Ok, so I'm looking at buying a 1999 911 for an amazing price, but the only problem is it doesn't come without its labors that will be needed.
First, the biggest concerns are that the check engine light is burned out (P1691) and will need to be fixed, but the car is still showing codes for the secondary air injection (P0410 and P1411) and for the idle control valve (P1514 and P1551.)
The heater fan runs all the time.
Needs a new tie rod.
Power seat switch doesn't work, but the memory buttons do.
Steering wheel won't tilt.
Vibration when braking, possible warped rotor.
Cable release for engine cover doesn't work properly.
I'm not a mechanic, but with straight forward instructions I would do it, provided the tools needed weren't obscure. Mostly though, I want to know if I take this to a shop, how much is this looking to run me? I've never owned a porsche before and I'm just drooling to, but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew either. The ac and heat works fine, and the engine runs smooth and shifts well. But if I can't fix the engine codes, it won't pass smog in california and will basically be worthless to me.
That said, what would be a fair estimate price on this convertible with 77k mi?
Depends on 2 things:
1) how much of a "deal" you are getting. Post a price. I've done TONs of research on 996.1s and 996.2s when I was looking for one for my son. (Bought him a 3000 mile FRS instead).
2) How good are you at turning wrenches. I feel I am pretty competent and a good problem solver, but unless you are getting the car for less than 10 Grand, I'd walk.
The first thing I would do, since you say you're getting a good deal, is to take it to a reputable Porsche mechanic and have them do a pre purchase inspection of the car. It will cost you to have one done but you will know exactly what is going on with the car and the cost of repairs if done at that shop and you will have a bargaining chip in hand if you decide to make a deal. The fact that it won't pass smog without repairs would be a major factor in buying the vehicle, for instance you P1411 code is an indication that the diaphragms in the secondary air system have failed and possibly the air pump as well. The three diaphragms will run you around $200 if you do the work yourself and around $700-800 if a shop does it. If the pump is gone then add another $1K for a new pump that you can buy used for a few hundred and install yourself. Don't forget to replace the vacuum tank in the system as they are plastic and get brittle over time and leak. they run around $30.
If that's all then yeah, it sounds like like it's worth it. Just under 10k actually, I can get it for 9500 and it's a convertible with the aero kit. Sounds like it might be a good deal?
You absouluetly have to have a PPI performed by a Porsche certified mechanic. There could be other problems in addition to the ones that you listed and the PPI will identify them. Keep in mind that Porsche parts are extraordinarily expensive, and your good deal could vanish in a hurry. Another approach would be to have the current owner repair all the problems before you purchase. I'd rather pay more and have a problem free car, than get a "good deal" and have to spend an uncertain amount to get those problems repaired.
