"Hey RF, is this a good car?"

That's the number one question I get these days. If you're shopping for a used Porsche on a budget, the stakes feel high: am I buying a diamond in the rough or a money pit?

For that reason, I decided to put together a simple buying guide with advice, so you can identify the best used Porsche deals with confidence.

Today we're laying out the foundations, and I'll continue to share more tips over the next few weeks.

Onwards!

—RF

PS. Also check out the best 996 C4S deal you'll see in a long time.

Before you buy: The story that checks out (I)

Here's what I've learned: many buyers focus on the wrong things. They take the description in a listing at face value; obsess far too much over mileage; fixate on price; ultimately decide based on photos taken from six feet away. They're missing the forest for the trees.

What really matters isn't any single detail, it's whether the entire story checks out. The photos, description, service records, price, how the seller communicates… Learn to read between the lines, and you'll spot the best cars and avoid the troublemakers.

The "Story That Checks Out" Framework

I always keep in mind these 4 principles when looking at a listing:

1. Consistency: Does the description match the photos? Does the service history match the age and miles of the car? The car title, asking price… everything should feel consistent.

2. Transparency: Does the seller address issues proactively or get defensive? The best sellers point out flaws and explain what's been done.

3. Evidence: Are claims backed by documentation? Service records, receipts, photos of work in progress… A thick folder is the ultimate source of truth.

4. Logic: Final sanity check. Take a step back. Do the timelines align? Does the reason for selling make sense? Even the surroundings in the pictures check out?

This framework is simple and will tell you more about the car than mileage, year, or color ever will.

You're about to become a Porsche detective, putting together the narrative behind your future car. Over the next few weeks, I'll share more ways to confidently evaluate any listing in under 10 minutes. Stay tuned.

A sorted Carrera 4S at base 996 prices

🔗2004 996.2 Carrera 4S | Manual | Cartersville, GA | $24,500

For $24,000 you can get one of the most desirable affordable 996 specs.

This C4S has everything your heart desires. Full-leather interior, rare GT3 18" wheels and wooden shift knob and parking brake handle for you fancy folks out there. The seller purchased this car from the original owner who serviced it exclusively at Porsche of Birmingham. Go read the preventive maintenance performed by both the original owner and the current seller, and prepare to be impressed.

Another week, another cabriolet proving the cab discount is the ultimate affordable Porsche cheat code. I won’t get tired of repeating myself as long as I keep finding cars like this.

Market Report

Sellers of sorted C4Ss like to ask for $40K and above for their cars.

While this is not a low mileage example, its asking price is an incredible deal considering the condition and service history of the car. Compare this car with other recent examples, such as this Tiptronic cab, or this manual coupe.

What You (and Your Mechanic) Should Know

The Carrera 4S's AWD system uses a viscous coupling that can fail over time: the internal fluid thickens and stops transferring power to the front wheels, leaving you rear-wheel-drive only. Since these couplings are sealed, repair means replacing the entire unit. Always test that all four wheels receive power during inspection.

The failure rate of the single-row IMS bearing in a 2004 996 is estimated to be between 8% and 10%. Check if the IMS bearing has been replaced (I wouldn't be surprised if the seller simply forgot to mention it given this car's extensive maintenance history).

Adopted Puppies

Porsche Problems

I hope you enjoyed the beginning of the buying guide. See you next week for a special Thanksgiving issue.

Take care,

—RF