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996 carrera or c4s

gdalton
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gdalton Member

gdalton

Posted
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hi im new to the world of porsches. im in the market for a used 996 coupe. im not sure to stick with the carrera or pony the extra for a c4s circa 2000-2004. could anyone advise to any problems that one might have over the other or if the c4s has a much greater cost of ownership. im located in los angeles.

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CellN12345 Member

CellN12345

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hi im new to the world of porsches. im in the market for a used 996 coupe. im not sure to stick with the carrera or pony the extra for a c4s circa 2000-2004. could anyone advise to any problems that one might have over the other or if the c4s has a much greater cost of ownership. im located in los angeles.

I have a friend that has a 03 C4s and I have a 2000 c4 Cab. Both are 6 speeds Manuals and we have both agreed that there is barley a difference between the two speed wise. Cars sound the same to him but knowing my engne I think the C4s is slightly, and I mean slightly louder. The C4 has 15 BHPs and 15 Torque more which in the car is really not much. Either way you will make a great choice..

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BruceP Member

BruceP

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Neither is more problematic than the other, and there's no significant difference in the cost of ownership between the two, assuming similar age and mileage. The engines are of the same design, and the all wheel drive system in the C4S is very simple and reliable.

Editorial comment: To me, the biggest meaningful difference between the two is looks. The C4S has the aggressive wide body that a lot of people prefer, and for many that's all it would take to tip the scale. But if you are one of the few that doesn't especially love the wide body, then I would lean toward the C2. You don't need AWD in LA, you get less power with the C2 but also less weight, and the lower resale values mean you might get a slightly newer or lower mileage car.

If you lust for that turbo look, then there's only one answer. If you don't, IMO there's no reason to pay for it.

Either way, good luck. You'll love it.

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jgriffin56 Member

jgriffin56

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I have a C4S and also live in So Cal. I like the C4S because it seems to have all the bells and whistles. It has the full leather (Front and rear) the big red brakes, the wide body, turbo front bumper, and the big rear tires. It is basically the same car as the Turbo minus some suspension, engine and transmission (tiptronic). The big reason that most people buy the C4S is the AWD and live in the snow, which it is really designed for. The car won't rear slide like a C2, since the 30% of the bHP is going to the fronts, however the car generally weighs more than a C2. IF you like the wide body and the more plush interior, turbo bumper,I would suggest the the C4S, however it is more expensive than the C2. I am very happy with mine. JG

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jgriffin56 Member

jgriffin56

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In addition, there is an additional cost factor of the C4S over the C2 or C4. Since the C4S uses the big red brakes and suspension as the turbo, it is more expensive to replace brake pads, calipers, rotors and shocks and struts and some exterior parts. However, generally the other parts are interchangeable and cost the same since it shares the same engine and transmission as the C2 and C4.

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rrspikemarty Member

rrspikemarty

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agree with all the comments above!

speaking from a slightly biased standpoint (mine's a 2003 C4S in So. Cal. too), i think the 996 C4S is the best-looking porsche you can buy at a "less than supercar price". Another factor to consider is that there were many, many more C4S produced than the other p-car models in MY2003. This "should" help when looking for parts, etc, but can't provide any definitive proof of that assumption... Of the total MY2003 p-car factory production output (approx. 29,500), one quarter of them were C4S coupes.

also see numerous comments in most desirable post

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judgejon Member

judgejon

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agree with all the comments above!

speaking from a slightly biased standpoint (mine's a 2003 C4S in So. Cal. too), i think the 996 C4S is the best-looking porsche you can buy at a "less than supercar price". Another factor to consider is that there were many, many more C4S produced than the other p-car models in MY2003. This "should" help when looking for parts, etc, but can't provide any definitive proof of that assumption... Of the total MY2003 p-car factory production output (approx. 29,500), one quarter of them were C4S coupes.

also see numerous comments in most desirable post

totally agree.....

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gdalton Member

gdalton

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Well thanks for all the great info guys. I have entered the world of Porsche ownership today. I bought a 2003 911 C2 with 41,000 miles for $29,000. It has a porsche service history and I am now the 3rd owner. It is absolutly immacluate condition. Just needs 2 front tires ( rears were replaced very reciently). I am very mechanically minded and have maintained all my own vehicles and am planning to do the same with this car. I am very lucky to have found this form as there is some awsome maintance info and tips here.

My next question should I buy some type of warranty. I never have done this in the past, but i could not manage a major repair as I`m now tapped out.

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

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jgriffin56 Member

jgriffin56

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Congratulations on your new P car, Looks great! But most importantly, I hope it drives great! As far as the warranty, check other threads about buying warranties. It seems that the best and most comprehensive ( and probably most expensive) are the warranties that the Porsche dealers recommend. Some will limit the claim to a specific amount ( say $3K for an engine failure, which would cost upwards $14K) and some will warranty the entire job. ALways check the fine print, and do not rely on what the salesman tells you. You can expect to pay $2-4K for 24 to 48 months.

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charlesmac76 Member

charlesmac76

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Very nice purchase, I'm so envious. I'm in the same market for the same type of car in the southeast. I'm also debating whether to buy a C2 now, or wait and save that bit extra for the C4. You did very well to find a good mileage and low number of owners, with the history.

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PILFILR Member

PILFILR

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Smart choice... I also picked up a C2 2003 coupe with 12,200 miles... I preferred less moving parts and less drive-train joints and boots to wear out and need attention. Also, you got the better 996 engine! Enjoy!

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