ptcolombo

I'm a newbie to this list so please bear with me. I'm in the market to buy a used 996. Had a new 914 back in 1975 and have lusted after the 911 ever since. I figure it's about time. My dilemma is deciding between potentialy two cars. Live in the western suburbs of Chicago. One is a 2005 996 (dealer says it was produced in the overlap year, not a 997) from a respected dealer in the Chicago suburbs. It's just the straight 911 cabriolet with a few add on's, one owner, and only 24,000 miles. He's asking $44k which seems rather high to me (at least using Edmund's pricer). The other is a 2004 cabriolet 4S, three owner and 58,000 miles. The seller here is a local high-end, used car dealer. Haven't seen the service records and done a PPI (which will happen). Assuming the PPI for the C4S comes out clean, i"m torn which is the better deal. I'm sure I can get the dealer down on the 2005, but the other is a C4S, that will still be probably cheaper. I've been told not to fear the relatively higher miles of the C4S if the PPI and history is clean. I really do like the style of the C4S, but the low miles on the 2005 keep getting my attention. Anyone's wisdom or thoughts would be extremely welcomed. I know in the bottom line I would probably love either, but.....

Cosmo Kramer

Too low of miles can be a detraction, not a benefit. The 2005 could have had long periods that it has sat and that isn't necessarily a good thing. The C4S has so many benefits, wide body, turbo brakes, AWD etc. I would keep it as your frontrunner as long as it checks out mechanically and aesthetically.

Dennis C

The C4S is a more rare vehicle, especially a cabriolet. The 996 C4S cab was only produced in 2004 and 2005, making it even more rare. 58,000 miles is nothing for that car. I wouldn't worry about it if the PPI checks out.

The dealer has misinformed you on the 2005 model. The C2, C4 and their cabriolet versions were the 997 in 2005. The only models that overlapped were the C4S and the Turbo (As well as the Turbo S, if I'm not mistaken). It could be an honest mistake, or it could be something fishy. I'd want more information on that one before buying it.

frisbee91

I wouldn't consider 58,000 "high miles". That's about 6500 miles per year. No big deal. Go for one you like, checks out, and you can get a good deal on. Don't be afraid to walk away. There are plenty more.

lowpue

44K is too high. Depending what you are going to do the choice is different between C2 vs C4. I have one of each. C2 much more fun on track and 4S is much better on the road particularly in bad weather. If you are not tracking, C4S is my vote, Its also much better looking...love the A$$. How much for C4S

rpm's S2

C4S Cabrio - rare and yummy!

The VIN or a Carfax will answer the 2005/overlap question.

Frisbee is on target - mileage is relative. Anything under 7K/year is low mileage.

Good luck!

php

I believe the cabriolet remained a 996 in 2005.

KrazyK

If your going to spend $44K get a nice TT.

M3BimmerBilly

Yes. Buy that silver one posted on here earlier.

soverystout

If the sevice records check out, the c4s vert is a no brainer. I hate convertibles. The 996 c4s vert just looks to good to pass up. It's probably the only vert I would buy.

ptcolombo

Thanks guys! You kinda confirmed my gut feel that the c4s is it if the PPI goes well. RPM's S2, good call on checking the VIN. It is indeed a 2005 model. Will keep you posted.

BReif61

I'll just chime in with the rest and say get the C4S as long as it checks out.

mmahon04

$44k will get you a 2002-2004 Turbo w/ 30-55k miles.

Considering it's got a 100 hp/tq bump, dry sumped, and same overall weight...little unsure as to why the C4S would even be in the runnings. And you get to get away from the M96 platform and move into an M64 variant.

That is, unless have a rolling barcalounger is a must.

Jacks911

Ptcalombo, we have a few things in common - bought my first Porsche a 914 new purchased in 71' . All the others have been used Porsche's as my focus changed to family and business. Making the choice to purchase a 996 was driven by both the great performance of these cars and outstanding value at today's prices. Though I reside in the Seattle now I would vote for the C4S purchase (or any C4) over the C2 simply because once you own this Porsche you will want to drive is often, and in your climate you can add 2 to 3 months more driving time safely with the AWD and a good set of Snow tires. Even with this being a Cab - you just snap on the Hardtop and it could serve you all year round - except for the 6 + inch deep stuff and salt covered roads.

And mine 996 had 70,000 on purchase and is now at 85 k and going strong - Enjoy!

Hurdigurdiman

is this more in your price line. $17000 cheaper with hard top. 100% rated seller on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...item2c6dbeac6f