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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHSeeking advice - 1999 vs. 2001 w/ higher miles
Leading reported evidence
Check option codes)
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Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
It does not have LSD (I've already checked the option codes)
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Suggestion · Original poster
Supposed good mechanical condition (I would have it inspected before buying) but few records.
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Suggestion
Early 99's did have cylinder bore issues (D chunking and slipped sleeves) but most of the motors that had that issue have been addressed with a higher mileage car (If it has a reman motor, odds are it had cylinder issues and motor was replaced).
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Suggestion · Original poster
I'm OK w/ the anticipated, typical maintenance of a 996, but if there were changes between '99 & '01 to improve reliability then I want to consider those.
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Suggestion
Early 99's did have cylinder bore issues (D chunking and slipped sleeves) but most of the motors that had that issue have been addressed with a higher mileage car (If it has a reman motor, odds are it had cylinder issues and motor was replaced).
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Suggestion · Original poster
I'm OK w/ the anticipated, typical maintenance of a 996, but if there were changes between '99 & '01 to improve reliability then I want to consider those.
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Suggestion · Original poster
Besides the configuration of the center stack and the hood/trunk releases, are there any mechanical or electrical changes between the '99 and '01 that I should be aware of?
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Suggestion
If the price is the same between the two and the 01 does not have an oil leak with higher miles and possibly a replaced clutch, I would go with the 01.
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Suggestion
No real significant changes from 99 to 01 but the rule of thumb for buying a Porsche is to always get the newest year you can afford (assuming other factors equal).
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Hey Guys (and Gals),
Looking for your collective wisdom as I consider between 2 cars to buy. I am looking at each on Saturday, but in talking w/ the owners they both sound like good candidates.
Car #1 is an early '99 with 57k miles. Supposed good mechanical condition (I would have it inspected before buying) but few records. It's the black one w/ the blingy wheels I posted a pic of a few days ago.
Car #2 is an '01 with 78k miles. Also good condition with many records (will check to see what major repairs have been done). Has the factory M030 suspension.
Besides the configuration of the center stack and the hood/trunk releases, are there any mechanical or electrical changes between the '99 and '01 that I should be aware of?
This will strictly be a street car for me and the ride of the normal suspension is perfectly acceptable. Is the M030 dramatically different for street use? I already have 1 maintenance headache car so reliability is a concern.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Car 2 looks like it has a lot more options than car 1 I.E. Sport exhaust, litronics, heated seats etc... Car 1 isn't clear what it has (Looks like it might have LSD as I see a mention that it has traction control). Need more details to determine if they are equally optioned. I wish the first car had the option codes listed. It would make for an easier comparison
M030 suspension isn't brutal at all only marginally stiffer than the standard suspension. X71/74 suspension on the other hand is quite a bit rougher.
Changes for or 2001 (minor for the most part)
* Interior lighting was upgraded to LED (general illumination of cockpit and center console, ignition lock and light switch, and door latches)
* Trunk carpet quality was improved
* Remote entry was enhanced to include seat memory
* Some option packages and colors became available (not really a change though)
I would not be totally focused on the mileage, rather the condition and desired options. There are a lot of good cars out there, so don't settle. Either way, have a PPI done.
I'd vote for car #2 due to the extra options. 78k miles would not scare me at all as long as you determined it did not have a bad history.
No real significant changes from 99 to 01 but the rule of thumb for buying a Porsche is to always get the newest year you can afford (assuming other factors equal). Good luck with your purchase.
You didn't mention -- if one car is cheaper than the other?
Not sure how people can have an opinion without knowing the price?
Since you plan to drive it, then you should get the car as you like it.
I would opt toward the lower mileage car as those options on the '01 aren't critical.
(When I found out mine had LSD, that tripped my trigger.)
If you're fine with stock suspension, black color, and the wheels, then that might be your car.
Or maybe you haven't found the car you really want yet?
IMO, biggest mechanical differences:
eGas on 2000+ [c2]
PSM (optional) on 2000+ (well, you need eGas for PSM anyway)
4 HP (296/300) [but 2001 is heavier]
Yikes! Don't temp fate with a 8 or 10 year old car if you really need reliability. These cars may be more reliable than a "normal" older car, but you still have 10 years of wear and tear on all the parts.
If you need a rock solid car, skip the old 996 and get something with a warranty.
-td
Guys,
Thanks for all of the advice as I weigh these 2 options. Dave, notice in the original post I didn't ask for opinions on which one to buy, just differences between '99s and '01s. ;-)
I do all of my own maintenance and repair work. My 951 track car sees a lot of attention because 1) it's 20 years old, 2) it's a 951, 3) I'm constantly modifying stuff, and 4) I want to be confident it's in top shape as I'm blasting into a corner.
I'm OK w/ the anticipated, typical maintenance of a 996, but if there were changes between '99 & '01 to improve reliability then I want to consider those. From what I hear from the above, though, is there weren't any significant reliability changes until the 3.6L engines came out.
Since so many of you are so curious, here are the 2 cars I'm considering. I'm sure I would be happy in either.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...0611&viewitem=
http://www.mbmotorsports.us/VD.html?...-E1A64C8D9D0D}
It does not have LSD (I've already checked the option codes)
I prefer the silver exterior, but it's a couple grand more (and may go higher in the auction).
Seller didn't research the option codes (actually didn't know where to find them), just pulled info from an auto website which wasn't correct.
I had a friend who lives near the car check it out last weekend and he sent me the codes. It has some Exclusive Program and trim options, but nothing special in the mechanicals. My friend said it's in good shape and drove fine, but may have an oil leak and a slipping clutch.
The lack of LSD isn't a concern for me because this will be a street-only car and I have a vehicle to drive in the snow. I'll certainly deduct it from my offering price, though.
There are no really significant differences between 99 and 01 aside from E-gas (00-01) vs the cable throttle (on the 99). I'd drive an example of both to see which you prefer as there is a slight delay with e-gas when I compared the two. I believe there where updates to the IMS and other internal parts to increase long-term reliability but the M96 motor seems to be susceptible to the same issues throughout 996's production life.
Early 99's did have cylinder bore issues (D chunking and slipped sleeves) but most of the motors that had that issue have been addressed with a higher mileage car (If it has a reman motor, odds are it had cylinder issues and motor was replaced).
There is an excellent article a few months back in Excellence that goes into detail about the weak spots and remedies/solutions of the M96 motor.
Don't be scared of high miles. Buy the one the runs the best. I have 123,800 miles on my '99, and it runs amazingly well.. burns ZERO oil. In fact, I bet it runs as good or better than anyone else's 996 - however many miles they may have..
i tell you what, in a few years when Phil is ready to sell his car, i'd be the first in line to make an offer. it's really nice of him to garage "my" car for me for a few years until i'm ready to pick it up. i wouldn't be paying him for the car, i would be paying him for the storage and maintenance fees.
If the price is the same between the two and the 01 does not have an oil leak with higher miles and possibly a replaced clutch, I would go with the 01.
Are you buying it from a dealer or private party?
