otto06

I am new here so if I do anything stupid please excuse me

I am looking for a 996 Cabriolet and have found two cars that look promising. One is a 2001 the other a 2004 - both with about 70k miles on them. There is an 8k price difference. Any opinions on whether it is worth it to buy the 2004? I like the interior/top color for the 2001 much better.

I am a long time porsche owner - an `84 Carrera - that I will be keeping as my weekend car.


Opinions please!

82_930

Get the one that needs less money put into it (tires, brakes, etc...) Also, I would rather a car from the original owner with a complete service history.

David Clarke

Positives of 04

200cc of engine capacity
better headlight design
no spark plug tubes that leak
evolution of many little bits and pieces to later variants where needed

Negatives of 04

Replacing the stereo is a beast due to fibre optic system

MJP911

Depends if you want a glove box: 04 yes, 01 no
I think the headlights on the 04 are a much improved look. Also I believe the 04 is a bit stiffer.

rpm's S2

The 04 is also 5 years newer. While mileage rules, things like rubber components brittle and wear with time.

911 Crazy

+1 even if it really is only 3 years newer.

PcarDrmr

04 will have a 3.6 vs 3.4 and the extra 20 or so horses wouldn't be too bad. I think they may have also fixed some of the issues of the older models such as the porosity issues as well as d-chunk and slipped sleeves.. But I'm no expert on this just from readings..

rpm's S2

Man... I was never good at math.

willhope

+1 on the '04 model.... 2002 started some good changes

Capt. Obvious

Personally, I'd go with the '04 as well (assuming all else is equal between the cars).

Byprodriver

3.6 low rpm torque makes it easier to engage clutch & drive in stop & go traffic

redesigned AOS

redesigned case with thicker cylinder walls

j-mann

8 Large is alot of money to save by going with the 01! Both cars will be a blast to drive. Get the color you like. That is my unbiased opinion

Turkertwo

I second the motion that lots of good documentation of prior ownership and maintenance is important. But, also agree that you should go with your favorite color combo because that's an important part of your appreciation of the car. At 70K you are going to be doing some significant maintenance soon no matter what year you purchase, so go with the one that most grabs you.

soverystout

the 04 is the way to go. What is the color of the 04?

producerjohn

I wouldn't even consider the 01 if you can afford the 04. There are so many benefits that people have mentioned so far, however re-sale has not been brought up.

Marketwise, Mk1's are really really soft and will get worse. Mk2's are at least kind of holding their value.