Chicago6MT

I'm knee-deep in the search, and have been for the better part of a decade or so. Torn on several fronts, and have looked at some E46's. At this point I'm looking local at an '02 C2 6sp coupe with 55k miles, dealer and indy service, IMS, RMS and Clutch within 10k miles, silver/blk. I think it's overpriced at $27 and am patiently waiting for it to come down or to find a C4S within range. I prefer the body and extra power, and am nostalgic due to time spent in an '02 C4S while in Germany that same year. Autobahn, mountains, etc. - Amazing trip.

I want to do some track days and weekend trips, as well as some decompression driving around my area.

I am worried about the many ways the car can fail, though, and am considering a high mileage example for low money that I could beat the **** out of and not worry about.

While searching, I came across this:

'99 C2 coupe 6sp, red/blk, decent service history on carfax, pretty good condition for 120k and $11,500.

http://www.sportcitymotors.com/1999_...269140486.veh#

Thoughts on realistic price for the '02?
Anyone in Dallas want to test drive a '99?

99' Carfax sans annual inspections:

12/01/2015
104,052 mi


Warrior Tire

• Tire(s) balanced
• Tire(s) mounted
• Tire(s) replaced

07/07/2014
88,546 mi


Eurosport Automotive, Inc.

• Four wheel alignment performed
• Sway bar link(s) replaced

06/27/2014
88,132 mi


Autobahn Service Center

• Oil and filter changed

06/27/2014
88,123 mi


Porsche of Plano

• Maintenance inspection completed
• Battery/charging system checked
• Brakes checked
• Tire condition and pressure checked

05/01/2014
87,995 mi


Mobil 1 Lube Express

• Maintenance inspection completed
• Emissions inspection performed

02/11/2013
86,461 mi


Porsche of Plano

• Vehicle serviced

10/08/2010
86,378 mi


Porsche of Plano

• Engine checked

07/30/2004
66,612 mi


Service Facility

• Vehicle serviced

03/15/2004
62,216 mi


Service Facility

• Vehicle serviced

02/20/2004


Service Facility

• A/C system checked

02/10/2004
60,872 mi


Service Facility

• Drivability/performance checked
• Fuel filler cap replaced

11/28/2003
58,424 mi


Service Facility

• Vehicle serviced

08/28/2003
55,219 mi


Service Facility

• Vehicle serviced

08/15/2003
54,699 mi


Service Facility

• Vehicle serviced

08/04/2003
54,549 mi


Service Facility

• Vehicle serviced

FRUNKenstein

I'd want to pull the sump plate to look for metal, but other than that, looks good. The obvious front bumper cover damage notwithstanding. No need to worry about the IMS bearing on a '99. That's one thing I absolutely loved about my '99: I drove it everywhere and didn't worry about it because it had over 100k miles and I didn't pay an arm and a leg for it.

vitaminC

You've been looking for 10 years? Just buy one already. Think of how many awesome drives you've already missed

AnthonyGS

I own a '00 and think this one seems reasonable. I'm in DFW too. RAC could do a thorough PPI if desired.

Chicago6MT

Thank you. Great info. Do they have borescope capabilities?

I know...I know...
In fairness to my psychosis, my purpose for buying has changed to some degree over the years. I've been a 911 nut since grade school. Fell in love with the 996 C4S due to the trip to Germany. Drove it like it was intended to be driven. Looked at air-cooled examples for a while before they shot to the moon. Looked at 997.2s for a while to try and avoid the 69 ways a 996 can fail until I read they, too, are experiencing cylinder scoring issues and DFI issues. At this point I just want to drive and smile.

Here is a link to the 02 that is local. http://www.autoshowcase1.com/vehicle...il-id-18444292
Any thoughts? I have a 00 Ninja zx-6R I want to trade when I buy to make room in the garage. I'm thinking $25k out the door with my bike ($1,500 on trade) considering our insane 9.9% tax rate. Bueno/no bueno?

Like KCAttorney, I, too, am a liar...um, lawyer. Paralysis by analysis....

Here's a link to the E46 for comparison:
http://www.gcmchicago.com/detail-200...-16523141.html

Splitting Atoms

The 99 has a serial number close to mine. My car is a 3/98 build. Then I bought it, it had a bad ground that fried the alternator. I fixed those items and it has been running well ever since. It does have a few bugs, including at least one bad micro switch in the doors that has resulted in the battery going dead if I let is sit for a few days. A few other cosmetic things to fix or replace. I paid 11.5 for mine and I will probably have 16 in it after doing engine out maintenance and fixing the little things. At that price, I can drive it pretty guilt free.

808Bill

That 02 has had some crankshaft leak issues, I'd pass on that one.
Is that a crack in the windshield of the "99?

Chicago6MT

I called Midwest Performance on the IMS and why they had it back in so soon after the work was initially done. They are known to be a pretty reputable shop in town. They told me that the IMS repair was leaking a bit so they dropped the engine again and went back in to clean it up. Is the CSOS something you wouldn't change as preventative maintenance while you're in there?

Re: replacement of the CSOS:

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-...-oil-leak.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-replaced.html

And, yes, that is a crack in the 99 windshield.

Chicago6MT

One more '99 that's local. Grey/Grey, coupe, 6sp, 106k for $17k. Sparse detail on Carfax, but condition looks great with the exception of a little wear on the wheel, E-brake, and shifter.

http://www.i80autosales.com/inventory/details/32317842

06/16/2017
106,265 mi


Motor Werks Porsche

• Pre-delivery inspection completed
• Maintenance inspection completed

Rate Service







06/07/2017
106,259 mi


Motor Werks Porsche

• Maintenance inspection completed

Rate Service







08/09/2010
70,280 mi


Porsche Exchange

• Maintenance inspection completed
• Vehicle washed/detailed

03/03/2009
59,750 mi


Ormond Fine Imports

• Maintenance inspection completed
• Air filter checked
• Body lubricated
• Drivability/performance checked
• Fluids checked
• Oil and filter changed
• Oil pan drain plug replaced
• Tire condition and pressure checked
• Tire repaired

07/31/2008
54,510 mi


Ormond Fine Imports

• Maintenance inspection completed
• Air filter checked
• Body lubricated
• Drivability/performance checked
• Fluids checked
• Oil and filter changed
• Tire condition and pressure checked

04/02/2004


Mercedes-Benz of Orlando

Chicago6MT

UPDATE:
I spoke with Midwest Performance Cars this afternoon regarding the crankshaft oil seal replacements on the '02 C2 and a PPI and this is what Chris said:

He said that because the carfax does not specify whether its the FMS or RMS, it could be either, depending on when the work was done, and the latter two jobs were likely the RMS and then the updated RMS when Porsche issued that a few years back. Ultimately, he said it's not something that would discourage him from buying if that were my only concern and they could look up their records in detail to be sure.

Regarding a PPI, I thought to take it back to them since they have worked on the car and have records of their IMS/RMS/Clutch work, and because they warranty their work.

Here's the kicker. A normal PPI is $265 there. If I want a borescope job with photos, to drop the sump plate and cut open the oil filter, he said it will cost between $650 and $800! Damn...

I was expecting like $600, but I guess with labor and the oil change, that's about right...

Any thoughts?

AnthonyGS

As a point of reference (just one though), I paid 18k for a really nice '00 with 83k miles and proof of RMS, IMS and clutch replacement. That said, the cars you are looking at seem reasonable to me. It comes down to what color you want, and driving each of them and figuring out which one you want.


PPIs are great, but honestly anything short of a borescope PPI for cylinder wear isn't really going to tell you a whole lot you can't figure out on your own. Proof that the RMS, IMS and clutch have been done on the one car is probably worth more than a PPI.


I'm sure there are cars that have passed PPIs with flying colors only to explode shortly thereafter. It's going to happen. You can't enjoy your life or your car if you worry about it too much.

MoeMonney

The first red car in Dallas has the LSD option. I say get it.

Chicago6MT

Exactly. Because it has the IMS and RMS work, I likely would not elect to have the sump plate pulled. A long test drive, a thorough PPI, and a borescope would put my mind at ease.

And no 996 I buy will blow up. I'm claiming that. Just many years and many miles of blissful and spirited trips, track days, and memories.

Is yours a LSD 996?

I've read that the LSD is a 20/80 and not much of an improvement over the rear-engine weight, wide tires, and decent suspension. I also heard that they require rebuild or upgrade sooner rather than later. Anyone have experience?
That '99 needs some work, but it might be a good project for 10k.

Going to drive the '02 tomorrow since it's local.

Found this '02 in Naples, FL, though. 48k miles, 6sp, Silver/Grey, BBS 19's, IMS (done by current seller according to the blonde in the video...), $23,900

http://www.autohausfl.com/vehicle-de...b24de47ea158a/

uscarrera

Has anyone looked at the 99 in person? Tempted to add another 99 to the heard
Rich

Astro

I have a 99 coupe with 84k miles and would never even consider selling it for that low of a price. In my opinion the owner wants to dump it due to other issues. If it looks too good to be true....