Thelawyer

Hi,

I'm debating on getting back into a 996 911, previously had an 02 C4s and 02 C2 about 10-years ago. Really enjoyed both cars, but moved to a city and sold them.
I'm currently looking at an 03 C2 with 40K 6SPD on it, no history of the IMS being done though. Price would be $30K for it? What are your thoughts? Car is mint, comes with two sets of wheels, well taken care of. I know the prices of the 996 have been rising, is $30K a good price for one in good condition?

Was also considering a Maserati Gran Turismo (2013-2014) Model with the updated Body.

Thanks!

996-CAB

Pay for a CarFax. Make sure there aren't 6 or more owners and you can see it has been serviced regularly, then if it is and you are prepared to change up the IMS bearing immediately, then it is a good price. If the CarFax turns up nothing and you aren't prepared to replace the bearing right away, then you are running risk that make $30K questionable.

Thelawyer

Hi, only had two (2) owners, CarFax had a couple of servicing done, but not much details on it to be honest.

GC996

996.2 is a great car. After 22 years I would buy mine all over again.

Since you don't have a service history, i would get it in for a thorough PPI including dropping the sump to see what's in it and scoping the bores from the sump. If the owner won't go for a scope, then take an oil sample assuming the oil has over 1000 miles on it. You can find the speediagnostics 3 day turn around oil tests on LNs website.

You probably know the routine on a 996.2. Assuming the bores are in good shape and the following has not been done and you want to mitigate the chance of catastrophic failure, (1) upgrade the IMSB, (2) upgrade the AOS and (3) make sure you have a fresh water pump.

While you are in there, might as well spring for new coils, plugs and fuel injectors and at least clean your MAF. Figure 6-10k in service costs unless you can do it yourself or it's already been done recently.

So in answer to your question. I would gladly pay $30k for a low mileage 996 over any Maserati that has been properly serviced and maintained through out its life. If it hasn't been properly serviced, it will cost you $6-10k to get it up to spec which becomes a negotiating point on price along with performing the invasive PPI. This doesnt take into consideration the cost of an engine rebuild if the bores are scored, IMSB fails or AOS fails in a big way as you are driving the car home.

Invasive PPI may be prudent. But if you find one in great shape, they are pretty easy to properly service and keep running.

Thelawyer

Great insight, much appreciated. Yeah my concern is eventually doing the IMS with a new clutch, so budgeting for that too. I'm intrigued with it only having 40K miles on it.

GC996

Chances are it's in great shape at 40k. The key to bore scoring is making sure your run good oil and change it often. When the 996 first came out, the recomendation was every 15k miles. So a 20 year old car with 40k miles may have only had 2 or 3 oil changes. The one you are looking at may have been well serviced with pmenty more oil changes and they just didnt save the records. Happens.

I wouldn't loose any sleep over it. Just get a thorough PPI to see what you have. It may be the deal of the year. You don't know until you dig in. Good luck with it.

996-CAB

Two owners is a relatively good sign. The fact that there are not many service records isn't a deal killer. We all have to face the IMS bearing issue, the AOS, the water pump etc, so we all have to kick in money over the sales price, but if you can get a low milage 4S for $30K, that is pretty good. I agree with GC996 that the look at the bores would be great, but if they won't agree, at least ask for an oil change and inspect the filter. It's a gas to own a car that you enjoy and doesn't depreciate in value and if you can get that price and it's in good shape internally, its a no brainer.

NYoutftr

^^This from GC^^

20 year old car with 40k on the clock.

That car should have a complete PPI.

Very important to have as much documented service as possible, even if it is just receipts from the two previous owners.

Some easy things that indicate pride/diligence for ownership that you can look at yourself.

Look at air ducts behind front Bumper cover, is it filled with leaves and debris?

Are the wheel barrels clean on the backside?

This may sound trivial, but they are signs, if not up to your standards, proceed with more caution.

If the ownership time for owner number 1, is more substantial than owner number 2, do your due diligence and try to get information from that source.

$30K, is not too much to pay for a well cared for 996, but again, the low miles don't mean no issues.

As a previous long time owner of a 996.2, knowing the history back as far as you can makes the purchase decision easier.

Good luck.

Thelawyer

Appreciate all the insightful information. I think I'm leaning towards the 996 911, with the expectation of doing the IMS Bearing/RMS within a couple of months of ownership. The Maserati Gran Turismo is a nice car but a 911 is a 911. The depreciation of the Gran Turismos is a concern for me as well too.

911Dreamer

Im the 8th owner according to Carfax and it had been serviced regularly....Driven 2k daily driven miles since 10/14/23. No PPI or bores checked , IMS unknown and only 2 false oil failure warnings....That being said on the next indy oil change it will be checked out completely.

wildbilly32

Please tell us more about statement above in bold.

911Dreamer

My bad in my 2k daily driving since I have owned my 996. I have received these false reading....Looked it up here and it the Oil pressure switch that is failing....