42 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHPPI
Leading reported evidence
Check body defects etc
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
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0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
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1
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Tires and brakes were rated at a % of life still left, a broken center console latch, needed wipers, fluids checked, body defects etc.
Leading evidence: 'Check body defects etc' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check body defects etc' (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.
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The indy shop that I use here in Kansas City insists on pulling the sump plate on a NA 996 whenever they do a PPI.
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Discussions that contain suggestions
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Suggestion · Original poster
I have negotiated with the soon to be PO (hopefully) for him to do an oil change now (it needs it) at his own expense so that Dan can check the filter etc.
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Suggestion
As far as the IMS issue, yes it is real, IIRC about 8% of M96 engines experienced it and even with a clean PPI it could let go on your drivr home.
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.
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Suggestion
Do a 20 minute test drive, inspect the Porsche to be sure everything works and weigh the PPI(in this case it appears very thorough) inspection to make your final decision.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I have negotiated with the soon to be PO (hopefully) for him to do an oil change now (it needs it) at his own expense so that Dan can check the filter etc.
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
Do a 20 minute test drive, inspect the Porsche to be sure everything works and weigh the PPI(in this case it appears very thorough) inspection to make your final decision.
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 · Original poster
I have negotiated with the soon to be PO (hopefully) for him to do an oil change now (it needs it) at his own expense so that Dan can check the filter etc.
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
Do a 20 minute test drive, inspect the Porsche to be sure everything works and weigh the PPI(in this case it appears very thorough) inspection to make your final decision.
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.
42 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
And whatever didn't work right, was easily explained by alignment out of shape and the tires degrading.
So I just called and scheduled a PPI (on a 1999 996 C2) by Hairy Dog's garage in CT. A bit of a sticker shock >$350 but I guess its worth it. The shop near my house in Rockland NY quoted $150, go figure. Don't think saving money on the PPI is a smart idea.
Any thoughts on the shop or the cost?
Thanks
After buying my car (not in close vicinity to CT) I brought her by Dan's garage for a quick oil change and post purchase inspection. He did the work himself, was very thorough and explained at length everything to me.
Very helpful for a new owner.
The car's been running without issues since (aside from my paranoia about it exploding any second now). And whatever didn't work right, was easily explained by alignment out of shape and the tires degrading.
I had a similar experience, but went with the less expensive one. There's been discussions about how some shops don't want to go much deeper than a cursory inspection, due to liability if they "miss" something.
For $350 I'd expect a compression test, borescope, rev check, etc. I think, anyway. If I am incorrect someone will say otherwise.
You want them to pull the sump plate and look for debris. At a minimum pull the filter and cut it open - although a recent oil change can make that almost meaningless. The indy shop that I use here in Kansas City insists on pulling the sump plate on a NA 996 whenever they do a PPI. They charge $500, but it's a thorough PPI.
That being said, don't mistake a PPI for a "Nothing Will Break In the Next 10,000 Miles" Inspection. A PPI is a very good idea, but it isn't an insurance policy.
Since you are going with a '99 model, seriously, don't lose much sleep over the IMS bearing. Also, at the price point you are shopping, your risk is pretty minimal even if you do lose an engine you're only out about $9,000 max.
By PO I assume you mean previous owner?
Thanks guys I will ask if the compression test is included. I have negotiated with the soon to be PO (hopefully) for him to do an oil change now (it needs it) at his own expense so that Dan can check the filter etc.
In 2006, I purchased my '99 C2 with a PPI done by a Conn. Porsche dealer for another interested buyer, although he did not buy the car. My PPI was something anyone with basic knowledge could have performed. Tires and brakes were rated at a % of life still left, a broken center console latch, needed wipers, fluids checked, body defects etc. Back then the fear on the Rennlist forum was RMS leakage, no mention of IMSB. Do a 20 minute test drive, inspect the Porsche to be sure everything works and weigh the PPI(in this case it appears very thorough) inspection to make your final decision. GL
That's okay, that's how I did it too. The previous owner was kind enough to deliver it to my garage, then I left on an overseas business trip for a week before I actually ever drove the car. Got it exactly two blocks before I stalled it. And then stalled many more times over the next few weeks. Not exactly an easy clutch to learn on, the BMW clutches that I had driven on occasion in the past seemed much more forgiving.
$350 is a fair price. It is the best money you can spend before pulling the trigger on a purchase. I would not expect a borescope but a compression/leakdown test probably would be at this price point. Not knowing labor rates out there it is hard to say what would be included. I would ask them to use the CPO sheet that Porsche uses to certify a used car. There should be a thread if you do a search. I have walked away from several cars after the PPI was completed. As far as the IMS issue, yes it is real, IIRC about 8% of M96 engines experienced it and even with a clean PPI it could let go on your drivr home. Just a fact of life with the M96/97 engine series.
Asked about compression. Was told they will do computer read out and thorough inspection. Hey have a good reputation so I won't make a big deal.
As to ISM, 99s I thought were relatively safe.
According to most sources, yes. They were dual row and folks estimate about a 1% failure rate depending on who you ask.
That being said, my '99 needed a new clutch and I did the LN retro. It's a tossup, some people here wouldn't have, some would.
The bearing they took out looked good. But the LN one they put in looks more robust.
Who knows, it could shrapnel tomorrow. But my Indie said to go ahead and change it.
Yes. Too many problems. Sadly. I really want a 996 but this search is killing me. Full time job,kids and other family stuff. I don't have time to look and can't ppi every interesting car. Go figure
In addition to wear and tear like brakes and tiers and some lights etc there is misfire in cylinder 1, transmission noise (bad sign may need to be rebuilt), ignition coils are bad, noisy starter, rattly stearing rack and so forth
Sorry to hear it. Don't kill yourself if the timing is tough now, you can always continue the search when things settle down. I think you have a few more years before the 996 bubble begins to inflate!
Leo, it will happen in time. I was looking for deal on a 996 for over two years and one happen to pop up on autotrader. He didn't have pictures, but had the complete service history. Got it for a song and dance. I'm a happy camper now!!!
Ask if you can have access to the service records and then you will be able to call Porsche Plano to get the scoop on it. Should give you a really good idea of its condition.
Dang. Sorry to hear that. The right car will come along, although "just be patient" is the most frustrating advice to hear when you want a car and have $$$ in your pocket!
Did you rule out the one on CL down my way?