Worst part of getting a 996 PPI...

I am trying to arrange for a PPI for a 996 series one that I like. The painful part of this process is being told by the mechanics what a mistake I am about to make. I have driven multiple 911s and I know which one I like to drive and want to own. It is a sleek blk/blk MY00 C2 coupe with aero that put a grin on my face from first look and that lasted well after the (extended) test drive was over. I am thinking that I can have the RMS and IMS bearing done for $1000-1500. Am I way off the mark? Are there other gremlins in the 996 that earned all this ire?

Blame it on internet chatter. Many of us own the early 996 MK1 and love the car. Many experts say buy the newest Porsche you can afford. I say do your research, drive a few and make your own decision.

The parts are in that range, but then you've got labor and might as well do clutch while the trans is out. Is saw recently someone had all that done and was in the $4k range,IIRC. Not to scare you,it's something to address but these are awesome cars and totally worth it!

If I may: when I bought my 944 I was told, "You don't want this car." Disappointed, I asked why. The first answer was, "It's not a 911. Heck, if you're going front-engine, at least get a turbo, or a 968." Needless to say, I never went back. Find another mechanic unless you're wedded to this one. If, "you don't want this car," because it's rusty underneath, has mechanical faults already, is overly costly, or promises to cost you money, that's one thing, but if it's what you like and it's in good shape, sure there may be issues with it, but you knew that already, and to hell with your mechanic. Sorry; had to add that.

Do you man! Research the car, if you can handle and want a high maintenance girl, go for it! IMS and RMS are not a big deal. Address it if you want peace of mind right off the bat. It's like a fixed mortgage or variable if you like to gamble a bit.... I think these are excellent cars and I enjoy everything about them. But the main thing for a new buyer of the 996 is to get a good PPI, do your research, and then trust your gut! blk/blk aero sounds sleek/slick indeed! Pics?

What you are purchasing is not some appliance-like practical transportation for the economically minded. You are buying something that stirs your soul, makes your heart beat faster, and leads some here to defend to a fist fight. So do your due diligence, properly prepare to have expenses, and do proper preventative maintenance. The same you thing you would do when dating a beautiful, athletically fit, and intelligent woman. The real expense to thwart the IMS problem will cost you about $4,000 because, as others have said, you might as well replace the clutch and related parts while you are going in there.

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RMS and IMS bearing parts (only) cost should be just a few dollars, right? I am thinking 8-10 hours labor. Anyone have this done recently? I think the IMS redesign kit from Flat 6 is less than $1000. Anyone have experience with the Flat 6 kit done on the west coast by a 3rd party?

Its around $600 for the IMS bearing kit. Check it. http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html

really.. thats a horrible thing. I am 100% sure what my indy says to customers and 100% sure what he thinks. He has the tools and the knowhow to keep your 996 running and would be happy if you bought one, or two or three.. He would provide nothing but the best advice and service to make sure YOU are happy with YOUR CAR... its stupid that your indy is pushing his opinions on you and not sticking to the facts and obviously has no understanding of how to fix a 996 and thinks the only thing you can do is throw it out if the headlights burn out... BTW my indy will also sell and or install an LNE bearing or any other parts iinside or outside your motor and has no trouble diagnosing, repairing and preventing problems....

If it were just a single mechanic I would just find someone else to do the work. I have multiple shops urging me to buy a 993 or 997 or Boxster--anything but a 996. It is my sense that they have dealt with 996 buyers who "blame" the PPI provider when they have M96 issues. I think they are trying to be logical and helpful. I usually operate that way as well--I refer to my Nissan as a "transportation appliance". In the case of the 911 I am aligned with Thundertub's comments above. The local mechanic that was most highly recommended finally realized that a Boxster was not in my future. As I was leaving his shop he said "let's get the 996 in here and diagnose that oil leak--that's key". He didn't say it but I could almost hear him add "...you dope" to the end of his invitiation

lol @ you dope boxster's are much more hated, I am surprised at the comments. Driving an early car gives me the chance to hear the "inside scoop" and it aint all bad. keep your head up, and if you can just get a warranty and call it good

You obviously want a supercar with the reliability of a Civic. I don't think it exists. Everything on these cars from oil to shocks to lifters is more expensive than a normal car. If you are mechanically competent and willing to invest the time, you can do a lot yourself. A 996, 993, or 997 isn't a hobby unless you are Joe Gotrocks and can afford your own mechanic. It's a passion you need to be willing to commit yourself to. That said, as super cars go it is very reliable. Good luck, but make sure you have enough depth in your wallet to really enjoy the car. Oh! Did anyone mention the upgrades you will be Jonesing for once you get the car? $3000 mufflers, $4000 wheels, etc.

No wonder I am broke, I've been jonsen too much

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It's gonna get worse when you're jonsin' for a 968 cab!

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Um, you mean this isn't the NSX forum?

Didn't mean that to be as critical as it probably sounded. I really hope you find the right 996. Good luck. And yes my wallet is already about 2 grand lighter in non-mods in the two months I have owned the car. Next up. Bushings and motor mounts followed by new wheels and tires. Cha-ching

Find someone who likes the car. What an *** whipe