101 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHHow to find a "roller" 996?
Leading reported evidence
Replace = money pit
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Reported fixes
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Unsuccessful attempts
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Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Then there's all the fake wood that needs to be replaced= Money pit!
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Suggestion
If it is a true salvage title you will need to get it inspected by your state's dmv before they will give you a Rebuilt or Prior Salvage title so that you can get it licensed.
Leading evidence: 'Replace = money pit' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'head gasket' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Inspect by your state's dmv' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Last year I tried selling it and got nothing but major low ball offers for it, was planning on keeping it after that but things changed for me and not for the good.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I have had a BMW 325i that had a salvage title 15 years ago (had no idea that it was salvage until the day I was selling it and ran a Carfax).
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
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Suspected cause
it�s incredible, at least half the people I contact selling rollers think the only problem is a head gasket.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
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Suggestion
If it is a true salvage title you will need to get it inspected by your state's dmv before they will give you a Rebuilt or Prior Salvage title so that you can get it licensed.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
Inspect by your state's dmv
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
If it is a true salvage title you will need to get it inspected by your state's dmv before they will give you a Rebuilt or Prior Salvage title so that you can get it licensed.
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0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I would also recommend looking for a car that already has a FSI motor or something similar done to it, since you can save quite a bit of money by buying one already completed.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Last year I tried selling it and got nothing but major low ball offers for it, was planning on keeping it after that but things changed for me and not for the good.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
101 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
1 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Outcome without a verified action link
A more likely scenario is someone brought it in to have it worked on and couldn't afford and walked away from the car.
How does one find a "roller" 996? Are there websites dedicated just to cars with blown engines? You just watch the Rennlist marketplace?
The 996 threads have gotten me excited about the idea of buying a roller and sending to flat 6 or similar.
Thanks,
Mac
That's a great way to "build" a var to your specs! It's also much more realistic when you've already budgeted between $20 - $30k depending on specs/performance level you're looking for. $25 - $35k for a great chassis with a properly built engine is still a bargain for one of these little monsters (as illustrated by the latest BAT auctions...for questionably lesser cars).
This doesn't exactly answer your question, but I figured I'd encourage you to keep looking. Ebay, All the dismantlers, Craigslist etc. etc. etc... Driving around the neighborhood and keeping your eye out... If you see a 996 sitting in the same spot for any lengthy period of time, theres a good chance it's a "roller". There was a red cabrio I used to drive by almost every day for about two years - I thought about it every time I saw it (this was before I rebuilt my engine...) - thank god I didn't take the leap, but someone probably got a nice project car... As long as you go in with your eyes open and don't think you're getting a "steal" or making a wise "investment" (i.e. - you have the budget to build a nice sports car) you'll be fine.
I'd watch Rennlist Marketplace, as well as looking in the IMS thread somewhere in here.
I would also recommend looking for a car that already has a FSI motor or something similar done to it, since you can save quite a bit of money by buying one already completed. There's some that pop up on Marketplace every now and again, and on the 996 Facebook group.
-Matt
Open a ticket with Flat6Innovations and tell them what you want.
I bet Jake will know who has a roller for sale.
He gets calls all the time from people who can’t afford to fix their 996.
I’ve found some on our local Craigslist.
I posted a wanted ad too, and got some hits.
People want to recoup what they owe on their car, and it hasn’t been worth it.
But maybe someday that will change.
If you're serious about spending the money to do it right, I recommend first buying one that already has the rebuilt engine. I know of one being sold on this site right now. Less headache.
Another option is to figure out which generation of the 996 you like (3.4L vs 3.6L), buy a blown engine now, get on the FSI list, and search for a roller in the meantime.
You can also look for a good running 996, sell the engine out of it and then install the rebuilt engine.
I mainly buy 996 with blown engines but I would've also considered buying a running one and advertise the running engine for sale while I drove it. Just be prepared for low-ballers and time-wasters. It's not easy selling even to Porsche owners.
The availability of 996 rollers will likely increase, so finding one shouldn't be difficult. Lots of ticking time bombs out there. Lol
Thanks for all of the amazing advice posters! I think everyone is excited to hear about the rollers please keep them coming. I would like a C4 if I am going big with Flat 6 so I give up my OP status for any C2's.
I will be listing my 99 996 c2 this weekend again. I have owned it for almost 7 yrs now and since I upgraded to a turbo car and changes at work I don’t have time for this one anymore which I regret.
this is a running driving car for roller money.
I have been looking for a roller for almost a year. Searched Craigslist, ebay, Facebook, and here. I even placed an add in the Marketplace but have not received any replies from it.
I have missed a couple that were too far away to go look at. I am not ready to send money and pay for shipping on a car that I can not look at. I might change my mind if I found exactly what I want and the price is right but for now I would like to find one close enough to go get myself. What I have seen is that most people with rollers want to recoup their investment in the running car. If you try to get it for a reasonable price too soon they get upset. It is a timing thing I guess.
Good luck in your search and if you find a 1999-2001 6 Speed Coupe that you don't want to pursue, send it my way if you would please.
Right here in our own RL Marketplace backyard at $8500 running.
https://rennlist.com/forums/market/1194185
Buy it...sell the engine off and you're in under most rollers with a bunch of cool extra goodies.
Somebody go give this one a new home!
Last year I tried selling it and got nothing but major low ball offers for it, was planning on keeping it after that but things changed for me and not for the good.
so I put it back up and I have been getting lots of people asking about it, what gives why the difference just the time of year, being stuck inside?
I just feel bad I can’t do more with it cause I do enjoy the car but not enough time for everything now.
^^^ That's kind of a ridiculous statement if you think about it
Why would anyone think they could "recoup their investment in the running car", if it doesn't run? Or it runs so poorly/noisily that it's clear that the engine is worth next to nothing ... Whether they want to face reality or not, their once $80k car (If they owned it from new...) is now worth between $4-$8k ...
I was contacted about a manual C4 recently.
They’d heard I was a Porsche guy and that I might buy their roller.
I offered $7,000 sight unseen and they countered with $17,000.
Still on the lookout for a project 996 or project manual 986 in the Houston area.
I already own both and quite honestly the Boxster S falls flat on its face when the 996 starts pulling hard. I understand its the intake and exhaust packaging but its very noticeable.
I have found several 996.1 rollers with blown engines or no engine/trans for between $10k and $15k. Given that average condition 996.1 cost that much running I would say that they are trying not to lose money just because their engine blew. An average roller typically ends up selling when they get down to $5K to $7K. It just takes some time.
Yup, mine wanted 8K, I offered him 5K and got it for 4K six months later...Best gamble I've ever taken and I still have a big smile on my face when I think about it!
Here’s one in LA, maybe good for you west coast guys.
2003 Porsche Carrera Coupe 911 996 3.6L 6 Speed Manual Transmission
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...126550042.html
Be careful if you find one like this closer to home. If it is a true salvage title you will need to get it inspected by your state's dmv before they will give you a Rebuilt or Prior Salvage title so that you can get it licensed.
If you have not had a Salvage vehicle they are harder to get collision insurance on. My 996 has a prior salvage title due to a theft recovery. Never any accidents but my insurance company will only give me liability insurance. If you don't care about insurance or resale then prior salvage is ok.
Would love to know who your insurance is through. I am about to start looking for a new agent and would like to have a more user friendly company to work with.
shipping prices are down right now....probably be jumping soon.
if you like it make an offer. You might get the car for a good price!
leather interior, good colors, etc. might be worth the gamble
I have had a BMW 325i that had a salvage title 15 years ago (had no idea that it was salvage until the day I was selling it and ran a Carfax). My current 996 is salvage title as well. Aside from a DMV inspection when I first brought it into NC, no additional steps or insurance restrictions either. Experience spans 20 years, all inside North Carolina.
thanks Bill, I did some checking and I can get an open transport for about $1200. Not too bad. I just sent them an email with some questions, hopefully the respond. I wish people would include a phone number to make contact easier.
I sent her an email. She responded pretty quickly. She said her husband owns the shop but the car is hers. She also said she is not sure why the car has a salvage title. That seems odd.
I have a feeling they bought it for the engine and a parts car.
I was thinking the same thing. A more likely scenario is someone brought it in to have it worked on and couldn't afford and walked away from the car. He had to get a lien against it and declare it abandoned to get the title. That takes time and they said that it had been sitting for 2 years.
@808Bill That's THEYoung911. Ha...must have gone to THE Ohio State University!
Couldn't resist! Hook'Em!!
anyway...here's the linky Scott.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...e-it-died.html
I agree. She has to know the history of it.
She said it was a salvage title before she got it. The previous owner bought it with a salvage title. The title is now in her name.
Something fishy going on.
I really like the color combo.
A little high for a roller but pretty much exactly what I have been looking for. Cant see spending that much plus the cost of shipping it without seeing it first.
it�s incredible, at least half the people I contact selling rollers think the only problem is a head gasket. I think they don�t believe me when I tell them it�s never a head gasket. I�ve even put them in contact with 2 of the best professionals I know to get honest unbiased opinions, then get back with me. Somehow, they never call me back.
Maybe I�m the fool for thinking they really believe it�s the problem.
Interesting that his latest add does not show the clear coat pealing on the hood and fenders. Look for his older add which has more pictures. Someone could get it for a good deal but I don't think with 130K miles and it's overall condition that it is a good candidate for anything but an LS Conversion.
There was a really nice white 996 with a red interior that just sold for $9K out in California. I would have bought it but by the time I paid for shipping and incidentals it would have been almost $11k. Hard to find local, they always seem to be Texas, Florida, or most often, California. I too would love to find a nice white one but when looking for a roller it is hard to be picky on color
My thoughts exactly. He thinks that it will cost less than $750 in parts to fix it. I would go $3k if I lived next door because I already have an engine and would paint it to get a better color anyway. It is fairly rough though.
A C4 would be sweet but I have cut my requirements to the bare bones to increase the chances of finding something st least nice.
This was the white one that went for $9K
Not mine, but may be interesting for someone looking for a cab.
2001 PORSCHE 911 996 CARRERA 4 Cabriolet
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...142526060.html
