996 "Virgin" seeks some advice

[europeanme]

I'm very new to the realms of ultimate sports car's....I'm looking for a 996 (Carrera 4 with a GT3 kit would be perfect!!) but I've only got a 'limited' budget...about 30k..ish..is this a fair price to get something like this?

Any whay onto the "idiots" guide to... type questions

What year did the 6 speed gearbox become common place on Porsches?
Are there any major things to look for on a 996? i.e. major service intervals....
Manual or Tiptronic?....I actually want a manual but see a lot of tiptronics available
Does any one know of any cars for sale similar to the spec I have mentioned?.....I have already spoken to John Purdie....nice bloke....

Thanks for all the help
Cheers
Mike

[Loonycat]

Dude,

This aint the website to be asking about a standard 996 with a GT3 body kit...... The Porsche purists think these things are heresy. Personally I sit on the fence as both camps have a point but on balance, keep it as standard as possible to enjoy the car as it was designed to operate.

Don't know much about the evolution of the 996 gearbox but if you want a 996 with an aerokit I believe 1999/2000 were the big years for C2 and C4 911s to be offered with GT3 bodykits.

Henry and other specialists on site will be able to give you some more valuable advice. Don't worry if you get kicked a little by the GT3 boys - they have a point but each to their own. At the end of the day we're all Porsche enthusiasts.

Loony.

[turboguru]

Welcome to the world of Porsche..

if you are looking at around 30k you need to be looking at the smaller independants such as Cridfords - they have a couple of C2's in for just over 30k. www.cridfords.co.uk - Jonathan can help you but to be honest you will need to chase him on it as he is a busy man. He helped me into my first 996 C2 so fair play to him.

You could also try Paragon - Jamie is very helpful. If not a friend tried Autobahn and was pleased with the service.

Either way I think all 996's in Manual had a 6 speed box and spend some time speaking with specialists and you will be fine just shop around.

[DanH]

Loonycat said:

Dude, This aint the website to be asking about a standard 996 with a GT3 body kit...... The Porsche purists think these things are heresy. Personally I sit on the fence as both camps have a point but on balance, keep it as standard as possible to enjoy the car as it was designed to operate. Don't know much about the evolution of the 996 gearbox but if you want a 996 with an aerokit I believe 1999/2000 were the big years for C2 and C4 911s to be offered with GT3 bodykits. Henry and other specialists on site will be able to give you some more valuable advice. Don't worry if you get kicked a little by the GT3 boys - they have a point but each to their own. At the end of the day we're all Porsche enthusiasts. Loony.

I think you misunderstood the other thread. I don't think anyone cares about cooking 996s with GT3 kits. Thats fine, they make the car look better. Its when the owner then swaps the badge to try and pass it off as a GT3 that most of us think 'w*nker'. Its no better than putting an M3 badge on a 318!

To the original poster - I haven't researched 911s at that price range so can't really help, but check out the classified here, the independants mentioned (easiest done via autotrader website & exchange & Mart). That'll give you a handle on prices.

[robbom3]

[quote=DanH]

I think you misunderstood the other thread. I don't think anyone cares about cooking 996s with GT3 kits. Thats fine, they make the car look better. Its when the owner then swaps the badge to try and pass it off as a GT3 that most of us think 'w*nker'. Its no better than putting an M3 badge on a 318!

quote]

Couldn't agree more. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 996 with the Aerokit. After all it is a legitimate Porsche factory option. Trying to pass one off as a GT3 is a different matter.

To the other points. Yes, i'm pretty sure all manual 996s from day one came with a 6 speed box.

30k should buy you an early Aerokitted 996, probably with fairly high mileage. I used Cridfords, and found them to be pretty good.

Good luck. hope you find what you're after !!!!

>> Edited by robbom3 on Tuesday 6th September 08:21

[turboguru]

robbom3 - how are you getting on with your X50? it was the slate grey one you bought if I remember rightly?

[robbom3]

turboguru said:

robbom3 - how are you getting on with your X50? it was the slate grey one you bought if I remember rightly?

Hi turboguru. Yes, that's right. It's absolutely awesome. Still puts a big smile on my face everytime I put my foot down.

Use it pretty much everyday for the (fairly short, 16 mile) journey to work. Easy to drive, reliable, and yet unbelievably quick.

I really can't imagine what a Carrera GT, Mac F1, Enzo,etc must feel like !!!!!

[europeanme]

Thanks for the advice about early 996's...I will keep you posted on how I get on...

Mike

[turboguru]

Robbom - glad you are enjoying it! I feel the same way about mine.

Great cars!!

[Loonycat]

Hi folks,

Yes perhaps I misunderstood the nuance of GT3 badging versus just having the aerokit. Never saw the thread referred to - was basing my thoughts on some of the comments on other threads that gave a bit of stick to 'cooking' cars with GT3 bi-plane wings. Do people really put GT3 badges on standard cars? That is naff - why would Porsche even let people buy them? It's just going to create a market in phony cars.... ???

Back to the good stuff - while the aircooled boxer engine is a classic I think Porsche have done a hell of a job on the 996. It is a mighty car and you'll love it.

Best,
Loony

[danww]

There's one here, perhaps a bit pricy but in glorious speed yellow ...
www.northway.co.uk/car_sales/car.asp?ModelName=996%2Band%2BBoxster

[europeanme]

Thanks for the help...Yellow one really nice but a bit out of my price range...

I think I may of found "the one"...

[stevalical]

I may have something thats of interest to you, my mint V plate 996, drop me a line at [e-mail] and I'll send specs and photo if you like.
Cheers
Steve