Which 996 Carrera Coupe is best to buy? Porsche 1999-2001 or 2002-2004 with the...

[USMCEl3Daniel]

...different headlights? answer for 10points
2002 also includes the 3.6l flat 6 engine and has more horsepower and torque but i cant decide on which headlights i like better. i personally like the 997 the perfectly rounded shaped oval eyes but thats way out of my budget.

 

[C7S]

Well My 986 Boxster headlights are the same as the 99-01 996 headlights.
I did not like them at first, but I have learned to like my headlights, but I still like the headlights on the newer 996 02-04. It makes the car look faster and meaner in my opinion.

I agree that Porsche should have sticked with the perfectly round or oval shape of the 993, 964, 997, 998, etc.

 

[designergenes]

One of my choices is to not buy the first year of a new or substantially changed design. 1998/1999 was the first year of the water-cooled 996-body 911 (1999 in the USA). I have talked with owners who have the 3.4 litre engine; they generally have no complaints. The 3.6 litre is more powerful. I own a 2005 (still 996-body) 911 Turbo S coupe with the turbo 'fried egg' headlamps. I prefer them to both the pre-2002 Carrera AND the 2005 and up 997-body 911 'ovals.'

Regardless of what you buy, be sure to do due diligence on the car: check the CarFax (but don't rely on it only), examine the car and its maintenance / repair history carefully (No paper? Don't buy!), drive the car paying close attention to engine, brakes, steering, etc., and get a Pre Purchase Inspection, PPI, from a Porsche mechanic, but not where you're considering buying the car. Remember that most 'upgrade' or 'improvement' alterations to a Porsche will reduce its value, not enhance it. Pristine or unmolested is good; FrankenPorsche is bad.