Looking at 2003 996 C4S

Hi All, I've been looking for a Porsche for the past few months and have settled on a 996 C4S. I'm looking at one next week with 58K miles, all maintenance performed (including 60K service), no history of RMS/IMS problems, black on black (my first choice). I'm planning use this as my DD during spring/summer/fall and store in the garage during the winter months. All conversations with the current owner (PCA member) and pictures make me believe it is in mint condition with no mechanical problems. I will have a PPI performed before purchasing. My questiosn is this, with 58K miles is this just getting to the point where significant problems will start to occur? On other car forums, I always see threads about how many miles on their cars but I don't see that here. I know this is difficult to answer, but how many miles should I expect to get out of a well maintained 996 that already has 58K miles? Thanks!

Hi and welcome. My MY C2 is just at 57k miles and it has been solid and dependable for the 5 years of ownership and 22k miles I've driven it. Others with C4s will chime in, but if you like your cars condition, and your PPI is thorough and doesn't uncover any significant issues, then go for it.GLWP

This is a difficult question to answer. I've got about 107K miles on my 2002 C4S right now. Aside from expcted maintenance and wear, I haven't really had any major issues. My C4S needed a new clutch around 60K miles, so you may have that in your future if it hasn't been replaced before. Many people also consider the water pump to be a wear item in the 996. I had my original water pump replaced earlier this year. Another common issue in a 9 year old 996 is drop link bushings. I had mine replaced because they were starting to rattle. Beyond that, it's just tires, brakes, etc.

Thanks for the feedback. Great to hear you have 107K miles and still running strong. I'm not worried about maintenance items like brakes, tires or really even the cluth that is a wear item. I'd love to hear from more high mileage 996 owners.

Bought my 2003 C4S with 90k miles... as soon as I bought it I put about $5k in maintenance into the car: LN Enginnering IMS bearing, 6 new coil packs, spark plugs, front suspension refresh, and a few other small things. Aside from that, the car has been ultra-reliable and trouble free.

Thanks wisky. How long ago did you purchase and how many miles do you have now?

yank pm sent

Do the LN engineering upgrade to the bearing.........approx. $ 1500........tell the seller you want $ 1500 off the price you have negotiated to do the upgrade to provide insurance against bearing/engine failure........

Perhaps this link will help ... http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...omment-1818460 ayep, thats our baby at the top

A well taken of car should last. Make sure you drive the hell out of it though. I've seen too many stories of cars just sitting and then people wonder why their car has more problems. I'm at 127,xxx miles as of yesterday. And it's a track ***** too. I'm the original owner since 2003.

He's asking $37K, I'm hoping to get him down to $35K. Seems a bit high for a C4S with 60K miles but if it in the mint condition and no issues found during the PPI, I'm willing to pay. I haven't seen many black on black C4S's for sale that are in this condition. Thanks for the feedback. Great article, LordVicious!

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I didn't realize you two were members of the 100k+ miles too! I've got close to 108k now myself.

I have had one delightful season with my 03 C4S, an absolute dream of a car! This C4S was the ultimate styling exercise of the Gen II 996. It is basically the lowered, wide body Turbo, without the ungainly side scoops and fixed wing. I recently had a lengthy discussion with the Porsche designer of this car, Pinky Lai, in Germany. This was the last of the 'analog' design projects, relying more on clay carvings, drawings, and endless models. With the 997, the design process was more based on 3D CAD. One can see the subtle refinements of line in the 996, that are lacking in the 997. To my industrial designer's eye, the 996 C4S is far more elegant than any other variation, 997's included. My car came with 34K miles, indistinguishable from new...truly mint, with many options. In it's last year of warranty, 08, a failed IMS bearing occurred, so Porsche installed a new motor, and I received the car with only 8K miles on this motor. We have all heard of the IMS Bogey Man, and I read endlessly of the causes and solution to the problem. I recently had the tranny removed and a new clutch at the ready for the LN bearing installation. To my happy surprise,(disappointment?) the engine was a late 05 MY, so it had the large bearing which cannot be replaced. We changed the RMS and the clutch, and reassembled it. This is the last of the M96 engines, and the gremlins should be mostly eradicated. I had no idea of the driving potential of this car. I drove my first DE at Mt. Tremblant in a steady downpour, initially terrified, only to be reassured that I would not slide out, and that the limits were far beyond my capabilities. When my instructor took the wheel, in both wet and dry conditions, I was astounded! I had no idea how good a car could be! Of course, the 4WD is a great asset. I have now had 10 wonderful track days in the car. It is flawless! I've changed front discs, machined the rears, pads all round. Tires and brake fluid, of course. Oil changes every 2nd track session, or 5,000 km. Next season, I'll use Pagid break pads, and improve my skills further. Though newer models have evolved technologically, DFI, etc. I far prefer the look of this model. The nightmare of an IMS failure is receding, and I adhere to the maxim, "Drive it like you stole it!"

I forgot to mention. I bought my car from Princeton Porsche, in NJ. I paid $35K in Nov. 2010 Mileage 34K Engine 8K The car was loaded with about $10 of options.

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mine has $15 of options! that's for the fixed wing comment.........