New Member! Need opinions on buying 1st 911

[peavynation]

Hello! I've been lurking and reading for awhile, but decided to finally join in the fun.

A bit about myself: I'm a big car guy, building 60s/70s American muscle cars as a hobby, I'm an electrical engineer as my profession. I've always been an admirer of European auto scene, Porsche being at the top of my list, but have never gotten my feet wet with them yet. So, I've decided to buy my first Porsche! I've been reading a lot about all the issues with the M96 motors, 996 buyers guides, etc.

I've narrowed my search to two, I'd like to know what you all think:

1999 C4 coupe, black/black
64k miles
6sp (original clutch)
single owner
clean carfax
Nice paint/interior
Tires 50%
Engine feels strong
Minor rear valence ding, windshield stone crack
Xenon headlights, power seats
At independent dealer (lots of Z06s, Audi's, Mercedes, etc.)
Hair above $21k

1999 C2 Coupe, Silver/black
85k miles
6sp (clutch replaced at 65k)
2 owner (he bought it at a year old)
Carfax unknown, but he says he's kept up the service intervals (need invoices)
Excellent paint and interior
Tires 50% or better (haven't seen it in person yet)
Private seller
$17k, might try to take it a little lower.


Of course, I will still do a PPI with the one I choose to pursue.
What do you think?

I posted a few picts. In one, you can see my '70 Mustang Mach1 I drove to go Porsche shopping! Lol!

Also, is can you tell how much clutch is left by how far the pedal travels before it grabs? The C4 grabs with the pedal way off the floor.


TIA everyone!!

[earlyapex]

I never liked the way the C4 drove. The C2 is my choice.

[peavynation]

Originally Posted by earlyapex

I never liked the way the C4 drove. The C2 is my choice.

Thanks for the input. I haven't had as much seat time as I'd like. Plan to drive it again.

[plymouthcolt]

I am leaning towards the c2 if the owner can provide invoices. Yes the c4 has fewer miles but unless the dealer has the service receipts you have no clue if fluids were changed at required intervals.

Also the c2 has a new clutch and that's a savings right there of what $2,000?

But you should drive both to see how you like the handling on each.

[ferdsgt3rs]

black is hard to keep looking good over time

[bxtech]

Whereabouts are you at?? From the pictures, it looks like you're looking at CA cars. If in the Bay Area, there's a guy local selling a 2000 996 for $17K. It's supposed to need nothing and ready to drive. I have no affiliation.........I'm just passing along the info. I will email the info to you in a PM.

Good luck!

[peavynation]

Thanks for all the input guys.

Yes, I'm in CA. I'll take a look at the PM, thanks for that!

Although, I found an '01 that's pretty amazing. I'll post some picts and info soon.

[bxtech]

Once again, No affiliation.........but there's a '99 with 60K miles and less than 38K on new motor for sale at $19,900 obo. Looks like the owner may be interested in trading for a street rod too. PM sent with the info.

[jennbabesurf]

Both are fantastic cars. !!!!!!
Buy it and enjoy

[dadio]

The Porsche used car mantra is "Buy the newest car you can afford". All the 996's had rear main seal issues of varying degrees from a small leak to total failure. D-chunking of the engine, where a "D" shaped hunk of the lower cylinder shoulder cracks off and winds up in the engine was also an issue in many of the early cars, '98-'99, which was corrected on the '00 and beyond engines. Coolant tank cracks on the pre -'03 cars and poor sealing of the coolant tank caps is still an issue with even the 2008 models due to poor design in my opinion.
I would strongly suggest you have a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done by a pro who knows Porsches and knows what to look for. You'll want a clean bill of health before you buy and as there are plenty of these cars available you can be particular about which car you buy. As for me, I owned a 2001 Boxster, purchased new, drove it 7 years and had no major issues with it. Traded it in on a '07 C4S, also purchased, new and have been very happy with it. I love these cars warts and all.
Doing your homework before you buy can save you lots of $$'s and big headaches in the long run. Good luck with your search.

[bxtech]

Did you see this '03 for sale on the forum?? Looks like the owner just reduced the price to $23K.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=491313

[bxtech]

Originally Posted by dadio

The Porsche used car mantra is "Buy the newest car you can afford". All the 996's had rear main seal issues of varying degrees from a small leak to total failure. D-chunking of the engine, where a "D" shaped hunk of the lower cylinder shoulder cracks off and winds up in the engine was also an issue in many of the early cars, '98-'99, which was corrected on the '00 and beyond engines. Coolant tank cracks on the pre -'03 cars and poor sealing of the coolant tank caps is still an issue with even the 2008 models due to poor design in my opinion.
I would strongly suggest you have a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done by a pro who knows Porsches and knows what to look for. You'll want a clean bill of health before you buy and as there are plenty of these cars available you can be particular about which car you buy. As for me, I owned a 2001 Boxster, purchased new, drove it 7 years and had no major issues with it. Traded it in on a '07 C4S, also purchased, new and have been very happy with it. I love these cars warts and all.
Doing your homework before you buy can save you lots of $$'s and big headaches in the long run. Good luck with your search.

Good advice!

[BReyes]

Need more info.

The one with out any nicks and complete service records probably nicer. If someone got it after that they may or may not have done what the car needed as far as fluid changes.

If you can, know your seller (be it an individual or dealer who knows PO).

BTW test drive nice air cooled ones to get a taste of those too.

Regards

[bxtech]

No affiliation........1999 C2 Coupe for sale $15,500. PM'd the info.