Buying advice Porsche 911 (996) 2dr Tiptronic S 3.6

[Milkyfilkins]

Hi I am considering entering the world of Porsche ownership and I am going to see a Porsche 911 (996) 2dr Tiptronic S 3.6 convertible, 2004 model year with 54k miles, full porsche service history. Buying advice would be appreciated, i have heard lots of stories about blown engines, IMS, syncromesh issues. Should I be worried? Could I just be looking at a money pit? I was also considering whether I should look at a newer model year cayman s with lower mileage. My budget is 20k, am i just fooling myself with that as a budget limit?

[rubystone]

What draws you toward a Tiptronic?

[Milkyfilkins]

A lot of my driving will be around town, my daily commute is a 14 mile round trip so relatively short and there is some sitting in traffic, so a tiptronic is attractive from that perspective but I am not too bothered about auto or manual.

[rubystone]

Milkyfilkins said:

A lot of my driving will be around town, my daily commute is a 14 mile round trip so relatively short and there is some sitting in traffic, so a tiptronic is attractive from that perspective but I am not too bothered about auto or manual.

Then a Tip might suit you well.

[Nally1704]

Ive just bought a 2000my 996 3.4 manual coupe and i read report after report and it made me question everything!! in the end the last report i read said only 5% of the cars actually had issues amounting to a blown engine, reading the forums it seems lots of people can tell horror stories, ultimately that doesn't mean others wont go, i have a friend that had the engine blow on his 997 but nothing in life is guaranteed!! A 10-15 year old car will never be perfect, but does it excite you enough to take a (imho)small chance!

In my opinion buy a good car with a proper history and hopefully the odds are in your favour!! or buy a less than exciting new car and get 3 year warranty!! Choices choices.

Now wait for me to be shot down!!http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/10.gif