When buying an early 996, are major engine probs not a matter of IF, but WHEN?

Guys, sorry if this question has been asked a zillion times. I'm looking into some '99 996's, and I've researched the fact that these early models are prone to drastic engine "malfunctions", all the way up to engine failure. My question is, considering someone buys a 996 as a fun car to drive around from time to time, and the ex owner doesn't have the "gen 2 motor installed", i.e you're running on the original motor, are problems being around the corner more or less inevitable (not due to natural causes, but speaking solely on the quirks specific to the early 996 engines)? Some of these cars have well over 100K on the original motor, which is obviously a good sign. Anyone who has the time to regurgitate any other commonalities with the '99 (or early in general) 996's once again, it would be also very appreciated. Thanks.

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Quotes source post: 9550314

You answered your own question. For every twenty 996s out there, Nineteen are good. I will bet you as much as you want that you can't find the bad one in one try. So the answer is a definite NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

To the OP....

Search is your friend Grasshopper.

Peter, I think your quote in your signature if hillarious ...."Understeer is when you hit the wall with your front end. Oversteer is when you hit the wall with your rearend. Horsepower is how hard you hit the wall. Torque is how far you move the wall." K-A... pick the newest P-car you can afford, get a good PPI, and then just enjoy it. A few basics, go high mileage vs low mileage, check the serial number on the engine to see if it is a newer / replaced one, and budget maintenance costs.

K-A, For EVERY automobile on the planet, the case is WHEN, not IF. Some go sooner than others. Most last a very long time when properly cared for. Like life, sometimes unfortunate things happen to nice cars. Shop wisely. Budget amply for maintenance and repairs. No 996 is brand new or under a factory original warranty anymore. '99's are now well into their 14th year of life.

Here's another one I like: SELECT* from posters WHERE clue > 0 no rows returned

If that was the case, I'd have sold our '99 Boxster years ago. Had it since '01, no major work ever. Just before the factory expired in '02 I asked the dealer for a new top, as it jambed once before and I didn't like the wrinkled sides. They complied. I also has a mechanical warranty that covered the car for 10 years. Never had to use it. The car has not been to a dealer or shop since '02, nor need to. I do all the maintenance and pull the wheels when it's time for tires. My Turbo has not been to a dealer in the 13.5 months that I've owned it and my previous 996 was at the dealer once in 7 years of ownership.

if you're having 997 problems, i feel bad for you son! i got 996 problems and a IMS aint one

Where is a good facepalm graphic when you need one?

Quotes source post: 9553321

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Ha ha. Thanks for the replies. Yes, I know this is a newbie question, and the reason why I asked is because I'm aware that the early 996 motors specifically have a tendency to go kaput due to design flaws (which were mended with the gen 2 motors from what I understand). Just want to make sure plenty of 996 owners aren't seeing their cars affected by such issues. I found what appears to be a very well showing '99 911, clean history, etc. It has 90K miles which I find to be kind of "low" considering its price. Seems like lots of things were just recently changed (big list of important items, none relating to the engine), but the big red flag I think is that it's had a whopping 6 owners. Kind of disconcerting. The guy also said that there is some oil leakage occurring which is barely even noticeable (i.e you'd have to have the car parked for quite some time before you can see oil even on the ground) due to being in such an infantile state but in due time it'll probably need to be fixed. Other than that he said the motor seems perfect. It's very enticing. I'd love a 996 to play around with and this particular one is in the mid "teens", but not sure if I have the guts.

My friend thew a rod in his Subaru at 150K miles and the car was toast. Yes, if the engine dies in you 911 - the cost will be higher ! But many people are running these cars to >100K miles on this board with no major issues. Get a good PPI (ask for a recommended shop in your area). Slight oil leak probably warrants attention - could be something as simple as plug tube - or could be RMS - which is not catastrophic - but build in the cost of replacing that in the price you are paying for the car - and while you are in there - you can consider doing other preventative work such as AOS, Water Pump and yes even IMS, if that will give you peace of mind. Your engine can die for other reasons but I think most would agree 150K miles+ is achievable if you regularly maintain and don't abuse the car. I think lots of newbies reading this board are rightly concerned about the issues raised - but much of this is skewed by the fact that most people are only writing about problems here to seek advice (you don;t see too many posts saying "drove the car today and the IMS did not blow"), so PPI, drive, enjoy, maintain and with a bit of luck you will be like the 9x% of us without major issues. Of course of you can't live with the few percent risk - a 911 might not be for you - but then again even Subarus can blow a rod .....

I was told by an indy if you cant aford a $5K trip to the shop then a Pcar is not for you. Not every trip is that much. (I've never had one that high yet in the last three years)

My father's mechanic just called with the diagnosis on his 14 year-old Mercedes; the engine is toast. The car is in pristine condition. Low miles. **** happens. **** happens: Not. Just. To. 996s.

Where's Macster? He has 250k+ miles on his original motor.

When, I don't know, still waiting at 60k miles. Which reminds me, time to change the oil and filter, and add a magnetic plug to replace OEM drain plug.