996 reliability as a daily driver? ...esp. '02 C2 or C4S

On another forum 996 owners are complaining about leaky oil seals and problems on 996 even '02 problems. I would have thought Porsche would have the gremlins ironed out by '02! How have you all faired with the 996 if it's your daily driver? My early '98 Boxster had no problems with oil seals and has 62k mi on it. It's had a few minor problems but pretty darn good considering the mileage and that I drive it hard. My partner had the 996 when it FIRST came out and it was in the shop every month. Still, that was the first run of the car and I knew it had to have gremlins.

I have an '02 C2 cab that I took delivery on last Oct. and which is a daily driver and now has 6,500 mi. My wife drives the car to work in NYC every day and on the weekends we go out to the Hamptons. We have absolutley no problems with the car. I'm a little surprised to hear about your partner's problems with his 996 because before this car I had a '99 996 that was an early build (Sept. 1998). It, too, was a daily driver and had 55k mi. on it when we traded it in after three years. We never had any problems with it apart from the minor known warranty issues such as the airbag and check engine lights going on.

Most of his problems were electric things like you mentioned but it really was a drag for him to keep bringing it in. In addition to above, rear wiper, window auto open/close, alarm system (stock), etc. But another discussion board is full of complaints of oil leaks from various causes. It also could be that no one is going to start a discussion thread entitled "I have no fluid leaks".

I have a early build '99 996 and yes there were little quibbles ie oil leak/check airbag lite/check coolant lite and little small things but it all happened early on. After all were fixed and under warranty all has been well so far. Car has 22k miles now. It's a daily driver and it's a joy to drive. Regards. mike

I have a '99 C2 Cab - has served me well to date with 45k miles. Expansion tank was changed with known fault, drivers door motor changed and roof motor changed. All this was done whilst car went in for service and so did not cause me any extra delays. My dealer actually finds faults, points them out and solves them under warranty. In all cases it has been during scheduled service. Prior to purchasing the car, I heard many complaints about '98 & '99 models - but I have been fortunate. Generally 996s are reliable - IMHO.

I use my 996 cab as a daily and it has been mechanicaly faultless in 11,000 miles this year. I had a couple of trim rattles that Porsche tamed for me. Boring really - it just works - in all weathers. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

2001 C4 cab 17k miles not in the shop once! Daily driver 9 months old. The car is incredible! <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" /> <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

My daily driver is a 00 Cab. No major issues, just minor rattles. I'm looking to get an 02 now and will not hesitate to get one... Roy 00 Cab, 01 TT, Lotus Exige

Hey Jim, do you have the URL for that forum?? the 996 have a solid reputation!.and as you can see f.ex in this forum there's almost nothing as problems exposed. Just take a look in other brand, models, forums.. <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

[quote]Originally posted by bilstein 996C4: [QB]Hey Jim, do you have the URL for that forum??[QB]<hr></blockquote>Sure, here it is: <a href="http://www.funcarsonline.com/frames/996board/996board.htm" target="_blank">http://www.funcarsonline.com/frames/996board/996board.htm</A>

Well mine is different, i got '99 cpe with 21.000 mi. I am not abusing my car or any thing, but the engine check always light on every month. I start to get **** with my car right now, especuially when i am only drove it 500 mi/ month. The last time it had oil leak, it takes one week to fixed, right now the engine light lit again and i think i need to call the service dealer tommorow again, what a waste of time!!!!! <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />