I'm brand new here and interested in a 996 convertible. What online sources do you recommend I look at to find one to purchase?

Thank you

 

The Rennlist Marketplace: https://rennlist.com/forums/the-renn...rketplace-251/
Autotempest: http://www.autotempest.com
PCA Classifieds: https://mart.pca.org/

 

Rennlist is your best resource for education. I often also use cars.com to find cars. You shouldn’t just go and buy a 996 unless you have super deep pockets. Instead, find out what to look for will save you lots money, time, and frustration.

 

Research the heck out of the 996 ,,, its a great car, has some flaws and a FULL PPI before buying is mandatory.
If the shop doing the PPI doesn't start with dropping the oil cover and doing a bore scope from the "bottom" side of the pistons.
Just walk away..

The PPI is going to be just a tic higher than some cars near as I can tell. Mostly because to really do it you need to pull plugs and oil cover..
And with the reputation of the 996 engine, the shops are a bit leary of doing a PPI...

Upon purchase:
FULL fluid service Coolant, Engine Oil, trans oil, brake fluid , Front diff if you get a c4.
IIRC my first service with a ton of small stuff done was about 1200 bucks.

 

I have a 996 x50 turbo cab manual with 30k on it so...I could be your source!

 

Probably way out of my budget!

 

You should have plenty of choices, the cabs are easier to find, and less expensive. If you are going to have a PPI, then you shouldn't worry so much about the source of the advertisement: Rennlist, PCA website, car gurus, cars.com, and even craigslist. If no PPI, then I would use a trusted source like PCA or similer - and hope for honest seller. When you get PPI, check for cam chain deviation - plastic chain guides with a chain running over them for 20 odd years is a problem for every car brand that used that technology. I have owned three 996's, and I would recommend the '99-20 years

 

Suggest also looking at the Boxster, 09-12 or a newer 981 unless it has to be a 911. No IMS bearing or bore scoring issues.

 

Can you expand on why 99-20?

Thank you

 

A friend has a nice silver one for sale at a fair price. RL isn’t letting me paste a link to it though. PM me for info

 

I'm not sure bore scope/dropping oil pan is standard PPI. It's an additional bit that needs to be requested and of course obtaining owner agreement.

I'm not sure i would be thrilled about the idea of getting the bore scope done as a seller, that rather invasive. What do others think? Also if bore score is discovered to any degree, it would have to be disclosed to any other future buyers. Minimal scoring may be something expected in a 20+ year old car with a known issue. I doubt there are any pristine cylinders out there for the driven cars.

 

Get involved with your local PCA region. Go out to every event you can and meet the people and tell then what you are looking for. You will be surprised how opportunities come out of the woodwork. I can assure you, they are excited to talk everything Porsche, give advice and get new blood in the club.

When you are at these events, start asking about what local porsche indies are the best. Stop by and see them and let them know what you are looking for. They always know about cars, and more importantly which ones to stay away from. This also sets you up with a place to PPI and scope the bores. There isn't a time when I am at my local indy that i don't find out about a few cars for sale, parts I am looking for, trailers for sale, and all the local scuddlebutt.

You can take the online route or if you are really serious about ownership of a well kept 996, you can go the face to face network route.

Good luck with your search. It will be worth it!

 

www.classic.com aggregates sales from all the auction sites if you're into that kind of thing

 

i suggest you look for a higher mileage well maintained car with records. I suggest you read the thread about why the 99s are special and if get the opportunity drive both a cab and a coupe before buying. Finally as someone said here go to the PCA get togethers and ask. Finally yesterday I met a club member that has a 997.1 coupe with only 32 k miles and this week he got confirmation that the bores are scored. So don’t fool yourself thinking that a low mileage car is better. Yes I’m partial to the early 99 because I got one, I also have a triple black 03 turbo coupe. Do as much research as possible before buying. Good luck

 

I have a 99 Silver Cab that I may sell. Great service history with clean bill of health. IMS, AOS, Coolant expansion tanks, Water Pump, etc al recently done. Everything Id want to do right away if I bought a new to me 996..PM for details if interested.