This ^^^
It looks like you got a really nice 996 at 2019 price point.

 

There are still deals out there but few and far between. I seemed to have the best luck on FB Marketplace if you know how to search. Just need to be ready to drop what you're doing and go get the car when they come up. For example here's another car I had my eye on. (Not sure if it is still available).

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...5631409510643/

 

Nice car, I also just bought a 99, but more miles than yours.
Yep also bought on FB marketplace, and you do have to be fast.
Funny you posting photos of you in a 986 in 2000, and now owning one. We must have had similar thoughts over the years, as I also wanted one back when they were new, but obviously couldn't afford one.
Living the dream now.

 

Living the dream is right! I love driving it and it puts a grin on my face everytime. Cheers to many years/miles of fun.

 

Love those photos - what a trip down memory lane. Seems we are a similar age and I certainly remember the first time I saw 996's sitting on the dealership floor as well. However I was in the romantic city of Milwaukee, WI and not London.

Congrats on the score, I hope she treats you well. Wishing you many miles in most excellent health!

 

Update - Last weekend I took it to Cars & Coffee in Charlotte. It was a pretty good turnout but the 34 degree weather scared some people off I think. Today I'm planning to go for a drive to Morrow Mountain - a little bit over an hour away and stretch the car's legs. It's a beautiful part of NC with some nice roads so I will take some pictures. This week I also replaced some maintenance items and did some small repairs including:

Replaced cigarette lighter outlet, Clear/European side markers, new tag lights, passenger rear seatbelt buckle that was damaged, serpentine belt, air filter, and a new cowl panel because it was super faded (the seal was very difficult to install on the new cowl). I have a bunch more lined up for the coming week.

 

Wow, glad to hear you are enjoying it and chipping away at some maintenance.

 

Very nice thread. You made me miss my CC!

 

Update 1/29/23 - 114,304 miles. I've owned the 996 for a little over a year now. My wife and I have taken it on several trips to include Helen, GA and the Blue Ridge Parkway. We're getting ready to take it to Atlanta next month to visit the Porsche Experience Center for my 40th birthday. I haven't driven it as much as I'd like this year (maybe 1,000 miles) because I was finishing up my MBA and I have teenage daughters now who participate in several sports. I finished my MBA in August so I'm hoping to be able to drive it a bunch more this year and get to more shows and events. The only time it let me down was the way back from the Blue Ridge when the water pump decided to leak. Luckily, I noticed it right away and had it towed home. (Getting an AWD 20+ year old Porsche flat-bedded an hour home by AAA on a Sunday afternoon was a nightmare). Otherwise, it's been an absolute joy to drive and I couldn't be happier.

I've done quite a few maintenance items, repairs, and upgrades since my last post (I'm sure I'm forgetting some):

• PCCM+
• New engine mounts
• 997 shifter
• Driver's power mirror switch and trim
• Hazard switch (had a crack in the trim)
• Wheels refinished
• New Carrera 4 center caps
• New Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires
• 42 Draft Design 15mm spacers front and rear
• Sanded and clear coated the headlights
• New ignition switch
• New alternator cable (fixed slow cranking)
• New water pump and thermostat

Last year I had the vanity tag EGGZLNT but it was time to renew and I found 99SECHS and just pulled the trigger the other day.

Some photos from the past year:

 

Thanks for keeping us up to date. I've got a 99' (early build) arctic C2 cab with 100k miles. Had it a few months and love it. Have some similar updates to make as you (just did motor mounts this weekend).

 

@Ben8jam Welcome to the club! Let me know if you have any questions as you go. Happy to help.

 

Update 2/9/23 - I removed the front bumper cover and replaced the faded lower grill trim. While I was in there, I removed the radiator shrouds and loosened the AC condensers and washed the radiators and condensers. I couldn't believe how much debris was hiding back there. Also replaced a few pushpins in the fender wells.

 

Is all that debris behind the radiators? i peered in the vents and don't see anything but wonder if i need to pull them off.

 

Yes a lot of that was sandwiched between the condenser and radiator. Really glad I did it.

 

There is usually a lot more debris between the radiator and the condenser than you will see on the front of the condenser. It is a good idea to pull the bumper cover, loosen the condenser and clean the radiators at least annually.
This will help your engine temps and also extend the life of your radiators (corrosion damage from all the debris retaining moisture).
MARK