'99 C4

I am going to look at and test drive said car/model tomorrow (http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Porsche-911-Houston-d404_L34369#listing=110222229) and thought it best I take a consensus regarding said year and model. 117K, Speed Yellow Coupe (always liked this color), black leather, 6-speed with all the goodies..(ABS Brakes,Air Conditioning,Alloy Wheels,AM/FM Radio,Cassette Player,Cruise Control,Driver Airbag,Front Side Airbag,Front Side Airbag with Head Protection,Leather Seat,Manual Sunroof,Passenger Airbag,Power Door Locks,Power Sunroof,Power Windows,Rear Window Defogger,Tachometer,Tilt Steering,Tilt Steering Column,Vehicle Anti-Theft).

Are there any concerns about maintenance I need to be aware of? I asked Joe S. but thought it best I also get others input. I love the Beemer but have been a 911 fan for 30+ and life is short.

Thanks,
Gregg

PS, The VIN# is WP0AA2990XS624622. I had a "feeling" so I Googled Porsche VIN's and found a proven VIN# but via this search this VIN# is for a convertible....WP0AA2990XS624622 Porsche 911 C4 convertible 1999 - VinDecoderz.com is the best VIN number lookup tool. Did I use the wrong source?

 

Called my insurance company regarding coverage for this 911 and I almost fainted after hearing their quote! Just an extra $4 per month for the 911 over the BMW and I have full coverage plus all the goodies as well as "un-insured motorist" coverage on the BMW!
A lot I guess can be said for keeping a clean driving record, knock on wood.

The World just fell off its axis.

 

Remember when 117K miles meant barely broke in?
Yes a PPI would be preferable and if I can work it into the sale price that would be preferable but is not a deal breaker.

Suggestions for a PPI in Houston other than Sphere?

 

Thanks and I have not been to Sealy in a few years.

 

I understood everything after AOS as those are common for any vehicle.

 

I guess times and quality have changed since I could beat the living crap out of a 4AGE or 3SGTE and not have any leaks or issues for 250+K miles, if any at all.

Thanks for saving me the time and gas.

 

Damn straight!!

A good excuse to get out of the house right?

 

I did read while doing some research that the 996 T Twas not prone to the IMS issue like the N/A is, is that true? I think I mentioned earlier that I was told the car has a complete service history but a dealer and buyers opinion usually is not the same especially when the car is not being sold through Porsche.

 

Yes sir I also think it is a lot of car for the money considering the condition (I found more wear and tear on newer models and they were mid to high 20's). I hope that what they told me is true regarding having most if not all maintenance receipts/history. Great advice regarding monitoring the IMS wear via a magnetic drain plug and the IMS Guardian is a great idea. I am just thinking aloud but one would think that if the IMS issue is not an issue on the TT it is manufacturer/production flaw that should be covered via a "Recall" but that would be wishful thunkin'.

As I told the sales person (could be the owner?) if you can meet or beat my current monthly payment (extending from 60 to 72) we will make a deal, I always pay an extra $20/month. I will not be crushed if things do not workout though.

 

Alex you are spot on with every point you made and I appreciate your insight and advice, thank you. I rely more than I let on for the advice I get from my friends here on FChat. I was letting my "other head" think for me simply I want another sports car so with that being said I did keep my promise to the owner and checked out the car. In reality I knew that a $16K 911 had issues that justified its cost. I just returned home from the inspection and test drive and the car has the usual wear and tear that can be justified for a 16yr old Camry but not for a Porsche, in my opinion. The interior is not in dire straights because those issue are easily fixed and the paint is in damn good condition so much so that I doubt it is the original paint.

Then the test drive....the suspension is shot, the car pulls to the right, there is a very concerning whine coming from the right rear that would require a full tear down if not an engine drop to find. Once again with that being said the car is nothing more than a project car ie money pit and my BMW deserves more respect. The engine was strong, the shifter was true as well as the brakes (grain of salt) but I walked away. I did inform the owner of the issues I discovered thus my decision to walk away. Heck my MR2's (MKI's and MKII) felt more solid than this car but it was not given the care and attention it deserved from its previous owners.

Gonna hang low for a few more years and relive the dream aka another MR2.

Thanks for listening all and thanks for the advice.

Gregg

PS, Don't forget my 51st is coming up on July 4th and I could use some friendly company and a jaunt in anything that starts with a F, P....you get the idea. Would be great to see BigTex again as well.

 

See above post my brother.

 

I missed that one brother but I think it wise I just lay back for now but mucho grassy ass.