Buying a 1998-2001 996
03-26-2018, 12:53 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Buying a 1998-2001 996
I've been looking at 996.1 cars and the prices and I'm seeing cars in the $10-$15k range. Some appear to be in great cosmetic condition. Does anyone have any advice on the cars. I'm aware of the IMS issues, and that the pre 2000 cars have the dual row bearing which is more reliable. Is waiting for a 2002-2004 car (with the 3.6 and the 3 chain drive engine) worth it?
Would love to hear more from current owners on their experiences of buying or owning the cars.
Would love to hear more from current owners on their experiences of buying or owning the cars.
Last edited by purelydriving; 03-26-2018 at 12:56 AM. Reason: more to add
03-26-2018, 08:35 AM
#4
My 2cents
When planning on buying a 18-20 year old car, especially a hi-po car like a Porsche, mntce documentation (written, not verbal claims) and a professional PPI are essential determinants. No records, no deal.
relinuca
relinuca
03-26-2018, 10:50 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
Experiences vary. I bought a Craigslist "bring a trailer" 99 (March 98 build). It had a bad ground that ruined the alternator. I spent some money and time tinkering with it and it has been a great car. I have owned it for a year. Paperwork on the car was good, but not a lot of maintenance was needed, or done, on the car. I think it has the original clutch, AOS, etc. I have no regrets. The 996s are still quite inexpensive, even if you figure in some of the typical maintenance items.
03-26-2018, 11:45 AM
#6
Rennlist Member
That price point seems low. If you get one that cheap, plan on some larger expenses to bring it up to near $17-$20k all-in.
I think the 996.1s are cheaper to buy and could be cheaper to run if they have a double-row bearing (that bearing doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced as often).
Remember, the 996.2 has all sorts of improvements that I consider ‘features,’ and therefore, command a higher price (larger, more powerful engine, glovebox, steering wheel, rear glass in the cabs, etc). I never wanted to pay more money for those features and wanted an older car that might have been in better condition (mine had 48k miles on it).
I think the 996.1s are cheaper to buy and could be cheaper to run if they have a double-row bearing (that bearing doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced as often).
Remember, the 996.2 has all sorts of improvements that I consider ‘features,’ and therefore, command a higher price (larger, more powerful engine, glovebox, steering wheel, rear glass in the cabs, etc). I never wanted to pay more money for those features and wanted an older car that might have been in better condition (mine had 48k miles on it).
03-26-2018, 06:18 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
That price point seems low. If you get one that cheap, plan on some larger expenses to bring it up to near $17-$20k all-in.
I think the 996.1s are cheaper to buy and could be cheaper to run if they have a double-row bearing (that bearing doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced as often).
Remember, the 996.2 has all sorts of improvements that I consider ‘features,’ and therefore, command a higher price (larger, more powerful engine, glovebox, steering wheel, rear glass in the cabs, etc). I never wanted to pay more money for those features and wanted an older car that might have been in better condition (mine had 48k miles on it).
I think the 996.1s are cheaper to buy and could be cheaper to run if they have a double-row bearing (that bearing doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced as often).
Remember, the 996.2 has all sorts of improvements that I consider ‘features,’ and therefore, command a higher price (larger, more powerful engine, glovebox, steering wheel, rear glass in the cabs, etc). I never wanted to pay more money for those features and wanted an older car that might have been in better condition (mine had 48k miles on it).
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03-26-2018, 06:58 PM
#8
"When planning on buying a 18-20 year old car, especially a hi-po car like a Porsche, mntce documentation (written, not verbal claims) and a professional PPI are essential determinants. No records, no deal."
That's probably really good advice. I would have followed it too, if I wasn't one of those instant gratification types. Me? Professional independent PPI? Written maintenance documentation? Hah! No records = better initial acquisition deal. Mine came without an owner's manual, only one key, and mismatched tire brands front to back. I'm building documentation as I go and enjoying the heck out of the car. Can you take the Alfred E. Neuman approach?
That's probably really good advice. I would have followed it too, if I wasn't one of those instant gratification types. Me? Professional independent PPI? Written maintenance documentation? Hah! No records = better initial acquisition deal. Mine came without an owner's manual, only one key, and mismatched tire brands front to back. I'm building documentation as I go and enjoying the heck out of the car. Can you take the Alfred E. Neuman approach?
03-26-2018, 07:53 PM
#9
I've been looking at 996.1 cars and the prices and I'm seeing cars in the $10-$15k range. Some appear to be in great cosmetic condition. Does anyone have any advice on the cars. I'm aware of the IMS issues, and that the pre 2000 cars have the dual row bearing which is more reliable. Is waiting for a 2002-2004 car (with the 3.6 and the 3 chain drive engine) worth it?
Would love to hear more from current owners on their experiences of buying or owning the cars.
Would love to hear more from current owners on their experiences of buying or owning the cars.
03-26-2018, 09:45 PM
#10
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Bought a 2001 C2 with 58000 mi and basically no records from a reputable dealer in Atlanta. New top, clean CARFAX, new seat covers, good tires, excellent paint (given year), needed a clutch $20k. For peace of mind, I had the IMSB and RMS replaced with the clutch. Upon inspection, the IMSB looked great...and now looks great on my computer. Radio stinks...heat controls sort of work...drives like a demon! I plan on upgrading to a 997.2 next year, but love my 996. Good Luck in your search.
03-27-2018, 12:18 AM
#11
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm in the early stages of looking. Most of the 99-00 cars I find have had around 3-5 previous owners are in the 100k range. Those cars seem older in that they have a mechanical throttle among other things. The 03-04 cars which seem to be a fair bit more modern are in the $25k range which is outside my budget.
I should mention that this is not going to be a daily driver, and it will probably be street parked (lack of parking), and that I am also looking at Boxsters (which in my opinion have a charm of their own)
I should mention that this is not going to be a daily driver, and it will probably be street parked (lack of parking), and that I am also looking at Boxsters (which in my opinion have a charm of their own)
03-27-2018, 08:32 AM
#12
Rennlist Member
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm in the early stages of looking. Most of the 99-00 cars I find have had around 3-5 previous owners are in the 100k range. Those cars seem older in that they have a mechanical throttle among other things. The 03-04 cars which seem to be a fair bit more modern are in the $25k range which is outside my budget.
I should mention that this is not going to be a daily driver, and it will probably be street parked (lack of parking), and that I am also looking at Boxsters (which in my opinion have a charm of their own)
I should mention that this is not going to be a daily driver, and it will probably be street parked (lack of parking), and that I am also looking at Boxsters (which in my opinion have a charm of their own)
03-28-2018, 02:37 AM
#14
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I don't really need the rear seats, so from that perspective your suggestion to go with a Boxster may make more sense.
In the meantime I'll keep reading up on the M96 motors, the IMS bearing, and things to watch for when looking for a 986 or 996
In the meantime I'll keep reading up on the M96 motors, the IMS bearing, and things to watch for when looking for a 986 or 996
03-29-2018, 01:10 AM
#15
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Found a clean looking 996 locally. It's a 1999 with around 80k miles, a few previous owners, but the last owner had the car for a few years and really looked after it and has most of the service history. Cosmetically, it's clean. Not much leather on the drivers seat, and only one dimple on the bodywork.
I'm debating whether to have a PPI performed, or whether I should walk away.
Any thoughts and suggestions?
I'm debating whether to have a PPI performed, or whether I should walk away.
Any thoughts and suggestions?