I'm looking at getting a 996 cab for my wife. I have zero experience with Porsche's. I have heard that '99 model year should be avoided like the plague. Is this true or is that nonsense?

The prices for '99 seem to be all over the board on autotrader and cars.com. Does $29k seem fair for this example? It's a 57k mile, no accident, no issues car and comes with a hardtop.

http://rlauto.us/c911/_gallery_.htm

Is there a 996 buyers guide somewhere on rennlist or online? thanks.

 

It's nonsense. I have 114,000 miles on mine. Burns ZERO oil between changes, starts everytime, and I drive it multiple times a day - hitting the redline every single day...

Yes, there was some issues with some early batches of engines, but those aren't as numerous as you'd think. A 57k car that has been well maintained is probably a good one. If it had a crap engine, it would probably have shown itself by now. I would buy it and enjoy it.

 

As a past owner of a '99 and knowing many people that own 99's, I can tell you that you should not avoid them.

However with that said, buy the newest model possible within your budget. Basically if your budget cannot get anything newer than a '99, then either you have to get a '99 or wait a little longer to get something newer.

Others on this forum will give you more advice, but it still comes down to what you can afford and again the rule of thumb is get the newest model possible within your budget.

 

Have a 99 996, bought 18 mos. ago with 35k miles, now have 41k miles and it has been very reliable. Replaced a front wheel bearing and brake pads, plus a brake fluid bleed and an oil and filter change. Nothing else has been done to date and I love my 911. Best Porsche I have owned so far.No signs of RMS or oil usage, great car and very affordable to buy.Don't be afraid...find the right car and pull the trigger.(after a PPI)

 

You heard wrong.

 

I have a 1999 for sale that your wife would look GREAT in....not a cab, though.

http://https://rennlist.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5139134&postcount=1

 

nonsense. (but of course I would say that owning a '99)

 

Having recently purchased a high mileage '99 C4, I was very relieved to read the responses on this subject. I've only had mine for a couple of months, but so far it seems very tight and almost new-like for a 9 year old car. The only thing I have noticed, and worried about a bit, is gear noise (don't know if it is coming from the transmission or elsewhere in the AWD system) that is heard under light load in 5th and 6th. BTW, by high mileage, I mean 95,000.
...Rickker

 

There is nothing inherently wrong with a 1999 996 (unless you ask a 993 or 997 owner). If the PPI is favorable, grab it. There are some amazing deals out there.

 

Yeah.
The only think I might add, is it's not a bad idea to get a "late '99", normally recognized by clear (non-amber) front and rear lenses.... (such as that Cab you're looking at).

 

I bought a '99 in November that has 47k on it now. Not a daily driver but no issues and the only issue from the previous owner, A passenger window regulator.

Prices are all over the board depending on shape, mileage, options, part of the country. I found some movement in price when I shopped. You may could negotion that price down some.

 

I bought a 99 a few years ago with 13k on the clock. Now I have 32k - no problems, just fun. Get a PPI

 

Some useful independent dealer experience is detailed here:

http://www.autofarm.co.uk/pdf/Total911_July06.pdf

Outlines the early model risks, the tech issues which were later engineered out and tries to put them into perspective.

 

i have a 99 C4. Love it! Great car... no issues at all, got it at 39 K miles and in a little over one year, i am at 63K!

 

I bought a '99 996 in November '07. I've driven it about 1600 miles with no problems. It's my 3rd Porsche and I'm surprised at the reliability ratings this car has received (check out carpoint.com on msn). There are other resources that say it's a well-built car by all standards.

That being said, be cautious. As the other Rennlisters have indicated, you have to be certain not to buy one that's been abused or modified to hell.

Good luck.