Musings on 6 years of ownership

​​​​​​​Bought my '02 C2 six years ago this month. It had 100,300 miles when I bought it, but while it had more miles than I wanted, records were complete, it needed nothing, and was regularly driven by its doctor owner. Also garaged at home and lived under a parking deck at the hospital. Price was also less than I was ready to spend, so I finally bit the bullet. One of my better decisions. I just turned 170,000. I've had the usual challenges (AOS, door handles, clutch and brake switches, etc) but nothing really unexpected. This forum has helped me tremendously in finding and fixing faults without having to spend big bucks with a pro. Have a good Indy, but truthfully this has been a wonderful car. I've driven it up and down the east coast, through blizzards, intense rain, oppressive heat and she handles it all like a champ. Had it out on the track once, which was a blast, but certainly hard on tires and brakes. I use DT40, LN mag plug and filter adaptor, have oil tested, and so far so good. Original IMS changed at 144,000 for peace of mind, but old bearing looked fine. (Oil use went DOWN when I switched to DT40, which may be unusual. From one quart every 3-4,000 miles to a half quart between changes.) I've also met a couple of Rennlisters along the way. Fellow forumite DT Miller saved my butt last year by lending me his spare when I had a flat 600 miles from home on a Sunday morning. Just great people here. i had a chance recently to buy a '99 coupe with 37,000 miles. Super clean, it was tempting, but I ultimately decided to keep mine and just drive it. I've got it where I want it, and just replaced the shocks and springs last summer. People are blown away when I tell them how many miles I have on it because I keep it looking nice, in and out. If the day comes that the motor goes boom, I'll either put another in (Jakes's are tempting, and I don't live that far away) or just buy another 996. Always wanted a 911 ever since the Dentist up the street bought a '66 911 brand new when I was 14. I thought it was the coolest thing and vowed to own one someday. Almost bought one a couple of times over the years, but wife, kids, house, etc had to take precedence. If the worst happens now I won't be happy, but I won't be stressed either. As such, I don't worry about anything. I just drive it - anywhere.

Sounds like you�ve had a nice run! I�ve had a similar experience except I�m only 4 years in, mine had 133k mi. When I bought it, and I�ve done all the work myself - which I can�t say I�m unhappy about! Unfortunately, I don�t get to drive it as much as you do - only about 5-7k a year - just turning 150k now... So far I�ve done: Suspension (Bilstein B8�s, h&r sport springs, tarrett monoballs and adjustable drop links, H&R adjustable sway bars, vertex front coffin lca�s and �tuning forks�). AOS, Clutch, cam tensioner pads and chains, IMS Solution, water pump, low temp thermostat, center radiator... I just finished new brakes (pads and rotors), new parking brake cables, and Numeric shifter and cables... I�m currently doing some new sheet metal at the front of the rear wheel arches... Lots of work in the �off seasons�...labor of love I guess 😆

​​ Wow, you have done a lot! I retired two years ago, so I'm not putting miles on it now like I was. I put 20,000/year on her for a couple years there. No regrets though. And to clarify, DT Miller lent me his rear wheel and tire, off his car, not a spare. Made what was shaping up to be a major, and expensive, PITA to a minor inconvenience, and chance to make a new friend.

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That is way above and beyond common decency!!! There are still many good people "out there"... I think the Porsche community in general has a high percentage of them

Love it, so glad you took the time to come here and share! 'm on the opposite end of the spectrum as my adventure is just beginning. Bought my first 911 last September and have had a blast so far. I wasn't thrilled about buying one w/ 100k miles, but couldn't pass the car up as it was exactly what i was more than what i was looking for yet still in my budget. I've spent the last 6mo replacing as many wear items as i can think of (water pump, thermostat, coolant tank, coolant hoses, clutch, AOS, RMS, IMSB, inner outter tierod boots, plugs, coils, spin on filter, door locks and the list goes on...) and hope to make the same post you did several years down the road. In the wake of all the internet chatter about the 29 modes of failure, it's supremely comforting to hear a story like your's and hope to duplicate it.

Awesome sauce

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That's one hell of a post Southern Man. One of the reasons I keep coming back to Rennlist. Keep on enjoying her and tell us the stories. Regards, Ted ​​​​​​​

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I've found this too in both my local and online community, many quality people out there. Thanks for the update Southern Man, glad to read it has treated you well!

I enjoyed reading your post. I too am a new 996 owner. Got mine in November so I haven't been able to drive it too much give the weather in NY. But I did put several hundred miles on it right away, every chance I had before the snows started. My `99 had 36k on it and had all of the major service items done except for the water pump, which I'll be doing soon. I got to speak with two different Porsche techs who both did PPI's over the last 2 years as well as the IMS and related major service work 1,000 miles before I bought it. I'm hoping beyond all hope that I will have a long story to tell in another 100k miles as well (or my wife will never let me live down the whole IMS thing! lol) I've always wanted a 911, always. I've got a diverse little collection of cars (from `64 Muscle, to modern Jeep to daily Bimmer) and they are all so different. They truly are like children: each unique, each special, love them all (unless they are misbehaving on the day you ask me). Anyway, thanks for sharing your story and listening to mine. Oh, and GREAT story about the tire good Samaritan. That's awesome to hear.

Love to hear happy stories! I bought my 2002 Cab/6 Speed M two years ago with 55K miles on it. The original owner was my SIL who bought it new. All the records came with it and it was serviced according to schedule. RMS/IMS replaced at 44K for peace of mind. I've just turned over 70K on it and have had zero problems. Where I live almost every day is a top-down day and I can't tell you how much fun I've had with it! The top goes up and down almost every day and has had zero problems. I used to think I was a Corvette guy and didn't understand the Porsche thing. But now, I GET IT! Even if I had to sell it as a roller tomorrow for $5K I would feel I got my money's worth of fun. I'm hooked on my car and keep it looking like new. Ain't nothing but FUN! Bill

My story. I’m 64 years old and have wanted a Porsche 911 since I fell in love with the 911T, E and S in the 70’s and then the Turbo in 1976. Same things like family and life kept pushing back my desire to buy in but after surviving 3 rounds of cancer I said I’m doing it and I did in August of 2016. A prior poster said he always thought he was a Vette guy. Well my wife has a 2016 Vette convertible, loaded but with an automatic. Great car. Until I got my 2002 C2 Carrera. Yup now I get it. My car had 36000 miles on and I did the IMS with ceramic LN as a precaution. I also put in a modern Pioneer audio system with CarPlay. I love this car more than I thought and I agree completely that most 911 owners are really nice and engaging. Don’t know too many Boxster/Cayman, Cayenne, Macan or Panamera owners so no comment until I meet some. I have driven over 8000 miles in a year and a half, even in winter when it’s dry outside. Bravo Porsche for not disappointing me. This car is absolute magic.

i'm just curious what makes you prior vette owners say that now you "get it" with the Porsche?

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I am curious of this too. i have not driven a Vette before. I got my 911 last summer with 95k Miles. I look forward to tech ING 170k Miles as well.

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Bill, You may not recall, but I'm the one who told you about this forum, over on the FDP. We met at the open mic in Half Moon Bay last year. You showed me the early 70's Martin you had recently scored. Saw your 996 in the parking lot. Great rendition of "Play With Fire"! Jeff

So for those questioning the difference between the Vette and the 996 here goes. We currently have a C7 Vette and before that a C6. Both are narrow body with the base engine. My996 is also a narrow body with no mods other than wheels but in the stock 18� size. The 996 is lithe and alive in the feel. The Vettes handle better and are faster. Now complete transparency the Vettes are both automatics while the 996 is a manual but the steering feel on the Porsche is amazing. Never really noticed that before this car. Understand the Vette (current C7) is an amazing car but for me I will always prefer the Porsche. One more thing, the Porsche is roomier!!

Nice story, im a new owner too of a c2. Mine has almost 200k on the clock and it runs suprising strong. I always think of a corvette as a sledgehammer. When u step on the gas it hits hard but lets up a little early. I tell my friends that the porsche is like being strapped into a giant sling shot while on ice. Its got a nice even pull to the higher rpm then it comes alive. Its just how the powerbands were designed. I have also think that the vettes feel heavy and u have to muscle them around the corners.

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Wow 200k - impressive! Have you done anything to the engine in terms of rebuilding any of the internals? I'm at around 175k now and keeping my eyes and ears open just a little more than before. But it's encouraging to hear stories of long lasting engines out there!

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Ah...the FDP - I got banned from that place quite a few years ago...not one of my better moments In any case, there seem to be quite a few "guitar players/musicians"around here (the first that comes to mind is 6L6, but I think I've seen Tele - something as well, B3 etc...)...cool cars, cool guitars...makes sense to me

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nope, bought the car less then 1k mi ago as a roller. Purchased it sight unseen, except for a few pics, and no history or even carfax. I know the ims was do e a few years ago, i have that receipt. Previous owner landed on a curb at the track and dumped the car. My plan was to to swap an 8k rpm l33 motor but i was able to weld up the motor skirt for $150. I put fresh oil i it and i have been driving the wheels off it when the weather is above 40*.