Carpokes

Yet another thread about a new-to-me 996.1.........this will be my first P-car.

I can pick up a local (well, 75 miles from me) 2000 C2 Cab, tiptronic car.

Here's what I know of the car:

I have seen it and driven it. Nice car, but not flawless. Starts/runs/drives as it should.

Factory rebuilt engine - but with NO paperwork. At all. Engine number confirms that it's a rebuilt engine. I'm assuming that this was to rectify the IMS situation - but again, no paperwork.

Clear CarFax. Currently owned by the 4th owner. The car currently has right around 51k miles - but it's unknown how many of those miles are on the new/rebuilt engine.

Has a healthy scratch on the passenger door that has been covered with touch-up paint, console is worn pretty good. Leather seats refinished in factory leather, and appears well done.

Continental tires with only 4k miles on them, even wear all the way around. Shift buttons on the steering wheel, but no paddles. The usual goodies like climate control and power seats, otherwise a base model car.

Is this a good buy at $18k?

I'd love to know what you all think -

Honestly, I loved the car. AND the seller. However, the ZERO documentation has me a little concerned about when it's MY turn to sell the car. It seems crazy to have NOTHING on an engine swap. Nothing at all. My problem is that there are no other P-cars in my neighborhood, so it's a bit of a lone wolf in my world. Not a ton of cars for sale currently in western Colorado. The seller is an older gentleman who has put less than 5000 miles on the car during his three years of ownership. Engine was installed prior to his purchase.

The price seems on the low side of market value - but I'm no expert. That's why I'm here!

Is this a decent buy? Or too many unknowns for a 996.1?

Talk to me! You guys are the seasoned pros here.....

Well not sure I could be considered an impartial judge being the owner of six 996 cars, if you take out the two race cars that still leaves four. You are looking at probably the least expensive 996 model in today’s market a tiptronic cabriolet but I truly believe all 996 cars are wonderful cars. At $18K you will not be adding or deleting possible mechanical needs compared to a $25K car. I would buy a CarFax it will give you some useful info like accident history, owner history and if lucky some maintenance history. If possible do some routine maintenance such as oil and filter, transmission service, brake bleed, etc. then drive for a while to determine if additional repairs are needed or financially viable.
Interestingly once you own the car yu will find other Porsche people in your area, hit a local cars and coffee, join the Porsche Club, and other car folk get together.
If you want any more info or discussion my email is uscarrera@gmail.com glad to share my ph. number to talk
Good luck.
Rich

Tough one to answer with so many unknowns but my thoughts are that it should be mostly ok as long as it doesn't turn into a money pit and/or a wrenching pit if your main goal is to spend time driving rather than repairing.

You could try going to a Porsche dealer and asking if there are any service records using the VIN.

You could also pay for a pre-purchase inspection although I'm not sure how helpful or necessary that would be for this particular car due to the lack of supporting records and the relatively low price for a Porsche 911. Speaking of which, have you done any price comps via internet searching or auction results?

Some of the details you mentioned are definite positives. However, any car 25-years old is going to need maintenance and will likely surprise with unknown gremlins. Maybe try negotiating a bit lower price to cover for the unknowns.

I'd get a PPI and focus on that. The price seems good, but not so amazingly good that I'd want to write a check on the spot. See some comps below. If you plan to get the door scratch fixed, don't underestimate the cost of fixing that. In fact, to the extent the price seems good, I'm guessing it would only seem 'ok' if you added in new paint for the door. All that said, if you love the car, and the PPI comes back without obvious/expensive issues, I'd say go for it. In general, early 996 tip/cabs are probably undervalued by the market right now -- that's a lot of sports car for $18K!


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... &zip=95070


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... &zip=95070


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... &zip=95070


https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... /759923149

Get a PPI. GET estimate on door scratch and negotiate to cover. Have fun!

Ugh.

I passed on this car.

After a lengthy conversation with two Porsche service reps and multiple local indy shops, I just feel like there are too many open-ended variables with this one, some with expensive consequences.

One Porsche service guy reinforced the idea that the AT engines are FACTORY REPLACEMENT engines, not FACTORY REBUILT. He said there is no guarantee that it's not just a new engine with the original IMS setup. He said it's very likely that the replacement engine has the newer, larger style IMS bearing, but with no paperwork, there's no real way to know without putting eyes on the actual bearing. At the nearest Porsche dealership, he quoted me $8000 to replace the bearing if it hasn't been done yet - and that's just too much to tack on to the sales price of this car.

So - the search continues! I'm going to take your advice and search for THE car I'm after; I wasn't in love with the Cab and tip, so maybe it's for the best. I was very willing to settle just because this car was close and affordable - but now that I can scratch that one off the list, I'll be better focused on the car I really want.

Thank you so much to you all - your input has been invaluable! I can see why so many people love this place!

V-MPG....Do NOT...give up on your quest. There are a LOT of 996.1 and 996.2 's out there. Check Craigslist and Pelican BBS, Beverly Hills Car Club and THESAMBA classifieds, etc. do NOT go to Bring a Trailer....that's a "Seller friendly" site, NOT a "Buyer Friendly" site. You can also check Car Gurus and sites like that. I found my 996.2 TARGA, at (get this) a TOYOTA dealership...really. And for a very fair price. Downside...like your situation...NO docs with the car. 75K miles, 6-speed, White, new tires. My P-car # 35, so, I have lots of experience with these "damned cars", as my wife calls them. You WILL, find your Carrera, just look everywhere. I have also had success going to regional PCA club websites, and check their for sale sections. You will find prices ranging from the mid teens up to the high 20's. Cabs go for less (tops can be an issue) and Tips go for less than 6-speeds. As wisely stated above, "get a PPI", because you are a "newbie". Welcome to this crazy fun world.
Greg
OH !!! and one more thing...the IMS Hysteria is just that....Hysteria. and, a great $$$ maker for IMS replacement industry. The 1999 motors have a 2 row bearing that is very durable. in 2000 they saved $5 per car, and went with a 1 row bearing, and THAT, is the one that caused a few motor suicides. BUT, around 10% or less. Replacing the IMS and the Rear Main Seal (RMS), is probably a good idea when you do the clutch (6-speed) or after 120K miles with a Tiptronic. The cost should be around $2K from an independent shop. Otherwise, Don't run screaming into the night over this IMS thing. Watch a great video by Automobile Atlanta about the IMS.

Sorry to be late to the party but I agree with the post above, to not give up the search and plan on a PPI for any older Porsche vehicle. Now is a good time to find a good 996 given that the market for them is rising and I'm sure it would be a blast to own.
Ken