My experience of buying my first 911!
Discussion
Hi folks,
Having just been through the process of buying my first 911 I thought it might be helpful, at least for others in a similar situation, to share my experience and maybe offer a few pointers. There are some superb comprehensive buyers guides out there which I'd obviously point prospective buyers to first, this is just a personal view!
For context I'm not a wealthy guy by any stretch of the imagination so buying a 911 isn't a choice I've taken lightly, but having owned various sports cars including a TVR and two Alfa's I at least felt semi-prepared! I've always fancied a 911 and my choice was solidified by having two car mad little boys so I definitely needed four-seats and in all honesty there are very few pure sports cars out there; I've had an S5 Cab and there are of course the ubiquitous M3's, RS4's etc etc but I wanted something that felt a little more special ad the 911 ticks a lot of boxes.
Borrowing is very cheap at the moment so I opted to finance the majority via a personal loan and my target was c.£18k, hopefully enough for a tidy 996. So I started to look at cars and was very much open to a C2 or a C4 and either coupe or cab, condition was far more important, and whilst mileage shouldn't necessarily be a priority I did gravitate towards lower mileage cars. What followed were some of most frustrating weeks of my car buying history! I spend weeks driving around the country looking at both private and dealer cars, all of which were advertised as 'superb', 'fantastic', 'outstanding' etc and all of which were an utter disappointment, even a couple from well known specialists. Invariably the cars were tatty cosmetically, in need of thousands of pounds worth of mechanical work, had sketchy histories, or a combination of the three! I concluded that a lot of folks bought 996's when values were rock bottom but didn't have the means and/or the desire to care for them as required and so many fell into poor condition; now those owners are either trying to shift them without investing the money to get them 'right' or are shopping them in to traders who are doing likewise.
Anyway, it was a frustrating and disheartening experience so I regrouped and reflected on some advice that several specialists had given to me but which I had ignored up to that point, don't worry about mileage, focus on condition and history; so that's what I did. Very soon afterwards what is now my car came up for sale; it was a C4S, not what I'd been aiming for as I figured they're way out of budget, but as it had 120k on the clock it was just within reach if I increased my budget a little. It was literally at the other end of the country but a detailed chat with the seller told me enough and I booked a train ticket. The seller picked me up from the station and let me take the car for a half hour test drive on some superb roads, the car was taught and responsive with no squeaks or clonks and was clearly in great shape. Back at his place I took a detailed look around the car and found it to be in exceptional condition inside and out, not just for it's age and mileage, but vs much younger and lower mileage cars; he also showed me one of the most comprehensive service and maintenance histories I've ever seen including £4k of recent spend getting the car in A1 condition. It had recent boroscope and IMS checks and the fact that both came back 100% clear supported my view that this was a very well cared for car.
I did the deal and drove the car back and haven't looked back for a moment, it looks incredible and is a joy to drive. I'll do a minor service this year and maybe a precautionary IMS upgrade next year but so far so good!
My conclusion, take the advice that I initially ignored and rather than being preoccupied with mileage and IMS changes focus on finding a car that's been pampered mechanically and cosmetically and feels fresh and responsive to drive; look for thorough histories demonstrating that no previous owners have scrimped and tried to do things on the cheap. Look for bodywork and an interior that's been cared for and not neglected, in my experience the cosmetic condition of a car can tell you a lot about how well it's been looked after generally. Had you asked me a couple of months ago whether I'd buy a 120k mile 911 I'd have given you a resounding 'no' but I'm now very glad that I did!
Having just been through the process of buying my first 911 I thought it might be helpful, at least for others in a similar situation, to share my experience and maybe offer a few pointers. There are some superb comprehensive buyers guides out there which I'd obviously point prospective buyers to first, this is just a personal view!
For context I'm not a wealthy guy by any stretch of the imagination so buying a 911 isn't a choice I've taken lightly, but having owned various sports cars including a TVR and two Alfa's I at least felt semi-prepared! I've always fancied a 911 and my choice was solidified by having two car mad little boys so I definitely needed four-seats and in all honesty there are very few pure sports cars out there; I've had an S5 Cab and there are of course the ubiquitous M3's, RS4's etc etc but I wanted something that felt a little more special ad the 911 ticks a lot of boxes.
Borrowing is very cheap at the moment so I opted to finance the majority via a personal loan and my target was c.£18k, hopefully enough for a tidy 996. So I started to look at cars and was very much open to a C2 or a C4 and either coupe or cab, condition was far more important, and whilst mileage shouldn't necessarily be a priority I did gravitate towards lower mileage cars. What followed were some of most frustrating weeks of my car buying history! I spend weeks driving around the country looking at both private and dealer cars, all of which were advertised as 'superb', 'fantastic', 'outstanding' etc and all of which were an utter disappointment, even a couple from well known specialists. Invariably the cars were tatty cosmetically, in need of thousands of pounds worth of mechanical work, had sketchy histories, or a combination of the three! I concluded that a lot of folks bought 996's when values were rock bottom but didn't have the means and/or the desire to care for them as required and so many fell into poor condition; now those owners are either trying to shift them without investing the money to get them 'right' or are shopping them in to traders who are doing likewise.
Anyway, it was a frustrating and disheartening experience so I regrouped and reflected on some advice that several specialists had given to me but which I had ignored up to that point, don't worry about mileage, focus on condition and history; so that's what I did. Very soon afterwards what is now my car came up for sale; it was a C4S, not what I'd been aiming for as I figured they're way out of budget, but as it had 120k on the clock it was just within reach if I increased my budget a little. It was literally at the other end of the country but a detailed chat with the seller told me enough and I booked a train ticket. The seller picked me up from the station and let me take the car for a half hour test drive on some superb roads, the car was taught and responsive with no squeaks or clonks and was clearly in great shape. Back at his place I took a detailed look around the car and found it to be in exceptional condition inside and out, not just for it's age and mileage, but vs much younger and lower mileage cars; he also showed me one of the most comprehensive service and maintenance histories I've ever seen including £4k of recent spend getting the car in A1 condition. It had recent boroscope and IMS checks and the fact that both came back 100% clear supported my view that this was a very well cared for car.
I did the deal and drove the car back and haven't looked back for a moment, it looks incredible and is a joy to drive. I'll do a minor service this year and maybe a precautionary IMS upgrade next year but so far so good!
My conclusion, take the advice that I initially ignored and rather than being preoccupied with mileage and IMS changes focus on finding a car that's been pampered mechanically and cosmetically and feels fresh and responsive to drive; look for thorough histories demonstrating that no previous owners have scrimped and tried to do things on the cheap. Look for bodywork and an interior that's been cared for and not neglected, in my experience the cosmetic condition of a car can tell you a lot about how well it's been looked after generally. Had you asked me a couple of months ago whether I'd buy a 120k mile 911 I'd have given you a resounding 'no' but I'm now very glad that I did!
It does look like it's Slate Gray, which IMHO is a fabulous color for 996s.
https://www.rennbow.org/porsche-colors/SlateGreyMe...
Great buy, OP!
https://www.rennbow.org/porsche-colors/SlateGreyMe...
Great buy, OP!
Congratulations on your 996 purchase. It looks lovely. I’ve not long bought my own 996 C2, although I probably broke every used car buying rule in the book! I’ve wanted a 911 since the mid 80’s when I first learned what one was. Unfortunately I’ve just never been in a position to afford one and even now my limited budget meant there were few cars open to me. I spotted my C2 on eBay and it was my ideal aesthetic spec being arctic silver with extended red leather. It looked great and hid its relatively high mileage well. I’ve never been bothered by mileage and condition is key for me. One thing of note was a new engine back in 2005 that was fitted by Porsche under warranty. Not only did that mean the 3.6 had only done 90+k miles instead of 140k, but it also meant it had the IMS upgrade! Bonus! Anyway, I figured I’d offer just over the auction starting price (subject to inspection) and it was accepted, although it was the only example in budget anyway. I also made some calls to the various Porsche indies I spotted in the pretty extensive history that the seller had sent copies of, as well as the usual MOT history checks. I just needed to book a flight to Manchester now. Oh and tell my Mrs but I figured I could do that once I’d collected it. When I got to the sellers home I spotted the 996 sat there looking great. Little clues, like the matching Michelin all round, pointed to a car that had been well maintained. There was no rust or damage to speak of and the interior looked lovely. I checked the engine was cold before that first start and there was no smoke or knocks. It sounded lovely too. It wasn’t perfect but overall it just seemed like a really nice and genuine example. Bottom line though, was I either took a chance and buy it or risk never getting into a 911, as prices have been climbing. The 394 miles home were just great. Especially the A30 once I left the motorway at Exeter. Now I’ve had it a couple of months I’ve made a couple of aesthetic changes (I’m very shallow!) and there are some jobs planned for the coming winter, such as front top mounts and RSR engine mounts. Now though, I’m just enjoying driving it. I think 996 are just so underrated but that appears to be changing.
Love your story Mark and congrats on the car; values are firming up so my hope is that provided they're looked after 996's should be a sound buy. People often buy less interesting newer cars citing that running costs will be minimal but they often seem to ignore the fact that they'll be 'paying' thousands in depreciation! Horses for courses of course but I know where I'd rather put my money!
The other thing I've come to realise is how good 996's look these days; with newer cars (hatch backs and coupes etc as well as sports cars) sporting increasingly stylised bodywork with vents and aero kit all over the place the 996 looks beautifully clean and understated, personal bias aside I really think they've come of age. There's a new 911 that parks near my house and whilst it's certainly very impressive I can't help but feel that it looks a bit like a transformer
- it's also HUGE!
The other thing I've come to realise is how good 996's look these days; with newer cars (hatch backs and coupes etc as well as sports cars) sporting increasingly stylised bodywork with vents and aero kit all over the place the 996 looks beautifully clean and understated, personal bias aside I really think they've come of age. There's a new 911 that parks near my house and whilst it's certainly very impressive I can't help but feel that it looks a bit like a transformer
- it's also HUGE!Chuck21 said:
There's a new 911 that parks near my house and whilst it's certainly very impressive I can't help but feel that it looks a bit like a transformer - it's also HUGE!
Parked near a new 911 in Sainsbury's yesterday and my C2 looked tiny by comparison. Mind you, it's one of the things that makes it perfect for the lanes down here in Cornwall. - it's also HUGE!Whilst I didn't buy with values in mind it's definitely an added bonus. Mine is a manual, non sunroof so a good candidate for some extra weight loss and CS type mods.
Colour of yours is lovely. Contrasting boxster red interior would be perfect. If I had the cash I'd also have a 4S converted to RWD as the back end looks about as good as a 996 gets.
Congrats both. I too am a new 996 C2 owner and very much enjoying it so far. Here's the old dog:
Bought it to run as our default family car and so far it's doing an admirable job. It will be used and enjoyed like any other car and not kept in a garage and only taken out on sunny days..
Already done nearly 3k miles in as many months so it's getting some decent use
It's on 45k miles, non-sunroof manual, has a Hartech 3.9 motor and a Centre Gravity setup so pretty sorted. Have had it cavity waxed and fitted some new PS4s on it. Need to make a few further chassis tweaks but once done it will just be used and enjoyed.
Need to get a roof rack for it as well as a cycle carrier and roof box so I can sling the kids' bikes on the roof to make it a properly useable family car.
Who needs a dull SUV eh?!
Bought it to run as our default family car and so far it's doing an admirable job. It will be used and enjoyed like any other car and not kept in a garage and only taken out on sunny days..
Already done nearly 3k miles in as many months so it's getting some decent use
It's on 45k miles, non-sunroof manual, has a Hartech 3.9 motor and a Centre Gravity setup so pretty sorted. Have had it cavity waxed and fitted some new PS4s on it. Need to make a few further chassis tweaks but once done it will just be used and enjoyed.
Need to get a roof rack for it as well as a cycle carrier and roof box so I can sling the kids' bikes on the roof to make it a properly useable family car.
Who needs a dull SUV eh?!
Very nice. I must admit I would love to be able to daily mine, although it's being used regularly. I imagine it must be pretty quick with the 3.9, although it's not what one would call slow with the 3.6! I did fit a K&N induction kit so mine at least sounds more powerful. 
I know they can actually knock a few HP off but I love the sound. My Mrs wasn't too upset at the purchase either. Shocked but not upset. She loves how it looks now and even likes the black wheels and mirror caps. I just want yellow callipers now and it'll look just how I want it. Funnily enough they do seem to suit a bike rack too!
I did fit a K&N induction kit so mine at least sounds more powerful. I know they can actually knock a few HP off but I love the sound. My Mrs wasn't too upset at the purchase either. Shocked but not upset. She loves how it looks now and even likes the black wheels and mirror caps. I just want yellow callipers now and it'll look just how I want it. Funnily enough they do seem to suit a bike rack too! Armut Schweinefleisch-911 said:
Very nice. I must admit I would love to be able to daily mine, although it's being used regularly. I imagine it must be pretty quick with the 3.9, although it's not what one would call slow with the 3.6! I did fit a K&N induction kit so mine at least sounds more powerful. I know they can actually knock a few HP off but I love the sound. My Mrs wasn't too upset at the purchase either. Shocked but not upset. She loves how it looks now and even likes the black wheels and mirror caps. I just want yellow callipers now and it'll look just how I want it. Funnily enough they do seem to suit a bike rack too!
I actually haven't driven a standard 3.6 but the 3.9 has 365 bhp and 345 lb ft so more mid range than a 997.2 CS. It's the torque they makes the difference really - it does fly on road! I did fit a K&N induction kit so mine at least sounds more powerful. I know they can actually knock a few HP off but I love the sound. My Mrs wasn't too upset at the purchase either. Shocked but not upset. She loves how it looks now and even likes the black wheels and mirror caps. I just want yellow callipers now and it'll look just how I want it. Funnily enough they do seem to suit a bike rack too! I want a LSD, LWFW, some harder bushes and quite fancy some OZ wheels. All in due course...
BillyB said:
Lovely. And a great reminder to buy on condition. A good 996 is still THE Porsche bargain at the moment.
Hey folks. Thought I'd post a quick update on this. Seven months in without a hitch and loving the car; just had her in at AMS (highly recommended) to fit a new exhaust fitting kit and gaskets and also fit a new IMS & RMS as the original was still in the car after 125,000 miles. Turns our the IMS was absolutely fine; I also asked them to boroscope the cylinders and there's zero scoring, result!There's no hard and fast rule but it does reinforce the idea that if a car is well looked after then high-mileages shouldn't be a concern. Monday she's in for a full detailing, after which she should be pretty-much show standard
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