OK Fellas (and Ladies), What Do You Think Of This Car?

[M.D. Holloway]

Thinking of taking a serious look at this car - what do you think?

2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, $20,995 - Cars.com

[kach22i]

Is it a flood car?

I might have close to 20K in my car over the years and it's still far from being sorted out.

Looks like reliable transportation to me if the rear main seal hasn't just failed.

[BReif61]

1.) Suspiciously cheap.
2.) Tiptronic.
3.) Non-OEM wheels.
4.) Ferrari-wannabe crests on the fenders.

Other than that... looks ok.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by BReif61

1.) Suspiciously cheap.
2.) Tiptronic.
3.) Non-OEM wheels.
4.) Ferrari-wannabe crests on the fenders.

Other than that... looks ok.

I don't think it's too suspiciously cheap. BUT, the other things going against it. Why would you want a 4wd in TX?

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I don't think it's too suspiciously cheap. BUT, the other things going against it. Why would you want a 4wd in TX?

Wet weather? People drive the 4S in SoCal.

[cockerpunk]

suspiciously cheap, get it inspected, check the title.

[BReif61]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I don't think it's too suspiciously cheap. BUT, the other things going against it. Why would you want a 4wd in TX?

For a 996, it isn't suspiciously cheap. THat's about going rate for Carrera2's from 99-01 or so.

It is by far the cheapest Carrera4S I've seen listed.

[fastfredracing]

Not really that cheap. If you start shopping for them , you will see them popping up in this price range. My buddy bought one from a dealer in Ohio last fall. 2002 c4s 88,000 miles, some wear on the seats, minor scuffs on wheels, but other wise clean for 22. He did not look that hard either. Deals of the century if you ask me.
If I bought it, I would right away watch the oil for particulate, and get the ims/rms replaced as fast as I could. I'm not scared of these cars on the cheap at all.
Have you driven any of them yet? I love them. Easy , and modern to drive, but still capable of putting a smile on your face every day.
I'd peel off the decals, and either get some nicer wheels, or at least space the rear ones out to the lips nicely . and done. Driving a modern 911 for Honda money.

[KNS]

Those are nice cars, I'd buy one (not a tip, though).

[pwd72s]

Buy it....if you have problems, you can blame this board.

[BReif61]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Not really that cheap. If you start shopping for them , you will see them popping up in this price range. My buddy bought one from a dealer in Ohio last fall. 2002 c4s 88,000 miles, some wear on the seats, minor scuffs on wheels, but other wise clean for 22. He did not look that hard either. Deals of the century if you ask me.
If I bought it, I would right away watch the oil for particulate, and get the ims/rms replaced as fast as I could. I'm not scared of these cars on the cheap at all.
Have you driven any of them yet? I love them. Easy , and modern to drive, but still capable of putting a smile on your face every day.
I'd peel off the decals, and either get some nicer wheels, or at least space the rear ones out to the lips nicely . and done. Driving a modern 911 for Honda money.

The next cheapest C4S I'm finding on Cars.com (nationwide search) is $27k. Similar miles. That's why most of us are saying $20k is suspiciously cheap.

If your friend got a C4S for 22k, that's a great deal. I'm just advising caution.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Big time cheap for a 4S. The stuff I'm seeing upfront:

Front and rear bumper fit isn't good, and the paint appears to be mismatched.
Big chips up front
Right exhaust tip isn't clocked correctly
Aftermarket wheels are the wrong offset in the rear
Ride height looks funny
Stains and obvious scratches/wear inside
Small used car dealer - probable auction car
Tacky fender badges and turbo badge out back

My bet is accident damaged with questionable title history.

EDIT: had to run earlier, so a few more comments. I would run like hell from this car. It's being sold by a dealer, so there's a reason why it is so cheap. You will be damn lucky to find a 2002+ 996 C2 for $20k, I sold a clean 2002 last year with almost as many miles for way more than that. For the most part nice S models are close to or over $30k. You can get a really nice no-stories 996 for $20k, but it will be an earlier model (996.1).

[BReif61]

FWIW, there was a very nice 2003 C4S posted in the classifieds here today. Might be worth a sniff.

[Embraer]

10,000 miles earlier in it's history, it was for sale for $30,995

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by BReif61

FWIW, there was a very nice 2003 C4S posted in the classifieds here today. Might be worth a sniff.

does look sweet - I'm in the market for a (gasp)...a tip! Yup, I'm a pussy...just don't wanna shift any longer - want the car to do all the work....

[oldE]

Mike,

Are you saying you're shiftless???

Ah heck, if it drives OK, buy it and drive it like you stole it. It's only a car.

Best
Les

[Jim Richards]

Ultra clean Porsche 911 C2, with Tip.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

Ultra clean Porsche 911 C2, with Tip.

Much more like it. Just remember the saying Mike, "there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Porsche".

BTW, I wouldn't even bother looking at dealerships. You will find nicer cars at better prices looking at individual sellers. Craigslist is your friend, if you aren't afraid to travel you can find a really nice 996 for not much money.

[cairns]

I think it's over and not underpriced. There are I am sure dozens out there that are better for the same or less.

Service history? Was RMS replaced? I'd be very dubious- would get a PPI done and deduct for everything wrong or be prepared to walk. If you have an RMS or 4wd problem the price you paid will seem like nothing.

It's also got cheap Chinese wheels and stupid looking Scuderia shields. That says someone in it's history was penny wise and pound foolish- besides having bad taste.

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

Ultra clean Porsche 911 C2, with Tip.

yup but I want AWD