 2004 C4s, with ALL the same questions you had. I am NO expert, but in my research on this site and talking to my local delaers ( I have 4 within 25 miles of my home) I can give you some info -
A C4S can be driven in the snow - Snow tires are VERY recommended. I would probably avoid more than 2-3 inches though. ( I use mine as a daily driver for 6 months. Ford F150 for the other 6)

RMS/IMS is a serious problem if it happens to you. But it seems pretty rare. Certainly having the car inspected will give you some peace of mind, but not guaranteed. Think about warranty if that much of a problem

Oil - Change your own with quality filter if you have ability. Otherwise dealer. Only once a year. DO NOT USE a 19.99 type place - my opinion. Also, if you have a problem with the engine PCNA will leave you hanging if you didnt service the car correctly. May leave you hanging anyway, but I digress.

I have had my wife, 10 year old and year old in a booster all in the car for a ride. After 5 minutes, everyone was miserable, but i have had both kids in he car for school dropoffs and Little league runs many times. They think its a go-kart. It is, right?

If you are buying from a dealer, ask if a PPI was done - probably was. Also, ask if a warranty is available. IF a private sale, A PPI is a must. $300 or so will save you thousands. My first find looked great. Flawless, with 24000 miles. PPI found so much wrong with it - I was quoted 11,000 to fix it up to CPO spec. I am not knowledgeable enough about engines in general, and Porsche in particular. You can judge if it looks nice, but can you tell if it was cared for? Carfax will only give a bit. PPI through a dealer will also tell you which services were done and when.

Final advice - I love my car. The best advice I got on this board was to take your time, find exactly the car you want in your price range, dont skimp on due diligence, be prepared (emotionally and financially) for unexpected expenses, and enjoy the process.

The one bit of advice I didnt follow was get the newest car you can afford. I personally felt the car I got was a better value to me - not necessarily resale value - than a newer car for 10-20,000 more that I wouldnt enjoy any more at all.


Sorry for the long post. Im sure there are going to be people who disagree with some or all of what I said, so listen to what makes sense, and DO DUE DILIGENCE

 

No one is going to be able to give you the 100% correct answer.

With buying any used car, if you don't know what you're looking at, PPI. Warranties are always good and give you more piece of mind. Car fax reports give some info, but not all accidents are reported, going back to PPI.

As for fitting the family, I have a c4s, and wouldn't stick my family in there unless I was caught in a bind, in my case the c4s is a 3rd car. It would however fit if I had to. Maybe consider getting that 'harness bar' installed in the front seat, deactivating the airbags when you need to, and stick a porsche car seat up front if you need to put your kid in there?

As for it being in the snow...no idea, i live in california, and have 2 other AWD SUV type cars if i ever wanted to drive to winter

 

Is it true you can't get a CPO if you are the 3rd+ owner? It only is available if you are the 2nd owner?

 

good question. I have found this to vary dealer to dealer, and dependent on lower mileage cars

 

I dont believe it is not possible. Obviously you have to buy from a dealer for it to be CPO'd, and not all dealer sales are CPO-able. My car is a 3rd owner 2004 with 53000 miles and Igot it CPO'd for 2years to 100,000

 

CPO is a comprehensive inspection and costs teh dealer roughly 3500. That being said even small things can disqualify a car. Thery are really picky.

That being said you can most likley get a longer warranty for 3500.00

As far as kids in the back seat i used to pcik up my niece and nephew from school920 miles away) in my 996 and although not great it can work.

Snow tires are a must in the winter I'd recommend snow tires and rims for winter months switch fo rthe summer months.

 

Thanks for all the help guys.

I'm going to be heading to the dealership on the 5th to take a look and hopefully test drive some cars.

 

Dealership here in SoCal is happy to sell you a warranty.... now you might not like the cost but if it passes their inspection they will take your money...

In dealing with the fairer sex... perhaps you need to sell her a bit.... does she want to drive it? A friend had this problem but as long as he bought a Tip and she could drive it... the deal was blessed!