Help with purchase of used 996

[NOVA]

Greetings. I'm in the beginning stages of finding my first Porsche. I've got a few under consideration but I had some questions.

I'm considering two 2000 911 C4 6-speed Millenium, one with 4K miles and one with 40K miles. The price difference between the two is about $8K. Assuming both are in great shape which do you recommend. Both cars are out of state and I'm going to have to decide without seeing them in person. I'm going to pick one and go look at it. If it's "as advertised" I will buy it. Would there be anything to worry about with a car having such low mileage? Has anyone heard of problems associated with not driving a 911 enough? What is the average life expectancy on a 911 motor assuming it is well maintained? How long does the average clutch last?

I love the look of the aero kit and was wondering if anyone could give me a ballpark figure on the cost to install a decent quality kit and paint. One thing that concerns me with painting the aero kit on this particular car is the strange color it has. Violet-Chromaflair. It's almost a color changing type paint, sometimes looks black, sometimes green and other times violet. I'm sure many are familiar with it.

Ok, that's a lot of questions. Any help would be appreciated though.

- NOVA

[a9jlu]

i would go with the car with 4k

4k in a porsche comes up pretty fast, i bought my car with only 170ish miles on it and after 2 months i already have 7k

wanna give us some more details on the two cars?

[NOVA]

wanna give us some more details on the two cars?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's all the details I've got :(

Both are Millenium, so they are roughly the same trim level.

[Gabo2k]

Please, please, please pay to have a Porsche dealer conduct the pre-purchase inspection.

THIS IS A MUST ! ! !

If you still need to know why ask me.

[gchu]

If I have the extra $8K, I will go with one with 36K less miles.

[mtimmy]

Both out of warranty!....

8k..... tough call.!!!!

If I have the extra $8K, I will go with one with 36K less miles.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Hroussard]

Get the car with ALL the options you are looking for. Adding stuff to the Porsche is hellishly expensive. So maybe you should buy one with an Aero kit - factory ifr you are already looking at that upgrade / option There are lots of 996's on the market, take your time if you can. I took more than 6 months before I found what I was looking for.

HarryR

[NOVA]

Yeah, they are both out of warranty. I've looked into buying extended warranties and I can get a 2 year one for about 2K. I supposedly can take the car to a Porsche service center as well.

I think the 4K mile one is worth the extra 8K. They have ALL the options I could possibly want except the aero kit. Does anyone know how much an aftermarket aero kit installed and painted will cost? Does the cost of painting it depend on the color of paint?

[hemeoncdoc]

My father has the Millennium edition car. The paint is exotic- but can be accurately reproduced locally (he had a minor fender repair). Would get the lower mileage car - if you intend to keep the low miles. If not, assuming regular maintenance, it's a matter of whether you can afford the low mileage cost differential. I have a 1999 996 with 36K miles, no issues. Re the millennium edition car, I would not modify it. It is loaded with all options, but many are somewhat over the top. It might command a slight premium, but mods may affect that. If you intend to modify it, buy a standard issue 996, at a slightly better price, perhaps.

[NOVA]

Thanks so much for the response.

Now, to my other question...

Is there anything to be concerned about with buying a low mileage car? (any issues with not driving a Porsche enough?)

Also, what are some problem areas that I should look for when doing the pre-purchase inspection?

[bangbang001]

Thanks so much for the response.

Now, to my other question...

Is there anything to be concerned about with buying a low mileage car?  (any issues with not driving a Porsche enough?)

Also, what are some problem areas that I should look for when doing the pre-purchase inspection?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Service records, (30k service 900.00), RMS LEAK 800-1200.00 fix, coolant tank (expansion tank) 655.00 fix. Aibag light which is caused by the seat belts 900.00 fix.

These are prices that are from Dealers in Atlanta Ga.

Have not had rms leak so far but the other 2 were covered under my CPO warranty.

Good luck, and if you are concerned buy one that has the original warranty left 01-05. The cpo doesn't cover the coolant tank nor the airbag fix. My dealer was good to me because the car only has 38k and all services were done at the dealer.

I did have to pay 200.00 for the labor on the coolant tank fix.