Cheap 993/996 Cabriolets.....a con??

[da_murphster]

I'm looking to replace my beloved VX220 with something fun for between £15-20k.

Was considering a Boxster S, Elise 111R (and a heap of others!)

I've been tracking 911 prices to see if the cabrio ones will drop after summer and seen today that there are now a few 993/996 cabriolets for under £20k.

Are these likely to be write offs/cons?

Do you reckon I'm being unrealistic in hoping for a 911 cab for this money? Will they be dogs demanding money from me?!

I'm not looking to buy till Xmas time!

Cheers people!

[da_murphster]

Opinions...anyone.....

[Clevers]

Avoid any 996 facelift cars that are for sale around £21K and the owner has now moved to Portugal where the car is being kept, but it has been registered with a shipping company for immediate delivery to the UK once the payment has been made.......there are loads of these on Autotrader

[Clevers]

Northway have a good one at £26K...bit over what you wanted though...

[POORCARDEALER]

993 or 996 Cab at sub £20K needs choosing and inspecting very carefully, you might find a 993 Cab thats ok,(but you might look at loads that are not) very very unlikely you will get a 996 Cab that is a nice car for the budget

[da_murphster]

Thanks - having read some of the buyers guides much as though i would love a 911 methinks on my budget a Boxster S might be less risky.

Can anyone recommend a "finding" service for 993/boxsters?

[Clevers]

Cridfords have got some nice Boxers in that price bracket right now

[The Londoner]

If you are looking to buy a cab in the depths of the winter this might soften the price as well!

[TheMonster]

well i have a 996 cabrio that is totally legit, and i don't think it's worth more than £20k (1998R, 90k, fMDsh). not really planning on selling though, but i think if owners are realistic then it's not just rip offs you'll find for that price. you just have to accept that for that money you're only going to get an early car that's approaching 6 figure mileages. doesn't mean they're not sound though.

[Deutscher]

If you look hard enough you will definitely find a good car for this price. At your price point they are less sought-after, hence much cheaper, than coupes which most enthusiasts go for.

[da_murphster]

Interesting food for thought. Everything I can find on 996/993's seems to point that if looked after they are reliable upto very high mileages (90k would certainly not put me off).

I know my (uneducated) mates would give me grief for buying a Boxster (I can cope with that though) but a 996/993 would be a true dream car - worth a few extra quid as I don't reckon they will depreciate much.

Been looking at the Hartage scheme - that looks like a very reasonable Warrenty equiverlent - although I'm assuming to get your car thought their inital inspection may cost £1000's.

[Lurking Lawyer]

da_murphster said:

Interesting food for thought. Everything I can find on 996/993's seems to point that if looked after they are reliable upto very high mileages (90k would certainly not put me off).

That's certainly seems to be true of 993s but have a read of the thread about 996 engine reliability stuck at the top of the forum. There have been issues with some 3.4 engines, leading to total engine rebuild (or replacement) being required.

If I was in the market for an early 996, I think the Hartech warranty, or OPC warranty if it's still within the age parameters, would be a must.