Okay, so the other day I was checking out a 1999 996 C2. The exterior conditions looks good. The interior needs a bit of TLC but not a big issue.

Stopped by yesterday to check it out. From a visual inspection, I think I can live with the car. We drove it for a bit and car still has plenty of power...it's a tiptronic though which is not my first choice.

Ran the carfax, 6 owners so far...so I would be the 7th if I bought it. It's got 110k, which kinds of put me at ease regarding any kind of engine failure issues. My only worry is that carfax indicates airbag deployment/accident reported back in 07 (previous owner before him based on carfax report). He's agreed to $12k, a PPI would be done on Monday just to make sure there aren't any huge looming issues I should be aware of.

Anyways, is this a deal worth going through or walk away from? Any thoughts or takes?

 

I would be inclined to look for an accident free car, if possible. Almost as important, if not more, if you don't want a tip, walk away. We purchase these cars for the joy they bring us--if not having a 6 speed is a drag for you, just keep waiting and looking until you find what you want. Then you'll enjoy it even more!

 

I mean for $12k, and after 12 years and 110k miles you really can't be surprised if a car has small issues and/or has had minor accidents by now. I'd say if it passes PPI then it's a pretty good deal. If you do a lot of the maintenance and fix ups yourself, then it can be a good car. It'll get expensive when you start having everything taken care of by the dealer, or even a Porsche indy. A lot of the times all they care about is lining their pockets, and charge you way more for labor even though they can do it in 1/10th the time.

 

Assuming a perfect PPI, $12K is a great deal. Though, I would set a least half of that aside for future maintenance. Nonetheless, I have to admit that half of the fun of driving a P-car is a six speed manual transmission. So, if you get a kick out of being one with your speed racer...pass.

 

The $12k price makes it worth the risk, for sure. Once you put your "touch" on the interior, I'm betting it looks great. FWIW, the original poster does the best a/v work around. I plan on using Eurospeed as soon as I get the dollars lined up.

 

I looked around for awhile and looked at a few higher mileage lower price 996s and in the end I spent ab $5K more on a nicer lower mileage one with everything I wanted, aside from color and am very happy. The Guards Red screams "PULL ME OVER!" and being only 24 I inevitably will be
Get what makes YOU happy... like a few others have said, if mechanically sound and you REALLY don't mind the slushbox, then go for it... I can't stand autos, especially sports cars with auto tranny unless it's a Ferrari or GTR, but I can't afford those so it doesn't matter.

 

Don't be swayed by price alone. If something as big as a tranny type isn't your first choice, I'd keep looking. With that high of miles, I'd be concerned with the tranny going out if it was beat on or not well maintained. I've heard more high mileage failures with auto/tip trannys than manuals.

 

12000 is not a bad deal. Mine has a salvaged title, and i paid 19000. I have a 1999 C4 tiptronic

 

I seriously doubt that a higher mileage Tip will be less reliable than a manual car, as long as the relevant servicing has been adhered to then there is no reason at all to listen to "Internet hype" on this matter. As always have a reputable inspection on the car. having said that if your really after a manual then only look at manual's,otherwise you may always be hankering after one? Good Luck though & take your time .

 

When I first started reading you post I was thinking run away from that car, but then when I read 12k and a PPI it seems like a good deal. Like the others we saying...put some cash on the sidelines for any repairs that will pop up and maintenance.

 

12K is pretty tempting but an automatic porsche? no way! gotta have the manual specially if your not sure you want a tip! dont do it! GET WHAT YOU WANT!

 

If you want to do superchargers for example, a tip is not indicated as the Carrera tips are weaker than the turbos' and they do not sell aftermarket clutches or anything.

Also, if the tip goes bad, it will set you back 10k. nobody repairs them. a manual gearbox is easier to keep for long.

And, always keep in mind that if your engine goes, it will set you back about what you paid for it. Not that is going to happen... but it is better acknowledging it. If you could get an extended warranty and it happens the first year, at least you will not cry... well not that loud.

My car is a 99 carrera tip, engine blew at 108k, now it has 130k. I have enjoyed it for about 90k miles so far. Other than my "bad luck", car is very solid.

 

I have a Tip and have owned other manual cars (not Porsches). I think it depends on what kind of driving you intend to do whether the Tip will be a negative or not. I do spend a fair amount of time in manual mode when the mood arises, but it's nice to have an automatic in traffic. If you intend to track the car often, then that's another story.

On long (highway) drives, how much shifting are you really doing? I just stomp on the gas when I want to accelerate like a bat out of hell and the Tip handles the downshifting perfectly.

That being said, if you have your heart set on a manual, then I would say wait for another car.