More of the Story . . . Not the Rest of the Story

So, I've posted the delima of ultra low milage vs higher milage with ims replacement. Today I visited the 2002 996 with 7,500 mi. The exterior looked clean with a few scrapes and scratches. . . all from crap falling on it or being removed from the narrow garage it has lived in for the past 9 years. The interior looks as if it hasen't been cleaned sice the owner has taken delivery. Not filthy but dirty. All original paperwork was present. Not heavily optioned- heated sport seats, roof rack, isignia delete from transom, leather seats. Some time and interior would clean up nicely . . . not sure how easily all scratches could be removed externally. Owner generally reluctant to ppi because "too busy" although agreed it may be time for general service and maybe he could get it in for that in conjunction with ppi. He said "why would you need a ppi with such low miles?" Can see some oil spots on the garage floor and oil/dirt on the case from underneath. He says he starts it every couple of weeks, but not driven much. He is pretty firm on $33k but may be persuaded by ppi. No pics but blk/blk and looks pretty sweet. Comments?

Quotes source post: 8351952

He's full of ****, get a PPI or walk. Oil on floor, "too busy", trying to disway you from a PPI by a subtle "why would you need one?, all signs of hidden problems. Never understood someone owning something middle of the road exotic, never drive it, and at the same time not give a **** about it. For what it's worth, when I sold mine I continued to point out issues I that needed pointing out because nothing sucks more than feeling you've been taken.

Wow, I was expecting someone to have a 'mint' low miles car. Lots of red flags IMO

This car would most likely clean up very nicely. Any scratches that aren't thru the clear coat may buff out nicely. With a good detail the car may look mint. Sometimes cars that aren't driven for a while will develop seaps which in time will accumulate oil on the exterior of the motor/trans and collect dirt, possibly a drip or two on the garage floor, also possible a coolant cap leak. I wouldn't be too concerned at this point but would recommend an indy or dealer have a look at it. A drive to a shop should disclose any active fluid leaks. The price is in the area it should be for the mileage. If it's in good shape could be a very nice car. Buying from an individual has its pluses, no add on fees of hundreds of dollars, you see the car at its worst, rather than having it detailed to hide or mask any flaws. In this case, a one owner, no story car. Work with the guy, go for a drive, get an inspection. If it checks out and you like it, make an offer to buy. Heated sports seats are a very nice and very rare option, dirty interior can be easily cleaned, a heavily worn one cannot be made unworn. GL!

doesn't matter what the mileage or age is, a PPI is absolutely necessary. You will hate yourself for not doing due diligence. Would you buy a home without an inspection?

Quotes source post: 8352034

This is a useful and thoughtfully written response. Makes me glad I visit Rennlist. Well done!

red flags - ANYONE who knows their car would have NO PROBLEM having you pay for a PPI - in fact I would let you do it to my car right now! If I was the owner and interested in selling it I would not have any issue getting a buyer to do a PPI - hell it shows commitment and a willingness to buy the car... dont have time is B.S. - total B.S. selling a car takes some amount of time and YES - you want a PPI, esp if he throws all sorts of comments at the mere suggestion maybe a great car, maybe excellent.... car = dirty, OK - but lets look at it closely, is it used, or neglected.... my car is filthy, seriously...but look closer and you see things that point to a well cared for car, the talk and the list of items being worked on, been worked on and planned is huge/non-stop... I am not neglecting it, its dirty....big differance. a quick run by a detail shop would give you a huge insight into what will "rub out" - there are many in this area, I can recommend a couple if you need...the BEST is Metropolitan Detail, but very pricey, the best bang for the buck is a guy here in Bellevue, I have his card somewhere, let me know Is the car local or a drive....where is it? I highly reccomend my shop to you.....you will leave with a complete understanding of what you have (no affiliation, just a very happy and loyal customer)

Sounds like he parked it because there was a problem. A good owner would have at least driven it and kept it clean.

Is it registered? Did he drive it recently,not just start it up? I smell a rat!

yea, I dont like starting it, but not driving it....(if I read that right) these cars dont like to just sit and idle to a warm temp.... they require some miles to warm ALL systems... plus its a great way to fill the oil with water vapor...and if he wasnt changing the oil on a regular time basis rather than miles - as he agrees it may be time a service... he doesnt know? he doesnt come out and say.... I have the oil changed every (interval) and its not due to (or is due) for a regular check up... we can set up the PPI at the same time and kill two bird...yadda yadda...

I wouldn't buy it without the PPI. Mine was sound mechanically, but had some small issues. I was given a list of everything that needed some attention.

I think the car should be confiscated from the owner, like animal control seizing dogs that have been maltreated.

Quotes source post: 8352387

Car is in Portland. I don't think the owner is trying to hide anything. just busy. I tend to agree with Nick49 and think it would most likely clean up nicely. Other issues would need to be determined through a ppi which I think he would agree to.

sketchy owner.... I usually walk away from, sometimes its not the car that I look at but the owner.

there is a dealer in Portland... that should be easy for him to drop it off... you might want to run down and have a look while they do it... if you dont want a dealer but rather an indy, let me know... I will get a recommendation for a local shop for ya I am sure it will clean up....it doesnt have any use... should be fine

A 2002 low mileage car that has been sitting, is a time bomb for RMS/IMS issues. 2002 was the year that almost every car had to have these pieces replaced, in some cases several times. If this car has not had the RMS/IMS changed out, that is a 15K deduction on price. The engine on that car is ripe for catastrophic failure. I would take a clean, well cared for 2002 with 50 ~75K miles that has had the IMS/RMS updates on it any day over a low mileage 2002 that has been sitting in the garage for all these years.

Quotes source post: 8352387

Maybe he knows his car and knows there's a problem with it.

Quotes source post: 8352701

This is a bit extreme but I do agree there are concerns. No PPI = let him keep it Did you look under the car to see if you saw any leaks? Always bring a small flashlight with you to help inspect a used car purchase. Dirty can be cleaned, scratches can be buffed. It's a low mileage, low option, neglected 02 996, and it is in no way, shape or form (even with a pristine PPI) worth $33K. Pristine PPI ? $30K tops! And then you still over paid. But if you really like the car it's bearable. Many nice 996s out there.

WOW @ O.E.

I think the car will clean up. My concern would be dry seals (which may or may not expand with use--which is consistent with Orient Express' note about thje IMS) -- and most importantly, internal corrosion which would be exacerbated by regularly starting and letting the engine run a bit (so it can dump moisture & acids into the engine). Would be better to pay a shop to prepare it for storage...then leave it alone.

To the OP - Look, as you can see on all the concerns and comments from everyone there is something fishy here. By no means we (at least myself) are not trying to scare you off on the Porsche purchase experience. I think we ALL have been there were we see a deal and really want it but we need someone that is not emotionally involved in the deal that can give us some feedback. When I am looking to buy a used car I always do my homework and ask people I know about the potential vehicle I am trying to pursue. It has helped me make wise decisions in the past and safe me TONS of $$$ down the road. Just my .02

Like the range of posts have pointed out there is no consensus on the necessary attributes of the best used 996. It's all about managing risks and enjoying the ride. I have especially appreciated the breadth and depth of the comments. Helps wanna b P-car owners along their journey. Fred

Quotes source post: 8352898

Yeah, tell that to the new owner when the engine blows the Intermediate shaft and needs to be replaced.

sorry... I agree....just not sure where you get the data to support it: "is a time bomb for RMS/IMS issues. 2002 was the year that almost every car had to have these pieces replaced , in some cases several times. " from what I have been reading the failure mode is fairly uniform and not concentrated on 2002's - just saying (not to start an IMS storm thread out of it)

From what we have seen nothing is worse for the IMS than sitting static.. The engine oil really attacks the rubber seals and begins washing out the permanent lube big time. Just ask the guy that had a failure at 1800 miles from a car that was 12 years old... Yes. 18 hundred miles. He drove it only on Saturdays to olay Golf and he lived at the Golf Course! I'd rather have a 100,000 mile car as a low mileage one.. In fact my 996 just turned 123K and no, thats not its original engine, it failed.

The owner's reluctance to get a PPI done (at your own expense) would make me walk immediately, low mileage or not. I also happen to think that low mileage used cars are (imho) over-rated. The car is almost 10 years old, it should have been driven (a lot) by now. You're not picking up a new car from the dealer's parking lot and the resale price of your vehicle is driven by it's year-model as much as it's mileage. In about a year, it will be a 10 year old car, 2 generations behind the current floor model, not matter it's mileage. Also, this is definitely not a collector car. Who buys a standard C2 to park it in a garage indefinitely? As far as the state, my car is dirty but I drive it everyday. If I was storing my car, it would have a cover on it and be well taken care of. The rock chips I have on mine are there because I commute with it, not because I neglect it. The poor condition of the vehicle (dirty, scratched, messy interior), the owner's reluctance to go through a PPI and the very high price would steer me away from that vehicle. There's plenty other 996 C2's out there for you to pick out of!

If this car were brought to you what would you do to make it a reliable daily driver and what should the budget be.

Quotes source post: 8353508

Jake?

Sorry.. I am on a plane headed to LA and had a sketchy connection. I'd treat the engine like it had 50K on it, replace the IMS, AOS, RMS and variocam wear pads along with the tensioners and the full meal deal. Thats about 9K total in preventive work and it would need it. It would probably need a full injector service as the injectors hate sitting around and so does the fuel pump and fuel filter. Nothing is worse on any car or engine than sitting static.

Quotes source post: 8353508

Are you mechanical at all? You might be able to do some of the DYI stuff and safe some labor maybe. Find someone close to you that knows about these cars and maybe invite him to help you out. Just a thought...

he's going to LIT Chris will be there - take PICS !!

You could take the fact of him not driving the car as he doesn't like the car. Then apply that to how you figure he would care for the car. He already stated he just starts the car. Oils even though the miles aren't on them should in my view be changed at least once a year or 6 months. But som thing oh gosh 8 quarts. Sure, whatevers. Your choice. Good luck finding whats right and by the way no PPI wont help find it.

Sounds sketchy...I'd walk...

Quotes source post: 8352034

Oh I don't know about that 'no story car' comment... Based on what the OP posted regarding the seller's atitude I suspect a strong possibility is the car has a story, the buyer just doesn't know it (yet) because the seller didn't care to tell the story and the buyer hasn't had the car inspected yet, hasn't really looked the car over that carefully. Sincerely, Macster.

There are so many other better cars then this one if you consider the OP's statements on condition and owners statements. It's not like the price is a steal or anything.

PASS

I doubt if he has even started it like he claims. I would RUN, not walk, from this one. Like all others state, there are PLENTY of 996s out there to pick from at a much better price with a less "sketchy" introduction.

You're buying the car, not marrying the owner! Some owners are just very poor when it comes to selling a car. They are totally clueless, and not accomodating. His behavior has nothing to do with the car. I've purchased vehicles from some very strange individuals, some even intimated them to be in much worse condition than they actually were. If the car interests you, I'd pursue it, it could be a gem. Dealing with difficult owners and being persistant has had it's rewards with me. GL