Considering a 2004 C4S Cab with 70,000 miles. Have some questions.

I came across a very nice 2004 C4S but it has 70,000 miles. I will have someone do a PPI on it for sure but wanted to ask what specifics I should look at with a high mileage 996. The car is on consignment at a local dealershop (non-Porsche, one of those warehouse places but they seem reputable and sell a lot of nice cars). The big one I can think of is IMS and RMS. I believe that is still an issue even with 2004 C4 models, correct? Can they look at that in a PPI? What other things happen to 996s as they approach 100,000 miles? It's a tiptronic and cabriolet. Thanks everyone! If anyone knows a good PPI person in Dallas that would be great too. PM me.

I found this useful: https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...immermann.html IIRC, there is a scheduled MINOR maintenance @ 60K miles with a MAJOR due @ 80K miles (covered in the maintenance booklet). Diagnosis system: Read out fault memory Change engine oil and oil filter* Underside of vehicle and engine compartment: Visual inspection for leaks (oils and fluids) and chafing (lines and hoses) Underbody covers: Visual inspection for completeness, fastening and signs of damage Coolant hoses: Check condition Radiators and air intakes: Visual inspection for exterior soiling and blockage Coolant: Check level and antifreeze Air cleaner: Replace filter element Particle filter: Replace filter element Fuel system: Visual inspection for damage, correct routing and firm seating of the line connections Parking brake: Check free play of the parking brake lever Brake system: Visual inspection of the brake pads and brake discs for signs of wear Brake hoses and lines: Visual inspection for leaks, damage, correct routing and corrosion Clutch: Check limit position of pedal Steering gear: Visual inspection of the bellows for signs of damage Tie rod ends: Check play and dust bellows Axle joints: Check play; visual inspection of the dust bellows for signs of damage Check tightness of screw connections on the suspension adjustment system at the front and rear The IMS will require a lot of work to check on a tip and if you're willing to pay to get it checked during a PPI, might as well get it upgraded/replaced (along with the RMS/AOS). Best of luck. P.S. A common preventive maintenance work suggested by many is the WP/tank/belt/t-stat @ 60K miles.

FWIW, one "consensus" is most Porsches accumulate between 7-9K miles/annum. So your example should be considered close to the norm. That said, such mileage suggests nearly daily usage, and it may have been a daily commuter and spent a lot of time sitting in the sun, exposed to the elements, etc. Such conditions can take a toll on the canvas top, paint, interior parts, etc., due to the UV rays. Just saying. relinuca

Look for any signs of oil leaking. Have them take off the oil filter, cut it open and inspect for debris. Have them check under the water pump for any coolant leaks. Good luck!

Blackstone oil analysis available? possible repairs approaching 100K: LNE IMS Solution and clutch $4K with labor? OEM Shocks $2K? Waterpump $1,000-$1,200? rotors $1,000? AOS? Cats? top condition? any ripping near the back edge? all key fobs still working? rear tires condition?

I know your situation. Just got a 2004 C4S with 57,000 miles. Went thru the PPI with a trusted Indy mechanic. He showed me what to look for and why he wasn't worried about seal failure. The biggest deal killer is if they do not have service records. REGULAR oil changes are a must. If they don't have this, walk away. With regular oil changes and servicing, and no sign of leakage/oil/staining by the seals and underside of car, you should be fine. It's not to say it won't happen, but if you're going to worry about that, you might want to reconsider buying a 996 in the first place. 70,000 miles is nothing on these cars. Yours seems to be driven regularly and if service records and the PPI check out, you just need to be happy with the price and drive away a new owner. Used Raggtop on my top and it came out great. Good luck. Have a good mechanic here, but I'm just outside Chicago.

^ Better to have a well used model than a garage queen. Many shops I spoke to prior to getting mine all said most regularly used examples have less issues than ones that sit for extended periods of time. 70k is nothing so long as regular intervals were used (as with pretty much any car)

I'll take a higher mileage car with proper maintenance over a super low mile garage queen any day. Time and time again (especially on this forum) I've noticed that the people with the most problems with their cars are the people who never actually drive them. People who actually treat their car like a car never seem to need to do much besides regular maintenance.