I have had a 911, a 944 and a 944 S2. I am currently looking at a 996 turbo and 4S. I was initially shopping for a turbo before I purchased the 911 but could not find the right car but this time I really want that wide body and also considering a 4S.

Can anyone help me with a couple of questions

Are there any years to look for or stay away from?

Mileage?

Mods to stay away from or buy stock only?

Dealer or private sale?

Extended warranty ?

Would the 4S be recommended over the turbo?

Thanks

 

2001 Turbo's have no glove box and have some slight differences structurally. Not a big deal to me.
Later year 996 Turbos may have the X50 package, and cup holders...
None of them suck...

I bought my Turbo in March of 2010 and have put ~10k miles on it since. No issues. Oil Change, Tires, Insurance...

Pre Purchase Inspection is a must. I think there is a good thread on Rennlist about PPI's, worth a look.

short answer, Test drive everything. It's Fun.

I test drove a 997 carrera, 996 C4S, and several 996 Turbos before making my decision. (see signature)

My rationale:

The 997 felt newer and more modern (because it is), but didn't feel as special or exciting as the wide body 996's. From the driver's seat looking through the windshield, the 996 and 997 felt similar to me.

The price difference between C4S and Turbo seemed to be around $5k (at least in March of 2010).

If you think you may ever want more power and you mod the C4S, you could be in a Turbo for the money spent. Turbo's come with Full leather and the Mezger block engine, which doesn't have many of the issues the other 996's do (IMS). I feel like the extra 5 grand is money well spent.

If big straight line speed and gobs of mid range torque sound good to you, definitely test drive the Turbo. A salesman told me "if you test drive a 996 Turbo, you will buy one". He was right.
The Turbo will require a little more self control than the others...

Repeat after me "Test drive everything. It's Fun."

 

I've got a 2002 C4S and it's a great car. The 996 C4S was produced between 2002 and 2005. They are essentially the same, so I'd buy the newest one you can find.

The C4S is a well equipped car, including full-leather interior and other nice options. I'd avoid the factory NAV system (or at least not pay extra for it) and put in an aftermarket system. That upgrade alone will make a 996 feel more modern.

I would also avoid a garage queen. Cars with very low mileage are often the ones that have IMS troubles. Buy one that has been driven.

Personally, I like the smoother likes of the C4S better than the turbo, and I like the engine sound of the n/a car better (especially with Fister sport mufflers).

Good luck with your search and have fun.

 

in case you buy a 4s, dont mess with mods cause you re gonna waste a a lot of money.