PCGB - 996 Carrera - Buyer’s Checklist · The 996 is a complicated piece of machinery, and early models are now approaching 12 year

PCGB - 996 Carrera - Buyer’s Checklist The 996 is a complicated piece of machinery, and early models are now approaching 12 years old. Whilst the majority of well-serviced and cared-for cars give largely trouble-free motoring, there are areas that need careful attention when viewing a prospective purchase. Please don’t be put off by this rather exhaustive list. It was compiled after visits to two independent Porsche workshops - Jaz in Wembley, and Wrightune in Wallingford. We asked the proprietors to try and list every issue that they had seen more than once. We hope it will provide a useful checklist when viewing a car, but would recommend a professional inspection by an Official Porsche Centre, or a recognised independent Porsche specialist. Most genuine sellers have come to expect this, and be wary of any that will not agree to it. The Porsche 111 Point check is reasonably priced (c£170), and (once passed) will enable you to obtain a warranty on cars up to the 9th anniversary of its registration or 125000 miles. A more comprehensive and far more detailed check by an inspection specialist such as Peter Morgan, for example, may be a better option if you are less concerned about the Porsche warranty – or you could always have both!! Many independent Porsche specialists also perform PPIs, and can carry out additional tests such as cylinder leakage tests and diagnostic checks. This checklist is intended to outline the additional checks you would make on a car apart from the usual ones normally expected – V5C, MOT, HPI check, paint condition, interior condition, panel gaps, marks, scuffs, oil leaks etc. Exterior Front PU (Bumper) Often repainted as they are very susceptible to stone chips, but look for dents or splits which are more difficult to repair. A re- spray typically costs around £250 Look in the air ducts at the front, and check the radiators. Look for an accumulation of debris in the corners, which can soak up water and rot the radiators. Luggage Unclip the front carpet trim (2 black plastic stud nuts and 2 trim Compartment studs) and peel back the carpet. Look for panel damage or replacement panels that might indicate a front end impact. Note that the sealant used at the factory on panel joints is a light caramel colour. The C2 comes with an inflated space-saver spare wheel, stored vertically in the front compartment. On C4 versions it is deflated - under the floor carpet, and should come with a compressor to inflate it. There should also be a jack and basic toolkit. Make sure the toolkit contains a towing eye and the locking wheel nut key. Door Latches The door latches on the ‘B’ pillar can move slightly, causing the paint to crack and corrosion can set in. A black plastic spacer was introduced to solve this problem in 2000. Note that Porsche will not rectify any rust in this area under the 10-year anti-corrosion warranty. Rear PU Again, these are often repainted due to chipping and minor scratches – check for splits and cracks that could indicate more serious damage. Cabriolet Top On Pre-facelift cars the rear plastic screen is prone to cracking across the middle unless the ‘Boxster chop’ is performed (while the top is half-way though it’s drop, run your hand horizontally across the rear window to ensure an even fold). A replacement plastic window will cost approximately £250 and a replacement hood around £750 fitted (non-Porsche) Rear Spoiler The rear wing should automatically deploy at 75mph and retract again at 37mph to aid cooling, and down-force. It can also be activated by means of a switch on the fuse box cover in the driver’s footwell. Make sure the spoiler works correctly. The rear wall is prone to splitting at the folds, but a new wall can be fitted for around £80. If the car has a fixed rear spoiler (eg GT3 bodykit, Porsche Aerokit etc) the rear spoiler raising mechanism is disabled.