What to look for in buying a 996

[RussellFunnell]

My Brother-in-law would like to get into the world of Porsche and is looking for a 996 coupe in the under £20k area as a play thing.
I have wised him up of the differences between C2, C4, S's and Targa, but I wouldn't know what spec to look for and what to avoid in at his budget and in this series.
So any help would be appreciated.

I realise that this can be subjective and everyone has an opinion, but you guys are the experts.
Not sure if posting any negatives might upset some out there, so if you feel you have something you'd like to share but wouldn't like to post it on the forum, please PM me mailto:russell@thefunnellshouse.co.uk

Many thanks

Russell

 

[chriscoates81]

I would have thought that for 20k you can get a 4S or below.

 

[majordom]

buy a late model well maintained low mileage car and have it professionally checked over

the premium paid will be worth it !

prices are absurdly low for such great cars

i have a 996 targa as its the most flexible for carrying stuff (its my surf bus haha)

dont forget mpg isnt great (relative to a 2012 little hatchback) and keeping it well maintained is expensive

 

[Ewan]

In due course, if your b-i-l decides he wants the look and ridigity of a coupe, the security of 4 wheel drive and the convenience of a tiptronic, have him contact me. To make way for a 928 GTS I'm selling my 996 3.6lt C4 coupe tip-s, with 67,000 miles, full history and warranty for £15k. Full details and pics available on request. (ewan@coppercoat.com)

 

[DavidL]

Tell me its a manual GTS Ewan?

 

[Ewan]

Sorry David, that's a no. The 928 is a motorway muncher for me to cruise up to London in, so is an auto. (And I never really saw the point in manual 928's such as GT anyway - it's too big and heavy a car to be properly sporty, so why pretend?). Anyway, I've got things like the 951 and the Ghibli Cup for when I feel the need to change gears myself.

But it's all a tad academic at the moment, as the 928 GTS still relies on me selling my 996 first. Otherwise I'll have seven in my garage, which is simply getting silly.