Looking to purchase a 911 Cabriolet 2001 - 2003

[illy]

Hi everyone. I am looking to purchase my first Porsche. I am looking for something inexpensive that I will drive twice a week. I have been looking at 911 Cabriolets years 2001 - 2003. Around 60 - 80k miles. I am a long time BMW owner and this will be my first. Does anyone have any advice on this particular model / year. Is this particular model reliable? Will I be spending endless money on repairs / maint. Any help / advice would be appreciated.

[Grretl]

Maybe I got a lemon. Purchased used @40kmiles 7 years ago, '02 996 C4 Cabriolet. Since then brakes totally failed (ABS crapped out, $3k), water pump failed ($2k), alternator failed ($1k), Rear main seal failed, IMS bearing failing, syncromesh 1st gear failed ($9k), once lowered, convertible top will not raise back quoted $2k to fix, rocker switches disappear when pushed, headlight switch failed, brake light switch failed, power window drop switch (for cabriolets) failed, horn failed, in seven years, and this week the stereo system says "sucks to be you!". Now at 105k miles. Prior owner, clutch replaced, now starting to crap out again. Otherwise a fantastic, capable car. My '98 $40,000 Volvo (230,000 miles) totally trouble free, compared to the $100,000 '02 996. This is my 5th Porsche, I've had 4 VW's, and 2 Audis. Then there's the integrity of Volkswagen Group-Didn't stand behind failed engines due to IMS badness, now diddling with emissions wank on diesels, VW, Audi. Between this junker and IMS, emissions attitude, I will never buy a VW Group product again-no integrity.

[KNS]

^^ Hey, you gotta stop holding back - tell us how really feel.