Considering a 2000 Millennium. Need advice.

[morriet]

The car has 45,000 miles and appears to be in beautiful condition. I can get it for $38,000. I'm not too familiar with 996s so I would appreciate any info. My main concern is the mileage, though I notice that 993s with similar mileage are listed at higher prices.

The deal is subject to a pre-purchase inspection at the local Porsche dealer. Can anyone advise on known possible problems with the 2000 996 series?

Thanks,

Morrie

[paultje]

The most obvious check is the infamous RMS ( Rear Main Seal) known to fail & leak oil. It's not disasterous but needs seeing to ( see many other posts on this subject....and hang on to your hat!).Otherwise I believe that the 'anninversary' model, albeit slightly more powerful, is as a regular 996 C2 for reliability.

[morriet]

Thanks for that info. The local dealer tells me there is an upgraded seal that apparently fixes the problem. He quoted 8 hours labor for the job. OTOH, a PCA club friend tells me he knows of someone who had it done 6 times!

I'm still searching the web and can't find any 996s anywhere near that price, and given the exceptional condition of this car, I have to think it's a good buy.

[800]

I'd say if you've found a good 'Millennium' then go for it.
I missed out on one before I got mine and still kick myself for it.

I don't know about elsewhere but in the UK, they were C4's a special order black with dark chrome wheels, natural leather, and every option available. (IIRC - I'm sure I'll be corrected any moment soon).

[johnfm]

800 said:

I'd say if you've found a good 'Millennium' then go for it. I missed out on one before I got mine and still kick myself for it. I don't know about elsewhere but in the UK, they were C4's a special order black with dark chrome wheels, natural leather, and every option available. (IIRC - I'm sure I'll be corrected any moment soon).

They weren't black - but a silver (I forget the name of the colour)

Interestingly, they cam efitted with a mechanical LSD AND PSM.

[morriet]

I signed the papers on it today and will take it for a PPI tomorrow. Aside from two tiny rock chips, this car is like new. The brake rotors have a slight warp which is only detectable when braking hard from about 85mph.

I don't see how I can go wrong at less than $40,000 for one in exceptional condition.

[clubsport]

johnfm said:

800 said: I'd say if you've found a good 'Millennium' then go for it. I missed out on one before I got mine and still kick myself for it. I don't know about elsewhere but in the UK, they were C4's a special order black with dark chrome wheels, natural leather, and every option available. (IIRC - I'm sure I'll be corrected any moment soon). They weren't black - but a silver (I forget the name of the colour) Interestingly, they cam efitted with a mechanical LSD AND PSM.

John,,, as far as my memory goes the millenium edition out in 2000 were finished in Violet chromaflair,,,,a dark off black, purpleish colour. The chromaflair paint really does react to the light.

Maybe you are thinking of the 40th anniversary edition of the 996 carrera available in 2004 which came in Carrera Gt silver?

[johnfm]

Hi clubsport

you are right!! I was thinking of the anniversary (ie 40 Jahr, not the millenium model...

[morriet]

I pulled the plug on the deal today, after talking with some dealer friends about the Millennium model.

The cars are not popular sellers, primarily because they are really purple. The chrome wheels are also a turnoff for many. Finally, 45,000 miles is a big negative, in the opinion of guys who should know.

I really like the interior and could live with the paint, but I was concerned about the high mileage. I want to be able to drive the car regularly without worrying about using up its value in short order.

I'd prefer a nice 993 if I can find one, but will buy a 996 if a good deal comes along. If I don't find one soon, I'll take a good look at a new Cayman when they get here, but I agree with many who think that car may be overpriced.

[johnfm]

morriet said:

I pulled the plug on the deal today, after talking with some dealer friends about the Millennium model. The cars are not popular sellers, primarily because they are really purple. The chrome wheels are also a turnoff for many. Finally, 45,000 miles is a big negative, in the opinion of guys who should know. I really like the interior and could live with the paint, but I was concerned about the high mileage. I want to be able to drive the car regularly without worrying about using up its value in short order. I'd prefer a nice 993 if I can find one, but will buy a 996 if a good deal comes along. If I don't find one soon, I'll take a good look at a new Cayman when they get here, but I agree with many who think that car may be overpriced.

It sounds to me that one of your key decision making criteria is resale value. If you are that concerned I would lean towards a 993 - they have levelled out and some models are worth more than 996s in some markets.

[silver993tt]

morriet said:

I pulled the plug on the deal today, after talking with some dealer friends about the Millennium model. The cars are not popular sellers, primarily because they are really purple. The chrome wheels are also a turnoff for many. Finally, 45,000 miles is a big negative, in the opinion of guys who should know. I really like the interior and could live with the paint, but I was concerned about the high mileage. I want to be able to drive the car regularly without worrying about using up its value in short order. I'd prefer a nice 993 if I can find one, but will buy a 996 if a good deal comes along. If I don't find one soon, I'll take a good look at a new Cayman when they get here, but I agree with many who think that car may be overpriced.

High mileage?? That's only 9k per year, a bit below average. You'll see plenty of lower mileage cars in worse condition.

[kevinday]

morriet said:

I pulled the plug on the deal today, after talking with some dealer friends about the Millennium model. The cars are not popular sellers, primarily because they are really purple. The chrome wheels are also a turnoff for many. Finally, 45,000 miles is a big negative, in the opinion of guys who should know. I really like the interior and could live with the paint, but I was concerned about the high mileage. I want to be able to drive the car regularly without worrying about using up its value in short order. I'd prefer a nice 993 if I can find one, but will buy a 996 if a good deal comes along. If I don't find one soon, I'll take a good look at a new Cayman when they get here, but I agree with many who think that car may be overpriced.

I second silver993tt in that 45000 miles is LOW for the year, not high.

Also if you are worried about resale price why would you consider a Cayman, when the depreciation on that will be very high as you would be buying new, and all new cars depreciate heavily in the first two-three years.

[800]

morriet said:

I pulled the plug on the deal today, after talking with some dealer friends about the Millennium model. The cars are not popular sellers, primarily because they are really purple. The chrome wheels are also a turnoff for many. Finally, 45,000 miles is a big negative, in the opinion of guys who should know. I really like the interior and could live with the paint, but I was concerned about the high mileage. I want to be able to drive the car regularly without worrying about using up its value in short order. I

I have to say I disagree with your learned friend. I would suggest a 996 Millennium would have better residuals than a 'cooking' model. I think the rare colour (in and out) are terrific and the spec is outstanding. Many 996's come with a 'poverty' spec, and its a real turn-off.

All IMHO, of course

I do agree that the miles are high.

Still, plenty more out there - happy hunting

[paulburrell]

Have you seen this one on EBay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-Porsche-911-Carrera-Tiptronic-S-with-GT3-Styling_W0QQitemZ4579103588QQcategoryZ9860QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


God awful colour and alost certainly been to mars and back or a previous insurance write off. If not, how much would a full respray cost???

[DanH]

paulburrell said:

Have you seen this one on EBay. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-Porsche-911-Carrera-Tiptronic-S-with-GT3-Styling_W0QQitemZ4579103588QQcategoryZ9860QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem God awful colour and alost certainly been to mars and back or a previous insurance write off. If not, how much would a full respray cost???

Most likely a fraud!

[supersport]

I don't understand the I want a cool sports car, but actually I don't to drive the thing and wear it out mentatality! It's a bloody car, they are meant to be driven not hung on the wall and looked at. If you are worried about resale value then I would suggest that you possibly cannot afford it.

At 45K miles you should have a good couple of years before you have to worry about it having a high mileage. Anyway the thing is a 996, they appear to be decpreciating like bricks at the moment and the thing is damn cheap in the first place.

As Henry keeps saying "Buy on condition, not mileage"

Sorry for ranting, please don't take offense

[ras1325]

Is this car located in NJ or PA by any chance? I have a lead on a ME with a similar pricetag, not sure of the mileage but I thought it was in the 30s.

[Adam B]

morriet said:

I pulled the plug on the deal today, after talking with some dealer friends about the Millennium model.

oh thank God - purple exterior, chrome wheels, hideous interior leather and wood!! Wood belongs in Jags not Porsches.

All IMVHO of course

[nervous]

listen, if we could lay off the purple bashing itd be appreciated, ok? some of us are very sensitive about the whiff of lavender eminating from our cars

[2 Smokin Barrels]

Is a 2000 millennium like reversing backwards? Just a thought