Caligari

I spent 2 years looking for a C2 with limited slip differential and it really is rare and it REALLY is worth spending time to find one with a LSD.

rpm's S2

And another old thread rises...

Whatever happened to Chad I wonder?

relinuca

FYI-don't automatically discount your local dealership for servicing an early 996.

In my experience, my dealer frequently offers special discount coupons which when included with the PCA member discount brings the cost down to only slightly more than nearby indy shops. Plus my dealer will provide me with a free loaner car if the work requires keeping the car over night, or awaiting parts, etc.

(No, the loaner is not a GT3. Darn!)

relinuca
'99 996 Cabrio w/hardtop

Markusc

I'm looking at a 2003 996 c4s and 2005 c4s- basically same equipment on car however the 2003 has 39,000 miles and the 2005 has 9,500 miles. are the models any different? which is the best 996 year to purchase?

Gaspasser19

The newest one you can afford.

Markusc

Thanks Tim. I can afford either one, but if there is no difference between model years why pay the additional dollars? is there a difference between model years 2003 and 2005? cars look the same to me.

GTRSR

+1 on the "newest possible" philosophy. It may be hard to find published differences (e.g. Displacement, hp, etc) but most manufacturers operate under the principal of continuous improvement - as issues are discovered they may be improved, even mid-production, mid-model year. Of course there are other variables such as price, service history/ records, color, options, and more.

Good luck with your purchase.

fasteddie99

'03=996
'05=997 (first year)

Gaspasser19

'05 C4S and Turbo are 996 not 997.

street rod

Yes and 05 Targa's are also 996.

Markusc

So 2005 c4s is best choice vs 2003 c4s

broncos17

Seeking advice on which to purchase, best deal for the money:

2003 c2 cab 40000 miles for $33k
2006 c2 cab CPO 50000 miles for $45k

will of course obtain PPI either way. Both are dealer sales. 2003 no signs of RMS replacement

Can afford either but curious what you think is the better deal

Thanks for the feedback

Black964turbo

I sadly and with regrets just sold my 2004 C4S... I felt like I had just broken up with a loved but untrusted girlfriend the day it left. I owned it since new and drove it like it was supposed to be driven. Meticulously maintained, the car had 52k miles on it when the new owner picked it up. I never had any major issues with the car. At 36k I preemptively had the RMS and IMS remedies done after reading one of the very early technical articles on the IMS issue. While they were in there I had them install a new clutch kit to save on future labor. I did all this with every intention of keeping the car forever .... I thought I was more or less bullet proofing the car. I watched values drop, posts on engine failures dye to IMS pop up seemingly every day, and then I learned of cylinder lining issues, gasket leaks, and the like destroying engines. my mechanic had 4 996s sitting at his place with owners wondering what to do (some with 10k - 20k miles on them) Engine replacements or rebuilds are estimated to be $20k as has been written about often and when one is done with repairs (that is if something happens) you will have spent $20+ grand additional to what you originally paid for the car and you can't sell for more than $20k - $25k once you tell the story. Re-manufactured engines from Porsche reintroduce the IMS bearing issue back into the equation (your equation) as they use only a slightly modified sealed bearing in the rebuild. It's still prone to going doing the LN bearing upgrade is yet an additional expense on you. Not confidence inspiring at all and certainly doesn't help in the peace of mind. All that said, the number of failures is probably dwarfed by the numbers of no issue cars. The internet did succeed in scaring me away on this one.... I let my beloved 996 c4s go and I am seriously thinking I shouldn't have. But then again, I'm not of the means to keep rebuilding Porsche engines either. Therein lies the dilemma with these things. Be wary... Good luck!

BruceP

Please tell me that last post won't be allowed to stand.

KrazyK

Thanks to the hysteria, those values have nosedived again.

and,, continues to fall. Thank you for a great first post!