Porsche 911 (996) Cabriolet

[mfiazzo]

I am wondering why you can get the 996 pretty cheap as opposed to the other 911 models. Can anyone enlighten me? Current owner of a 1978 911SC. Looking at a 1999 911 Cab (996) with 45K miles for 25K.

[Noah930]

Styling not as attractive as other 911 models.
Front end looks identical to the lower-priced and lower-prestige Boxster.
Criticized for plasticky interior.
Possibility of catastrophic engine oil leaks.
Made in fairly large numbers.
Their age/year of manufacture (late 90's/early 2000's) means that they're still on the depreciation slope.
First water-cooled generation of a car that's traditionally been known for having an air-cooled motor.

[mfiazzo]

Thanks Noah, knew it had to be something. Good info! I will steer clear

[Noah930]

You don't have to steer clear based upon what I wrote. I just gave reasons why 996s seem to be such bargains in the 911 world. Most of those "negatives" are subjective. 996s are pretty much better cars in terms of comfort, performance, and reliability than their predecessors. The only thing of which I'd really beware prior to buying a 996 would be that IMS leak issue. That's potentially a real, objective problem. The rest of the things I listed are more subjective issues.

[LakeCleElum]

Can be the deal of the year.......OR a big money pit.......Roll the dice...

[S2GART]

As long as a particular car you are looking at has had it's issues taken care of and you like the car, don't worry about anything else. This will work in your favor. Too many people look at the value or future value of a car before they buy it. In my opinion they are therefore buying the car for the wrong reason.

When I bought my SC in 2005, I didn't even pay attention to what the "market" was for the SCs, and where it was going. It was a chance to buy something I have always wanted since I was 15. So I bought it. Since then as it turns out, the values of the SC have climbed and continue to climb. I consider that a bonus.

Again, if you enjoy the way the car drives, sound, looks, then buy it. If at some point it's value goes up, then that's a bonus.

[mfiazzo]

Thanks all, I appreciate the input