Hey guys. I've been lurking here for a few months now, reading everything I can about the 996. I finally felt the need to post, however, as I will be purchasing my first car soon. I am currently a 17-year-old student with a part time job that will become full time during the summer months when I'm out of school. Therefore I have a small source of income, but I have to pay for half of my car insurance and half of all repair/maintenance costs with this. I'm not looking to be judged or told whether or not I need/deserve these cars at this age, I just want your input as to which one would be the wisest choice. From what I've read, you all seem to know nearly everything about the 996s.

First and foremost, my budget: $27,000 maximum; lower is fine of course.

The cars I am looking at:
2000-2003 E39 M5
1999-2002 911 (coupe preferably)
2002-2004 E46 M3

My thoughts:
M5- Four doors means cheaper insurance, though the V8 might offset that. My parents would much rather me have a larger sedan like the M5, and I would be perfectly happy with it. I have had trouble finding nice examples with acceptable mileage and fewer than 3-4 owners, though.

M3- I don't really know what to say about it. To me it is simply an amazing yet affordable car (affordable when used, of course) that has the tried and true inline six. Another thing that moves me toward the BMWs is the fact that there are dealers here to service it. A quote from my insurance company said $300 a month.

911- A 993 has always been my dream car, but then I started looking at them and noticed that they are more expensive than mid-high mile 996s. This made me realize that the only Porsche I could realistically own is the 996. Boxsters are out of the question; after seeing pictures of a family member's wrecked Boxster S my parents deemed them "unsafe." Out of the three cars, this is the one I would like to have most. However, I also see the most potential problems in this car- IMS and RMS failure, on top of the fact that there are no Porsche dealers in Arkansas to repair it. What is your opinion of independent auto shops? Can you recommend a place to get it serviced in Arkansas? As much as I would love to get it and drive it until it breaks, I cannot afford a new engine. It is my understanding that if properly maintained and taken care of, the 996s will just keep on going. Insurance quote: $290 a month (cheaper than the M3, surprisingly)

Thank you for your help.

 

I think that if you find a 996 that has been properly maintained, has complete books and records and meets your needs, then you should go for it. I'd be careful of falling into the trap of making an emotional purchase. If anything looks out of place, walk away from the deal. Also, make sure to get a very good PPI from a qualified Porsche mechanic. I think you'll do fine with an independent mechanic if you have one in your area who works on Porsche cars. One thing to keep in mind (and this probably applies to the other two cars on your list also) is that the 996 is expensive to repair. Simple things like oil changes are easy, but when they go to a mechanic, it's expensive. Also, tires don't last long and they aren't cheap. I'm sure you realize all this, but I felt the need to point it out anyway. My 996 has been very reliable, and I currently use it as my daily driver.

Good luck and enjoy the car shopping process.

 

I would suggest either the M3 or the 996. My son has a 99 M3 and just loves it, with absolutley no problems at all with the engine. He is been told by several mechanics that the M3 engine is bulletproof. Unfortunately the 996 is not bulletproof. You have been reading about IMS and Rms failures. These do happen in the 996, but like anything, bad news travels very fast. I personally think it is overblown, but not to those who have had the misfortune of having to get a new motor. The 996 is really and truly fun to drive. Nothing beats it in the mountain roads. The rear engine feeling is truly exciting, with all that power sitting over the rear tires. The M3 is a coupe/sedan and the 996 is a true sports car. They drive very differently and offer different things. I personally would pick the 996 and be very selective, get a clean 996 with all records from a reputable source and don't get into the trap of getting a 996 with all the extra flash, but spend you money on a clean reliable 996, hopefully with the 3.6 engine.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Griff, I would like to have a 2002+ with the 3.6L but my budget does not quite allow for it. If I was to purchase an 02+ that is still in my price range, it would have much higher mileage than I would like. This is where I'm torn though. I can get an older model with low miles that may/may not have been maintained properly, or a newer model with more miles that may or may not have been taken care of. I'm currently focusing on what Autotrader has to offer; would you all suggest any other places to look at?

I also feel very uncomfortable about having any of these three cars shipped to me. Some sellers do not state whether it is my responsibility or theirs to get it here. My brother had his 335i shipped in an enclosed carrier and it arrived in pristine condition. I, on the other hand, would not even trust the person to drive my car off the truck. If anyone has any suggestions or experiences with certain shippers, please let me know.

 

Most of the cars listed on cars.com have free carfax. Thats how I bought mine.
More important than miles is a complete service record. Look for on time maintenance and no mechanical disasters. I wouldn't hesitate on saving a few thousand on a high mileage car with complete service records and reliable history.

 

Go for the 996 for style and it can be very reliable depending on the previous owners, maintenance, service history, etc. I was fortunate with mine perfect condition near mint, but I had to pay more for it. As for the M5 I heard these engines are good some parts can be very expensive not to mention insurance. Keep in mind the police will watch you like a hawk with the Porsche which can work against you. When I feel the need 4 speed I have to be careful also everyone including their grandma will want to race you. I have had my 01 996 for about a year now no problems just replaced rear tires not too long ago thats it.

 

I've got it narrowed down to a 2001 Carrera 4 with about 50,000 miles and a 2003 C4 with 70,000. Both of them are about the same price- $28,000. That sounds too low for any '03 911, even with 70k on the odometer. I am worried that they're hiding something, but Carfax and Autocheck both show clear/accident-free titles. Any thoughts?

 

3551V, I know exactly where you are coming from. I've just begun searching myself. I'm looking in roughly the same price range, all things equal but I'd like a cabrio. One thing that's been driven into me by some of my car enthusiast buddies (and I learned when I sold my 2005 S2000 a few months back), is that records and accident free titles are key. Also, don't be afraid to look for a while, be picky and not settle. As was mentioned, I believe, in an earlier post, don't buy based on emotion. I did... total P.I.T.A. to sell my last car with an accident, even though it was minor, on the carfax.

Good luck searching. Keep us posted on luck.

**This is my first 6SpeedOnline Post!

Kyle

 

Well I put a deposit down on the '03 C4 and it will be going to Boardwalk Porsche tomorrow for a PPI. It is just me, or does $500 sound a little high for a PPI, even from a Porsche dealer? I am concerned though. Originally the salesman said "Sure, I can have one of my drivers take the car to Boardwalk today." Then, after talking to the Porsche dealer, he says "I'm afraid I won't be able to get the car there today...someone will drive it there tomorrow." Makes you wonder. I would hate to think that the salesman would work something out with the Porsche dealer in order to get them to give me a fake/clean report.

 

Whos is paying for the PPI? If it is you then I would go to the dealer while the car is there. That way you will or will not get the warm fuzy.

 

I picked up my 2002 with 45K miles (all factory options and aero kit) with all service records from day 1 for 25K. Be patient - deals are out there.

 

I am paying. I had to choose between Boardwalk Porsche and some other third party inspection services. While Boardwalk is charging me a small fortune to do it, I wouldn't really trust anyone else. As much as I would like to be there during the process, that kind of defeats the purpose of a PPI in my opinion- to get the car checked out prior to purchasing it because you are not able to look at it yourself.

Also, can anyone recommend auto shippers in Dallas? If I let the dealer choose for me, it's going to be about $350 for an open carrier or $650 for an enclosed.

 

Wicked 996, how did you locate your vehicle?? That's an excellent deal...exactly up the alley of what I'm looking for.

 

I'm not sure what city the PPI is done at but seems high. PPI's around here (OH) is 250-350 including leak down.
Shipping quote seems reasonable.

 

Hi, i'm in the same boat as several people here, and looking for a c2 aero. I'm going to email about this car later today:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ype=b&make=POR

I'd definitely be looking to purchase a waranty (just for personal peace of mind) if it passes a PPI. Thoughts?