Looking for my first 996. - Page 3 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

Hi All, I am looking for a Porsche 996 to purchase; 2001-2004 Under 60k miles Full Service History Black/Grey/Blue interior - Sensible Interior/Exterior colour combination Manual Budget of up to £15/16,000 Have gone through PH, AutoTrader, eBay, 911 Virgin, RSJ, Car & Classic, Mr 911 etc etc and continually looking. Posting here if anyone is considering selling. Happy to travel for the right car, based in East Sussex. Upgrading from a 2002 986 2.7 Boxster with 60,000 on the clock. Thanks! Jack

Forget about 60k miles. Get one with a rebuilt engine.

agtlaw said: Forget about 60k miles. Get one with a rebuilt engine. +1

Further more to the suggestions of rebuilt engine, I plan to do about 10-12k a year (daily driver).... now higher miles with rebuilt doesn't much bother me, but when I come to sell the car in 4-6 years time I imagine resale value will be greatly different? I would prefer a car that has had IMS & RMS done and documented but no point to be to picky in my requests.

dopsonj said: Further more to the suggestions of rebuilt engine, I plan to do about 10-12k a year (daily driver).... now higher miles with rebuilt doesn't much bother me, but when I come to sell the car in 4-6 years time I imagine resale value will be greatly different? I would prefer a car that has had IMS & RMS done and documented but no point to be to picky in my requests. The difference in value in 4-6 years time is going to be negligible. In fact, the rebuilt engine will be more important at resale. It has to be accepted that if you buy a 996 on its original engine and drive it that sort of mileage over 4 to 6 years then there has to be a reasonable chance of a rebuild being needed. 8k+ Its a no brainer to me!

mollytherocker said: The difference in value in 4-6 years time is going to be negligible. In fact, the rebuilt engine will be more important at resale. It has to be accepted that if you buy a 996 on its original engine and drive it that sort of mileage over 4 to 6 years then there has to be a reasonable chance of a rebuild being needed. 8k+ Its a no brainer to me! Solid points and suggestions... Obviously other components will wear with more miles (even with a rebuild) so is there a realistic limit to milage or I guess it just depends on upkeep work thats been performed. Well then I open the floor to those with a well loved 996 having had an engine rebuild in it's life!

There was a guy on here recently that said his 997 had been reliable and his engine fine over 5 years. He then dropped that he had spent 5k per annum on maintenance! Thats 25k! Any 911 costs money to run, and age only increases the cost unless you can do work yourself. Common sense and a bit of care goes a long way. Try not to buy the cheapest car, buy a good car in the first place then maintain it properly and care for it. It will likely pay you back in the long run.

I have a c4s I've owned 3 years with 53,000 miles. Silver, hardback sport seats, Porsche sport exhaust, full service history all opc except last two with specialist. Always been under Porsche warranty until recently. Just had big service and new discs and pads and all brake lines replaced. Would let it go at £17500 if you can stretch your budget!

5K a year... Thats extreme.... I will have a slush fund for maintenance and having already had a boxster and being well aware already of a 911 and it's pitfalls money is aside for preventative maintenance rather then reactive. I would love to stretch to 17.5K for a C4S as I love the stance of the wide body but at this point it is not realistic, which is a shame as PSE has to be one feature i'd love which is missing from 98% of all C2's...

You should have bought my old one!

JulesV said: You should have bought my old one! Fantastically helpful comment........

YoungMD said: JulesV said: You should have bought my old one! Fantastically helpful comment........ Wasn't it just! I should explain that before we rip into Jules, I know him outside of the forum and he let an 52 plate with 40k on the clock, FPSH, go for well under budget... And now I come to find myself wanting one I get the "told you you should have bought it!"

dopsonj said: YoungMD said: JulesV said: You should have bought my old one! Fantastically helpful comment........ Wasn't it just! I should explain that before we rip into Jules, I know him outside of the forum and he let an 52 plate with 40k on the clock, FPSH, go for well under budget... And now I come to find myself wanting one I get the "told you you should have bought it!" Always glad to be of assistance!

I have emailed TWG about this vehicle they have listed; http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... Has anyone had experience with buying from them?

TWG Haven't yet responded... Pretty slow which is disappointing but it's much easier to email and have a list of everything I need to know... Did Porsche ever do a factory white C4S like this that has appeared on Auto Trader: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... Not overly keen on it as 300miles away but never seen in white?

dopsonj said: TWG Haven't yet responded... Pretty slow which is disappointing but it's much easier to email and have a list of everything I need to know... Did Porsche ever do a factory white C4S like this that has appeared on Auto Trader: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... Not overly keen on it as 300miles away but never seen in white? Whilst it may have been painted white from the factory (the build sheet will confirm this), it is very unlikely they painted the Carrera badge red or that they painted the wheels white, which suggests to me a high level of modification. No bad thing in itself, just be careful on what you are being told is original/factory e.g the car you listed above, they state it is "the GT3 kit". It's not a GT3 kit, it is actually the Aerokit 'Carrera' The factory fit Aerokit 'Cup' is the one that resembles the GT3 mk1.. ...but the car advertised is a 996.2, of which the GT3 model loks totally different again...

monthefish said: Whilst it may have been painted white from the factory (the build sheet will confirm this), it is very unlikely they painted the Carrera badge red or that they painted the wheels white, which suggests to me a high level of modification. No bad thing in itself, just be careful on what you are being told is original/factory e.g the car you listed above, they state it is "the GT3 kit". It's not a GT3 kit, it is actually the Aerokit 'Carrera' The factory fit Aerokit 'Cup' is the one that resembles the GT3 mk1.. ...but the car advertised is a 996.2, of which the GT3 model loks totally different again... I was rather skeptical about the badge and wheels, but always nice to have someone who know's exactly what they're looking at confirm. Kit mates sense, you'd have thought it would be listed as such but there you go. With regards to the rear bumper trim and skirt, is that an option that could be specified not to have? I ask because if the kit was factory fit this would have been included no? If yes then would that open up suggestion to the possibility of a new rear bumper at some point due to damage?

dopsonj said: I was rather skeptical about the badge and wheels, but always nice to have someone who know's exactly what they're looking at confirm. No worries. I'm no expert, I just know a little bit about a little bit. dopsonj said: Kit mates sense, you'd have thought it would be listed as such but there you go. When I was searching for a car, I was amazed at how little the dealers knew about the cars they were selling, but then again, selling cars is just a job for many of them, whereas we on PH are car nerds for free. dopsonj said: With regards to the rear bumper trim and skirt, is that an option that could be specified not to have? I ask because if the kit was factory fit this would have been included no? If yes then would that open up suggestion to the possibility of a new rear bumper at some point due to damage? Which car?

monthefish said: dopsonj said: I was rather skeptical about the badge and wheels, but always nice to have someone who know's exactly what they're looking at confirm. No worries. I'm no expert, I just know a little bit about a little bit. dopsonj said: Kit mates sense, you'd have thought it would be listed as such but there you go. When I was searching for a car, I was amazed at how little the dealers knew about the cars they were selling, but then again, selling cars is just a job for many of them, whereas we on PH are car nerds for free. dopsonj said: With regards to the rear bumper trim and skirt, is that an option that could be specified not to have? I ask because if the kit was factory fit this would have been included no? If yes then would that open up suggestion to the possibility of a new rear bumper at some point due to damage? Which car? The TWG one; It's missing the rear section of the aerokit carrera?

It's worth checking out the white car if you like the look of it. It has the very rare (perhaps because they were so expensive) Sport Techno wheels and some colour coded interior bits and a Turbo steering wheel (again pricy options). The lower parts of both bumpers & sills have been painted white, which I'm not sure the factory ever offered as an option, but they may have done. It could have been a very expensive extravagant purchase when new.

thegoose said: It's worth checking out the white car if you like the look of it. It has the very rare (perhaps because they were so expensive) Sport Techno wheels and some colour coded interior bits and a Turbo steering wheel (again pricy options). The lower parts of both bumpers & sills have been painted white, which I'm not sure the factory ever offered as an option, but they may have done. It could have been a very expensive extravagant purchase when new. Hmmm.. Some better quality photos that weren't taken on a toaster might be good! He says sports exhaust but theres no PSE button, I like the white trim and the wheel... Would be nice but hard to tell if it's been horribly abused.

dopsonj said: The TWG one; It's missing the rear section of the aerokit carrera? Ahhh, the spats! I think they were part of the kit but many (most?) people do not like them, so you'll see most cars without them. (Evo journalist Jethro Bovingdon recently bought himself a 996 carrera with the Aerokit Cup , and he said the first thing he was going to do to it was to remove the spats!) I would agree with theGoose. The white car is really white, but if you like white, then its maybe worth looking into further as it does seem to be a reasonable price for a C4S with that mileage. The widebody of the C4S really does have good presence in the metal.

monthefish said: Ahhh, the spats! I think they were part of the kit but many (most?) people do not like them, so you'll see most cars without them. (Evo journalist Jethro Bovingdon recently bought himself a 996 carrera with the Aerokit Cup , and he said the first thing he was going to do to it was to remove the spats!) I would agree with theGoose. The white car is really white, but if you like white, then its maybe worth looking into further as it does seem to be a reasonable price for a C4S with that mileage. The widebody of the C4S really does have good presence in the metal. Should have used the technical term, now I know! Ha! The white one is interesting, perhaps the wheels would go back to original colour just to break it up.. I spoke to him last night, FSH, last at 63k, all MOT's, 6 owners, owned in family since 09 - Sports exhaust (Not PSE) - Last service was specialist - bills are present - 6 plugs and coils. Waiting for more photos today of paperwork and options sticker under front bonnet today... So possible. TWG got back to me: "The vehicle has a extensive service history but last service done at a average Garage and some with TWG. No known repair to the IMS and only very small amount of oil around the clutch area (normal). The car is in very good condition. One set of alloys in good condition. The car was purchased of our customer. 12 Months MOT and Service when sold. Need to check the tyres. 3 owners. Remember the car has only covered 53k Miles and it looks like it has!" "Extensive SH" - Does this mean not full? I will double check but hmmm

dopsonj said: Should have used the technical term, now I know! Ha! The white one is interesting, perhaps the wheels would go back to original colour just to break it up.. I spoke to him last night, FSH, last at 63k, all MOT's, 6 owners, owned in family since 09 - Sports exhaust (Not PSE) - Last service was specialist - bills are present - 6 plugs and coils. Waiting for more photos today of paperwork and options sticker under front bonnet today... So possible. TWG got back to me: "The vehicle has a extensive service history but last service done at a average Garage and some with TWG. No known repair to the IMS and only very small amount of oil around the clutch area (normal). The car is in very good condition. One set of alloys in good condition. The car was purchased of our customer. 12 Months MOT and Service when sold. Need to check the tyres. 3 owners. Remember the car has only covered 53k Miles and it looks like it has!" Sounds like you're asking all of the right questions. Keep us updated as your search progresses. There's plenty on knowledge on here if you need to check anything. I was on here (regularly) for about 5 years before I actually bought my first Porsche. dopsonj said: "Extensive SH" - Does this mean not full? I will double check but hmmm I once had a dealer tell me it had "a full service history". When quizzed further, he said the book was stamped to 50k miles (the car was now on 90k miles with no receipts, invoices nor MOT's). I didn't buy that one...

White C4S is in Newcastle - 300 Mile drive - Not that its a problem if its alright. Question - Does anyone recommend a PPI specialist up that direction of the world? Original plate the vehicle is on LA52 EPZ - Familiar to anyone?

Anyone up to help me decode this? I've done a few but a lot aren't showing up! C16 - UK Car - Lux XLF - SPORTS EXHAUST XME - CENTRE CONSOLE PAINTED XMP - LEATHER SUN VISOR XNS - LEATHER STEERING COLUMN XPA - THICKER STEERING WHEEL XRC - SPORTTECH WHEELS XRN - REAR 17MM SPACERS XSE/F BUCKETS RIGHT & LEFT XSL - ROLL OVER BAR WITHOUT CROSS BAR - NOT VISIBLE? XSN - NO REAR SEATS - SEEM VISIBLE IN PICTURES? XSX - RED BELTS - BLACK IN PICTURES XZD - LEATHER INTERIOR LIGHT SURROUND XD9 - BODY COLOUR WHEELS Stuck on 09971? 09991 - Exclusive program? Excuse caps, easier to see. Edited by dopsonj on Tuesday 15th July 21:11 Edited by dopsonj on Tuesday 15th July 21:13

pmac32 said: I have a c4s I've owned 3 years with 53,000 miles. Silver, hardback sport seats, Porsche sport exhaust, full service history all opc except last two with specialist. Always been under Porsche warranty until recently. Just had big service and new discs and pads and all brake lines replaced. Would let it go at £17500 if you can stretch your budget! Pmac32 - I did drop you an email... but haven't heard anything.. I would be interested.. could you PM me with some photos and more details! Thank you! Jack

dopsonj said: Anyone up to help me decode this? I've done a few but a lot aren't showing up! C16 - UK Car - Lux XLF - SPORTS EXHAUST XME - CENTRE CONSOLE PAINTED XMP - LEATHER SUN VISOR XNS - LEATHER STEERING COLUMN XPA - THICKER STEERING WHEEL XRC - SPORTTECH WHEELS XRN - REAR 17MM SPACERS XSE/F BUCKETS RIGHT & LEFT XSL - ROLL OVER BAR WITHOUT CROSS BAR - NOT VISIBLE? XSN - NO REAR SEATS - SEEM VISIBLE IN PICTURES? XSX - RED BELTS - BLACK IN PICTURES XZD - LEATHER INTERIOR LIGHT SURROUND XD9 - BODY COLOUR WHEELS Stuck on 09971? 09991 - Exclusive program? Excuse caps, easier to see. Edited by dopsonj on Tuesday 15th July 21:11 Edited by dopsonj on Tuesday 15th July 21:13 A lot of codes are re-used between generations of Porsche, so you might get a translation that doesn't apply to your model (and means something else). However, the combination of: XSE/F BUCKETS RIGHT & LEFT XSL - ROLL OVER BAR WITHOUT CROSS BAR - NOT VISIBLE? XSN - NO REAR SEATS - SEEM VISIBLE IN PICTURES? XSX - RED BELTS - BLACK IN PICTURES all together, suggests the car you are looking at now is quite different to how it was when originally built (a quasi race spec car?) Not necessarily anything sinister, but it'd be interesting to know the background. 09991 denotes 'manufactured from the exclusive program,' which means it's had a few 'X--' options ticked, and it looks like this one had lots of them (I think mine had 5 or 6 'X--' options and it also had the 09991 code on the label) p.s. Got your PM. I guess some people just can't be bothered actually selling cars. Still, plenty more cars around.

monthefish said: A lot of codes are re-used between generations of Porsche, so you might get a translation that doesn't apply to your model (and means something else). However, the combination of: XSE/F BUCKETS RIGHT & LEFT XSL - ROLL OVER BAR WITHOUT CROSS BAR - NOT VISIBLE? XSN - NO REAR SEATS - SEEM VISIBLE IN PICTURES? XSX - RED BELTS - BLACK IN PICTURES all together, suggests the car you are looking at now is quite different to how it was when originally built (a quasi race spec car?) Not necessarily anything sinister, but it'd be interesting to know the background. 09991 denotes 'manufactured from the exclusive program,' which means it's had a few 'X--' options ticked, and it looks like this one had lots of them (I think mine had 5 or 6 'X--' options and it also had the 09991 code on the label) p.s. Got your PM. I guess some people just can't be bothered actually selling cars. Still, plenty more cars around. It's an usual car.. It's also in Newcastle and I don't know. if I was spec'ing this car new they'd be the sort of options that would make it a bit special (without white wheels) so it would have been a nice find, but to have the seatbelts changed... Worries me.. Seats are easy bolt out/in, same with cage (I imagine) but belts must take longer as well as the rear seats... I like the white, but hmm! We shall see what comes up... Hopefully Pmac32 comes back! And yes, pretty shocked really.. Shame ticked all the boxes.

I've found a vehicle in South Ockendon today, C4S.. Going to view on Sunday. Full OPC SH - Last 2 years vehicle has done 1000 miles, kept under fitted Porsche cover and trickle charger and used as a weekend toy. Recent new tyres. 4 owners - black on black. I'm going to look at the vehicle and then get a PPI performed, but.. having spoken to a few friends they suggest that the seller should be happy to drive the car to somewhere local to me to have the inspection. I'm not sure the seller will really want to do this, so is there any specialist in and around East London that I can use that people would recommend? I've found Elite Porsche - Anyone got any reviews on them? Or recommend anyone I can take it to/who will collect and return locally? Look forward to peoples advice and suggestions

dopsonj said: White C4S is in Newcastle - 300 Mile drive - Not that its a problem if its alright. Question - Does anyone recommend a PPI specialist up that direction of the world? Original plate the vehicle is on LA52 EPZ - Familiar to anyone? is it private, could run my eye over if it helps?

andymc said: is it private, could run my eye over if it helps? Hi Andy, Thanks for the offer but the interior features missing has put me off it enough! On to the one in East London so if anyone else has any specialist to do a PPI to recommend i'd like to hear!

Porsche Engine rebuild Expensive to buy Don't get it

gaz1234 said: Porsche Engine rebuild Expensive to buy Don't get it Are you talking all Porsches ever... or specifically about the one i've found?

Hi, Does anyone know this vehicle? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... Ticks most of my boxes, new engine, low miles, exhaust, black on black, PCM2... Any thoughts? Jack

dopsonj said: Are you talking all Porsches ever... or specifically about the one i've found? Lots of them. It's why I won't buy one

dopsonj said: Hi, Does anyone know this vehicle? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... Ticks most of my boxes, new engine, low miles, exhaust, black on black, PCM2... Any thoughts? Jack That looks great. I'm very tempted myself... (You shouldn't have posted the link )

Going to view a car tomorrow thats had a Hartech engine rebuild within the last 2000 miles - Back in Feb. Can anyone advise on what is to be done with servicing since then? I'd like to keep to a yearly schedule but things like engine oils and all that? Can anyone also advise on warranty, Hartech on their website state 2 years /24,000 miles - is this only for the original owner or is this carried through? Any tips & advice greatly appreciated.

dopsonj said: Going to view a car tomorrow thats had a Hartech engine rebuild within the last 2000 miles - Back in Feb. Can anyone advise on what is to be done with servicing since then? I'd like to keep to a yearly schedule but things like engine oils and all that? Can anyone also advise on warranty, Hartech on their website state 2 years /24,000 miles - is this only for the original owner or is this carried through? Any tips & advice greatly appreciated. Ring Hartech.

mollytherocker said: Ring Hartech. I did today, left a message and haven't called back yet I shall be patient!

Pulled the trigger on the one with an engine rebuild. It had some nice details that you wouldn't normally find on a C2. She's into JZM on the 30th for a PPI, so hopefully it passes through without any major issues. Have agreed with seller on a refundable deposit should it have higher then x amount of work needed doing. Rather excited!

dopsonj said: It had some nice details that you wouldn't normally find on a C2. Please tell us more!

gaz1234 said: Lots of them. It's why I won't buy one And personal experience ?? or just what you 'hear'

I wouldn't worry too much about non-P garages doing a service. Any competent technician can service these cars, although a sparking plug change can take a bit of time. Change the oil and filter at 5k -another easy job - and fit a magnetic drain plug to catch any bits. A tiptronic oil change is best left to specialists. Brakes are easy and are nothing unusual. Annual rad cleans are a worthwhile thing to do, but it's not a difficult job. Mine is a 2003 996 but it had an exchange engine in 2005 fitted by Porsche. These engines have a different engine number that incorporate the letters AT in the middle. The AT will be followed by numbers which denote the year of re-manufacture. Watch out for wheel changes and tyre sizes as sellers can change things over to give non standard sizes and offsets and it can take time to get it right. For example a 2003 996 should have either 17" or 18" wheels from the factory and the bonnet tag and vehicle identification in the service book should match and show the code. Coolant reservoir tanks are fragile and tend to split and air oil separators can be faulty and all worth a change at 10 years. Do the serpentine belt at 40K max and an air con re-charge every three years. Go for the biggest battery you can fit in the hole at least 800Amps CC. These cars don't stand for very long without the batteries going flat. The alarm switches to a sort of sleep mode after 5 days. Hope you get lucky. There quite a few good ones about. You only hear the horror stories, but if you get a good car it will be a pleasure to drive and always bring a smile to your face. H

PGNCerbera said: And personal experience ?? or just what you 'hear' read

gaz1234 said: read Ah, ok. So no experience to back up your comments. Just what you read from other people like yourself. Brilliantly self-perpetuating that. I know at least 8 owners directly who have owned/still own 996's. Not one engine issue amongst them. My 996 did 23k miles with me and is currently well over 100k with zero engine issues. Check the forums. Very very few threads proclaim 'my engine just broke'. It happens rarely but it is not as biblical as all you doom mongers make out.

IknowJoseph said: Please tell us more! Yes please OP. More details needed!

dopsonj said: Pulled the trigger on the one with an engine rebuild. It had some nice details that you wouldn't normally find on a C2. She's into JZM on the 30th for a PPI, so hopefully it passes through without any major issues. Have agreed with seller on a refundable deposit should it have higher then x amount of work needed doing. Rather excited! Look forward to pics and more details

PGNCerbera said: Ah, ok. So no experience to back up your comments. Just what you read from other people like yourself. Brilliantly self-perpetuating that. I know at least 8 owners directly who have owned/still own 996's. Not one engine issue amongst them. My 996 did 23k miles with me and is currently well over 100k with zero engine issues. Check the forums. Very very few threads proclaim 'my engine just broke'. It happens rarely but it is not as biblical as all you doom mongers make out. Congrats to the OP, get some pics posted up Mines also well over 100k, 170k + on the original engine and gearbox and no issues so far. Ive owned for a year now and its been spot on. They dont cost a stupid amount to run or insure as people may think. Mines running at around £85 per month in maintenance costs so far. Can read more at http://www.project3000.co.uk

IknowJoseph said: Please tell us more! +1

I didn't want to post to soon, so as not to jinx it! But the seller, who was selling the car because of redundancy has now been offered his job back and has decided not to sell the car... Bugger. The search continues.

the 996 is such great value for money, i used mine at the weekend for a trip up to my mum and dad's in mcr, they are such a good drive, i quite like older cars, i just bought an e34 m5 3.8.......always wanted one etc etc, i like the drive of the m5 and its got bags of character, but omg the 996 is soo much faster, in everyway.......i know its kind of obvious age, weight, etc etc, anyway to the op............pursue your quest !