No I haven't bought yet. Pulled into a gas station today and sitting there was a mint 99 C4 cabriolet. 31,000 miles. They're asking $35K...says he has an offer already (he's selling for a friend). Red with black top and black leather. Manual tranny. Looks brand freakin new.

What do I need to look for? Read about the common issues (plastic coolant tank and the mass air sensor).

Probably going to take it to the local Porsche dealer to have them check it out.

Wanna get him around $32K based on what I've seen on car sites and KBB.

Thoughts?

 

Oh and yes if I get it I will change my username.

 

Sounds a tad high though for a 99 Are you absolutely set on a 911? Nice 06+ Cayman S or Boxster S are in that price range and are miles nicer all around in my opinion. Not sure if you're set on a Cab as well but I saw an 05 Carrera 2 go for 38k a few weeks back with 50k miles.

 

If you changed your username to C4NEXT you may raise a few eyebrows at the dept of homeland security. Just sayin to be careful which vehicle you choose.

I don't have much experience with Porsche so can't offer any advice there.

 

Funny you mention it. I drove by the Porsche dealer on the way home from picking up my son. They were closed but they had a gorgeous Cayman S in the back. Black/black with some sick wheels.

Decisions decisions.

 

Oh man I am in love with the leather in this one.

06 Cayman

 

price is too high and be aware of cracked cylinder heads

Cayman FTW

but I would keep the NSX

 

Don't have an NSX, hence the username.

 

Hummm.......... Red convert sports car where have i heard what those bring

 

I love this Cayman. Something about the body on them that just looks right. Oh, the leather in that car =

Maybe I'll take a ride to Lyndhurst.

 

NO. The early 996 cars like that one are to be avoided unless you can be certain that it has had a rear main seal (RMS) update and an intermediate shaft bearing upgrade. If you can't be certain of those things, you should be able to spend multiple thousands getting them fixed should those issues arise. Electrical problems too on some cars. Lots of trouble potential with early 996's; not to say they're all bad but there was better luck with the 2002 and up 3.6L versions.

Price sounds high too unless it's full-boat optioned with a bunch of leather or something.

 

It's funny, I'd had my mind made up on a C6 but after him I've started looking at more "big boy" toys.

 

Thanks for the updates guys. Looks like that C4 is probably a no-go. I need something I don't have to worry about.

 

 

$35k can get you a mighty fine NSX... DO IT!

 

Now you're talking. That's a proper Porsche now.

 

I was gonna say flat-nose until you said you wanted something you didn't want to worry about. Don't you think most older Porsches would be a bit worrisome?

IMO NSX is your best bet, but on the other side of the craziness spectrum:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

It's not a convertible, but it is an MT and its a freaking Aston Martin for $35k. Not that old, either.

 

for 40-45k you can have a nice 01-02 tt. The boxsters and n/a 911's from those years have IMS issues where the motor blows. 10-17k for a new motor if it does. Something like that i would be somewhere in the 25-29k range.

Best of luck

 

Hey...that Aston is near me! I think I know roughly where those photos were taken, too.

 

Rms is an issue, but it's not that bad. It's a $20 part but is usually done when a new clutch is installed b/c it's right there.

Features like xenon headlights, full leather, sport seats with porsche crests in the seat back are features that are popular.


The spark plug tubes tend to leak after a while, All you need to do is replace the two o-rings on each tube. They are fun to work on if you do your own work and that can really save you some money.

 

That Cayman is the way to go and the inside of that Aston looks terrible, both the wear and design

 

U can get 2003 carrera 911 4s for this money. This is win.

 

Dude. NSX or Cayman for that price. And don't let one guy's recent forum experience turn you off from a nice used C6, either. Those are definitely and get good gas mileage in non-hooning mode.

Decisions, decisions, indeed. Have fun!

 

No kidding. When I looked at that DB7 I thought to myself, "Why not just buy the same year XKR?" It feels like it's basically the same car.

 

If you're going for the "for this money" suggestions, you could get a a brand new 2011 Mustang GT. M3 like performance....decent fuel economy....V8 rumble and torque....projected great reliability....

decisions.....

 

I would rock a newer Cayman S all day long over an older used 911. I fell in love with the Cayman the second it was out. DO EET!!!

 

One thing bothers me big time about 996's.... those ugly hideous headlights!

 

I agree. I've always thought the Cayman was a great looking car, and those who have them certainly seem to enjoy them.





Terry

 

Alright brother-you've had a day to think about this. Where are you with this now?

 

See post #13.

 

I have had something I've always wanted to get off my chest and this forum just seems like the right time to do it. At this point I've given up fighting and have decided it's time. I hope you all understand, and will also one day except my decision. I will understand if you can't. Here goes.....

The Cayman does absolutely nothing for me. Doesn't move the "gotta have it meter" in me not one bit. Never has.

I am now at peace. Glad tidings to all. ♥

 

100% agreed.

Don't look at any 996 car that has headlights that are interchangeable with a Boxster. Porsche's first watercooled 911's have an exhaust note very similar to a Singer sewing machine which was later corrected by the availability of a "sport exhaust" option.

Beyond that, unless you are planning on driving in 4 seasons that include snow getting a "4" is a huge disservice to any enthusiast. The steering isn't nearly as precise as the RWD Carreras and the AWD system takes away a bit of power. IMO the 99 Carrera 4 is a dog of a sports car, I wouldn't want any AWD Porsche other than a 911 turbo (where RWD isn't an option without going the GT2 route). If I was going base or S model I would go with a C2. If it was going to drive in the snow, I would pony up the extra cash for the C4S and get the HP right the first time. If I wanted the best handling Porsche available I'd be getting a Cayman S If I wanted the best handling Porsche that you can get a sun tan in it would be a Boxster S.

 

As long as porsche festivus grievances are being aired.

I wish the 996 never existed.

 

There is no shame in that statement, you can remain peaceful. I personally love the Cayman, for every single reason EXCEPT its looks. I just think the things aren't terribly pretty. And this is coming from a Porsche fanatic....

Glad tidings in return.

-Mirror.

 

Unfortunately this week is hell for me at work. I was hoping to have off tomorrow but my client decided to schedule and all-day tomorrow. At least he let me know today. I happened to be watching the Eagles game around the 3rd quarter when they were getting trounced. I was not happy.

Then the Eagles pulled out an absolutely amazing comeback and won in with no time left. Anyone who hasn't seen it should check out DeSean Jackson's punt return.

 

^^^
That game was absolutely fracking incredible. There are no other words for that what happened.

 

So I finally got a call from the owner. Had been dealing with the gas station owner.

Get this, the owner won't let me take it to the local Porsche dealer. I told him I didn't think he wanted me to drop it off so he's happy to drop it off for me. I'd pay the cost.

He tells me to have the garage where it's parked go over it and give me a report. Um, I believe I was born on a Saturday, but it wasn't yesterday.

Is this guy serious. Luckily it sounds like you guys don't think it's a good deal anyway.

 

:thumbsdow

 

I still think you should go for the Cayman S if you want a Porsche.

I know that 65 Fury doesn't like the Cayman but the new one with 320hp is amazing ... I think that in most cases the Cayman can look incredibly bland.

But with the right wheels ...

 

Get the C6. That V8 =