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Carrera 4S - Buying Guide / Advice etc

jonc4s

New member
Hi,

New to the forum but been having a read some previous posts and seems like you guys have some good knowledge that I'd love to tap into. Want to buy my first Porsche and my eyes are firmly set on a C4S. Is there a good buying guide that I can get hold of anywhere?

I'm looking to spend upto £30k on a 2004ish model but really lack in any expertise when it comes to Porsche. My last 3 cars have all been BMWs, 2001 AC Schnitzer 3 Series Saloon, 2003 325i M-Tec Coupe, 2008 320d M-Tec Coupe. What do I need to look out for, what are the common faults, what are the warning signs etc etc.

Any help would be appreciated - Thanks.
 
Hi, when I bought mine I had it inspected by Peter Morgan, he is extremely well regarded and will give you an extremely extensive report indicating any problems. I would use him when you think you have found the one you like.

www.porscheinspections.com
 
Rodney - Good question, I suppose it comes down to running costs, I'm going to be using it as an every day car, It will cover 10k per annum and don't fancy the increased cost of the Turbo. Although having never owned either the Turbo or the C4S my reasoning maybe wrong - what do you think?
 
Best Advice is get the car you intend buying checked.
But Rear Main oil seal is common had 2 replaced in 15k under warranty
Disc rusting check inner face
Front rads and air con rads make sure free from leaves.
Fuel gauge on 996 C4S does not allways register unless you put in a fair amount of fuel in.
Check for inner tyre wear.
These things are from my own personal experience, apart from that great car.
Good Luck with search.
Cliff.
 
Buy something with good service history (it is amazing how many don't have it), and get it checked over and don't forget to by the cab version
 

ORIGINAL: jonc4s

Rodney - Good question, I suppose it comes down to running costs, I'm going to be using it as an every day car, It will cover 10k per annum and don't fancy the increased cost of the Turbo. Although having never owned either the Turbo or the C4S my reasoning maybe wrong - what do you think?

The running gear is the same as the turbos, but turbo servicing is slightly more expensive, I think depreciation will be less on the turbo.
The turbo is in a different league to the C4s - it is insanely fast and can easily be made to go faster and has a super reliable engine. IMO a no brainer.
 
ORIGINAL: Rodney Naghar


ORIGINAL: jonc4s

Rodney - Good question, I suppose it comes down to running costs, I'm going to be using it as an every day car, It will cover 10k per annum and don't fancy the increased cost of the Turbo. Although having never owned either the Turbo or the C4S my reasoning maybe wrong - what do you think?

The running gear is the same as the turbos, but turbo servicing is slightly more expensive, I think depreciation will be less on the turbo.
The turbo is in a different league to the C4s - it is insanely fast and can easily be made to go faster and has a super reliable engine. IMO a no brainer.


if he's looking to spend £30k, isn't a turbo too pricey?i think they start at £35k+
 
i just picked one up last saturday , great car , a must is the switchable sports exhaust (pse) the sound is unbelievable

Rob
 
Aside from the inspection, make sure you are very familiar with the extras available for the year/model v extras on the actual car you are interested in.

M030 suspension is another I'd look out for but probably best to drive cars with and without to see what suits you best. 030 can bit a little harsh for some people.

Watch out for stone chips on front bumper and bonnet. Quite common but may be worth bargaining into deal before purchase.

Peter Morgan also has some buyer guide books which is useful when you start looking but not a replacement for a full professional inspection.

Great cars by the way [:D]
 

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