Hello everyone I am new to your forum. I am planning on buying a 996 and wanted your advice on any advantages on buying one particular year over another. I am buying a coupe and a manual for sure. I also like the targas. Been looking for about a year now and getting close. Not my first porsche but my first 996. I am sure this has been asked before but maybe you can rehash for old time sake. Any comments are welcome. Thanks

 

It's simple...buy the newest one you can afford.

 

do you have how hard of a question this is to answer... OMG.. if you have the money a 2012 would be great!

if you are low on cash a 99
If you are not scared by all the BS with IMS and just want a cheaper toy a 99
If you are all worried about IMS and this and that... a 2004+
If you just want something to play with and you really dont care and you want to stay cheaper so you can beat the snot out of it and not worry about it a 99
if you cant stand the headlights being like a boxter.. one that doesnt.. Not sure the year

I feel like WOPR playing tic tac toe... I give up.... you have to choose what is best FOR YOU....

 

pre-2002 engines were 3.4ltr with vario cam, 2002 on 3.6 and vario cam plus, there were also cosmetic changes. 2005 more cosmetic changes and some minor engine changes. As you may know Porsche tends to evolve the 911 so as Bruce Anderson says "Best to buy the newest one that you can afford."

 

get a black one!!

 

Buy this one (shhhhh, it's probably not a Porsche):

 

Whats your budget?

 

Thanks for the good and entertaining advice. My budget is somewhat variable but will most likely spend under $32,000 for this car. I take it not much has changed on on the IMS or RMS issue from 1999 to 2003?

 

Generally the best "year" of any model is its last since it arguably it includes all of the improvements the manufacturer could pack into the model. As offered above, buy the best example you can find. I think that's the best advice. I'd rather have an immaculately well cared for '98 than a neglected '04. Also, and this is only my opinion, don't be sold on "cheap." If you're looking for a cheap car, check the Toyota boards. Just because you can buy a $20K 996 doesn't mean it's a bargain or inexpensive to maintain.

First figure out what's most important to you: options, color, mileage, etc. As also pointed out, MkI and MkII cars had different engines. MkI cars didn't have glove compartments. MkI Cabs had plastic windows, whereas MkII Cabs had glass ones. Figure out what you want, pick the year or range of years and be patient. The car you want is out there.

Best of luck.

-Eric

 

3.6 engine with sport seats, 6-spd, and PSM if the wife has to drive it too. C4 if it needs to work in the snow.

GL

 

We bought a '99 Boxster in early '02, still have it BTW. I looked for a 996 shortly after and bought a '99 Cab. Had it 7 years, then bought an '04 Turbo Cab which I still have.

What I like:
Mechanical throttle makes driving much more pleasurable than the electronic one that is '01 and newer.
I like the 3.4 motor better than the 3.6
'99 and '00 are lighter overall and you can feel the difference in the cars handling.
'99-'01 headlights are styled after the GT1 racer. I like them the best.

For these reasons above, I'd look for a late '99 or '00. Many cars are very heavily optioned as they were special ordered and not for sale on dealer showrooms. Back then demand exceeded supply and there were waiting lists just to order a car. Those with deep pockets got loaded cars with lots of very nice options. Look for a low mileage car and one that has had the original replaced. You'll get a better IMS shaft and bearing, better RMS and all the attached accessories new and the latest design. Best yet, it's probably bottomed as far as depreciation and for a good example may even go up in years to come.

 

Nick I assume when you say "had the original replaced", you mean the engine. Are the new replacements still 3.4's if they put one in a 99 or 00?

 

Yes, it would have been replaced with a 3.4L... but some have upgraded the 5 chain dual row 3.4L beauty to 3.6L... But that's a different story.

 

+1, IMHO spend a bit more and fork up to a 05 997 C2 over any 996 NB...

 

Dam it........... that burned my retnas'

Try to find a car with the upgraded IMS & RMS if it is near a major service be sure it was done or negotiate the price at 32k you should find a 02-04 with under 50k miles.