2001 996 Repair Quote

Good Afternoon, So, my 2001 996 is in need of some repairs. I brought it to my mechanic, and he gave me the below breakdown on repair costs. I am wondering what the group thinks of these costs or if I should shop it a bit more. Been using this mechanic for a long-time 10+ years and they do great work. But ouch. P.S. I am in Phoenix, Az Any input would be greatly appreciated. 1. replace the cab top with a new plastic window for $3500 parts and labor. If you want glass it�s $4000. 2. replace the front left (drivers) window regulator and door latch/lock is $1297 parts and labor. 3. replace the passenger (right) window regulator and motor is $1486 parts and labor. 4. To replace the steering column lock is $1142 parts and labor. 5. replace both front axles is $2834 parts and labor. We cannot just replace the boots because they have been torn too long and have sustained too much outside elements and lost too much grease. The joints have play. 6. Alignment after would be $300. 7. The alarm control module got wet because it�s bolted to the floor under the seat by the carpet and is faulty. When you replace that module you have to also replace the key fobs and they all have to be programmed together. This is $3694.

I can't add much, but how have you been using this mechanic for years and he is just telling you now that the CV joints have been exposed to the elements for too long and need to be replaced. Shouldn't this guy have told you when the boots first opened up? As for replacing the whole top and the rear window, that price seems OK to me, but I would try to find a salvage top and save a little.

Those prices are absolutely ridiculous IMO. Bring the car to a auto canvas place (a place who does it for a living, they are just going to send it out anyways), why do you need your steering column lock replaced? Go to ecstuning or rockauto and look at some of the parts pricing.

Check out Top Shop in Phoenix, they replaced the rear window in our 99 Boxster last spring. The were reasonable, and did a great job. For the window regulator, those prices seem high...... going slow, it was under 2 hours per side on our Boxster...... I need to do the drivers side on my 996 later this month..... -Eric 99 986 04 996 (located somewhere between Chandler and San Jose......)

Thats pricey! This is why i've learned to do things myself, although i understand diy is not for everyone. At least some of this could be a good experience to gain some understanding of your car.

I would find an indy and get a second opinion. You could do some of that yourself. ECU repairs can do to ECU doctors in Florida, and Power Window Regulator in Arizona. My cab top costs a total of $2k installed, but that was 5 years ago. Alignment should be $80-$150, but not $300.

Ouch, those regulator costs & labor are painful. I've replaced several driver and passenger regulators for under $200 for quality aftermarket parts. Even the factory ones are not much more than $300. It takes me under 30 minutes to replace and adjust the windows. But I've done almost a dozen regulator R&Rs over the last 7 years. I don't even know the book time. The CV joints are possibly bad, so I'd replace the entire assembly. That's about an hours actual work. I'll check the book time when I get a chance. Check FCP Euro, Pelican Parts, or those stated above for current pricing. I don't do tops, so I don't know how difficult. Alignment cost is about right. Definitely use ECU Doctors for the immobilizer. You're in AZ, but does the car have CA plates? Maybe that's why the costs sound a bit high.

Here�s book rate in hours for the ignition switch and the axles: (labor rates around here are about $175 per hour) . Use the 2001 Carrera line. The first number is the labor rate, the second is the severe service. (Rust, stripped bolts, jerky customer, hangover, upcoming bills)

Here’s the window regulator book time:

Here’s the door lock:

Tex, where would we find a copy of that book to purchase?

Quotes source post: 19784125

eBay, search for ”Import Labor Guide 2006” Here are the cheapest I found: https://www.ebay.com/itm/16629043567...mis&media=COPY https://www.ebay.com/itm/18630845710...mis&media=COPY

You can also purchase 2009 or 2012, or newer, if you can stomach the price. Ive had mine for many years. I paid around $300, but it was a business expense then.

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Why would an alignment cost $300? If the car has RWS, adaptive steering and camera/sensors that need to be recalibrated, then sure.

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My alignments cost $2-300. by the time u put the car on the rack and test drive its a 3-4hr process. Hell i paid $200 to a shop to allow me to do my own alignment with their $30k machine. They r not a simple toe and go like a jeep.

I paid $280 for my alignment last May. Of course I have a fully adjustable suspension. Lots more adjustments to be made than your typical base model 996, much less your typical commuter car. $300 may be a little high, but not by much.

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Tex, as always you are the man! Thanks

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Weird how the 996 is lumped in with the 993. Should be grouped with the Boxster, though.

You could DIY on some of these (window regulators, steering column, etc.) and save yourself the money. Remember, Youtube is your friend when it comes to repairs if you're handy with a tool.

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And that is why I would not trust those numbers 100% to apply to the 996. Those numbers are for a different platform.

Quotes source post: 19783938

1. Not all ECU can be repaired simply. 2. A job costing $2,000 five years ago is no longer $2,000 today, by a long shot. 3. There is nobody that will perform a four wheel alignment on a 996 for $80. ... Nobody!

Quotes source post: 19784675

It's listed together because the book time is the same for those years. Elsewhere 1999-2001 will be listed together when the 996 time differs from 993. It won't be listed with the Boxster, because the Boxster is a different model. The years do not mean 964, 993, 996, but they mean same book time within a model, with "911 Carrera" being the model.

Quotes source post: 19784834

It's actually more difficult to find someone to perform an alignment on a Porsche. If you call around, you'll find many places will pass right away. (even with a stock 996 suspension) Then others will make an appointment, and then call you hours later to say they can't do it. I tried to use local shops. I was looking for an affordable($75-150) alignment. Firestone and two shops near me eventually passed. I now drive 52 miles to Rennsport in Sealy. I have the tools(camber/caster/toe) to set a decent alignment. But follow it up with a computerized alignment.

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I only posted that comment to signify how unrealistic that $80 quote is, and the opinion it is based on is also unreliable.

The diagrams below are of 996 and then 993 front suspension pieces. The 996 ones are very different from the 993 with a lot more parts to remove to get to the axles and then to reassemble. I don't see how it can be the same time, and it very likely requires a re-alignment at the end.

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Yes, I realized that. Even IF you could find someone to do an alignment for $80 these days, it wouldn't be worth it. You'd get a toe and go.

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Book time and actual time don't mean the same thing. Basically, back in 2006 the book time for both was the same. Normally once book time is set, it does not change over the years, even if new techniques are discovered or tools are created to shorten the time. If a 996 book time is 2.5 hours and I do it in 2 hours, good. If a 993 book time is 2.5 hours and it take me 3, oh well. A lot of the time book time makes no sense, but that's what is charged. Book time is in 10th of an hour. It does not take 2.7 hours to R&R a 996 throttlebody. But if you have it done, that's what you'll be charged. If you have a 996 Turbo you'll be charged 5.6 hours. The hours are nowhere near reality sometimes. That's great, and horrible, for a flat rate technician, because sometimes it cuts the other way.

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I had my alignment done at Garagisti in Katy. But also had them change out the the front tie rods and do a full brake flush and the whole bill was like $1000.

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$300 for the alignment. $200 for the brake flush via computer $500 for the two front tie rods .. with parts. That is fair. Although, some on this thread would claim it's over charge and recommend another indy.

Quotes source post: 19785052

Any indy wishing to keep his business would charge at actual time spent. I just replaced a transfer case on a Mazda van. The "you-tube" estimate to do the job was 2.5 hours. It took 8 hours. The exhaust pipes, sub-frame, A-arms, right axle, cat converter all had to be removed before you can get to the transfer case. The job also required a 2 post lift, and a transmission high rise lift. You can't charge 2.5 hours and have it be fair.

OP ...I feel your pain , I once had a indy who was really good ...until he wasn't..

Quotes source post: 19783589

I wonder who your shop is? Some of these prices seem insane. I get it these cars are expensive because of the parts and labor, but the mark up some of these shops do is insane when we know we can get them at a discount. I tried a shop out for my 04 Targa They have been in business for a long time but never used them. I had my coolant tank break so I had to get the car towed to the shop. They had the car for 2 weeks and in that time it experienced a no start issue. So fuel pump/sender/coolant tank and flush $2.2k Had I done the work I could could got the parts a lot less and prob would have under $800. I have no room or current tools to do the work so I was at the mercy of the Indy, Wont go back to this shop. They are old school hand written notes and no part numbers and the mark up on parts is Porsche. No updates on the no start issue as well 2nd Shop had worked on my ex 1980 SC targa into a Cab conversion many times, They were fair priced, but that was a long time ago. I set up the appt for an oil change and 2 weeks before the oil change, the car started to leak coolant from the water pump. I told them about the leak and they told they would put it on lift and tell me what was going on. Dropped the car off on 11/26/24 was told they let me end of day what goings on. I get a call back, after I left a message on 11/27/24 if they had any updates.Told water pump is leaking and will need to replace 2 main coolant hoses as they are swell33ing up. So waterpump, OEM Thermostat and hoses $2.6k that doesnt include the oil change. Told them to go ahead because again I am the mercy of the Indy since I have no room or correct tools. Was told parts should get at shop that Friday since Thurs is Thanksgiving and work completed by Tuesday 12/3 or the lastest 12/4. I ask for a callback on 12/2 to confirm otherwise I will get a rental car for a couple of days (its my only car) ......It is now 12/05/24 with zero call backs or any status on my car. I havent called because I shouldnt have too, but I also know I will not use this INDY anymore as well I will make it point for 2025 to figure out a plan to start doing my own work, these 2 shops are highly liked and recommended but the lack of updates and the faulire to take charge of updates, has me not wanting to come back

Quotes source post: 19784834

1) Not sure that matters? They charge a diagnostics fee if they cannot repair it, and if they can, it�s generally a flat fee. Way cheaper this route. 2) Which is why I said 5 years ago. 3) Fair enough. However, for some alignments, there is almost nothing to adjust because the specs haven�t deviated from previous settings, which is what has happened to me on more than one occasion with different vehicles.

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That's just it....these cars are cheap and parts are cheap and what most don't understand is they are easy to work on if you have any DIY capability.....but when you take it in to a dealer they see "Porsche" and the Porsche tax applies.....thats the problem.

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I agree with you man, I get it in the age of the internet and used parts we can get deals parts OEM vs Porsche OEM mark up. My prices are Indy I assume the OPs are Indy as well. The problem is also the markup these shops charge and we know the prices. I worked on my air cooled 911 SC and the only thing the Indy did was the adjusted the valves on the 3.0, I dint have knowledge or was too lazy to learn. I see my 3.6 engine and I know I can work on it as well, but I truly dont have the room or correct tools. I am going to be $4.8k+ into my 996 withing the last 6 months and it still will need a new clutch, IMS, RMS, PS leak fix....and the suspension is cluncking.....

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Don't cut yourself short.....mine has 113k and I switched out the upper and lower controls arms for pennies of what it would have costed me at a shop...but yes, I agree, there are somethings I just can't/don't want to do but it's crazy what you can learn on YouTube. I've spent $10k in the last year (and upside down in the car from a value/cost perspective) on mine but now it's perfect and will enjoy it....until something else breaks :P).

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Probably 95% of shops charge book rate, including dealerships.

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A 1980 911 SC isn't water cooled. Something a bit confusing here.

Quotes source post: 19786513

Re-Read that line again lol....I was saying they worked on my air cooled before....

Great question I was out of state with it for many years and just got back

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you�re a spam bot that inserts links into quoted posts. Not surprised your engine failed.

I feel your pain, last year I had a shop in Sarasota, FL do my window regulators on both sides as well as the immobilizer under seat. Sometimes the repairs add up so much that it makes you think about a CPO car without hassles. These cars are starting to age and always need something here and there. Absolutely love them, but the Porsche tax on repairs can easily take away from the passion

Quotes source post: 19790690

Curious on this comment. I looked at their other posts and nothing stuck out to me. Too short to be AI and nobody from Hartech has been on Rennlist since they banned Baz.

Quotes source post: 19791942

I�m viewing Rennlist with my iPhone, so I see a mobile version of the website. In the middle of the quoted post, there�s a text that they inserted: �jinx manhwa �. These links are easy to see in the mobile version, but when I set my iPhone to �request Desktop website� to view the desktop version of Rennlist, it�s more difficult to notice these links. (I haven�t looked at Rennlist using an actual PC, so I don�t know how it looks, but I imagine it can�t be much different from the Desktop view with my phone). I checked out the poster�s history, and see the same pattern in all their recent posts. I see these types of spam posts often across other forums, so I�ve gotten used to their style. I think they use some AI to make a believable post, or they copy & paste a post from another forum/thread.

Nice catch. I was looking in the reply, not the quoted section, but see it now.

Had great experience over 2 years with https://www.mcilvainmotors.com/ in Tempe with my 997. Good luck.

THank you, I actually called the Porsche dealer here and they told me who they use for top replacement Went to them and 2400 installed

THank you will talk to them

It is in AZ. Im having the axels done and the top done. I think I am going to tackle the regulators and motors myself. Have done that on my Suburban and others. Ill check on the ecu ty

Thanks for all the guidance Quick update 1. replace the cab top with a new plastic window for $3500 parts and labor. If you want glass it�s $4000. Asked the Porsche dealer who they use Done out the door for 2500 2. replace the front left (drivers) window regulator and door latch/lock is $1297 parts and labor. Followed advice and went to Phoenix window repair only needed regulator 485 3. replace the passenger (right) window regulator and motor is $1486 parts and labor. Same as above Regulator only 485 4. To replace the steering column lock is $1142 parts and labor. NOT DONE YET 5. replace both front axles is $2834 parts and labor. We cannot just replace the boots because they have been torn too long and have sustained too much outside elements and lost too much grease. The joints have play. DId this with mechanic at stated cost 6. Alignment after would be $300. DONE 7. The alarm control module got wet because it�s bolted to the floor under the seat by the carpet and is faulty. When you replace that module you have to also replace the key fobs and they all have to be programmed together. This is $3694. Used advice here and used a place in florida 1500