Specifically, market value. It seems that 996 are abundant enough that it fetches at or below KBB, but I haven't researched extensively.

I'm specifically thinking a 1999 Carrera 4 with 70k miles? It seems that this is a more rare species.

 

Is there a reason why you would want that particular year?

 

I've been shopping around (mainly just researching) and there are 99-01's with 70k that are listed for as low as 19k. I even saw an 02 C4S for 28k with 50k miles.

I almost bought a 2000 C4 3 years ago and the cheapest I could find was 30k for one with 50k miles.

I might save up for a 997 now?

 

It makes the 996 an awesome performance deal... I'm still half-looking, but I've been tending towards a Turbo for the reliability factor. If I could be convinced the bearing/seal failures in the non-turbos aren't as big a problem as I'm led to believe, I could set my sights a bit lower...

 

Not THAT low, Brad. That car is pretty rough! Which is too bad, since it looks nice on the outside, and all it probably needs is a headgasket or two.

 

If it helps give you an idea, I just purchased my '99 C4 with 43,000 miles on it back in November 09 and paid $21,500 for it. I considered that a pretty good deal considering prices that I had seen for comparable C2's. Also, car was in good shape, PPI was fairly clear (rear bent tie rod) and I'd say the paint was in pretty decent shape, few swirl marks and about 2 pencil-eraser sized chips on the hood. Hope that helps.

 

I'm also curious as to why specifically a '99? Certainly there are great deals to be had - but that is equally true of most 996s.

My personal belief is that Porsche learned as they went and incorporate that knowledge throughout the model life.

FWIW I recently purchased an 03 C2 Cab with 55K miles for 23,900. Also a near-spotless PPI (needs a clutch in the near future).

 

Mainly I want a '99 because I do plan on daily driving it and not feel guilty about putting miles on it. I already have a garage queen, so I want something that is driven and racks up miles.

 

Wow, a 996 can't handle 100k+ miles? Surprising to say the least.

 

12500. miles on my c4 and the ims bearing failed. stay away from the early 996. replacement from porsche is 14500. plus labor. im rebuilding mine myself and looking at 7000. and thats adding another 45 hp.

 

^ There is an IMS bearing issue on the 996 line in general. Since Porsche won't publish failure rates, we really have no way of knowing if specific model years are more prone than others - however, it does seem that extremely low mileage cars *are* more susceptible. On a 99, I would look for a car with ~60K miles.

I would also budget to have the IMS beariing replaced with the LN Engineering modified bearing almost immediately.

 

as long as you plan on doing the ims bearing it really doesnt matter what the mileage is. cleaning the pan and pickup screen and hopefully just have to install the new ims on tuesday when it arrives. will let everyone know how it works out..

 

porsche will not publish failure rates but my dealer has had 7 failures in the last 6 months. that doesnt include mine because im doing the repair myself.

 

Will they provide any info on model year failure rates?