Looking at an '01, need some input

[CMOS1]

Greetings,

I've been pouring through the forums trying to educate myself on all things 996 (I've never owned a Porsche before). Lots of great info here.

I'm looking at a 2001 Carrera 2 coupe Tiptronic. It's only got 10,600 miles on it. It hasn't been driven much over the last year or two. The owner can't drive it anymore, so his son has come over every couple months and taken it out to keep things lubed, etc. The battery was stone dead when I looked at it today, and we managed to get it powered up (via the fuse panel) to pop the lid and jump it. Started right up, everything seems to work fine.

Question is, is there anything I need to be concerned about given how little it's been driven the past year or two? I know I need to check the A/C to make sure the seals haven't dried up and lost the refrigerant. Any other concerns?

Thanks for your help!

[zanes1]

I would pressure up the tires to about 50 psi, since they probably have flat spots from sitting for a prolonged period of time, drive the car on the highway for about 15 minutes to warm them up. Then find a nice bumpy, quiet road. With your over inflated tires, aggressively drive the road several times, listening for rattles/creaks/squeaks/knocks/rubbing sounds. If there is something even slightly noticeable, trust that it will become more audible over time so listed carefully.

[Loren]

Get a PPI and if you are buying from a Porsche dealer get a CPO warranty.

[der meister]

Sounds like it might be a nice find.

Are you sure you want a Tip? The car drives great as a manual.

Also make sure you get a good price. Those are low miles, but negotiate in your interest.

As Loren said, you'll want to get a PPI before purchase.

[CMOS1]

Sounds like it might be a nice find.

Are you sure you want a Tip? The car drives great as a manual.

Also make sure you get a good price. Those are low miles, but negotiate in your interest.

As Loren said, you'll want to get a PPI before purchase.

Acutally the Tip is the one thing I'm still unsure on. I prefer manuals (I haven't had an auto in 12 years, and that was a truck). I haven't driven it yet to see what the Tiptronic is like, so that's still an unkown. As you said, it's a nice find, and I think I can get a really good price on it.

What does a PPI run, and should I get the owner to pay for it?

I forgot to photograph the options decal under the hood, but it seems fairly loaded. Black on grey, aero package, 18" 10-spoke wheels, CD, PSM Aluminum trim inside (sills, e-brake, etc), silver console, Litronic, heated seats. It's got a suede headliner, I'm not sure if that is std, or part of an option package. It's absolutely perfect. The owner that bought it new is now 75 years old, so I'm fairly certain it hasn't been thrashed.

Based on what I've heard that they are looking to get out of it, I think I'll offer them $33k for it. Is that a good deal? Middle of the road? Based on cars on the market, that seems like a great price given the condition and options, but I'm not that in tune with the Porsche market. "book" values don't seem to relate too well to cars on the market.

I've had BMW's for 10 years, and my latest was totaled 10 days ago (not my fault) and I kind of stumbled across this car through a friend of my Dad.

Thanks for all the input!