Considering a 996 C4S. Coupe or cab, advice?

[cptsplash]

Hi,
I am considering getting a late 996 Carrera 4S and would like to know what are the main things to look out for?

I have been told that these are one of the next 911 investment opportunities (though is not the main reason of getting one), but it would be useful to know that my hard earned is going increase a bit. Is a cabrio generally worth more or less than a coupe? I am after a manual gearbox anyway.

Any help would be great.

Graham

[gilliambot]

Across the board coupes are more desirable than cabs. Manual also a good option. I am always weary of when people say 'good investment opportunities' when it comes to the water cooled cars, because there are just so many out there, that the value I would be surprised does anything like what the 993 has done, where it has suddenly gone from 18 grand back up to 30 grand. I think what is the more likely is the value will plateau, so your loses will be minimised. Just go for whichever you prefer, drive the car, and enjoy it!

[g7jhp]

The 996 C4S is probably the best looking 996 with the turbo rear, no turbo wing and the full reflective stripe.

I'm sure you've read up on all the 996 engine concerns, if not do.

Ensure you have the PSE (Porsche Sports Exhaust) for a better noise.

I don't see these as investment cars, but you may see prices of 996 C4S moving up slightly (which will offset some running costs) due to the looks. If you're looking at a n/a 996 for driving I'd go for a manual 996.2 C2 coupe - it's lighter, pretty and the spec which is generally sort after by enthusiasts.

If you want a car with better performance which is more likely to increase in value look at the 996 turbo, but it will cost more to buy upfront and more to run (although it has a Mezger engine which doesn't have issues on the n/a cars).

[cptsplash]

Thanks. Given the choice it would be a 996 Turbo all the way, but prices of good low mileage ones seems to have taken off. I am not sure which ones will shoot up next. When I got my 964 last year, it seems to have gone up 50% in 12 months, which is pretty crazy..

[g7jhp]

cptsplash said:

Thanks. Given the choice it would be a 996 Turbo all the way, but prices of good low mileage ones seems to have taken off. I am not sure which ones will shoot up next. When I got my 964 last year, it seems to have gone up 50% in 12 months, which is pretty crazy..

As you've already for a 964 C4 I'd go for a 996 C2 rather than a C4S. That or a Gen2 Cayman/Boxster.

[Mario149]

I wouldn't get a C4S Cab despite the fact that I love soft tops. I had a C4S Coupe and it was noticeably not quite as spritely as a vanilla C2 due to the extra 125kg or so the widebody brings. Chopping the roof off is going to add another chunk to that whereby you're driving a car that's the thick end of 200kg heavier than the standard item but with no extra power. Plus you lose any modicum of useability of the rear seats which at least in the coupe can be used to carry adults for short journeys.

[cptsplash]

Thanks for the advice. I am in no rush so will keep trawling PH classifieds. £20k can buy you such a wide variety of Porsche, from Cayman & 996, through to 928, 914, 912 etc...

[Mario149]

cptsplash said:

£20k can buy you such a wide variety of Porsche, from Cayman & 996, through to 928, 914, 912 etc...

Should be a lot of fun for you!

[thegoose]

Based on what you already have I'd say try a Turbo, and if you prefer it to a C4S (which I expect you will) focus on getting a decent car not on a low number on the milometer - better to get one with120+k miles with all major and minor maintenance done and up to date than spending more on one with only 80k that, whilst still a good car, will need £5k or more spending in the next year or two.

[DavidJG]

You'll have lots of fun scouring the classifieds. I did. I really, really, wanted a 'perfect' 996 3.6 C2.

After looking at numerous cars, travelling around the country, I finally gave up. I found lots of 'OK' cars, lots of dogs, but nothing that really justified the asking price, and some real horror stories. Including one at a dealer (not a Porsche specialist, but I was getting desperate) who ensured me that yes, a test drive would be fine, yes I could arrange an indy inspection if the test drive was Ok..... a three hour drive later I got told that test drives had to be arranged in advance, and why on earth did I want to get the car inspected when there's clearly nothing wrong with it!

I gave up, and bought a minty 987S instead.

[Mario149]

DavidJG said:

You'll have lots of fun scouring the classifieds. I did. I really, really, wanted a 'perfect' 996 3.6 C2.

After looking at numerous cars, travelling around the country, I finally gave up. I found lots of 'OK' cars, lots of dogs, but nothing that really justified the asking price, and some real horror stories. Including one at a dealer (not a Porsche specialist, but I was getting desperate) who ensured me that yes, a test drive would be fine, yes I could arrange an indy inspection if the test drive was Ok..... a three hour drive later I got told that test drives had to be arranged in advance, and why on earth did I want to get the car inspected when there's clearly nothing wrong with it!

I gave up, and bought a minty 987S instead.

I think it's probably a real difficulty finding a nice 996 C2. Those who have nice ones and have looked after them probably tend to be enthusiasts and the people who keep them. People who want their cheap 911 fix probably buy and offload quite quickly when they realize servicing/maintenance can be a significant proportion of the value of the car.

[RT]

I have an 18k mile absolutey immaculate and very high spec'd 2002 996 C2 Manual in Polar.

Question is - is now a time to sell as I have a few cars, or is the thing likely to rocket?

I have been offered mid 20's for it already.

Thoughts?