Atrox

First off I'dlike to say, man it feels great to be in a position in you're life where you can entertain the notion of buying a car you have always wanted as a kid. Secondly to be in a forum where that reality is shared and appreciated. Life has been rather prosperous here recently and the idea of buying a 996 has come to fruition, and most importantly I have the wife's approval (thought that would be the hardest part). Now Im absorbing all that I can about the 996 and I have to be honest it's a little daunting. So I have decided on a 02-04 4s I love the wb and since I've never driven a porsche the awd sounds a bit safer. Here are a few questions any help would be appreciated.

1. Would it be wise to get one that's already had IMS, RMS , and engine swap performed already?
2. What mileage would you walk away from?
3. Is the 02-04 c4 a good car for a porsche rookie?
4. $ 35,000 is my limit, is this feasible for what I'm looking for?
5. Closet cars would be 200+ miles away, what's the best method for inspecting via 3rd party? Who will thoroughly check tranny, and engine.
6. I have a 5 year old daughter, will a car sit fit if needed?


This car will not be a daily driver and used primarily for weekend trips and zipping around in town on evenings.

Thank you in advance for answering these questions.

KrazyK

Yes or you will be doing it anyway.

+60K for an MKII. Depends on condition, records.

If you know how to DIY.

That's now TT area, which is a much better choice.

PPI at well known shop.

That's just silly.


Smartest thing you can do with a 996.

frisbee91

Welcome. Here's my .02...

1. Would it be wise to get one that's already had IMS, RMS , and engine swap performed already?
While it's nice to have the IMS bearing already changed out, I wouldn't avoid a car that has not had it done. Just budget for it. Don't worry about the RMS at all. Not sure why you would go for an engine swap?

2. What mileage would you walk away from?
120k miles plus. There are too many cars out there to get a high mileage 996.

3. Is the 02-04 c4 a good car for a porsche rookie?
Any 996 is good for a porsche rookie.

4. $ 35,000 is my limit, is this feasible for what I'm looking for?
Yes. You should pay less.
5. Closet cars would be 200+ miles away, what's the best method for inspecting via 3rd party? Who will thoroughly check tranny, and engine.
Find a local indy shop and get a ppi.

6. I have a 5 year old daughter, will a car sit fit if needed?
Yes. There is an extensive thread on the subject.

5CHN3LL

1) No. If YOU pay for the swap, you know why it was swapped. If previous owner does, you take his word for why it was swapped (failure vs. preventive maintenance). Wouldn't you rather KNOW what shape that bearing was in when it came out, rather than just taking some stranger's word for it?

2) Well under 100K. There are just too many 996's to need to settle for a high-miler. The higher you go, the more you'll need to think about updating suspension, tracking down squeaks and rattles, thinking about wheel bearings, etc.

3) Any 996 will be more than adequate for a Porsche rookie. My first Porsche was a Boxster, and I know I never drove that car to its full potential despite several years of autocross.

4) Expect to have 5-10 grand left over. Put it in the bank - you may wind up needing to spend some of it. If not, use it to fund your daughter's college fund.

5) PPI at the nearest water-cooled-friendly independent Porsche shop. Ideally, drive out to see the car, and test drive it over to the indy for the PPI. You'll have to pay for it if you want to ensure it's impartial. Make sure the indy you choose isn't the one that has serviced the car - we are all less likely to call attention to an issue with our own work. Most shops are now accustomed to working on the water-cooled cars, but it doesn't hurt to find a way to ask...politely...

6) There are car seats that fit in the back, and folks swear that the 911 is adequate for carrying kids. There is also a part available to disable the passenger airbag to make the front seat appropriate for use with a child seat. If you're over 6' tall, the seat behind you is only appropriate for your double amputee friends...there is perhaps an inch or two of legroom when the seat is all the way back.

7) The one you didn't ask - why not daily drive it? Once you get used to it, driving your other car will become a chore.

alpine003

I agree. Anything around $35k, I would be looking for a TT. Otherwise, I'd rather spend closer to $20k for a NA 996. If you got $35k, get a TT over the C4S unless you are metrosexual and care more about style above all else including preference to silicone *****.

Barn996

This isn't brain surgery guys. Perform your due diligence, look at service records, drive the vehicle, confirm that everything on the vehicle works, look closely at the condition inside and out. It's foolish to disregard a vehicle because it has its original IMSB, or to omit a given year because it was the first year in production.

rayng

1. Would it be wise to get one that's already had IMS, RMS , and engine swap performed already?
Not necessarily. Not all 996s blow up. Do a thorough search on these issues prior to pulling the trigger. There's a wealth of info here. Take your time.

2. What mileage would you walk away from?
I'd walk away from <10k or >100k cars.

3. Is the 02-04 c4 a good car for a porsche rookie?
Any Pcar is good for anyone.

4. $ 35,000 is my limit, is this feasible for what I'm looking for?
Yes, but don't listen to the guys who want you to get a turbo. Get a well sorted, low miles, well-loved 2004 c4s, maybe with aerokit and sport seats. Tell your wife it's going to cost 35k, then when you get it for 29k, you stash the remainder for mods. You may need wheels, tires, brakes and clutch.

5. Closet cars would be 200+ miles away, what's the best method for inspecting via 3rd party? Who will thoroughly check tranny, and engine.
Ask the owner to drive the car for a prepaid PPI at the dealer. Get a leak down and DME. Also ask for pdf of all service records. One of us may be able to do a visual check for you.

6. I have a 5 year old daughter, will a car seat fit if needed?
Yes. Get this or similar.

The search is the best part. Do your due diligence. 996s will not skyrocket soon. Once you pull the trigger, fix what needs to be fixed, mod sparingly, and most of all, drive. Get a rennlist membership.

Spokayman

+1
Because there were so many 996s made, there are many to choose from.
Focus your attention on the condition of the car no matter the year. The market conditions are such that the price difference between a decent car and a very nice car is minimal in the overall scheme of things.
It will probably cost a couple times more $ to put a "decent" car into "very good" condition than the price difference between them in the marketplace.

Also look for highly optioned cars (a 4S is already more highly optioned).

If you do it right, the search is part of the enjoyment of the whole ownership experience.

Atrox

First and foremost thank you all for taking the time to respond so quickly and thoroughly. I've checked car gurus, auto trader and here. Am I missing any potential places to look.

Atrox

Hadn't considered a targa. Are these wide body...found this one
https://austin.craigslist.org/ctd/4737699586.html

Rubik

The other question you didn't ask: Manual or Auto? Manual! Manual sells much faster in my opinion when it's time to upgrade. More importantly, the driving enjoyment is a world of difference.

Atrox

Manual

Rubik

So the ad you posted for the Targa is out...

Good call on manual though.

Atrox

Is the targa a wide body like the 4s

Dennis C

Nope. Wide body cars are: C4S, turbo, turbo S and GT2.