Considering a 996 C2 - Have questions
Discussion
All going well, I should be in a position to buy my first Porsche in the Autumn, and am obviously beginning to do my homework now.
I fancy a 996 Carrera 2 (AWD isn't my thing), and would like it in Seal Grey or Arctic Silver. I do however really like the yellow that the 997's have been wearing in the press, and was wondering if it was available on the 996, and if so, whether it would be easy to find one. Are there any other interesting colours the 996 came in that I should look at? I don't want another red car, so count that out.
There seem to be a lot of cars with GT3-style wheels on them which I'm not a big fan of. Were these standard fit, or were the 5-spokes an option?
I currently own an S2000, and despite enjoying topless motoring, I can't face buying a 911 convertible as it just doesn't look right IMO. I wouldn't say no to a Targa though, but again would need to see one in the flesh to deside if it was worth pursuing. The 911 shape is so perfect that even a Targa, I fear, may spoil the look.
My Budget is 25k so I looking at early examples, and my search is nationwide. There are plenty of 996's here on the west coast of Jockland, but there don't seem to be many dealers! How much is a typical service, and what type of dealer would you recommend I take it to for servicing/maintenance? Any people from around my neck of the woods - your advice would be invaluable.
I only drive around 10 miles a day to work - does the 996 have a problem with short daily journeys? I stopped looking at TVR's as I was advised they get very grumpy with short journeys over time due to oil temp not getting high enough. I don't want a garage full of cars, I just want a sports car that can get me to work, and have fun in at the weekend.
Anything I should be aware of on early models, and how much should I set aside to buy the later smoked rear clusters?
That's quite a post, didn't realise I had that much to ask till I jotted it all down! I would appreciate any comments you might have, but if there's a buying guide somewhere you would recommend, plase just point me in that direction and I'll shoot off and read that.
Cheers,
Gareth
I fancy a 996 Carrera 2 (AWD isn't my thing), and would like it in Seal Grey or Arctic Silver. I do however really like the yellow that the 997's have been wearing in the press, and was wondering if it was available on the 996, and if so, whether it would be easy to find one. Are there any other interesting colours the 996 came in that I should look at? I don't want another red car, so count that out.
There seem to be a lot of cars with GT3-style wheels on them which I'm not a big fan of. Were these standard fit, or were the 5-spokes an option?
I currently own an S2000, and despite enjoying topless motoring, I can't face buying a 911 convertible as it just doesn't look right IMO. I wouldn't say no to a Targa though, but again would need to see one in the flesh to deside if it was worth pursuing. The 911 shape is so perfect that even a Targa, I fear, may spoil the look.
My Budget is 25k so I looking at early examples, and my search is nationwide. There are plenty of 996's here on the west coast of Jockland, but there don't seem to be many dealers! How much is a typical service, and what type of dealer would you recommend I take it to for servicing/maintenance? Any people from around my neck of the woods - your advice would be invaluable.
I only drive around 10 miles a day to work - does the 996 have a problem with short daily journeys? I stopped looking at TVR's as I was advised they get very grumpy with short journeys over time due to oil temp not getting high enough. I don't want a garage full of cars, I just want a sports car that can get me to work, and have fun in at the weekend.
Anything I should be aware of on early models, and how much should I set aside to buy the later smoked rear clusters?
That's quite a post, didn't realise I had that much to ask till I jotted it all down! I would appreciate any comments you might have, but if there's a buying guide somewhere you would recommend, plase just point me in that direction and I'll shoot off and read that.
Cheers,
Gareth
Hi Gareth
GT3 wheels were and are a desirable option. I didn't see many with the original wheels when I was looking, quite a few had turbo alloys though.
There's mixed reviews about independents and OPCs. I think I'm in the minority in that I preferred my nearest OPC. I'm sure someone more local to you can help out here.
I quite often have to use mine on a 7 mile commute, average 16mph, and it certainly doesn't seem to like it. Fuel consumption is horrific and always seems to run a bit better after a blast.
Lots of choice on ebay, I've been offered some real bargains on there if you're not fussy about spec / colour combination. The resale Police don't like Yellow!
One very important note is get it inspected and put some money aside for an OPC warranty. Best £725 you can spend on it, probably the same money as a set of clear lights.
Good luck.
GT3 wheels were and are a desirable option. I didn't see many with the original wheels when I was looking, quite a few had turbo alloys though.
There's mixed reviews about independents and OPCs. I think I'm in the minority in that I preferred my nearest OPC. I'm sure someone more local to you can help out here.
I quite often have to use mine on a 7 mile commute, average 16mph, and it certainly doesn't seem to like it. Fuel consumption is horrific and always seems to run a bit better after a blast.
Lots of choice on ebay, I've been offered some real bargains on there if you're not fussy about spec / colour combination. The resale Police don't like Yellow!
One very important note is get it inspected and put some money aside for an OPC warranty. Best £725 you can spend on it, probably the same money as a set of clear lights.
Good luck.
The 996 C2 Coupe is a superb, and fun, GT.
At your budget you'll find more cars in silver. Speed yellow is rare on a 996 Coupe and Seal Grey is a much later colour. They come with a variety of wheel options.
However, IMO, a Boxster 3.2'S' would be a much better buy. You should get a 2003 model Boxster 'S', or an even newer 2.7, for the price of a 1999 996. The Boxster really is a terrific little roadster and this could be a much better first step to Porsche ownership.
At your budget you'll find more cars in silver. Speed yellow is rare on a 996 Coupe and Seal Grey is a much later colour. They come with a variety of wheel options.
However, IMO, a Boxster 3.2'S' would be a much better buy. You should get a 2003 model Boxster 'S', or an even newer 2.7, for the price of a 1999 996. The Boxster really is a terrific little roadster and this could be a much better first step to Porsche ownership.
I have a C2 cab in Seal grey and love the colour and am now enjoying the roof down fun too. Also have some 5 spoke wheels which were an option. Up until very recently have been using it on my 10 mile round trip to work daily without any issues whatsoever and an average MPG north of 23mpg and that is with sprited driving when the traffic allows. As an everyday you should be just fine.
As others have said, yellow come resale may be more of an issue
As others have said, yellow come resale may be more of an issue
Geneve said:
The 996 C2 Coupe is a superb, and fun, GT.
At your budget you'll find more cars in silver. Speed yellow is rare on a 996 Coupe and Seal Grey is a much later colour. They come with a variety of wheel options.
However, IMO, a Boxster 3.2'S' would be a much better buy. You should get a 2003 model Boxster 'S', or an even newer 2.7, for the price of a 1999 996. The Boxster really is a terrific little roadster and this could be a much better first step to Porsche ownership.
I thought about a Boxster S, but I need more of a performance step than the S2000-Boxster move would provide. I've been in a 2.7 and a 3.2 and think they were great cars, but not great enough to sway me from a 911, personally.
uuf361 said:
I have a C2 cab in Seal grey and love the colour and am now enjoying the roof down fun too. Also have some 5 spoke wheels which were an option. Up until very recently have been using it on my 10 mile round trip to work daily without any issues whatsoever and an average MPG north of 23mpg and that is with sprited driving when the traffic allows. As an everyday you should be just fine.
As others have said, yellow come resale may be more of an issue
Glad to hear stories like that, I want the 911 to fit all my requirements so badly! I don't do shopping (that's what the internet's for), so as long as it gets me to and from work, and can handle UK weather/roads then I'm happy.
Oh, and I looked and there's an official Porsche Center hidden away in the posh part of Glasgow, so that's not too far at all.
>> Edited by Bada Bing! on Sunday 16th April 17:33
No pronlem doing short commutes, provided it gets a decent run once a week or so, to get the oil temp up and burn the water vapour out of it.
I've done some driving around the west coast of Jockistan (Fort William, Oban, etc) and it was made for the 911
I have the 18" Carrera Classic five spokes. They look great and are simplicity to clean, including right across to the rear edge, just by wiping with a wet sponge.
I've done some driving around the west coast of Jockistan (Fort William, Oban, etc) and it was made for the 911
I have the 18" Carrera Classic five spokes. They look great and are simplicity to clean, including right across to the rear edge, just by wiping with a wet sponge.
Just looking at servicing costs, and I'm pleasantly surprised. Is it right that if I do less than 9000 miles per year (highly likely), that I will only pay £151 for a service? I understand that if it falls on a 2yr interval that a Major service will have to occur, but paying only £151 every other year is very encouraging (if I've read the Porsche blurb right of course!).
>> Edited by Bada Bing! on Monday 17th April 20:00
>> Edited by Bada Bing! on Monday 17th April 20:00
Just remeber that an OPC warranty can only be exteneded on vehicles less or up to 8 years old and to a maximum age of 9 years or 125k miles.
There is an odd fact here that would most likely need validating with an OPC i.e. if the car is 8 years and 1 week old OPC would not issue an extension to the warranty as it would excedd the 9 years ??? Confused me as I thought it would be my perogative to pay the full amount but know it would not be for a full year....
JK
There is an odd fact here that would most likely need validating with an OPC i.e. if the car is 8 years and 1 week old OPC would not issue an extension to the warranty as it would excedd the 9 years ??? Confused me as I thought it would be my perogative to pay the full amount but know it would not be for a full year....
JK
jk75 said:
Just remeber that an OPC warranty can only be exteneded on vehicles less or up to 8 years old and to a maximum age of 9 years or 125k miles.
There is an odd fact here that would most likely need validating with an OPC i.e. if the car is 8 years and 1 week old OPC would not issue an extension to the warranty as it would excedd the 9 years ??? Confused me as I thought it would be my perogative to pay the full amount but know it would not be for a full year....
JK
You can renew the OPC warranty as long as the last renewal date is before or on the car's 9th birthday
jaybee said:
Hi Gareth
One very important note is get it inspected and put some money aside for an OPC warranty. Best £725 you can spend on it, probably the same money as a set of clear lights.
Good luck.
Too right, the reason I now drive a Golf Gti (fine car that it is)is that I was slightly naieve and trusted in the warranty that I got from a leading independent....and then my engine went pop! see the other threads about 996 engines for horror stories various.....however it was an utterly awesome car and with a good warranty you are covered. I am considering buying another one but without a Porsche warranty, I honestly would not. £7k for a 'cheap' rebuild is not cheap in most peoples money......
siko said:
Too right, the reason I now drive a Golf Gti (fine car that it is)is that I was slightly naieve and trusted in the warranty that I got from a leading independent....and then my engine went pop! see the other threads about 996 engines for horror stories various.....however it was an utterly awesome car and with a good warranty you are covered. I am considering buying another one but without a Porsche warranty, I honestly would not. £7k for a 'cheap' rebuild is not cheap in most peoples money......
Good advice guys, I'll definitely take notice.
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