Generally, buy the latest year Porsche you can, since they are generally
always improving the models.

The 2002 and later Carreras are preferred over earlier ones since they
got an engine upgrade from 3.4 to 3.6 liters (300 to 320 HP) along with
improved torque characteristics. In 2003 there was an optional 345 HP
engine available and you may be able to find one of those, although
they're rare. We have a 2002 Coupe and it's a great car!!!!

Here's what I have ...

From the Sept. 2003 issue of Excellence: Porsche Market Update, Boxster and
996...

Here are some prices (low/high) for some 996 models:

'99 996 Coupe 2001: 45084/68621; 2002: 38621/58784; 2003: 34295/52200
'00 996 Coupe: 2002: 43401/66060; 2003: 38205/58150
'01 996 Coupe: 2003: 41851/63700

It is assumed average mileage runs between 7000 to 9000 miles per year
though higher mileages are possible as cars may be used as daily drivers

Cars with excessive mileage lose 10 to 20 percent of their resale value

I can post other models and prices if you want.

Some snippets of info from the article...

996 911 intro'd in US in spring of 98 and 99 model

after 35 years of 911 production, 996 is first all-new 911

2+2 911 developed in parallel with Boxster

from doors forward nearly identical share many parts

3.4l 911 engine 296hp at 6800 adn 250 ft/lbs torque at 4600

911 offered with 6-speed or optional 5-speed tip

all new body-shell to increase 911 wheelbase by 3.2 inches to 92.5 inches
(better handling, improved agility and more spacious cabin)

dash has 5 overlapping gages vs. Boxster's 3

rear suspension now 5-link with aux. subframe

sport pkg offers stiffer springs, stabilizers, tuned shocks

18" wheels/tires available along with traction control

17" wheels/tires stock

996 brakes have larger caliper pistons and rotors

spring of '99 Carrera 4 intro'd

side airbags become standard

litronic lights offered

Carrera 4 came with Motorinic 7.2 engine controller system with e-gas and
PSM (standard on the Carrera 4)

for 2000 MY all Carreras used e-gas throttle control and PSM offered as
option

power increased to 300hp at 6800, torque to 258 ft/lbs

tip changed in 2000 to allow manual inputs in auto mode

stiffer rubber tie-rod bushings and increased friction for ball joints to
help straight line stability

2000 interior improved by painting plastic parts with color-matched soft
textured finish

improved alcantara material used for headliners in coupes

for 2001, lights added for interior, center dash area, ignition switch, and
door latches

front trunk got upgraded carpeting and remote access to front trunk added

If you want info on 2002 MY I can post it... (Mainly, engine size increased,
HP/torque increased, VarioCam Plus added, cup holders, glove box)

The standard caution to avoid any cars with signs of accident repair,
non-factory paint apply.

Earlier 911 models (993s) exhibited valve seal wear which caused smoking
upon startup -- by itself and if shortlived not an uncommon event and not
necessarily a sign of any trouble -- and at other times -- this a sign of
trouble -- and in the worse cases was actually the cause of a check engine
light. Top end rebuild to address worn valve seals can run almost $5000.

Another area of trouble with little used cars is rodent damage. Gnawing of
the wiring harness can cause all sorts of gremlins. A new wiring harness is
very expensive, running close to $6000 for labor alone to replace.

Sincerely,

MarcW.