I agree that the Carfax reported number of owners is misleading. My car was registered at two different dealers, and both are listed as "owners" for some reason.

Also, I'm surprised to think of the 996 as some sort of "beater". It's a fine automobile.

 

Totally agree. When I bought mine I thought I would consider it my beater since the purchase price put the value below the other vehicles I drive. But after experiencing it for awhile I soon realized it was far too special a car to be considered a beater. That said I still don't hesitate to drive it just about anywhere and even leave it at the airport parking lot. But it's truly no beater!!

 

Thank you for the fix. And, the no offense!

My "hope" is that an older 996 will allow me to (a) stress less about usage, wear & tear, etc. on my current Porsche, (b) have more confidence in taking on DIY task like oil changes, and (c) avoid the possibility of having to commute in a soul-sucking econo-box! I tend to get attached to my cars - so my plan will likely go awry. But, a plan gone to hell that entails driving a Porsche, is a pretty good consolation prize in my book!...T

 

As alluded to in my previous post, I meant beater not vis-a-vis other cars, but in terms of cost in relation to that of my current 2011 S, and my willingness to leave it at the airport, drive it to Costco, leave it with a valet, etc. A low initial purchase price will allow me to invest $$ in getting it up to the standards I would want for a DD, and the confidence to handle some DIY, which is something I would like to do more of. If my track record is any indication, I suspect that I would take a major shine to a 996 once I've had a chance to drive it , since all of my cars, even the total POSs have always become special to me over time. Heck, I spent about 10 years trying to convince people that my Escort GT was a mean machine and that it's many faults and failings were endearing "features"! Thanks, again, for sharing your thoughts...T

 

Yep. My car showed 5 or 6 previous owners on CarFax. In reality, it had one owner most of it's life, then another guy had it a short while. The rest were all dealership transfers that showed up as ownership changes.

 

exactly right...if it was owned by an enthusiast, you'll be better off! I've sold a handful of my tuner cars over the past decade and every time the buyer of the car was 100% satisfied....even years later! I'm not a dealer, just an enthusiast like most 996'ers here. Meaning we actually drive our cars like they were meant to be driven and perform the maintenance that they were meant to have.

 

I'm the third on mine and selling it and so far no one has even asked me. I do always find it interesting when that is the first question asked...vs tell me about the history, etc

 

Indeed, first question from the potential buyer(s) always tells a lot about them imo.

 

At this point in age for the 996, if you're looking for a beater/daily/low cost 996, the amount of owners really doesn't really matter (unless it's stupid high).

I was in the hunt for the same type of 996, something I could drive anywhere and not have much concern if something happened to it. Rack up the miles and enjoy the car. Didn't even ask about the amount of owners, I was more concerned with the overall condition of the car (there are some beat 996's out there).

Now if you're looking for a pristine car or something to keep for long term and care about, I would try to keep it between 3-5.

 

I'm the kind of guy who gets attached to my cars, so anything more than one or two sort of worried me. This thread has, however, given me a few different perspectives I had not considered....T