Just another car dilemma

[dedbird]

Last thing I need is another car. Have an 09 LR3 with low miles I use for my activities. I drive a 15 GTI as the commuter car and never have more than one passenger. But, I have always wanted a C4S as the daily driver even though I have never driven one.

The other day at the gas station I see an 03 C4S with a for sale sign. Call the owner and it is someone I know. We meet up and go for a drive and I understood why I wanted a C4S. Problem is, maybe not this C4S, which is where I am hoping the collective group of enablers and voices of reason can distil this process somewhat for me.

Car is far from perfect. 56k miles and the interior is rough. Exterior is ok, about what is to be expected from being in the mountains for a few years after being in Florida. Big kicker is the salvage title. I am having a PPI done and checking the frame is straight. It has a short shift kit, coil overs, and a ridiculously great sounding after market exhaust that appeals to my inner 16 year old self. Normally I would not even give this car a second look but at a bit over $15k it has my attention. I have a 76 Targa but the driving season for that is about four months here. This would be a car to drive into the ground or see if the car fits the bill to search for one in better condition in a year or so.

Thoughts are appreciated.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Speaking from a limited experience, the C4's I've driven have had subjectively a heavier front end steering feel than the C2's I have driven.

For me, until you get into big hp territory, the whole point of a 911 is that it doesn't need four wheel drive due to the rear engine layout. Or better yet, maybe the 2wd is part of the 911 charm.

I do like the slightly wider stance of the C4, but my favorite was a C4 variant where someone removed all the front wheel drive stuff and converted it to a C2.

Others will chime in with more knowledgeable feedback.

[sammyg2]

I would take any excuse that came along to get out of a land rover

[masraum]

Well, it is cheap, but then with a salvage title, it should be VERY cheap. Since it's from FL, I would be thinking water/flood damage. I would run, not walk, away from a salvage unless this was going to be in addition to the GTI and LR.

Since it's a C4, you could certainly drive it year round in the snow with snow tires, and since it's a salvage, and should therefore be REALLY cheap, it could be a beater/throw-away car assuming it's in reasonable mechanical condition.

Maybe jack up the coilovers and put some off road tires and mud flaps on it...

[Racerbvd]

Any pix?

[dedbird]

No pictures. At the mechanic being checked out. I'll post tomorrow.

This would replace the GTI. Too many cars and too little garage space. Common theme.

Leakyseal: the 4 wheel drive is what is appealing to me. I live at about 8700 feet in the mountains and climb about 1300 vertical feet up a fairly steep hill on the way home. Just like the feeling of the Porsche even though the GTI is a great car. Hard to compare the difference in how they drive.

Sammy: I would keep the LR3 for activities and dogs. I spend a fair amount of time off road in the summer. Not wanting to debate the worthiness of Rovers, my daughter's LR3 we bought new in 08 now has 160,000 miles and going strong. Comfortable with the cost of maintenance. They fit our lifestyles well and suitable for taking clients out to look at real estate.

Masraum: beater/throwaway is what I am thinking.

Appreciate the comments. I'm here a lot but the shy guy in the room.

[Tobra]

How would it ride all high with tall tires on it? I am going with poorly, but it would look pretty tough, maybe go with a wrap in Rothmans livery.

That would be a car to drive into the ground, then LS swap it and drive it into the ground again. What color and why is it a salvage?

[911boost]

I can check out any you find down here on the front range if you want....

Bill

[onewhippedpuppy]

That's a good price, with a clean title it would be $25-30k. Go for it, the 996 is a fantastic car!

If not a flood car and a decent/safe crash repair, it's a steal.

[911 Rod]

What about the IMS bearing and cylinder wall scoring?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

What about the IMS bearing and cylinder wall scoring?

I've had a bunch of 986/996 and never had problems. In my opinion the issues are vastly overblown. Does it happen? Obviously. Does it suck if it happens to you? Hell yes! But in the grand scheme of things, rebuilding my SC would easily cost me more money than the M96 in my 986S.

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

What about the IMS bearing and cylinder wall scoring?

You forgot D chunking and head cracks.

[Deschodt]

It's a really good deal for a C4S. I see them around 35 on the market all the time. That gives you quite a bit of margin to do an IMS bearing and clutch, replace the peeled off controls, whatever cosmetics you wish to do...and still not be to far into it despite the salvage title. Would be nice to know how/why it got salvaged, and if you can insure it easily... the ultimate beater for sure !

[dedbird]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Car checked out nicely. Had it aligned and the only issue was they could not set the camber. -1.6L and -1.2R. They said that it needs a camber kit. I am a car guy and have learned much here regarding the mechanical aspects of cars over the years but I am not nearly as mechanically knowledgeable as all of you. I'll get some pictures shot here this evening. Thing is a blast to drive. Revs great and engine pulls very strong. Might just have to scratch this itch.

[dedbird]

Carfax shows one owner from new until 2014, dealer serviced in Orlando. Then states accident reported, left rear impact with another vehicle, left rear primarily damaged, vehicle functional, airbags did not deploy. In limbo for a few months until purchased by the guy I know here in Colorado. He has had it since.

[Tobra]

oh yeah definitely the right seat for you, groovy wheels

I bet it would do decent on gas too, if you don't drive like a hooligan.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I have an 04 with higher miles, clean title, cosmetics are a solid 9 inside and out and I paid 27k with new tires on it. It had low 90k miles, clutch, IMS, etc done at 70ishk. They are great cars, I would think that price is fantastic. It is common to need a clutch at around 70k.

Originally Posted by dedbird

Carfax shows one owner from new until 2014, dealer serviced in Orlando. Then states accident reported, left rear impact with another vehicle, left rear primarily damaged, vehicle functional, airbags did not deploy. In limbo for a few months until purchased by the guy I know here in Colorado. He has had it since.

Good for you - sounds like you got a bargain. My 99 is the most enjoyable car I've ever driven.