Opinions on 2 996s I'm considering - finally got one
 

Hey Everyone,

After searching for a month or so for a 996 I'm focusing on 2 particular cars. I'm looking for your collective wisdom as I ponder this.
'99 Black car
http://www.mbmotorsports.us/VD.html?...-E1A64C8D9D0D}
and '01 Silver car
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...0611&viewitem=

The black car is older but fewer miles (a friend gave it the once-over and said it looked good, but may have a RMS leak and slipping clutch). I prefer a silver exterior to black, but like the beige interior more than black. The blingy wheels on the black car would get swapped for factory shoes and it has some nice interior options but does not have LSD like the ad states.

The silver car has a few nice options (M030, PSM, sport exhaust, Litronics) but these aren't important options for me (this will be a street-only machine) but would come in handy should I sell it. Of course, it's also more expensive (the opening price is at the top of my budget and may go higher during the auction), and price is certainly a factor in my decision. I should have some negotiating leverage as both sellers sound motivated.

Carfax is clean on each (FWIW) and ownership patterns are similar (both 4 owners).

I'm going to check out both cars tomorrow and may have both PPId before I make my decision. Or, maybe I should just start a poll and let you guys decide for me. ;-)

Thoughts????

On a somewhat related note, I called my credit union yesterday to inquire about used car interest rates. It's lower than my mortgage rate!!! :bang:

Both look like nice cars. FWIW, I think that the apparently "enthusiastic" PCA ownership of the Silver car is a plus. I also like the option list on it, particularly the M030 suspension; it is a worthwhile upgrade. I don't know how performance details compare between the '99 and '01, but I also like the fact that the Silver car is newer. Unless there's some hidden surprises, I'd go with the Silver '01.

Good luck, and hope you find one you like! :)

Based on the mileage I don't think the bidding will go much higher on the second car. The M030 package is nice. Both cars have enough Mileage that you are probably beyond any RMS or engine blow up problems. I think the 2001 has a 3.6 engine too which gives you a little more HP. +1 on the enthusiastic owner. And the wild card for me is I wouldn't trust anyone from Jersey :evil: The pictures of that car look like they were taken next to the " Bada Bing " :lol:

I asked on Rennlist. Only minor changes (eGas rather than cable-operated, hood & trunk opening mechanism changes, PSM and Litronics as options, remote changes seat position, etc.). A local mechanic I spoke with indicated some engine changes were made in the RMS design (the factory probably started installing the updated seal) but haven't been able to confirm that.

Yeah, the black will look good if you'll come over and keep it clean for me??

Scott, the 3.6L didn't come into production until the '02 model (and these seem to carry a price premium, as expected). The 3.4 has plenty of power for me (I get scared in anything with over 250). :oops:

The "upgrades" to the '99 are what worries me a bit...feels like some guy from Jersey (no offense to people hailing from the Jerz) would rather spend $ on blingie wheels that he thinks looks good than spend that money on other maintenance/fixes. Would suggest the person probably isn't much of an enthusiast - which may suggest that proper care was lacking across the course of ownership. Maybe.

If the PPI checks out, the silver car, while more expensive, "feels" like it was better taken care of by owner's description and is 2 years newer to boot.

20K for the '99 can quickly turn into 2-3K worth of fixes (even if you're doing the work yourself).

Just my thoughts.

Jerome,

If you left foot brake, I think you will hate e-gas.

I say the silver. I like the options and seems better loved/maintained. Although I genuinely love black the silver car will always "look" cleaner as an all-weather street driver with less frequent washes/detailing.

My $0.02

I like the wheels on the black car. Uncle A has the same wheels on his caddy;)

Forget left foot braking and go for the silver.

I would find out what production month the 99 was produced. Not sure if this correct information but when I was shopping for a 99, I was told by some rennlisters that the amber on the front headlights are the earlier 99's. Porsche did some engine block water leak redesign within production year and to signify to the market there was a change removed the amber sections from the front and rear lenses. HP went from 295 to 300! Anyone else hear this or is it another p myth?