'99 C4

I would suggest reading your http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/porsche/485962-school-me-996s-please.html thread -- there is a lot of good info in there about IMS. The earliest 996's ('99-'01) are the most robust of the series to start with, and if it's had the LN IMS bearing installed somewhat recently, the chances of it grenading are very small. If the car doesn't have a recent IMS, then use that as rationale for a discount and immediately spend $2500-$3000 to do IMS & clutch at same time (since the clutch adds only marginally to the IMS cost). If you take this step, there is almost no chance of catastrophic engine failure.

Other things can be expensive, but if you find a car that's had the known problem areas addressed, the risk is reduced significantly. Take your time, only look at cars with service records, and see if the right car comes along. You will find a good car if you take your time. I would buy from a private owner because that will give you a lot more insight into the type of maintenance and care the car had.

I agree strongly with the caution about buying an older car on payments, but your risks can be reduced significantly by taking your time and waiting for the right car to come along.

 

What they said... of all the 911s made from 1963 till now, I think the 1999 996 C4 has a bigger "money pit" factor than almost any of them.

Good call.

I hear you about being a 911 fan, though. They are terrific cars. I don't think you can get anything for $10K, but if you can save up a bit a driver-level 911 SC is still probably pretty affordable, and if you can deal with the odd gearbox feel (not a car to speed shift...) you'll likely get your money out of it in the long run.