Common faults - ims, rms, brittle leaking coolant tank, brakes but this is mainly due to corrosion on the rear of the discs as the cars aren't used enough, tyres can get flat spot due to the same reason as the brakes, bore scoring. radiators and condensors due to no protection behind the grills ( i fitted wire mesh)
Parts range from ridiculous to reasonable, you need to shop around
Drive wise they ate very planted and lovely power delivery
My advice would be to spend some time on 911uk forum and get a feel for the car
I have just sold my 996 after 3 and a half years, I had a coolant tank on warranty and I did the pads and discs all round in that time
The pse is awesome if you can get a car with one, the Bose system is crap as is the sat nav so don't pay a premium for ether as you will rip it out
The 997 is a nicer place to be and more refined but you pay for that and then comes the dilemma of .,, 997 or 996 turbo ?
the boxster, cayman and 997 ( except from 07 on iirc) have the same engine, the turbo doesnt, it has the m96 block, much stronger but other problems arise, actuators, rusted turbo bolts, there are generic problems with all cars
my 370 insurance was cheaper !
Hth
Paul
Ps unless it's a very early car you can do an amberectomy and get rid of the fried egg headlights, costs nothing to do
and back to the fold with ............