Just tested an '08 CSS. Are these warning signs to run?

145k miles, ticking sound from cylinder 6 on cold start, bank 2 downstream O2 sensor throwing a code, and burning 1 quart per 2500 miles. Was not able to scope on site. Just typing this I feel like I'm being a idiot for even still considering it. I scheduled a PPI/Scope, but as I sit here thinking, it seems like a scope isn't really needed to verify what I'm thinking. Any chance the engine hasn't already started to eat itself?

Nope. You have no confidence in it so don't buy it - you'll just worry over it forever. BTW - 1 quart/2,500 miles IS perfectly acceptable and wouldn't produce any visible smoke (ie - not "burning"). What code is the downstream O2 sensor throwing? That isn't typically a sign of bore scoring, it's usually the sign of a worn out cat-converter or sensor.

Is there a chance? It’s possible sure but not likely.. what is likely is a future rebuild but that’s the case for all of us.. most bore scoring believe it or not happens on lower mile cars because tolerances are much tighter. After time that is suppose to naturally change evenly. Check it out tho. Not sure what there asking for the car, but a bad motor car suddenly goes from 25-30k down to 5k and less… it’s real expensive so if you didn’t know now you do… (I’m sure you knew this tho)

Thanks. After much debate I'm going to reach out to the mechanic tomorrow to discuss the scope. It's a Porsche racing specialty shop, so they're very familiar. I plan on doing a top side inspection of #6. if even a single score line is visible, I'm out. If that looks good, I'll have him drop the sump pan and inspect from the bottom. I'm pretty confident we'll find something, but I like the car otherwise and figure it's worth a few hundred dollars to find out for sure.

And if there is let’s hope the seller discloses that…

The current owner purchased the car only 1,500 miles ago with the intent of tracking it, but life got in the way. He took the car to this specialty shop and told them to go over it top to bottom and get it track ready, so it's well sorted. They asked him if he wanted it scoped and he doesn't as he said it didn't seem important to him. I honestly just think he's not aware of the potential damage, nothing sneaky. At least that's the vibe I'm getting. We'll find out soon enough.

Or he is aware and wants to unload it… I’d be careful

Ah, gotcha. Certainly running a higher risk as miles climb, can't argue that. If the engine does somehow check out, maybe I can get 3-4 years out of it and Raby's new system will be out and it will only be a $10k engine repair. lol In all honesty, I'm expecting to find damage from the ticking sound alone, and I'm ready to walk. So I'm just doing as much research and prep as possible so I know all of the avenues once the scope is completed. I've made some stupid car decisions over the last 30 years, but this one I can't afford to dig myself out of. So knowledge is power.

Just curious - when you mention Jake's new system, do you mean the SUMEBore coating? I think $10k might be light for a rebuild.

Yes, that system. I'm sure it is light. I have no idea on pricing, but I have to assume the goal is an easier, therefore less expensive rebuild. Not cheap, but less expensive.

I hear ya…. There is no clear answer. Porsche and repairs go hand in hand… there are days I miss my V6 MR2… great setup

If you tear a perfectly good but high mileage engine down, there are a good many parts that will be replaced as a matter of course while you're in there. Even that will be well over $10,000. But I assume you aren't paying much for this car.