996 C4S Purchase Decision Advice

Hi guys, thanks for taking the time to read my post. I'm fairly new to Rennlist but would very much appreciate any input on my current situation. Being an avid 911 enthusiast, as I'm sure we all are, I've always wanted a 911 since elementary school and have been searching for a 996 C4S for the past two years. A few years ago I came close to a black '04 C4S in tip top condition with 48k miles on the ODO but unfortunately it turned out it had a rebuilt title due to flood. "If it seems too good to be true, then it is" Fast forward to now: I've come across a 2003 C4S, 6 speed, with 118k on the clock. I know there are big concerns about IMS/RMS issues in these motors. I am sure to get a PPI done on the car after I see it in person this Sunday. However, does anyone have any advice from experience or elsewhere about anything I should be concerned about? Any common problems on these especially at a high milage like such? I currently drive an 08 Audi A5 3.2 with 93k and though it's great to me, the three factors that drive me to the 911 are: a) I've dreamt of owning my own 911 since I was a child b) more power and better handling, and c) it's a 911! The A5 has been great to me and extremely reliable, which is one of the reasons that I love it. I have no reason to assume that Porsche doesn't offer those same characteristic's in it's C4S; but I do not want to replace my current daily driver with one that will cause headaches, extensive expenses, and frequent shop stays. This would be my DD, and I by no means would be knighting the C4S as a garage queen; I would be driving it exactly as I would my A5. (this would be an even trade between the cars) The Craigslist ad points out a lot of things and what recent maintenance has been done to the car etc.. - I have attached the link below. http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/4689543165.html Any and all input would truly be appreciated as this is a major decision for me. I thank you all for taking the time to share your input with me. Thanks!

Welcome. Ask for a copy of any and all service done. Have an indy do a PPI. If it passes, buy it. P.S. Good thing you caught the "history" of this one: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...e-dilemma.html Meanwhile, good reading: https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...immermann.html https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ing-guide.html

I had a 2002 C4S as my daily driver for many years. It was a great car and it performed well in all conditions, with the only exception being deep snow (due to ground clearance). When considering any German car with over 100,000 miles on the odometer, I would insist on service records in addition to a solid PPI. Neither is absolutely necessary, but that's my personal preference. It would be nice to know if the car has had the water pump replaced, the IMSB, the AOS and some of the other common parts that fail. It appears that some of this information is available in the ad for the vehicle, but I would like to see the actual records. Keep in mind that the car you're considering is almost 12 years old. In that period of time, things wear out. Suspension bushings come to mind immediately, and there are other things like motor mounts and more. I think a car like the one you're considering could be a good daily driver for many years to come, you just need to really know what you are buying and really understand the potential for repairs down the road.

kromdom, thanks so much for the threads. much appreciated, we'll see what happens this weekend, fingers crossed!

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Dennis, can't thank you enough for your input. I'm glad you got to enjoy your C4S for many years. Couldn't begin to imagine how much of a thrill that was as a DD. I'm making the PPI mandatory, as you said, things do start to wear and one would want these noted. As well as the engine of course, and most importantly a good overall look around the car. Thanks again and beautiful color on your 911

Thanks! You'll love the C4S. Personally, I feel that it is the best looking variant of the 996 series and it's really fun to drive.

Hey guys, thanks to your awesome & insightful advice I was able to run around the C4S today and look her over. Documentation was all there from when this owner got the car, engine ran as it should like other 911's I've seen. He did NOT know about the clutch, it felt fine, certainly more firm than my A5, no slipping, no clutch chatter, no documentation about the spark plugs (not sure how long of a life they have on those cars), and no documentation of IMS retrofit. But ran the car fax and everything was clean and service intervals looked as though everything was checked. Car was clean and ran very well. He had it lowered on H&R springs and a front anti-roll bar. One thing I caught was when braking at stop lights, there was a very clear sounding "crinkling" noise noticeable from the front and it was so clear that it almost felt as though it was inside the cabin (obviously wasn't) -Would that possibly be because he did springs on factory struts? Sway bar end links maybe? Lastly, something I've never seen before. When you put the turn signal on, it wouldn't automatically click off after your turned the wheel (in both directions) you had to do it manually. Has anyone seen this? Obviously my main concerns are a) how long do the plugs last on these, b) what could that crisp clear metal noise be when braking, and c) why is the blinker not shutting off automatically? If anyone has any input I would highly appreciate it. Thanks so much guys!

UPDATE I found the steering wheel column turn signal switch OEM for $200 Still no luck on the metal noise

I've never heard the metal noise. I wonder if it is the suspension...

Congratulations on your purchase. I'm biased as a fellow C4S owner but your story is similar to mine ... lusted after a 911 for years and years, and finally made the move a few years back. Now get that bad boy on the track!