Thinking of buying a 996

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the 911/996 world but have had my 84 944 since new. I'm going to look at a car this weekend and would appreciate some input and thoughts from just looking at the ad from the people who have and know this line of car. The dealer told me he's asking 35k, 2 owners. HeresALinkToTheTHECar Thanks, Ralph

I do not know a lot about the 996 model, but one thing that always come up is the IMS, so if I were you, I would do some research on that subject both here on PP, and over on Rennlist as well. It is an expensive repair, and I would make certain that car has had it fixed.

Hi Ralph, To echo crg53, do some quick research on the 996. Don't get too bogged down, but the IMS (intermediate shaft bearing) is a weak spot and the RMS (rear main seal), to name the two most frequent issues. That said, there are plenty of good examples out there that have already had these issues addressed (good after market fixes) or have a factory replacement engine. Low mileage Cars (i.e., do not get driven much) seem more susceptible. Many people shy away from the 996 because of these issues. I think it is the best value, car for the money, in the 911 market. I think it will always have a cautionary stigma, so don't buy thinking collectable and going up in value. This is a car to buy at the bottom of the market, drive it and enjoy. I have water cooled and air cooled 911s. Both great cars in their own right, but the 996 is a modern sports car with functioning air conditioning and creature comforts. The car you are looking at, seems to be a really nice, low mileage example. If you are patient, I think there are better bargains out there. my .02 Danny

Search " high mileage Porsche 996" It's a exercise in reassurance , on Rennlist They have 996's posted with over 200,000 miles !

Excellent points everyone, very helpful. I mistakenly started my thread over in the 911 Forum but lucked out when a member pointed out this nice looking example HERE Thoughts? Ralph

Ralph, In the second example you posted (MY00) that car seems like it's been well sorted out. I would think there is at least a well-kept maintenance history, full of receipts for parts and/or labour. For the price and mileage, not a bad buy at all. Being a little biased myself, the first example you posted of the MY03 has the 3.6L and is face lifted, which most may agree that it is a "better" version (debatable.) I would certainly encourage a PPI and ensure the IMS/RMS has been taken care of. Price is "not bad" but I personally feel that there is wiggle room, highly dependent on the outcome of the PPI and if there are service records. Good luck and let us know what you get!

thanks bcr, I appreciate!

I just bought a 996 myself, a MK I. I acutally prefer the MK I headlights over the MK II, but I ultimately like the 997 and up better. There are also a lot of people who like the early 996 better mechanically as it had the dual row IMS bearings which are better than the later ones, some say at least. The price I'm sure you can negotiate, it's a bit above KBB I think. I paid 14K for my 104K miles Artic Silver 996 a few months ago.

Thanks mh! Don't know the difference between 996/997 and MKI and MKII...

I have a 1999 996.This is my third Porsche, previous 1989 Carrera, and a 2001 Boxster. The Porsche Excellence Buyers guide $14.95, and you do not have to subscribe to the mag, goes covers each year and any possible mechanical issues that may arise, with any particular year and model. Also Pelican's advise on what to look for when buying a Porsche. I found the best way to have a great piece of mind is to get as positive look at the car as possible. I paid three hours worth of labor to a Porsche mechanic (code reader in hand) and took him with me to evaluate the car. As many will tell you a couple hundred dollars can save you thousands.

I love my 996. It's an 02. I have to say I was told to say away from the early 996's because of the IMS and the RMS issue. Truth of the matter is that under 10% suffer the IMS issue. I ended up with one that went through it and because of it, it was sent to LN engineering and updated with an updated IMS and they put sleeves and pistons bumping it up to a 3.8. I love it. It's a C4 cab with the hard top. I've now had it for 2 1/2 years and no problems. I would get a PPI and enjoy. Rob

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Take a look at everything, make sure you get a clean solid car. Shop around.

again, invaluable and excellent advice; thank you... Ralph