996 Advice

I sold my 03 Boxster S 6 months ago before the new model came out hopeing to get the best price for it trade against a new BMW 5 series as our S wasnt one year old child friendly. I desperatly miss my Porsche and want to get a facelift 996. My boxster S was in polar Silver a colour that I really liked, or rather wife liked as I wanted yellow. My budget is circa GBP 40-45K so I am hoping to get a good carrera coupe on an 01 plate with about 25K on the clock. my 4 questions are. 1) Should I go to an independant or is the extra 3K an OPC want on top of most independants worth it for the warranty benefits, or can I buy a porche warranty on a non OPC vehicle. 2) how much do you think the values of 996's will drop say in three - six months time when there are more 997's on the road 3) can you fit a stage 1 car seat in the back of a 996 or will my one year old have to wait untill he is old enough to sit in a booster sest before he can get his first porsche experience. 4)Was climate control and PSM standard on the facelift versions as they are my only must haves (well a yellow one would be nice) Many Thanks Justin

Justin, I can help answer Q3: it depends how tall daddy is. A stage 1 car seat will fit (unless you already have a really wide one and have to buy a new one), but the driver mustn't be so tall as to need the driver's seat pushed right back, or else baby has nowhere to put its feet.

The 996, particularly the 3.6 facelift, is a terrific car. 1. Try to find the best car you can for your budget whether OPC, independent or private. The OPC Warranty is worth having. Obviously it comes as standard on OPC supplied cars and some other cars have had it extended. You can buy it afterwards but the car needs to be inspected, at cost, any faults remedied, at cost and then the Warranty is c.£725. you can then renew it each year 2. The values of all Porsches drop, even new 997s. My guess is that the best 996s will probably drop by c.15% pa irrespective of when you buy. 3. Rear seats in the 996 Coupe are very good for kids up to teenagers and there are a range of child seats that fit. 4. Climate was standard, PSM was a, very useful, option. 5. The other thing you will need is PSE (Porsche Sports Exhaust system)

Thanks im only 5'2 so not a problem

Service costs should be very comparible. I have a turbo but that is more complex than an N/A car to do most jobs on (4wd/more tightly packed engine bay). Service costs and intervals on that were about the same as my 944 turbo. Did the major belt service (48k miles) including all fluids (incl brake and clutch), all filters and 6 coil packs (as preventative maintenance) and it was still only around £1500. Not bad when it only needs oil services for the next 24k miles. Which should equate to approx £300 from OPC once per year.

Lewis!! As Ben says, the running costs will be very similar to the Boxster. As a daily drive, IMO they are slightly more practical that the Boxster, with more room in the cabin and rear seats. Handling is a bit different, but nothing you don't get used to. Take a look at our buyer's checklist here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=269468

cheers fellas, Really like the sound of the 4s! these ok too as daily drivers? I think 996 is the way to go though. I will check the buyers guide to thanks for this. Good to know there isn't much difference though. I can't wait just need to find a suitable buyer for my boxster as i have just had messers so far. Cheers!

C4S has pretty much the same running gear as the Turbo (suspension, brakes, etc), with the same engine as the rest of the 3.6 Carrera range. A lot of people think it is the best looking 996. Bear in mind it has the M030 Sport suspension package as standard, and brakes are a little pricier to replace. Other than that, it's just as good a daily as the rest. Good luck with the sale.

Hopefully have a couple of people viewing the Boxster this weekend so hopefully the 996 shopping can start Still unsure whether to look at a c4 cab or a c4s not sure if I'd miss the softop option on sunny days. Although I love the look of the coupe especially the c4s I have been looking at a few this week on the net there seem to be a few c4s with the turbo side scoops fitted too are these cut into and fitted to the existing side panels? What are you views on this? There is also that say full turbo look not sure on the difference think the have just put the vents in and removed the c4s panel on the rear. Cheers

You could split the difference and get a targa then you get the best of both worlds. Im not sure if the targa come in 4 wheel drive or not im sure richard will know tho[ ]

If the C4s does indeed have the M030 suspension, then it doesn't feel like it. There's a marked difference when I change cars in terms of compliance, noise and body roll. I'd be surprised if it has the same suspension as my 40 year car.

Hi I have a c4s , low fuel warning light and guage are still indicating low fuel ,eventhough refuelled.Is there a remedy to resolve this. Thanks.

The sensor can only measure down to half a tank, the rest is calculated from the cars mpg sensor. Therefore if you only put £20 in for example it may not reach the sensor so it doesn't know you've added fuel. Add another £20 and tou should see it.[ ]

I run my 996 as a daily driver (approx 12-15k a year). It'll do 30+ mpg on a steady run, high 20s on my daily commute (20ish miles each way, motorway and fast A-roads), it seems as happy in 25+ oC summer temperatures as it does in -15oC over the last winter (I used it every day, even in the snow), the rear seats make it practical for dumping things when you can't be bothered using the boot, I've done several weeks / weekends away in it (with the missus and all associated clobber), no problems. I would actually say these cars relish being used more often, and run better because of it - mine seems to be running better now (52k miles) than when I got it at the start of 2010 (on 36k miles). To give you an idea; my service last year (minor) was £300ish (essentially just an oil and filter change and some checks), this year was £1600 (major 48k, but included new coil packs, replacement RMS, and two rear tyres at £270ish each). Other than that the only cost has been a new battery last year (£170 from Porsche). I'm assuming those costs are comparable to a Boxster, probably a touch more?

At todays prices if its really low i dont think 40 will even hit halfway, as to service costs my major cost £500 however it should of been £280 but i had the a/c belt replaced (i think thats what its called) and my front disks where on the wrong side so they swapped them both over. Whats the going rate for a major on a boxster?

Standard C4S was M030 (-10mm), and X74 (-30mm) was optional.

It's not listed in the build spec of the car when I run the VIN, I've just checked it.

Does it show M029? ie standard. Edit: This is from the 2004 996 Brochure:

There is I029 for standard chassis rather than M029.

I wonder why they designated it 029 when it is a 10mm lower sports suspension? Odd. So I guess I was wrong to refer to it as M030, but M030 certainly wasn't an option on the C4S.

I can only really comment from experience of the cars and the Turbos I've driven and the C4S feel alike. My M030 kitted car feels completely different. I'd say it feels like stiffer ARBs as well as firmer springs and the 4S and Turbos seem to lack those. Long sweepers show almost a wallowy effect without the M030. But the other cars feel more refined for general stuff.

My C2 had M030, and in terms of stiffness felt similar to the Turbo, but as you say felt completely different on the road. I put it down to the weight of the 4WD system, and the driven front wheels. Perhaps it is a compromise suspension which is 10mm lower, and although 'sports', not quite as 'sports' as M030 Sports Suspension.

Hi peeps, Can anyone recommend any decent insurers to try?

Just updated my details on the above....................... Mine is with Trinity Lane, through Adrian Flux, they have been brilliant at every point. HTH Steve

While we're on suspension. Has anyone found any easy tips/quick fixes to sharpen up the initial turn in in the 4wd cars? I like my cars to really tip into corners but the TT feels a bit soft in this area. p.s. I've been told by several people my car is the tightest turbo they've ever driven so I'm fairly certain it's not an age/wear issue.

Ref Insurance : I'd also recommend Adrian Flux as a broker. My 996C2 is via him with Aviva (Norwhich Union of old) Also suprisingly (in the past) Saga - but I think their premiums have gone through the roof since they were taken over (by the AA I think !) Paul 2004 996 C2 40th Anniversary

Don't you have to be over 50 to go with saga?

Now, now. There's lots of us old f*rts round here! [ ]

I was just clearing it up for us younger folk[ ]

The £15k end will get you a fairly good 3.4 996 privately that has been well looked after. I sold my own 76k mile '99 Carrera Tip last year for £13k with a full service history including interim oil changes 6 monthly and all remedial work done including new brakes, various suspension arms and bushes, radiators and paint professionally detailed. Re what to look out for, best to buy Peter Morgan's book on pmmbooks.co.uk as the 996s have some common problems and potentially some expensive ones. The forums may scare you a bit about engine problems but remember that usually only bad news gets reported. Most other minor traits and problems are fixable by a competent DIYer. Hartech's website is a good place to start re potential engine problems. This month's GT Purely Porsche magazine has an article about 996 engines.

I am fairly new to the Porsche ownership business myself but that has not stopped me drawling for the past 28 years! Anyhow onto mor important things.... Philip Raby, the columnist for Total 911 has his own dealership and saying he is knowledgable about Porsches is like saying Hitler was slightly mad! You can contact him direct via his web site www.philipraby.co.uk

Hi, i can help you out here. I bought my '99 996 for a fiver under 14K, from motordepot of all places. I had peter morgan/one of his assosiates check it over for me and he said it was a good little motor. No sign of the infamous RMS or IMS leak. It only had 45k on the clock as well. It just needs some minor stuff what you would expect a car of that age to need such as a rusty exhaust(not blowing but on its way), possibly new suspension as people seem to reccomend it changed at 50,000. I'm not trying to put you off btw my car is great just dont look at the fuel pump when you fill up[ ]. I don't know if you could get a good one for 10k tho that might be pushing it a bit. At least a 996 gives us people a slightly cheaper entry into the 911 market as most other models don't seem to be widely available for less than 20k. Hope this helps you.

Check out Dove House Motors, they have a couple at moment. Always quality cars there, based in Rushden, Northants. Don't know where you are geographically from them! hth Paul

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I certainly wouldn't be looking at the bottom end of that budget but didn't really know whether it was feasible to expect Porsche quality at the top end. Other than styling and engine size, is there a considerable difference with the later 996s? Would it make sense to save those few extra pennies for a good 3.6, or are the early models still very highly regarded? And this is before I get into such conundrums as coupe, cab, targa! The longer term plan is to eventually move up to a turbo but that's a few years away yet.

I was looking at a 996 pre facelift as I was surprised at the price of them. My budget initially was upto £15k. There are some great examples out there. I then started reading about the facelift models and started seeing the difference - engine size, interior, looks from the outside. I decided to up the budget a bid and found a 2003 for under £20k. I too had it inspected by Peter Morgan as I did not have a clue about what to look out for on Porsches and I must admit his report was great and will help me as a sales aid later on. I always wanted a cabroilet (some like them, some hate them) but saw a couple of sexy Targas as well. Good luck in the hunt

You should certainly get a good 3.4 996 for that price, as they have all fallen a lot in value over the last year or so. Mine is a 2000 model C2 in very good condition, 73,000 miles and with full history... yet I have only been offered £10K trade in against a GT3 - so if I were to be selling privately (which, I hasten to add I'm not at the moment), I can't see it getting much more than £12K in the current economic climate. As for the comment about petrol pumps, I usually get 29 to 31 mpg on longish runs, so not bad at all for a 170mph, 300bhp vehicle. Good luck in your search.

i was incredibly lucky finding my 2000 996 c2 last november. Its a tip with 75,000 on the clock with good service history but a little bit neglected in areas. The guy selling neeed some dosh quick and i relieved him of the car for £10k. However, and i would advise doing what i did. I had an independant check done on the car which turned out good and also had a major service including tip oil, plugs, coil packs etc as well even though it had been serviced recently. I did it so that i knew it was in top service nick from my first day of driving it. I have spent about £2000 on service, brakes and some good secondhand rear boxes ( thx forum) but for £12000 i reckon i have got a wonderful car that i simply love getting into ! Hope this helps AngusR

I have to say it took me about 2 years looking for a 996 before I ended up parting with my cash. Ive started the search for a possible turbo and have seen one or two very close to seeing me part with increased cash. Whilst mine is a 99' car, used daily, with 90k on the clock, it is fully serviced with full receipts and is still in outstanding condition. Any niggles that have occured over my 4 years of owning the car have been dealt with. Whilst some are being sold at ridiculously low prices I would take your time as I believe that some are buying these cars and keeping them up until they require a service or indeed something goes wrong. Purchasing is one thing, maintaining it is another. I think the only thing preventing me at the moment purchasing the turbo is the fact that the current market price to me is unacceptable. I know some would say that you would benefit as the turbo price will have also declined but unfortunately the turbo I have my eyes on is k10 more expensive than similar models elsewhere! What to do!!!!

I too would like a turbo (who wouldn't[ ]) but they seem to start at £30kish and as much as I want one I couldn't justify it right now. Maybe for my next car[ ]

All I can say is take your time!. When I was looking I saw a lot of summer racers. People buy em, keep em for a bit just to say they have had one! and neglect the servicing etc.