Looking at a 1998 'R' Porsche 911 Carrera 3.4 6 speed manual cabriolet to scratch that Porsche itch, anyway. Anyone in the know on these? Anything I should look out for etc.

Yes I know mid life crisis 

I'll speak to a mate who's a mechanic and see what he's says. I'm sure he used to work for Porsche, but will double check and get back to you 

Early 996? Ugliest 911 ever made, but apart from that I hear they can be had cheap as chips (relatively!) because they're the one nobody really wants - everyone wants a 993 (last of the air cooled) or 997 - but they're a very capable car despite their lack of popularity.

Couple of friends of mine just picked one up each - one has a 997.2 S with the PDK box, and the other a 997 C4S manual targa; both gorgeous cars.. I'd be sorely tempted if I was sitting on the kind of money needed to buy one

Del Boy wrote on 25. Apr 2011 at 22:39:

scratch your nads instead del  a lot cheaper

Pretty bullet proof mechanically and quicker then you,ll need on the road.

service history helps greatly with resale value.

Bro in law has an old one (83 iirc) has every receipt from new, even for light bulbs, fuses, you name it. Best way to do it with a car like that imo. They are always a future classic - until they get old and become a classic.

Personally I'd be looking for the newest and best Boxster instead of a 996 cab.

People that I know who have Porsche's all got the car inspected prior to purchase.  On the whole they're solid well built cars but have the ability to throw up massive bills once in a while.

When you get it I'll be interested to see a pic or two Del.