966 help!!!

Hi guys, I am about to purchase a 996 and i am very very concearned. Ive had a porsche boxster 98 and had no problems with at all. Then i upgraded to a E46 M3 and have no problems. However, i want a 911 996. I am looking at a carrera 2 1998. However, ive been reading horrible reports on forums about engine failure. Members are checking the cars every day for RMS leaks and engine leaks ect.. is this a big concearn? I dont want to spend all this money on a 911 and be hit with a new engine if they are prone to becoming "blown" as the seals leak and cause engine failure. I am looking at a carrera with a new engine and a new clutch just been fitted by porsche and had a few nea seals replaced. ( vecause the engine had blown ) is this something to stay away from even if it has a new engine 7,000 miles ago. Also, what sort of things do i need to look for when viewing a 996 to give me a quick easy indication something might be wrong. (withought buying the guide on here) Also i have an amazing convertable M3 for sale or will swap for a decent carrera, m3 is emmaculate, will post pics if any1 is intrested. Thanks everyone.

hmm, well the 996 engine is not all that different from the Boxster engine. Just that now you've found out about the weak points, you're worried about them... Mileage is no indication, how it's been driven and looked after seems to have no bearing on the things that are commonly talked about: rear main seal leaks (RMS) - nothing to worry about unless it's creating pools of oil. Some leak, some weep, some do nothing. Unless it's really bad, you are best off waiting until you need a new clutch and then spend the extra 20 quid or whatever it is to have the seal done at the same time. Intermediate shaft failure - as far as I know there are no warning signs apart from about 5 seconds before it fails and lunches your engine. Slipping/cracked cylinder liners - again not sure this can be checked easily although my guess is a leak down/compression test might give some indication (techies please correct me if I'm wrong!) If the car you are looking at has a new engine from and fitted by Porsche, it (the engine) should have a 2 year warranty as well. Forums by their very nature are full of doom and gloom about the 996 (and Boxster) engines. Yes they have weak spots, and yes what can go wrong can be very expensive, but remember the majority of cars are absolutely fine.

Having purchased my first Porsche this August I too had concerns after reading some reports, but most car models have their problems and as long as you are sensible you should be fine. One tip is was given was to perhaps go for a tptronic, as they are near impossible to over-rev, so chances are the engine has had an easier life. I was dubious about an Auto, but have not looked back. I made sure the car I brought had just had new brake disks and pads, and new service and MOT, and new tyres. My thinking was that if I didn't have to shell out on these items, I had some spare cash in case, god forbid, something did go wrong. You will find most enthusiasts want to sell their cars in the best possible condition. I looked at 4 before making my mind up. I walked away from a very well priced Carerra 4 because it just didn't feel right. The seller was only a young lad (not that this was the problem), but he admitted it needed new brakes, new tyres and a service, and he couldn't afford to keep it any more. My thoughts were along the lines of "what else needs doing or has already let go that needs replacing?" So I guess you are as wise to vet the owner as well as the car, if you see what I'm saying. Good luck with your search. There are some very nice examples out there at the minute (very nice seal grey 1999 on ebay with GT3 kit, low mileage and red leather (I really like red leather!!)).

No-one goes on to any forum and posts "my car is actually running fine and has no problems" - most forums are used to help people sort problems which is why it can sometimes look worse than it is. A very small number of these engines do go pop and I would imagine the chances of a second engine doing the same are infinitely smaller so buy the car and enjoy driving it - especially if it's been fitted by Porsche as it's then got a new 2 year warranty on it and the clutch.

Surely Porsche would not fit a new engine to this car without first making efforts to rectify any potential weak points like cylinder liners and IMS / RMS? Read this, http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=48125 buy and enjoy!!!! :thumbs:

Thankyou all very much, you have made me feel much better. Im going to have a look at some next week now, thanks again for all your answers.