1999 and overall 996 reliability question

I spoke with two mechanics I've dealt with in two separate cities. Both are reputable and both with many years of experience on most Porsche models. I think I've located a great buy on a clean '99 996 with 31K miles but both mechanics who have not seen the car are telling me I should not only make sure I have a warranty, but are emphatic that I have $5K in the bank for catastrophic repairs which I should be prepared for. First, are they right to have these concerns about the '99s (one felt this way about 993's as well)? Second, what is everyone's experience out there? After all, mechanics tend to see cars that are broken right? Third, where is the best place to get a great warranty for one of these cars if I take the plunge?

reserving $5k for 'rainy day' expenses is conservative. try to find the best deal on a late '00 or '01 that still has some factory warranty. i'm praying i don't have any more catastrophes till i trade my car next yr.

Ouch...I'm in the market for a 996 too. Looking for a late '99 model. I believe the rear main seal problem was addressed in the later models, in addition to a few other things, like clear lenses. Anyhow, are people getting high mileage on the 996's? What's the highest we know of on this board? As far as major fixes, I was under the impression that the cars were pretty solid, so I'm starting to feel a bit frightened. regards,

I really think this bad-mouthing of '99 996's is off base. I had a'99 996 cab that was a Sept. 1998 build and I took delivery in Oct. 1998. The car was a daily driver and had 50k mi. on it when I traded it in after 3 yrs. for a 2002 cab (only because I wanted the glass rear window). I never had any major problems with the car. The only repair matters were some of the well-known minor warranty issues such as the check engine light staying on, etc. By comparison, I've had two major warranty repair items with the '02: the main rear seal had to be replaced as well as the instrument cluster. There should be nothing wrong with a well-maintained '99.

I have a 99 C4 with 49k miles. It's in the shop with a blown engine and transmission right now. I'm sure its not indicative of most 99's, but I thought I would just share my experience with you. I had all my service done at the dealership and I never had any prior major probems with the car. I've also got an extended warranty plan for the car to 100k miles. Its been in the shop now for a MONTH! They are still trying to "diagnose" the problem and are trying to get out of paying! They are seriously jerking me around. Anyone know any good lawyers in San Jose? Try to get an extended warranty if you buy a 99, but be prepared to deal with them if anything comes up....

My 99 996 convertible has never had a major issue. It has 58K on it and still going strong. Just did the 60K service and there was one oil leak ($650) + the service $700. I was happy to pay it. Great car.

Having owned a 00 996 and an 02 996, I would never own a 996 out of warranty. If you cannot get an extended warranty, I'd pass. My 00 was in the shop several times for minor stuff, rattles, creeks, etc. At 15K the transmission had to be replaced. It seems like I read/hear about RMS and trans problems with 996s on a weekly basis. When you add that to Porsche's policy that you have to get those items from them (cannot rebuild them), there's no way I'd own one out of warranty. I just rebuilt the trans in my race car for $1K, why would I want to buy a trans from Porsche for $7K just because they don't want to sell parts (or $20K for a motor)?? 02 has been pretty good except it keeps popping out of 2nd. Porsche recalled a ton of 996s for that problem but the Dealer keeps telling me that my car is fine. I'll defiantly dump the car before the warranty expires... Just my .02 worth... Roy

FWIW, I bought my 99 with 60K on it earlier this year. It never had the RMS replaced {unlike my 01} or any major repair for that matter. 10K miles later {including 20 days on the track with street tires} all is well {knock on wood}.