Hey Everyone,

I went and looked at a few 2003 911's last night, and was very dissapointed in what I found. One particular place (Sports Trend Auto) was trying to pass on previously wrecked ones and was selling them around blue book.

A couple of them I noticed had some carmelized oil under the oil filler cap. I'd assuming this should be an automatic disqualification. Maybe its common on this particular engine. Are their any really serious warning signs to look for besides the leaking rear main seal?

Also I read somewhere to only expect 10k miles out of a set of rear tires. I have read several times the backs where out quickly, but seriously 10k miles. That would seriously up the maintenance costs, so I need to know how accurate that is.

What would be a fair price to reasonably pay for a 2003-2004? Ideally I'd like to spend around $35k. Maybe thats an absurd price. I see tons for sale right around $40k. Is it reasonable to think I might be able to negotiate one of those into my price range?

For the cabriolet, does the top close completley on its own. All of the ones I have seen so far come pretty much all the way to the end, and then you had to pull the top to the roof to make it lock. Is that normal?

Thanks for all of your help.

 

I paid 27,500 for a silver '04 with 59,000 miles and 2 years of a very good extended warranty left (it paid for the clutch replacement at 45k!!) Had all service records and was truly immaculate. I think that's a really good deal, but the bottom line is be patient and find one you really like. I would avoid dealers. Most likely the car came from auction or trade in and the dealer has no idea WTF it's been through.

You can make the tires last longer than 10k if you set camber low and drive less aggressively. Between that and buying tires other than the overpriced Michelin's you can cut your tire costs by a third or more.

 

10 K miles on the rears is pretty much in the ballpark, Some get 15K, it all depends on how hard you drive the car, tire quality, track vs street, alignment, and tire pressure. I have an 04 C4S with 36K and 3 sets of rears, need 4th plus lst fronts. I drive moderately hard and like to take car to So Cal mountains for a good drive.My 04 Cab, the top closes completely and locks automatically. When using the key in the door lock, if you turn the key clockwise, the top will come down automatically. As far as price, there are a ton of variables. C2, C4, C4S, Manual, Tiptronic, Coupe Cab, leather, extras such as spoilers, aeros, rims, etc? Of course mileage and maintenance records, IMS, Rms done, Brakes done (900-1500), tires? General condition of paint and interior. IF looking at a stock, pristine 03-04 C2-C4 (<40Kmi)should fetch around $32-34K, a similiar C4S around $38-40K. Cabs are about 1K more. all price are my estimation of a car selling in Southern California. Remember: if it is really cheap or a super bargain, there must be a reason, you pay for you get!

 

Griff, that about says it all...

 

Thanks for the notes so far guys. The ones I looked at were in the price range Griff stated. However they were obviously salvaged, and it was a shady dealer. So with what I'm hearing, what I'm looking for is reasonable. Ill just have to look pretty aggressively. The ones Ive seen at reputable dealers get snapped up before I've had a chance to look at them.

In everyone's opinion, what years should I look for if I want a daily driver. Ive been holding tight to 2003 and 2004, but should I include even 2002 in my search?

 

2002. sure says he who owns one.

jb

 

I think in 2002, they cosmetically gave it a facelift...better lights, some little things here and there.

But in 2003 is when all the electrical got updated. IE, you could buy a plug and play stock Navi deck and plug up add antenna and be done with. Cant do that on 2002 and down. So if that doesn't matter, 2002, but if it does, 2003 and up. I wish i knew this when i got my 2002, I would have opted for 2003.

Other factors, I'd only buy either C4s or a carrera with an Aero kit, they look better IMHO.

 

2002 is fine. It's possible that the Vario-Cam Plus started in 2003 which gives the engine a small amount of additional performance. But 2002 is the beginning of the MkII version of the 996.

 

As stated many times here and before, buy the latest model year you can afford.

 

What is a reasonable mileage life expectancy on these cars if maintained properly? Also, what mileage range is the most common for a major repair?

 

I've just bought a 2001 coupe 996 C4, 79k. Lot of options, Almost like brand new. More milleage but all the major things was done, and by the condition of the car I feel very comfortable with it. I don't think milleage is the main concern. that's the best I've found here in Montreal for the money I had to spent.

 

I recently nought a 2001 with 35k miles. Some small issues (ignition switch, see my other post), but otherwise it's a fun daily driver for the money. convertible top closes and locks electronically, not sure what models require manual close, since mine is a basic c2.

Totally agree with Den, C4 or aero changes the look of the car completely. I will need to add the aero skirts soon.

 

Awesome. Thanks all for the info. Feel free to add more. All the ones I've been interested in so far have been sold while I was at work. I figured I better not chance my job though if Im committing to a new car loan lol. Im gonna see what I come up with this weekend.

 

Quick question about tires since everyone says you have to replace the backs frequently. Im assuming the fronts and rears must be a different size and you cant rotate them. Am I correct?

 

I think Variocam Plus did start in 2002, if I'm not mistaken. 2002 - 2005 n/a cars will have the 3.6L engine, producing 320 hp.

Cosmetically, the 2002, 2003 and 2004 cars are essentially identical. The upgrade to electronics can be viewed two ways. The fiber optic MOST system was put into late build 2002 and beyond cars. The early 2002s utilized traditional copper wires. My understanding is that this actually gives you more options if you want to upgrade your system. That being said, there are plenty of options for 2003 and 2004 cars. This is a very minor issue, and shouldn't keep you from buying either type of car.

I drive a 2002 C4S every day, and it's very reliable. I've got about 91K miles on it now. I'm on my original engine and transmission. I did have my RMS replaced and my intermediate shaft seal (both around 75K miles). I've also had the clutch done once, and I think it will probably need to be done again fairly soon.

I think that 10K for rear tires is reasonable for this car. You can certainly buy tires that offer a harder rubber compound and the potential for longer life, but you'll sacrifice handling. It's a tradeoff that most people who buy Porsches don't want to make. The rear tires are larger than the fronts, so you can't rotate them. On the C4S the rears are 295s, while the fronts are 225s. They are also "directional" tires (depending on which brand you buy), so you can't even rotate some of them from one side of the car to the other.