44 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHBefore I make an offer ...
Leading reported evidence
Run away
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Leading evidence: 'Run away' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'oil pressure sending unit is kaput' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check sale section here' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause
More likely the oil pressure sending unit is kaput.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
OP, have you already checked the FOR SALE section here?
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
And rationalizing "Hey, it can't be that bad," "You know some Febreze would probably clear that smell up," and "I can always send the instrument cluster off to have it professionally cleaned for a couple of hundred bucks."
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
44 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T150451Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
New to rennlist.
Looking for my first Porsche. The 2002 992 C2 coupe I test drove hits the mark well with 56,000 miles and a clean belly. Obviously with a passing DME check and the normal PPI in play, I believe I can purchase 2K to 4K below market average.
The catch is ... the interior smells of mildew and there appears to be mildew on the inside of the instrument cluster glass. Should I walk away? or What are the remedies? Costs?
Thoughts and suggestions appreciated.
You can buy it for $2-4k less than the market average for a clean car or $2-4k less than the market average for a car with a mold/mildew issue? :-)
I think you need to get:
A) A good explanation from the seller
B) A competent tech to check it out
C) Think about the potential ramifications of moisture IN the instrument cluster as well as where the ECU lies (under the floor) etc.
My car is a 2002 Coupe as well and it has zero moisture issues. My car is used year round, in snow, rain, etc.
$2-4k below the market average for a clean car should be the starting point with that kind of issue and it would need to improve from there. There really isn't a shortage of these cars and they are not that expensive to begin with.
Flood car? You need to find out why it is wet. Are the carpets wet now? Check under the seats. Press some dry newspaper onto the rug and hold it firmly for a few seconds.
I agree with WalterR.... how would you even go about getting that smell out?
There are plenty of these cars out there in that same price range to be had without any kind of mildew issue.
Double check the security system and door locks and remote functions. if the Immobilizer under the driver's seat gets moisture in it, you could end up with some really wacky electrical issues. Plus, new immobilizer and programming will require new keys. That's about a $1000 experience
My 2 cents: keep looking. Your first P-car experience should be filled with miles of smiles. Not with hunting down the cause of the funk/shtank and trying to find a remedy for it.
Moisture + old electronics= misery in endless diagnosis of obscure electrical gremlins for which there will be no simple,clear,common explanation.
How the moisture got there is irrelevant ,all that matters is ,it is there.Worse ,the hidden leak that may have caused the problem is still there and will haunt you until you find ....all of them.
If you want a BIG discount, ask here about Salvage Title cars. Most are not advisable. Some specific ones are great bargains if you do not have the budget for a full Market Price car.
For example a Salvage Title that occurred years ago &/or for Theft.
Run...any moisture in these cars is a hex to be recognized, especially at the "opportunity cost" of saving maybe $4 grand
Even if you are a magician of a mechanic with a pipeline of readily available/wholesale cost parts and an astonishing amount of patience...what is your time/happiness worth if the car starts doing dash Christmas trees continuously?
Like on a bridge during rush hour...including full sudden stop, or even just driving to go do an errand....
The mind boggles at the thought of owning a dependable car you look forward to driving each time....and a real ****ing deadbeat.
Also, many Porsche owners are a specific breed, seemingly hypnotized at the earliest age by their magnificence (I'm one)... so don't spoil it
I'm assuming you are looking at a low mileage car because you think it will have less issues? But it is priced like a high mileage car because it has issues? From a dealer that obviously doesn't care if it's a POS or not otherwise they would have taken the time to solve the problem?
Is this is a real scenario or are you just trolling us?
Years ago when we were replacing our family truck, we almost bought one with the same kind of issues. I opted to wait despite the dealer pushing me on it claiming the car was completely clean and without issues. Went home, ran a Carfax report and found out the car had been in a major accident, flood, etc... I'll never go back to that dealer again.
I'd listen to these guys above, RUN!! Plenty of cars out there, if nothing in your area just expand your search a little. I found my car 2 states away, guy was nice enough to meet me in between. I also (maybe just me) like to buy from personal owners not dealers. Dealers have too many resources at their disposal to screw you if they want. A good sense of about the owner and how he cared for the car and PPI and I'm happy.
nav -
I agree, don't do it. Now, if you've got the fever to buy your first Porsche, you're going to keep thinking about that car. And rationalizing "Hey, it can't be that bad," "You know some Febreze would probably clear that smell up," and "I can always send the instrument cluster off to have it professionally cleaned for a couple of hundred bucks."
That car is going to sit on the dealer's lot and call to you every time you drive by. The dealer's going to call you to check in on your interest. He's going to come down on the price. Then, maybe one Saturday morning, when you're feeling good, maybe you just drop by to look at it one more time and . . . wham, you write the check.
The best way to forget about that car is to keep looking. You'll find another one that will make you forget all about the water car. Until then, resist the temptation. Don't make that automotive booty call - you will regret it on this car. Too many really nice ones for about the same price (or will be about the same price once you spend the money chasing down your first moisture-induced electrical gremlin).
kcattorney, enjoyed your reply. Obviously written by someone with the same affliction.
Thanks to all. I've heeded you all's advice and ran away. Called the dealer to formally shut the door on this one. ( to resist further temptation)
I'll keep looking. Thanks all.
PS. In the mid-west so flood damaged cars isn't at the forefront of my checklist.
I have to say, congrats to nav. Not only did he do the right thing and pass, but he managed to get everyone in agreement. That alone takes talent
Welcome to the nut house nav, you'll find the right car. Don't settle just to get the hunt over with, you'll be happier in the long run.
Oh wow, that looks like a pretty great deal if it passes a PPI. 138k miles is on the high side, but for $19.x, if it has been properly maintained, it would be worth it.
you will have plenty of opportunities to pour money into a car that seemed "perfect" when you purchased it, why add this difficult to diagnose and fix mold and mildew issue. Next.
ok guys, I need advice on my next target:
Same year 2002 C2 60,000 miles. During my test drive, I noticed plenty of oil pressure during all rpm etc. However in cruise the needle would occasionally move mildly rapidly between 5 and 4 bars, spending most of its time at 5. Is movement of the needle while cruising at a constant RPM normal or a sign of something troubling?
The car sticker showed it had options of sports exhaust system and special chassis rigidly tuned. What does that do for me in value or performance other then **** of the neighbors and the wife?
Thanks again in advance. I feel good about this one.
The PSE (Porsche Sport Exhaust) option includes a partial muffler bypass that is deactivated by a switch on the center console (default mode is louder). Nice option!
The rigidly tuned chassis sounds like the M030 option, which is a stiffer suspension and bigger sway bars to control body roll. A desirable option for the track.
My 996 has both these options. Love them both, but the M030 makes for a rough ride on the street.
Triple Black, What switch? Don't remember seeing a PSE type switch. Where is it located?
Slakker, The point I was trying to make is that the pressure changes without a change in RPM. A sign of imminent oil pump failure? or normal?
More likely the oil pressure sending unit is kaput. They do that. They start to read wrong, and then just peg out at 5. It's a fairly simple fix with a new sending unit.
On mine the PSE button is just to the left of the climate control unit. It has a symbol that (sort of) looks like a muffler. Is there a PSM (Porsche Stability Management) button as well? If so, right below it.
Strike three. I'm out.
The PPI found a repainted rear left quarter panel. From the roof line to the wheel well. Very slight rust forming in the wheel well, replaced well-liner plastic and a rim that was not true. Engine had been replaced at some point.
All this with a clean car fax and no Porsche service logs. Go figure.
I'm tired of all this.
Thanks for the accurate and prompt responses from rennlist users though.
nav4111
Indeed. And be thankful you got the input and from those that have already been through the buying process rather than jumping on the first one you found and then finding its warts after the fact. Those of us that have been around for a long time have seen too many of the opposite case where someone buys first and then starts asking the questions.
You're on the right track to finding the right car, but it's rarely a quick or easy road. Just remember that we're all here to help. Both on the technical side to help you look at the right things and on the lighter side to keep your spirits up in the meantime
As far as your latest one, I wouldn't let something like the quarter panel put you off as long as the repair job checks out as a quality one. With the bent rim, however, that could be from a separate incident or a sign that the repair job wasn't meticulous. The replaced motor also isn't really a deal breaker either so long as it appears to be in proper order. I'd certainly be a lot more comfortable if it was a private sale where you could get more of the details though.
I'm sure they are.
Lots of lemons out there though. Also these cars are increasingly becoming well known to have the "Sword of Damocles" hanging over them. Another thread here of a low mileage tiptronic car popping. For no reason. Timing chain guides self destructing. Cylinder heads cracking. There is a lot to be concerned and even descouraged about regarding the M96.
The Sword of Damocles alludes to the constant peril faced people in positions of power or influence; I pose that this may not be the sword 996 owners need to worry most about. I believe that Hrunting and N�gling are the swords of the M96, since both break when Beowulf needs them most.
I stand corrected.
A bit over dramatic I'll admit.
What's a real problem is that these engines seem to give little warning. I know all performance engines can pop but from what I'm reading many owners had no warning whatsoever.
