Tell me about the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera

[DWBOX2000]

I know single bearing. IMS was done, not sure when.

I might trade my 2000 Boxster S with 53k (double IMS done 3k ago) for a 2002 911 Cab with 93k. It's the back seat that interest me. I love my boxster but a back seat would be nice.

Both arctic silver with 6 speeds.

Drive, DIY capability, performance...

I don't really know much about these.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've had a bunch of 986s and 996s, honestly IMS doesn't even enter into the conversation for me. Be aware, monitor, change if it makes you feel good.

Comparing the two, the 986 and 996 are pretty much the same from the doors forward. The back seat is nice and usable for kids, but that's about it. You'll lose luggage space without the rear Boxster trunk, so plan on using the rear seats for that if necessary. I find the 996 to be slightly easier to DIY, though there are certain things that still require an engine drop like the AOS or intake work. That's also partly because I don't like having to lean over the Boxster fender to reach the top of the engine. 996 will be faster, Boxster will feel more nimble due to being mid engined, 911 will have the typical rear biased launch coming out of a corner. Personally I prefer how the 996 drives, but I'm 911 biased. Engine characteristics, shifter, brakes, steering, will all feel very similar, though the 996 steering is slightly better. Ride quality is probably slightly better in the 996 due to the longer wheelbase. 2002 is a good year as the engine went to a 3.6 from a 3.4, wider track and revised suspension for better handling, more of a turbo styled front bumper and headlights to better differentiate from the Boxster, interior upgrades, and a lot more tweaks. That's what comes to mind.

[Zeke]

Seat goes back farther in the 911/996 compared to the 986. Otherwise looking to the sides and forward there is no difference.

Matt, he said the IMS had been done at some point. Is a single row bearing not enough? Is that what you're saying by monitoring?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Seat goes back farther in the 911/996 compared to the 986. Otherwise looking to the sides and forward there is no difference.

Matt, he said the IMS had been done at some point. Is a single row bearing not enough? Is that what you're saying by monitoring?

No, I was trying to convey that I've never worried about the IMS with any of the M96 equipped cars that I've had.

[1990C4S]

Back seat for people (no) or stuff (yes)?

[Nickshu]

The 3.6L 996.2 is a nice upgrade from the earlier 3.4 IMO. Various small improvements in the engine (in addition to the increased displacement) such as no plastic spark plug tubes and a more simple timing chain and guide setup less prone to failure than on the 3.4L. Mine pulls like a freight train from 3200-6000RPM. Despite the supposedly "fragile" M96 engine I have tracked mine extensively, on slicks with no issues, as have several of my fellow PCA members. I did do the LNE IMS as soon as I bought it.

My kids, when short, fit great in the back seat. Any taller than about 5'4" or 6" and your head will hit the back window...at least on my coupe, not sure on a cabrio but I can't imagine it's any better. I have since replaced the back seat with a roll bar however.

Beware of the "cheap" 996...they are all $25-30K cars, just depends if you buy cheap and spend the difference to get it sorted out, or just buy nice from the start.

They are pretty easy to work on other than things that are on top of the engine. You have to be good with your handskills to get the intakes off with the engine in the car (I have done it twice), lowering the engine down off the mounts as low as you can, to get to things like the starter, vacuum hoses, the AOS, and the coolant tank.

Main maintenance issues are water pumps, thermostats, air-oil separators, cracking coolant tanks, and various other stuff that are the same issues on your Boxster. I really dislike the long brake pedal travel on the 996, I swapped for a 997GT3 master cylinder (a surprisingly cheap upgrade) which is a huge improvement and probably the best upgrade I did on the car.

I have gotten far enough into the track hobby that I just bought a 996 GT3 and am converting my C2 back in to a street only car and selling it to my Dad. It's been a great car for me and trouble free overall.

[DWBOX2000]

I guess the next logical question is how much are they approximately worth? Supposedly in excellent condition with 95k. Is $17k in the area?

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

I guess the next logical question is how much are they approximately worth? Supposedly in excellent condition with 95k. Is $17k in the area?

At that mileage around $20K is probably on the mark. Interior parts are pretty expensive compared to other parts on the 996, so if the interior is trashed (as many of the cabrios I have seen are) then keep that in mind.

To me a "sorted car" would have the following at that mileage:
-Newer coolant hoses throughout
-Recent coolant flush
-Thermostat replaced
-Spark plugs and coil packs replaced
-Coolant tank replaced
-AOS replaced recently
-Good brakes and rotors
-New(er) engine mounts - These only last about 2 years then start sagging
-All fluids up to date
-IMS done, RMS done, clutch new(er)

There is probably more I am forgetting. At that mileage leakdown and compression tests are probably a good idea as well. An engine rebuild on one of these tops $15K and up to $25K if you do a nice job.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I think $17k tops considering it's a cab. A coupe would be $20k all day long, and potentially a bit more if super nice.

[DWBOX2000]

All good stuff. Thanks guys. I'll have to think about this one for a while.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I think $17k tops considering it's a cab. A coupe would be $20k all day long, and potentially a bit more if super nice.

Agree. Nothing against the car but 996 cabs are a dime-a-dozen in terms of supply of used cars. They sold a lot of them and demand lags behind supply, probably forever.

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

All good stuff. Thanks guys. I'll have to think about this one for a while.

Keep in mind there is a service interval on the replacement IMS retrofit. They do not last forever once done... IIRC it's like 6 years or 75k miles.

Sent from my Galaxy S9 using Tapatalk

[85eurocarrera]

2003 Targa. Never driven a Boxster, I don't fit. I've put about 1500 miles since I purchased this April. 52K Miles, paid way more than 20K, but has X51, PSE, Aerokit, Full carbon Interior, two owner, yada yada yada.

345hp is plenty for me. Like my 85 Carrera, it likes it up over 4K rpm, but has way more torque. 65-100 is effortless.

Targa hatch is awesome. Excellent access to rear seat area for luggage, golf clubs etc. My 12 year old can ride in back for short distances, although she is quite short.

I had the IMS retrofit, clutch and AOS done at shop. I recently did motor mounts, oil pressure sender and removed front bumper to clean radiators, myself. Very easy. I plan lots of DIY stuff in the future.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I think $17k tops considering it's a cab. A coupe would be $20k all day long, and potentially a bit more if super nice.

Here is a good data point for pricing, a very nice 996 cab w hardtop but more miles. Just sold on BAT today:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1999-porsche-911-carrera-34/

[Por_sha911]

Do a quick check on insurance rates.

[HardDrive]

It was made in Germany.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by speeder

Here is a good data point for pricing, a very nice 996 cab w hardtop but more miles. Just sold on BAT today:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1999-porsche-911-carrera-34/

Damn, somebody really wanted that car. BaT premium strikes again.

[DWBOX2000]

That did seem like a lot.

I think local market really comes into play here unless your willing to travel. Maybe i am wrong but the same car in CA will likely cost less than the same car in MA. Prices here are stupid dumb. I traveled when I got my Box to PA from MA. I think I saved a bit.

Pro's cons List

Perfomance 911
Back Seat 911
Well Sorted/never beat on: Box
Boxster Mods done (won't get back in trade in and will most likely hurt) Box
Bought and paid for Box
DIY Wash
Resale God knows.
Cool factor: Box #113 of the first batch of Boxster S's and made in Stuggart. Hey if 911 guys can say only one made with purple seats, I think this has some value.
Underdog coolness Box I see them at the track, they do pretty well.
Visually Appealing Box (IMO, I know some go "oh god,, what has he done".
Mileage 53k vs 95k Box
Name Factor 911 (though I believe the 986 will have it's day)
Kids in School : Box
Explaining to Wife more money on car purchases: Box

I made up a few categories to help the Box, some are in jest. Well kind of.

Anyhow, I guess I will test drive and go from there. If I absolutely love it, I may have a problem.

Thanks everyone, these 1st world problems aren't so bad to have.

[DWBOX2000]

Rollbar is now silver.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Damn, somebody really wanted that car. BaT premium strikes again.

That's nothing. There are some smart flippers buying cars on ebay or CL and selling them for $20k more on BAT a month later. It happened yesterday. I'm completely addicted to that site, it's like a poker game in Vegas.