Porsche_Cowboy

Hey guys, I've been on the hunt for a few months now and I've narrowed my search to two cars. Would appreciate any input you might have.

2003 C2 3.6 (55,000 miles) $22,500 (CAD)
- body is in decent shape has a few blemishes but nothing major, clear coat is flaking on bumper and mirror a bit
- PPI was decent, although they suggested the clutch felt heavy so as a precaution could replace and do IMS at same time (nothing else mechanical, no leaks)
- not many options other than the full leather package, everything else is base (even has the terrible 4 speaker stereo)

2000 C4 3.4 (15,000 miles) $33,000 (CAD)
- almost perfect C4 that has been babied its entire life, have full service history since new
- This car is optioned out with full aerokit, special order paint, mesh factory 18's, full leather interior, comfort seats, hi-fi stereo, aluminum accents
- This car is mint

Should I go with the mint C4 or buy the mk.2 C2 and put some money into it (coil overs, clutch/IMS, SSK, Fister D) and still be about $5k cheaper than the C4?

I need to make a decision ASAP so any input is appreciated!

Arch1t3ct

Given the price difference and how these cars hate sitting, unless the C4 is really your dream car I'd go with the more modern 2003 any day.

Those two cars are very different though. Decide on what options you want - if you have any opinion one way or the other on some of the bigger options, (C2 vs C4, aero, etc...) you won't want to feel like you compromised later down the road.

Porsche_Cowboy

I LOVE the C4's look and option package. Probably very similar to how I would have ordered it new if I'd done it myself.

I also like the fact that it has super low mileage but I do worry somewhat about it sitting but I know it's been well maintained.

However, there is a massive price difference and I could use the savings to make the 2003 a pretty rad ride that would handle and sounds better than the 2000 C4.

I think if the price gap were only $5k I would choose the 2000 hands down.

docmirror

The C4 is a new car for less than 35% of new price. Go aero if you like the color. You won't miss that last .2L. Knock down the asking price some and write the check.

Sneaky Pete

If money has no bearing I would go for the C4 Aerokit. I hate bringing the IMS into a conversation but the C4 would be a prime candidate for the upgrade. Good Luck!

rayng

^ +996
get the 2k c4 aero pts

Porsche_Cowboy

The C4 is actually $35k with dealer taxes and fees... and he won't budge on price at all. Very frustrating. It was apparently a $140,000 special order at time of purchase (before tax).

Porsche_Cowboy

I'm also considering resale value down the road. I feel as though I could get my money out of the 2003 in a few years pretty easily but might loose more cash on the C4.

kromdom

IMHO (and no disrespect intended) but if you are buying a 996 with "resale value down the road"...might as well NOT buy one.

docmirror

Well, let me give you a nickel worth of free advice. That car is going to be there for a long, long time at that price. Get off your rush program and sit back and wait. In a few weeks it'll be down where you want it. Gar-on-teed.

Porsche_Cowboy

Perhaps but he claims to have already turned down an offer $1,000 off of his asking price. Relative resale is all I'm considering.

I expect both to depreciate over the course of my ownership but will the C4 fall significantly more than the 2003? That's my internal debate.

I also think the 2003 would probably be more fun to drive after adding coil overs, etc.

Slakker

See what you can pick up a '99 for. There are always some good ones floating around.

Porsche_Cowboy

I've looked. All are asking $20-$25k with typically >120,000 kms, which is how I landed on these 2 cars.

Arch1t3ct

Don't settle on the C2 if the C4 is the car that you want. Like docmirror said, you can wait out the dealer. Tell them you are interested and what price you want it at, walk out, and wait for the phone call. There are other nice examples out there.

Don't worry about resale value either, and just enjoy whatever car you end up with. They're not worth terribly much, are fantastic to drive, and not likely to depreciate much further (The 3 reasons why I have one) although I'm not a fan of paying anywhere near the asking prices for some of the super low mileage ones. If you're going to modify it and/or drive it, resale value on the lower mileage one will take a much more significant hit.

docmirror

Yup, leave a phone number with the salesman and tell him what you might pay, and leaving advise him you have an appt with another seller with a newer C2 at a lower price(which is true). Don't call back, let them come to you.