Is it Safe to Buy a 1999 996?

I'm considering a 1999 996 purchase and curious what people feel about the first model year of the 996. Is the 1999 996 a reliable Porsche? And, yes, I know about PPIs and I will get one done on anything I'm interested in, but still... I've read the stories of problems with rear main seals, oil/water leaks, etc. and wondering if people feel that these problems are isolated cases or prevalent in the bulk of the '99s.. After all, you know what they say about the first model of anything. The fact that there are so many 1999 996s for sale on the Web is also mighty curious. BTW, I like the feel of the newer Porsches, more so thatn the 993s because of the less-jarring ride. Love your thoughts and no offense to the 996 owners from '99. Brian

Sure why not? I would get a 2000 if I was to do it all again though, just because of the nicer interior, e gas better motronic 7.0-

There are three primary reasons there seem to be a large number of 1999 996's on the market: a. They were very popular and the built a lot of them. b. They are now coming off lease. c. The 2002 model changes made it desirable for earlier owners to upgrade and many did. Since the total market for these cars is relatively small, a few hundred extra cars can "move the market". Personally, I think they are a heck of a buy. They are half the price of a new 996 and have all the utility. I might purchase a warrenty just because they are so expensive to repair, not because the are particularly troublesome. My 2 cents.

Just to add to Roger's response, the 1999 MY was built and sold in the U.S. from about 2/98 - 8/99 ... so it was an extremely long model year. therefore, more used inventory. Some well documented 'issues' with the 99's but keep in mind you typically hear about the ones with some 'issues' rather than the ones with no problems at all! Good Luck.

I have one of the 2/98 builds. Nothing major so far... knock on wood. I did get the extended warranty to be safe. Also, what was the oil level?

I recently went through this exercise while looking at '99s and found that unless you're considering a car below $40k with low miles, i would consider '00 instead. They were better equipped, are likely to still have some factory warranty left and are not much more than a '99. Good luck!

Thank you all so much for your tips on the '99 996. I feel better equipped to evaluate the used ones I come across now. Thanks.

As a '99 owner, no offense taken! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> After 4 years of ownership I have had "zero" mechanical issues with this car. Honest. Other than a few rattles which I eventually tracked down it has been trouble free. I've done a few upgrades and it gives away virtually nothing, IMHO, in looks or performance to the later model cars. If you can find a fairly priced, well maintained '99 I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. <img src="http://pages.prodigy.net/mwbeave/3qtrfront640x480.jpg" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://pages.prodigy.net/mwbeave/3qtrrear.jpg" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://pages.prodigy.net/mwbeave/Both%20GT3%20SEats.JPG" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://pages.prodigy.net/mwbeave/Interior%20and%20Peds.jpg" alt=" - " />

Mike - An excellent example!

I have a 99 C2 Cab tip, w 50.000 miles . no problems. zip, none. can't wait to wake up and go ! I like the power on the 02 and cup holders. I added the new 18" 2002 cup wheels 285 rear 255 fronts. The wheels and tires finish the car. Don't be afraid to spend 3k on new 18" wheels and new tires. Most 99's came with 17". unless they upgraded. Good luck.

Thanks, Skymast! Steve, is that a typo or were you really able to fit 255's on the front without clearance problems?

<img src="http://pages.prodigy.net/mwbeave/Interior%20and%20Peds.jpg" alt=" - " /> Mike, This is a superbe interior really love it.A perfect balance between black, carbon and dark grey. <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" /> A message to Bribarton : You can check the archives also, you 'll found a lot of information about this topic. by my side almost 85000 miles, no problem. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

I have a loaded 1999 Cab with 11,900 miles. I bought it a couple of months ago with 9,900 miles. It has been trouble free so far. 8-) Though seriously, I found a 1999 that had just a tad of warranty left and then extended it with a 7 year warranty/100,000 mile via aftermarket. Interior advantages of a '00 is a non issue when the 99 (like mine) has a full supple leather interior with the full carbon fiber package. The price of the 99s is a bargain.

"Mike, This is a superbe interior really love it.A perfect balance between black, carbon and dark grey." <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" /> Thanks, Andreas. Very kind of you to say that!

If the 99 has the full leather interior and was a later build (there was some initial fit, finish, and squeak issues with early 99's plus the early 99's had the red with orange on top tail lights instead of red with clear on top tail lights which came later in the model year and on all subsequent 996's), they're no more or less trouble prone than any other 996. Buy the most Porsche you can afford, and you won't be dissatisfied.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Paul S.: <strong>If the 99 has the full leather interior and was a later build (there was some initial fit, finish, and squeak issues with early 99's plus the early 99's had the red with orange on top tail lights instead of red with clear on top tail lights which came later in the model year and on all subsequent 996's), they're no more or less trouble prone than any other 996. Buy the most Porsche you can afford, and you won't be dissatisfied.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Based on this and assuming that 1999 996s built later in the model year fare better...how would you differentiate a late-model year '99 vs. an early-model year '99? I know there's some formula based on the VIN. Would you discern based on the tail lights? Red with clear on top tail-lights, means it's a late model year?

All cosmetic but somewhat expensive to upgrade from Early to Late. 99E Vs. 99L 1) Orange front and rear indicator lights / Clear front and rear indicator lights 2) CDR 210 Radio (Open slot load) / CDR 220 Radio (fold down face plate. There may be a few non visual differences but these are the main 'tell tale' signs. Also, ther are numerous more detail posts on this subject.

I had a '99 C2 cab, Sept. '98 build, that I had for three years. It was a daily driver that had 50k miles when I traded it in for an '02 cab. I never had any problems with it other than the well-known minor issues such as check engine light and seat belt warning lights going on, etc. There was a recall to fix corrosion problem on engine compartment lid so make sure that was done on any car you consider. You can get a great buy on these models especially if you are able to find a well-maintained car.

Well other then the noted tsb's the'99 is a great car. No egas, no psm(traction control only as an option) as simple as it gets. Great on the track and it ceases to amaze me each time. Only advantage with later model is warranty mite still be effective and if you're into options-definitely get full leather/litronic headlites/traction control/18 inch rims. Car has 35k miles and love it each time. Mike

Thank you all for the great information about the 1999 996! I'll have a better idea of what to look for when I look at purchasing one in the near future. Brian

i had 2 99's. i had serious overheating problems when pounding the car. rick perkins, my man at pcna had no solution then and has told me since the problem was cured in 2000. no one else here seems to have had that problem, but if you live where it hits 100 degrees and pound your car hard, i'd get a 2000.

I wouldn't hesitate on a '99 that has been well maintained, especially a car like Mikes'. By now most warranty work should have been taken care of. Mike, your car is looking good! Have you extended your warranty yet? I'm shopping around.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by DJ 996: <strong>Mike, your car is looking good! Have you extended your warranty yet? I'm shopping around.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Thanks, Doug! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Funny you should mention the warranty issue. Mine expires this month and I have a package about extended warranty right here on my desk that I just requested from my local dealer. They are quoting me: 24,000/24 months $1717 36,000/36 months $2146 48,000/48 months $2764 for their �Platinum� coverage which has a $200 deductible and basically covers all mechanical and electrical items. This seems pricey to me and I was going to call the dealer this afternoon to see if they would bargain on the price. Beyond that, it�s the age old insurance issue �Do you feel lucky, punk?� This car has been bulletproof to date, but all it takes is one major mechanical repair to make it worthwhile. So I�m still trying to decide what to do. What about you? Any words of wisdom on this subject?

Unfortunately, a fair amount of luck is also necessary to get the benefit of the extended warranty if you choose to buy one. Check out this link for the basics on extended warranty coverage and why (unless you pay the premium necessary to get it from an actual state regulated insurance company) it probably won't be around when you need it a few years down the road. <a href="http://www.aawarranty.com/risk.htm" target="_blank">http://www.aawarranty.com/risk.htm</a>

Jeff, I read in another thread about extended warranties that California does not allow Internet warranty companies to sell in this state; only companies that offer their coverage through franchised dealerships. If this is true, maybe that helps insure that your extended warranty will still be viable 2 or 3 years from now. I�m certainly no expert on this subject�..just trying to become informed.

I don't know much about extend warranties either but I work for an insurance company and I can tell you that even the reputible state regulated insurance carriers have been dropping like flies lately, so I would consider putting premium money into one of these barely regulated risk retention pools to be a highly speculative venture. I can also say with a fair amount of authority that the dealers selling extended warranties will have no liability whatsoever if the company the warranty policy is with goes insolvent. It would be just like expecting your insurace agent to pay your claim if the insurance company your policy was with went under.

Thanks, Jeff. Good advice and definitely food for thought........

For the fun of it I just called this agency with the website that posted the article on risk retention pools. They say they sell a policy issued directly by Great American Insruance (who, although I don't work for them I know to be a solvent and reputible carrier). The price for a 5 year warranty from Great American on my 00' c-4 with 12,000 miles was $2,402. Amazingly, this is about the same price these risk retention groups are charging. So in other words (at least in Washington State) there really isn't a premium to be paid for buying a policy from a insurance reputible carrier. I guess the economist who said there is no such thing as a free lunch had never shopped for an automobile extended warranty.

Mike, mine runs out in November, I have a quote from Warranty Gold for $2995 84Mo/100K for their platinum package.I'm going to call the dealer and find out what they have available.

I would not buy a LOW mileage 99 996 UNLESS there was documentation that the rear main seal issue was resolved. Mine went out twice, first at 15000, then again at 25000. Porsche replaced the engine at 25,000 miles (which I thought was great of them - it was their idea, not mine). But if the car has more than 20,000 miles I would feel comfortable that it probably won't develop a seal problem. I would also assume that by now the airbag warning lite issue would have been addressed on any 99. Mine had to go in 4 times for that one to be resolved! Good Luck!

I bought a 99 C2 w/25K miles & well-documented service history a few months ago & have had zero problems. I also got a 2 year warranty just in case.

Hey Mike what have you decided on doing with the extended warranty wise? I am in the same boat and need advice as well. Thanks Sean

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by SPR: <strong>Hey Mike what have you decided on doing with the extended warranty wise? I am in the same boat and need advice as well. Thanks Sean</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Sean, I still haven't decided. I was told by a Porsche rep that they would stand behind the RMS issue even after the warranty expired either wholly or in part so that eased my mind a little on that score. I put in a call to the company who backs the extended warranty offered through my Porsche dealer and was told by their answering service that they would get right back to me, but they haven't. Not confidence inspiring. I'm on the fence about this issue. Still processing.......

Yeah I hear that also. I am on the fence as well especially regarding what I hear about these third party warranty companies and their will to not pay out! I think it's all a matter of how having a trusted porsche mechanic go through the car and ascertaining where you're at. Although I just had ignition problems out of nowhere so who knows about down the line stuff.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but, weren't there essentially 2 99 models. I thought Porsche came out with a 991/2 with a little more hp and they ironed out some of the early problematic areas -Lou

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by LSM: <strong>Correct me if I'm wrong, but, weren't there essentially 2 99 models. I thought Porsche came out with a 991/2 with a little more hp and they ironed out some of the early problematic areas -Lou</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">You�re right and wrong. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> At the same time that Porsche introduced the C4 in January �99, a revised C2 was also released with clear instead of yellow turn signal lenses and modified coolant expansion tank to solve the coolant light problem. There were probably other minor mods as well, but those are the ones I can recall. There was however, no change in the engine; it was still rated at 296hp. I believe the bump to 300hp occurred in MY 2000.

I still had to replace the coolant expansion tank on my '00 996! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

Mike, Nice pics of the car - you don't happen to have spacers on your rears do you? I have 18in technologies with 285 N3's and there still is a gap. I'd like to push them out to better fill out the wheel well but don't know what size spacers to use.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Chris El Dorado: <strong>Mike, Nice pics of the car - you don't happen to have spacers on your rears do you? I have 18in technologies with 285 N3's and there still is a gap. I'd like to push them out to better fill out the wheel well but don't know what size spacers to use.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Thanks Chris. I'm not using spacers. If I were going to use them I wouldn't go with more than the 5mm spacers that Porsche sells. I know they will fit with the 265's which were an option on the '99. The 285's are obviously bigger, but I don't think there would be a problem. Wider spacers can cause undesireable changes in suspension geometry as well as extra loading on wheel bearings, etc. The 5mm spacers are available through a number of sources including: <a href="http://www.carnewal-europe.com/main.htm" target="_blank">Carnewal</a> <img src="http://pages.prodigy.net/mwbeave/wheel%20spacers.jpg" alt=" - " />

those are some really cool lug nuts. I don't however agree with spacers typically as they screw the king pin angle and wear the bally joints pre maturely, but.... you know.

[/qb][/QUOTE]You�re right and wrong. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> At the same time that Porsche introduced the C4 in January �99, a revised C2 was also released with clear instead of yellow turn signal lenses and modified coolant expansion tank to solve the coolant light problem. There were probably other minor mods as well, but those are the ones I can recall. There was however, no change in the engine; it was still rated at 296hp. I believe the bump to 300hp occurred in MY 2000.[/QB][/QUOTE] Thanks for clarification Mike. You got my point across better than I did. Obviously it would be better to buy a later 99 model than the early ones. That was the point of my post to let the thread starter know this info. So, thanks again Mike. -Lou