nycebo

Well there goes my morning's productivity....

ivangene

Hope I am not offending anyone, just let me know.........

9.8m/s/s

Did you see any correlation between higher mileage examples (996 3.4L) and less problems? Or If one was to choose to purchase a 3.4L 996, what would be the best course of action (I understand the PPI and the “most Porsche you can afford” logic, my initial budget is about $25K)?

Holy sexual beings! The Skittles thread is insane…

9.8m/s/s

I would totally understand if my inquiry is ignored. This thread is a one-stop shop!

ivangene

The thinking "seems" to be, if it made it into the high milage group, it "must" be OK. Mine has 107k miles and I know some others are higher. That said, there seems to also be some end to how far they can go before issues arise. SOOOO therefore somewhere in the middle is a good choice. If the miles are too low, that seems to be a big concern as things stored tend to have storage issues ??

If you are in the $25k range (finance or cash?) I would look at a 3.6 (aka 02 or newer) as the prices are low now and you could find one with some fair amount of confidence in the car living a good long time. If finance you may find the payments on a newer car the same as for an older car depending on the terms...that said, dont cut yourself short, there are "additional" costs of ownership with these cars and you may find yourself with $1k repair bill for something fairly minor

just my .02

9.8m/s/s

Thanks for the response; $25K initial purchase (including the Rennlist membership cost), $2K per year for maintenance and I would perform oil changes myself. And the wife is all for it.

3.6L 996 are in the $25K range? Wow.

redridge

make sure you get a ppi and good service records... lots of pickins out there!

Analog Theory

No correlation and unfortunately, there's no test to determine whether there's an impending failure or not. That said if it were my $25K I'd seek a well maintained and documented 2000 or 2001 (you won't find a good 2002 for that price I don't think) with up to date service ideally with a remanufactured motor. A good PPI from a qualified indy and you'll have a great car (the reman motor is the best part actually) for a great price. Use the money you saved to give your new 996 the best gift you can give these cars, a proper suspension, alignment and corner balance (PSS10 comes to mind) PSE and if you can afford, the RS clutch/lightweight flywheel (when it's time). Suspension and the clutch/LWF setup will transform that car.

good luck.

ivangene

not being in the market right now I may be off on my words... here is a 2000 with near motor new my home for just over $27 (our area seems to be high on prices across the board, severl 99's in the $23-$29 k range)

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/962099143.html
(ps I think the photo was taken at a local Porsche meet as I recall that background in our magazine, bet its really clean if it was in the concourse)
If you get interested in something, post it up and get feedback.... I wish I had done that!
E

9.8m/s/s

Thank you for the positive responses! Although w/ out pictures…

ivangen: That's pretty-much my ideal purchase. I plan on making the jump in May-09. I will take your advice and posting any example here before purchasing it. For now, back to super-lurking! My poor wife, I’ve been talking about buying a 911 for years.

Jordan: Thanks for the advice and modification path. It’s much appreciated.