A Bargain orrrrr not???

Ebay browsing I saw this! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-PORSCHE-...s_UK?hash=item3ef8a9ec81&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 So what is the "mechanical problem??? The car drives like it is brand new and that is no exaggeration. If I blind folded you, you wouldn't question it. From cold start it sounds perfect and the oil pressures are exactly where they need to be when it's hot/cold. However there does appear to be a bizarre issue. On about 1 out of 10 starts it seems to burn off a small amount of oil for about 5 seconds and then it clears. This is seen as smoke coming from both exhaust pipes. The majority of the time it does not do it (it's not done it for the last 4 days). On very rare occasions (1 in 20), it will really throw out a significant amount of smoke but as I say it ALWAYS clears after about 5 seconds and then it's absolutely fine. It pulls phenomenally well and idles/runs without skipping a beat. I did speak to a guy who mentioned that Porsche bought out a revised crank case breather kit but that's as far as I've got with the diagnosis. We're buying a new house soon and will need all the money we can pull together so I rather let it go cheap to someone who is happy to put up with it or who knows what the issue could be and who can get it sorted on the cheap. And this means .. what is happening?? I would be tempted but its too much of a risk for my head to get round!

I would be very tempted. It looks very well cared for. You would need to get it below £19k to be a bargain IMO I am sure it will be an electrical issue rather than mechanical due to the level of intermittency. A major fault like D-chunk failure or piston rings would show up on a run as it would billow out plus it would be apparent on every start up. Serious mechanical fault normally smoke on one bank (out of one tail not both) He hasn't mentioned the colour of the smoke, this is important as it will give you an idea of fault - Blue = oil White = fuelling I would guess fuelling after a read of that. You need someone with a PIWIS or Durametric to dial in and explore DME history, activity and values, the answer should be lurking in there. If an EMS issue & you need a MAFS, Lambda etc drop me a PM & I will see if I can get through my suppliers (huge saving) Good luck if you go for it :thumb:

It coud just be a failing air/oil seperator.

All credit to the guy as he seems to be being very honest, but I personally wouldn't bother as a similar aged c2 with less mileage and a manual went on ebay tonight for £18.9 with no reported issues, so why take the risk? OK, it's a targa and it's black, but is it worth the headache if it ends up being terminal?

Hi David Its probably oil being burnt and could be something as simple as an oil separator but could also be a more serious problem such as a cylinder issue. These things can always be fixed but can be potentially expensive. I'm always wary of cars for sale with someone stating a fault and then playing it down a little, particularly on ebay, but on the other hand it could all be genuine and not too much of a problem. A cylinder compression test and use of an endoscope may help but not really practical in the circumstances. If the cars cheap enough and you have the resources to repair the engine if it came to it then it could still be viable. Grant

Grant In your opinion would the colour of smoke indicate more? Lloyd

I would have to ask the question, why he doen't get the problem sorted himself then advertise it as running perfectly? :dont know: TB

It will be interesting to see what it goes for. :dont know:

New Buyer I am new to porsche, firstly I would stay away from it, could be a can of worms. secondly I would ask the question, Why Does he not fix it himself?

Tend to agree really. I am surprised he hasn't got it fixed unless he knows its a major job and is underplaying it. I personally wouldn't want to take the gamble of a big bill for something major!!! Intersting though

I have purchased cars with damage, S&R, Cat D/C and cars with faults galore in the past. The big difference to many is I am in the trade and love working on cars. I enjoy complex faults and the feeling of success when resolved. I must say buying as straight, faultless car has been boring!

The problem is whats the point? How are you going to benefit? Its got to cost to sort it out and has highish miles and will set you back over 20K then when you go to sell some smart ass engineer will slaughter it and the new buyer will try and knock you down to half what you gave for it!!! Little pissed off as just got engineers report on my car which the buyer had done. The best bit was the condition of the spare wheel as poor ( err C4 aint got one, and the misting underneath (me spraying WD 40) as a potential serious problem which needs cleaning and investigatiing!!! All designed to give the buyer some bargaining power I guess.

£17.2 Bargain, I reckon.

Its back up for sale... someone got cold feet I reckon... The owner should get it fixed first methinks then there is no doubt surrounding the car. I would steer clear, you could be looking at a massive bill. That said, at £17.2k it is a cheap car and you should factor in another £3-5k just in case.....

I checked this with the seller - it is blue/black smoke.. he suggested it only uses small amounts of oil though - thoughts?