[Rockafella]

I have my limited experience to contribute here. I went with a 2002 Coupe for the 3.6 engine. They will all be the same until 997s unless you are looking at turbos or GT3s.

The variance in price is based on the different packages the car was originally equipped with. These made the stickers really inflate since you could spend $20k in non-performance enhancing options. These include interior materials, special paint, aero kits, etc.

Sorry, I can't help here as my car has only three options, the Carrera 5 spoke wheels, colored crests, and floor mats (sticker over $70k and Porsche charged for floormats extra). The cab I looked at had everything...navigation, full leather, turbo wheels, special colors (paint/top), hi end factory audio, heated seats, etc. I don't miss the options, btw. ROW M030 suspension was added to my car after the fact. The track guys in the club prefer PSS9s, but this can always be changed later.

I don't think there is anything that is chronic with late 996s. You correctly identified the RMS. It is an issue when you cannot get it to stop leaking. Same with the valve covers. If you are planning to change the audio, 2003+ got a lot harder. But, I don't know much more than that.

I have a slightly balky 3rd gear when the gearbox is cold. That's different...I was expecting 2nd gear to be slow like every other car I have driven. Besides that, there is absolutely nothing that sticks out as odd/troublesome in my ownership period. Add gas, go fast.

Basically, these cars are new enough that you should be able to find one that is nearly perfect. From there, the asking prices are based on whatever the market will bear (in other words, big asking price differences for fundamentally the same car). Litronic is nice, wheels are personal preference. Everything else is luck of the draw.

I considered a cab as well. In the end, I do not regret going coupe. One of the guys I know just sold his 996 cab to get a coupe (a turbo, but also specifically a coupe this time).

The knowledge base with these is nowhere near that of the aircooled cars. They are just too new to be seriously modified or tinkered with by DIYers. Not that they need tinkering at this point.

The 993 guys will hate you. That has been very consistent. Check out the 911 Marketplace forum to see this. That has been the only downside, that other Pelicans see you as a traitor. So you are right, I now go to Rennlist to find 996 info.