I have both, a 996 and a 3.2 Carrera. Great cars.
I'd say that if you are replacing the 3.2, you need to find a 996 with factory sport suspension, as opposed to the factory standard suspension. The sport suspension is called the M30 option and it is much more suited to what you are used to with the 3.2. The standard suspension is a little too soft in my opinion. Better yet, if you can find one with ROW M30 installed, that would be even better. Quite a few owners have installed the ROW M30 kit and it's better still than the US M30 version, in that it sits a little lower. By the way, if the car you want doesn't have , you can simply buy the M30 kit (used would be cheaper obviously) and install it yourself (or have it installed).
With that said, if you are really looking for the super racy, super low, super adjustable and super stiff 996, find one with the Bilstein PSS9 or PSS10 coilover kit installed.
Does the '99 you are looking at have the full-leather option? These interiors are MUCH nicer than the plain plastic versions. I have a picture of my 2000 with a full leather interior. Well worth it, in my opinion, since you're going to be surrounded by it all the time when you are driving it.
Make sure that the engine is bone dry everywhere - no signs of leakage anywhere. Find out if the water coolant tank has been replaced with the newer version (it should have been, and it'll be a nice clear white color). There was a problem with the older ones. Check the service history on it, if possible.
Drive it. Drive it fairly hard, I mean. Run through the the first three gears to red line with your foot on the floor, if possible. It should have plenty of torque and a noticeable surge at about 4200 RPM as the Variocam kicks in.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but I'd say if you like it, as always have a PPI done by a good shop that knows 996's inside and out. And good luck. 996's are a steal right now.
