ethersage

Looking at an '04 C4s
Anything particular I should be concerned about with this yr.996

gprosser

how many miles? just replaced clutch on mine at 87000kms.

Sue Esponte

TPIWWMoreData. As for the year in general, it's basically the youngest of the 996es (save a few '05s that were carried over) and, arguably, is an accumulation of Porsche's ongoing year to year improvements to the model.

Nevertheless, before you buy any car, regardless of who you're buying it from, get an independent PPI.

Best of luck!

-Eric

ethersage

It's got 44+K,
Very clean (from just a walk around look)

Barn996

How does it drive? How about records?

Topaz330ci

PPI, inquire about the engine, if it has a reman or not, check accident history and see that all panels have original paint... tire life, brake life, clutch.... maintenance history and all that other jazz...

Dennis C

Other than the usual stuff discussed that is frequently discussed here, there's not much to worry about. It's a solid choice...

silotwo

Speaking from personal experience you need to be VERY cautious.

You will enjoy driving it even more than you will enjoy looking at it. From then on it will be nothing but many many miles with a lot of smiles. You won't be able to walk past it with out hearing it whisper to you "drive me today, drive me".

Old and young alike will stop in their tracks and stare at it with a broad smile and a big thumbs up - and you might frequently find that other drivers need to prove that they can keep up with you. (that's when I slow to 5 mph below the speed limit and let them win)

And worst of all, honestly, is that some folks will be resentful because after all you are driving a $100,000.00 car, how dare you.

9k miles in 7 months on the 04 C4S and 4k miles on the 04 C2 in the same 7 months.

Is dealing with all of the above worth it? Absolutely - remember that you might not be here for a long time so you might as well have a good time.

Macster

It is just an 8 year old used car, so treat it to a very thorough used car checkout/inspection. I'm not trying to dampen the experience, just trying to help you come up with an approach that has a good chance of you spotting a bad car or firming up your confidence this is a good car.

While there are areas that have problems if you say focus on the RMS you might miss a bad front diff, or a tranny seal leak, etc.

Be sure you get a 15 mile test ride then follow it with a 15 mile test drive to get a chance to experience the car on the road.

Afterwards, arrange to get the car PPI'd. Having a PPI done after the 30 mile test ride/drive gives the PPI a better chance of spotting any fluid leaks.

Sincerely,

Macster.

otto06

I just picked up my 'new' 04 CS Cab today after PPI and got her home (pics coming) - I drove 4 before I picked this one - I would look for service records or car fax about the engine being dropped to do RMS and whether the clutch was done at the same time - and check with the shop - records are important. I would also have PPI done that includes opening the oil filter and inspecting - use an indy not a dealer and go through exactly what you want done. - feel free to PM if you want other details.

ethersage

Thanks so much for all the advice and encouragement.
I have another major issue I must consider, my wife ,who would have a very low tolerance for me buying a vehicle and then having to spend a lot of $$$ on it.
I currently drive an '06 M3 which I bought new and have had wonderful years driving with zero problems and no significant repairs
Buyer anxiety. I'm a wimp

rpm's S2

There are no cheap Porsches. Unless you do it yourself, annual and scheduled maintenance is going to cost more than almost any other car, short a Ferrari or other exotic. Porsches are generally reliable and last forever. They don't suffer from some of the electronic bugs that have made MB, BMW, and Audi ownership such a pain in the *** over the past 10 years. I would not own anything else.

But if something does go wrong, it will cost you. Thorough inspection, good history, and keeping on top of things that need repair are all keys to happy ownership.

Good luck!