Reliability Question

Hi All, I am considering purchasing a 1999 996 C4 with about 30K miles. How is the reliability on these things? Anything in perticular to look out for? TIA Ray Bahr

Hi All, I should have given more information. This is inclined to be a 4 season car for my wife, so reliability is important as is comfort...

Ahem.... If "comfort" is a priority, might I suggest you eschew Porsche for... say, Jaguar or Mercedes-Benz?

I have a 99 with about the same mileage. The most important thing is to get a checkup from a qualified Porsche mechanic prior to your purchase. The difference in reliability has a lot to do with the quality of the auto when you get it. I've had mine since February with no major problems. I have had some minor issues, but the warranty is still good so I get them fixed with that. Overall I'd say pretty reliable. As far as comfort, it's my only car, and is as comfortable to me on long drives as my big-ol' Benz was (with the exception of the legroom for stretching). All in all the most comfortable serious sports car that I've ever been in.

A 911 of any year is not about comfort and to a lesser extent, reliability. It is not a car where you just fill up the tank, change the oil and go. It is a ritual to constantly monitor oil level, pressure, temp, check for leaks, etc. You won't be running to Jiffy Lube for an oil change. In fact, an oil change will cost you about the same as a full service for a Honda. If you are looking for a comfortable, reliable 4 season vehicle for your wife, why not a Volvo?

Well, I guess I should have defined comfort with all the 'purists' around. This is not intended as a track car - we have other cars for that. It will see spirited driving by both her and myself. We are looking at something that is a bit less 'raw' than the 993 or 964 models, something that is easy to drive long distances, and RELIABLE - which the current spate of Volvos does not seem to be (I was recently looking at the V70R as my practical car). I also want it to be safe and have some unique qualities to it. Her current car is the 225hp Audi TT which has been a reliability nightmare - in the shop for > 10 weeks this year... Thanks for the info Ray Bahr

I sympethise...why should Porsche be a by-word for uncomfortable and unreliable. Porsche's USP is that it is a useable supercar (unlike say a Ferrari 355 which needs belts changing etc). Servicing is-in fact-an oil change every 12k miles! My car doesnt need much more until 48k miles! I do not want to spend �60k to punish myself! The 996 is a comfortable car but is quite noisey due to roar from its rear tyres. Also the steering tends to shimmy slightly (every Porsche I have ever had does this at high speed).

I find the 996 to be the most comfortable P-car I've ever driven. I drove an 85 911 and found it less than ideal for daily driving due to comfort issues, and my 944 is less comfortable than the 996. No idea how reliable the 996 will be - hoping I have a healthy car. No steering shimmies either.

If you stick with the stock suspension, I think the C4 is a very comfortable car, and so far my '00 has been quite reliable with no service interval less than one year. It does very well in the snow although most would suggest changing to a winter tire.