fronesis47

I'm a former SC and 964 owner who has been in the market for a new pcar for about 6 weeks now. I thought I wanted a 986 S, but just wasn't convinced I wanted to pay the current prices (almost $20K for a 03-04 model, and $16K or more for the 00-02 cars). So I also looked at a 987 and a 987 S, but they just didn't have quite the same feel to me, and I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that kind of money. So I decided maybe it was time for my third 911 (drove a great 3.2 G50 car this week, but it sold) and that's when I noticed the apparently reasonable prices on 996s. But I had never driven one, and had read SO MUCH about how they didn't have the spirit of the air-cooled cars.

Well, I drove one today, and I do not agree. The folks who say the 996 isn't a "real" 911 either don't know how to drive or just aren't paying attention when they are driving. The feel of the car in terms of handling and feedback to the driver is clearly a 911, and is noticeably different from the feel of the 986 and 987 cars I drove. It has a real connection to the earlier 911s. Even the engine sound is different and resonant of the older cars. And the way the car grips coming out of corners, the way it brakes, the turn in....all 911. And on top of that you might get working AC...

So now I think my search is focused. Can folks help me on pricing? I don't really care about colors or options. I want a coupe, 6 speed, and I want one that has been properly cared for and maintained that is mechanically sound. Would prefer a car with lower miles but will consider a 100K car if it's in the right shape and at the right price. What sort of numbers should I shoot for on a:

99-01 car ??
02-03 car ??

BTW: I'm aware of all the IMS/RMS and related issues on the earlier cars, and I will budget appropriately. I don't mind paying $3K for IMS/RMS/AOS/clutch work after I get the car, as long as I get the car at the right price.

chsu74

Location?

fronesis47

Good question.

I'm on the east coast (Baltimore/DC). But for the right car at the right price (and after a clean PPI), I'm more than happy to buy anywhere. I'll be on the west coast in both March and May, have family in Texas and the rockies, and friends in the midwest, so if it's the right car I'll figure out how to pick it up anywhere.

Barn996

Like your enthusiasm, and the fact that you recognize that Porsche did not abandon 911 enthusiasts with the 996. I have owned a MY99 coupe, 6 spd for over 6 years now and have had no surprises or huge repair bills. It has been one of the most reliable cars I've owned. Many will say you need records of repairs etc., and that you should buy the newest model you can afford. Lately several have gone up for sale on Rennlist.GL

kromdom

possible sellers here: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...u-selling.html

B r i a n

Since you are in the DC area - I recommend checking:
http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/forumdisplay.php?f=47

street rod

You are smart to budget the 3k for possible work needed after you get the car. Just so you know the IMS/RMS is not only an issue with the earlier cars. You can do the IMS retrofit on 99 - 2005 cars which is normally done when replacing the clutch. Do a search on Auto Trader and you can see hundreds of cars for sale around the country and you will get a good idea of what the market is. Focus on owner, accident and maintenance history.Take your time and do a lot of research and drive a lot of cars. A good one will eventually be found. Just as an example I bought my 2001 C4 for $22,500 and it is mint with 62K miles. Good luck with your search.

Sneaky Pete

About time there is a sensible post about our cars. The 996 has tons to offer. My buddy with a C4 964 can't believe the power this car has. Good luck with your search.

Barn996

+1 Pete.

groovzilla

you got the 996 bug for sure...i got it too!!...even though i just sold my 996 and purchased a 911sc i really miss the smoothness and comfort of the 996. you should be able to find a well sorted 6 speed w/IMS bearing upgrade for $16-$18K make sure you get a PPI done!!

funny my wife prefers the sc and i really enjoy it's early feel but i'll be back in a turbo or 996 in the near future!!...

saving cash here and there as we speak!!

i miss this forum!

ohioboxster

I wonder if "IMS" will be in every post I read.

jdjones2010

I guess I'm a lil' biased because I got an 02' but I've never had any problems (4 years now) other than the price bottoming out (well, CEL's but so far they've never been anything other than a PIA). I love the look of the older model Turbo's (993's) but I also like the creature comforts of the newer ones (996-997). And for the price I really liked the 320hp on the 02' 996. jmo

jdjones2010

I'm sorry Fron, I forgot to tell you Good Luck! Just Take Your Time & you'll find it. jmo

j beede

Reminder... replacement M96 engines are fairly common and some are not canddiates for IMSR. If this is important to you make sure your PPI provider checks into this for you.

fronesis47

Wow, thanks everyone for the helpful and enthusiastic replies! The 996 group here seems incredibly active and I really appreciate the info (I didn't know anything about the dorkiphus site).

j beede makes an excellent point about replacement engines, since a lot of early cars listed in ads say the engine has been replaced. One question there: if the engine was replaced *before* 2005 is it safe to assume it will have an upgradeable IMS? In any case, it's definitely something I'll add to the list to check on the PPI.

I've done a lot of searching in broad databases (cars.com and autotrader) and it's sometimes tough because there are a lot of cars with ridiculous asking prices, (e.g. 40K mile 01 car asking $33K, or a 80K mile 99 car asking $24K). I know these numbers aren't even close, but I'm not sure I can tell the seller that.

I would be delighted to find a car like groovzilla describes: well-sorted with the IMS upgrade for around $17.5K (slightly more for lower miles). And I'd happily go up $2K to $5K for an 02 or 03 car (would be nice to have those upgrades). There was a clean-looking 90k mile 02 car at auto kennel in LA for $19K when I first started my search. At the time I didn't think I was looking for a 996, but now I realize that might have been a good car for me.

I'll keep looking and let you all know how I make out.