Bought a 996 (EDIT)

Hi, Thinking of buying a 996, and know very little about them. Want to spend around 20k, and thinking around a 2000-2002 with GT3 kit, because I think it looks cool. So few questions: What should I look out for? What do the newer 2003+ models have that a 2000-2002 model won't have? Any other useful tips are appreciated. Thanks Sam

Hi Sam, if you can you get to the 996 FAQ section of the forum there is lots of info in there: 996 Model History and Variants 996 MY2002 Facelift: A Summary etc. Lots of things to think about. I used Peter Morgan to source and check mine for me and he kept me from buying anything I hadn't specified originally (when I started getting a bit impatient). [link]http://www.porscheinspections.com/[/link] The main thing for me was condition, service history and colour. The 2002 facelift version gets a 3.6 litre variocam plus engine rather than the 3.4 as well as the Turbo look front wings and headlights. Bhp increased from 300 to 320. Other slight improvements too. The earlier car is still a good car though. One thing to look out for on all 996 models is an oil leak from the Rear Main Seal (RMS) which occurred more frequently on the earlier models. Most will probably have updated seals by now but it can still occur. Pitting on the inner of the brake disks can happen if it is put away in the garage when still wet. The only thing I can find on the 2003 models is below, I'm sure someone will correct me if there is more: --In the summer of 2003 the C4S cabriolet was introduced. On all 2003 cabriolets, the roof could now be raised and lowered at speeds of up to 50km/h (31mph). The structure of the C4S cabriolet was slightly stiffer than the standard cabriolet, with an increased torsional stiffness of 4.5%, and flexural stiffness by 3%. The Carrera C4S was built well into 2005, prior to the release of the997 version. Porsche Communications Management PCM 2.0 was also introduced in 2003-- Do you want 2wd or 4wd, manual or tiptronic? Just a few ideas but don't be put off, I love mine! Good hunting.

All good advice, something to think about while I am doing some preliminary research. Thanks v much. sam

Hi guys, Ended up buying a 2000 996 with the aero kit. All working well as far as I can see and very happy with it - but have 2 questions for someone with some knowledge on the matter. 1) Fan mounted above the engine on the engine lid - when is this meant to switch on - not sure if mine works as there was a lot of leaves in it.. Also, what does it do? 2) It pulls to the left slightly - what could this mean? Your responses are greatly appreciated, Thanks very much. Sam

Well done, but TTIUWP....

Well done Sam, but Martin is right - we need pictures! From the Technical Articles section: After-running of engine compartment fan If the ignition is switched off and the engine compartment temperature is more than 60 °C, the DME control module remains in readiness for another 20 minutes. During this time, the engine compartment temperature is retrieved every 10 seconds. If the engine compartment temperature is >85 °C, the engine compartment fan is switched on for 20 seconds. If the engine compartment temperature is still >85 °C after this time, the fan remains on for a further 30 seconds. As for the steering pulling, check the tyre pressures and if they are OK get an alignment check done.

2) If it pulls to the left it may be due to the camber of the roads. If it pulls to the left on flat roads, then as has been advised, check your tyre pressures (preferably not using a petrol station gauge) or get your geometry checked out.

Congratulations Sam, hope you enjoy. If you are not sure how to post the requested pictures try the following: Use a free photo hosting site such as [link=http://www.photobucket.com./]http://www.photobucket.com.[/link] Open an account and post your pictures there, then copy the url address from the hosted photo (which can be found when you click on the share tab whilst looking at one of your photos) and post it into your message in this forum by clicking on the yellow/black "add image" icon on the toolbar of the message box and pasting the url address in the popup box. Click ok and your picture should appear in your message. Hope that helps.

Thanks for your help guys. I will check if the fan is working next time I go for a burn and have switched the engine off then. Checked tyre pressures, and front left seems low, so I will rectify as soon as I can get to a garage... As for pics, the snow has prevented me getting out in it much, but here is the one I do have: Very happy so far, seemed weird buying an older car with more miles, but spending more money at the same time - think I made the right choice though. One further question - not bowled over with the speakers (standard, non-bose 6-cd) - any easy things I can do, ie slot in a new amp, or is it a big job to upgrade - as I don't wantto be tampering too much with it. Thanks again Sam

Very nice indeed! If it's a C4, you should have a small compressor in the tool kit you could use to pump up the tyres. As for the speakers - do you have door speakers? If so, you probably already have the Sound Package amplifier. Check the option code sticker for "490".

Nice pic - like the wheels. Regarding the sound system, yes the speakers are a weak point. Jon Mitchell's in Christchurch (http://www.jmgarage.com/) has developed a speaker upgrade solution for the 996... or you could do a diy upgrade - do a search on here and/or pistonheads, it has been discussed in quite some detail already.

Nope, not a C4 im afraid - garage pump will have to do. Sorry to seem stupid - but where is the "option code sticker" But as far as I can tell, I have speakers on the dash, lower front doors and in the rear, and what looks to be an amp by the cd changer in the front boot compartment. Will have a search for audio related stuff as suggested. Thanks!

Ignore the option code question - worked that one out for myself.... [8|] haha.

Don't be the C2 is by far the best choice (manual). Congratulations lovely look car.

One more question while I think of it - The only issue with the car, which I knew when I bought it, is the driver side window doesn't work. The garage I bought it from said they would get it fixed for £200 and knocked that off the price - but it is a bit far away from me to go running back... Anyone know a good independent around guildford- surrey that could do the work (is it specialist or quite easy) - I think it is the window motor that has gone they said. Thanks again!

You might try PARR at Crawley ... They look after my 996, and are fastidious in what they do. Image

Try Adspeed in Horsham; been there for years and a lot cheaper than (very expensive) Parr.

exactly the same as mine - think you'll find that is the 'upgraded' sound system (but not bose). I've upgraded the head unit to a becker GP (looks original) and has bluetooth and mp3/wma support. Using same amp - do a search on here for becker and you should find my postings of about 2.5 years ago re the upgrade. Speakers (I read on here) are some grotty nokia paper cone ones - hence upgrading them (as suggested above) should give you best increase in sound per pound spent.