25 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH996 Carrera 4S advice
Leading reported evidence
Clean maf and throttle body along
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
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
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.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Just cleaned MAF and throttle body along with brand new brakes all around just done last weekend(Sebro rotors, ATE pads, hardware, shims, sensors).
Leading evidence: 'Clean maf and throttle body along' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is '$2k option' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check oil' (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
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.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I took mine out and installed Euro GT3 seats and what a difference.
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
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.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
LN IMS, clutch, flywheel, sport AOS replaced @52.3k miles.
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
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.
Suspected cause
Probably a $2k option to get rid of that padding material.
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
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.
Suspected cause
Metal means that most likely the IMS is already wearing down and you need to walk away from the car.
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.
25 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.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261027T020439Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Hi everyone,
New here. Looking into buying my first Porsche. Would like to stay around $40k. I came across a 996 C4S with around 50k miles. The IMS replacement has not been done. I used to have an E46 M3 back in the day but lately I've been driving an Acura TSX. So while the C4S isn't the fastest Porsche around, it'll be much faster and more fun than my current car. I do not plan on using the 996 as a daily driver, only for weekend drives and the occasional date nights with the wife.
I found one recently where the IMS replacement has not been done but the rest of the car is immaculate and has extensive service history. It has new spark plugs, new brake discs, and pads. I know prices have risen quite a bit in the last year or two on these. Do you think this is a good buy for around $40k? Every one I talk to has a different opinion on price. Soooo I thought I'd ask even more people 😅 Is my money better spent on something else? Thanks for the help!
If its a manual then its a steal at $40k assuming everything else checks out. I have a 996 4s and its a blast. Regardless of "extensive service history", plan on spending another $5-10k post purchase pretty quickly..... LN IMS Solution, UAOS, window regulators, motor mounts, etc, etc, etc
I found this one and it seems good for the price. I have seen it for a few weeks so o don�t know if something is wrong with it. Pricing seems below market. Make sure you do PPI. Good luck.
🍀
rajat,
As others have noted here get a PPI from an independent Porsche mechanic who knows 996. Have the mechanic check the oil for bits of metal and check the pleats in the oil filter for bits of plastic and metal. Plastic means you are in for some extensive service (variocam pads, timing chain pads). Metal means that most likely the IMS is already wearing down and you need to walk away from the car. If the oil and filter are clear then proceed to dropping the sump plate (oil pan) and have the cylinder bores scoped for any scoring. At $40k If scoring is present walk away.
Non-related to P-cars, but I also have a TSX, bought new in 2014. I love the car and I thought it was a little zippy (200hp) until driving the 996. Now the TSX feels like a 73 Dodge Dart with a slant 6.
Like someone previously mentioned, what year is it? Color? Also, what options does it have because that helps drive the value.
I bought mine last year at a an amazing price based on the then current value. I have a 2004 Arctic Silver C4S, 45,700 miles, 6spd with many options ($99k window sticker) and IMS replaced. Got a PPI done on it as well, had it shipped from Pittsburgh, PA (purchased peak Covid last year) and *knock on wood* haven't had any issues with it. Love the dang car.
$40k
could
seem steep, but if it's what you want and a PPI checks out, just factor in replacing the IMS and enjoy!
I recently paid $43k for well-sorted 03 C4S with 56k miles, decent options ($89k sticker) a good service history; 60k service complete; IMS retro fit complete (would rather have the Solution) along with new clutch and flywheel. Car is in showroom condition. I think I got a fair deal given the market right now. Oh, and I negotiated for a new set of Michelin Pilot PS2s as part of that deal. Good luck! The car is a blast to drive.
This one actually sold about a week or so ago. And it didn't really come with an extensive service history like the one I'm looking at. But I saw that price and it made me pause too.
2002. Silver. Black interior. The options are pretty standard, nothing out of the ordinary (forgetting the exact details, can dig them up).
All the Youtube videos I've seen about this car talk about how it's a steal at $30k-ish. But those were a year or so ago, and now he's asking $42k (not $40k). Just wondering if that's still a good deal. I do plan on getting a PPI done, but if everything checks out, just don't know if I'm overpaying.
Very helpful, thanks Joel!
I do plan on getting a PPI. But FWIW, he did do an oil analysis from Blackstone and everything was clean (saw the report). They commented "nice engine!" But thank you, will definitely keep these notes in mind for the PPI.
It is a manual. He's actually asking $42k (my mistake). He has a quote from a local shop to do the IMS replacement for $2500. The other stuff you mentioned, will a PPI find if there's issues with those?
This one actually sold about a week or so ago. And it didn't really come with an extensive service history like the one I'm looking at. But I saw that price and it made me pause too.
Just seeing this thread. I've been kicking around selling mine as I'm starting a new business and I have a 2nd child on the way in November. I'd love to hold onto it but it just doesn't get driven much at all. It is a 2004 Meridian Metallic/black full leather, PSE, 10mm factory lowered seats. Most everything is stock with exception to 997 short shifter, tinted windows, and recently powder coated hyper silver Hollow spoke wheels (I have the original solid Turbo wheels that need refurbed in the boxes in pic below). LN IMS, clutch, flywheel, sport AOS replaced @52.3k miles. New spark plugs and coils packs shortly after that. New Sumitomo tires at 55k. Brake, trans fluid, serp belt, motor mounts, LN oil adapter just added in the fall. Just cleaned MAF and throttle body along with brand new brakes all around just done last weekend(Sebro rotors, ATE pads, hardware, shims, sensors). Runs and drives as it should; does not leak or burn any oil. Recent oil analysis was all good. I have a binder full of records/receipts/service history, car has no accidents, clean and free title. Bought the car in 2016 with just over 50k miles. I'm the 5th owner but a husband and wife had the car in Michigan and transferred the title/registration between them so I'm technically the 3rd. Not sure what you're looking for exactly and I don't have the car up for sale anywhere at the moment or a price figured. Here's the most recent picture of the car I have but it now has matching painted center caps with colored crests on the wheels. Willing to discuss. I live just north of Indianapolis.
Yeah, pretty sure. I'm 5'-10"ish and down all the way is too low of a seating position for me. Luckily I can lift them up with the power adjustments. I surmise it would be great for tall(er) guys.
I've seen people who are tall talk about installing extended seat rails so the seat goes further back but I've never seen lowering the seat for added headroom as an alternative.
Regarding the 996 Sport Seats, I find that for spirited driving you still move around quite a bit. I took mine out and installed Euro GT3 seats and what a difference. Not only to they sit lower, they really hold you in and I find even for a 4 hour drive, they are plenty comfortable.
Its hard to go wrong with a C4S, especially if you want to drive in inclement weather. I know it�s a bit heavier but I am not out for speed records. I prefer to drive in all weather conditions (except heavy snow) that the southeast throws at me. I even find it quite capable at the track and enjoy driving there, running my laps and then driving home. It�s all part of the experience.
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