High Mileage C4S or lower miles C2

[Big Brin]

Hello all,

I am married to a Beamer but want an affair with a Porsche!

I am going to go and view a high mileage 2004 C4s tomorrow as it seems to be a good buy, but 'reality' is I can only 'afford' a C2. I have my 996 buyers guide and have the clues as to what to look for per the text book, but not having ever owned a rear engined Porsche before, I wonder if there are any peculiarities I should look for that may not be summarised in the book? I think I can spot a 'dog' and if I get near serious to put down the cash deposit I'll go for a professional inspection. I know the C4S has a service history, but at 76k miles on an '04' is there anything that will loom large to be repaired?

I am almost verging on the obsessive about owning a 911 and want to get it right and at this particuar point in time want my head to rule over my heart.

I know what makes a C4S and it's advantages over a C2, but there are some good looking (and cheaper!) C2's around. Apart from the looks, what does the C4S offer over the C2 for the passioned but untrained driver? I lust for the C4S with it's wide hips and road prescence, but would settle for the right colour, condition C2 with 'fierce exhausts'.....!.

Any advice greatfully received etc.

Rgds, Brin

[fieldl]

Drive both and see what you think.

[DucatiGary]

drive both, report back here when you bought the C2

if you want a 4x4 for driving in the mud/smow/through lakes, buy a Land Rover, they are far superior at that sort of thing.

[magic torch]

Sounds like you can only afford a better car.

Buy the one you like best.

[Koln-RS]

In the used market there is little or no difference between a C2 and a C4 prices. However, there is a price premium for the C4S.

Personally, if it was my money, I'd look for the best, lowish mileage, C2. IMO it's the purer 911.

[muzaa]

I'd go with the one liked the most. If you are only doing a few 000's miles ayear the high miles should be to much of an issue on reslae later on.

[fidgits]

buy on condition...

[Big Brin]

Thanks for your advice chaps. I didn't get as far as the C4S today and diverted my attention to a car closer by. I ended up viewing, pouring over and driving a '52 C2 instead. Once I got used to the goose bumps, the knot in the stomach, and having to press hard on the brakes it was doddle to drive. It sounds fabulous and quite, quite impressive. I'm going to sleep on a decision.

Rgds, Brin

[nbetts]

Big Brin said:

Apart from the looks, what does the C4S offer over the C2 for the passioned but untrained driver?

Nothing: and for some, the looks are all that are needed to part with the hard-earned to get one.

It offers less steering feel, less speed, less acceleration, less boot space.

It does have a stiffer/wider body, better equipment levels and has the best residuals of any of the more normal 996 range.

The performance difference, some will argue is negligible, some will not - If you can drive both and pick the one you prefer.

For me, the C2 911 is better than the C4.

[magic torch]

nbetts said:

Stuff

Well put.

IMO the press were wrong on the C4S, and I prefer the narrow body looks too.

Even the most ham-fisted of us on here can drive a C2 quickly. They're incredibly forgiving, certainly nothing to be scared of.

[wetwipe]

magic torch said:

nbetts said:

Stuff

Well put.

IMO the press were wrong on the C4S, and I prefer the narrow body looks too.

Even the most ham-fisted of us on here can drive a C2 quickly. They're incredibly forgiving, certainly nothing to be scared of.

Did someone say hamfisted driving? my thread has arrived