100k+ mile 996 maintenance items

I've posted a couple of times already but a formal intro is probably warranted. I'm looking at a 996 or 987 in the next few months. I'm leaning heavily 996 because the 911 has always been a dream car of mine. I'm looking for something that can last me a good 8 years or so until my son is through HS and university and i can then afford something newer(never know, may fall in love with a 996 and just run with it). He's a freshman now, so having a car that we could work on together is very appealing. This works well as the higher mileage cars tend to be less expensive AND provide opportunities for long Sundays in the garage. My son is 14 and interested in an engineering career. I figure wrenching on a car will provide valuable skills, and even more valuable time together. Might need to budget for a garage AC as well lol! I'm somewhat familiar with the 996 maintenance regime, the official recommendations are easy to find. But, based on member's experiences, what things should be proactively replaced as the car ages in years and miles? Anything that may not be caught on a standard PPI? It seems WP is very high on the list, and potentially an ISB fix of some sort. Certainly plugs and coils if no record(though if there's no record of those being done on a car at, near, or over 100k miles, I probably shouldn't buy it anyway). What about timing chains and guides? Valve springs? Suspension pieces? Motor mounts? How many of these items, not just listed but member suggested as well, are DIY? I read where someone posted that all of these cars are $30k cars. It just depends on if you spend it up front or over time. I like that analogy, and hope that doing as much of the work ourselves makes it a slightly less expensive proposition. But, if it's 30k, or even more, it's still likely to be a fun trip. FWIW, I'm looking primarily at 99-00 cab's. We live in central FL, so a cab is appealing, but I'll also consider a standard as well. Oh, and I'll definitely be putting in a CarPlay double-DIN stereo, and possibly speakers, so are there any options that I should avoid that I should be aware would get thrown out with the old stereo anyway? I do plan on a PPI, but on the off chance that the car is also local so I can see it in person, is there anything I should be looking for? I've read sooty tail pipe(s), but is there a reference thread with examples of what it looks like compared to a normal 100k mile tail pipe? TIA Jason

Hi Jason, My 18 yr old son picked up an inexpensive 2000 Arena Red 986 Boxster last year - it's our fun Father and Son project and his daily driver. We've done a bunch of stuff to it and driven it on two 1,000 mile, 3-day road rallies. So far we have only $4K in it and I like it just as much as my 2000 996 Cab. Compared to a 996, a 986 will be about half the price, and I'd argue, just as much fun. It will have less power, but if your son learns to drive in it, it's better to start with a slower-powered car. Plus it's fun to drive a slow car fast. If you're on Instagram, check us out at @BargainBoxster. Best of luck with whichever direction you go! -David

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Thanks for the reply David. The car would be for me, so I'd enjoy the extra power, as he'll be driving my Subaru but learning how to drive a manual in whatever I pick up for me. For that matter, so will my daughter lol! While money is always at least somewhat a concern, I'm more interested in picking a vehicle I'll enjoy long term. Money won't be the limiting factor, honestly even if the engine goes and needs a rebuild, as long as we get in it at the right price. We're looking in the $15-20k range and assuming there will be roughly 5k of things to do up front. We could handle more but I'm hoping a good PPI will protect us from that. I'd need to find a screaming deal on a Boxster to trump a 996 or Cayman. They certainly are bargains right now though, even in the 2005-2008 years. We're really focused on the 996's though. Never say never though right? Good to hear of others that are able to use the car as a way to get quality time with the kid(s).

I bought my 2003 C4S for $23,500 with 108k miles on it in 2018 and I have spent about $7400 on it since. I do think the C4S is a $30k car, with the C2 being a $25k car currently. Two of my repairs were not really necessary (new rear taillights for $900 and new Michelins for $1400). When I bought the car, the IMS, RMS, plugs, coils, and water pump had recently been done. I have done motor mounts, re-installed stock headers, installed Carnewal sport cats (original cats were both dead), new starter, 997 shift bracket (original one was pretty beat, with plastic shavings everywhere), new ignition switch, and a few oil changes with the spin-on filter modification. A few other small cosmetic changes (wheel caps, etc.) and fluid flushes. I liked the higher-mileage car initially for the price, but I’ve done all the work myself and it’s pretty enjoyable. I work a one week on, one week off schedule, so it gave me something to do on my weeks off. The car is remarkably easy to work on. Now, the car is really well-sorted and I just drive it. I’ve only spent $500 of that $7400 this year. I’ve driven over 10,000 miles since getting it and that’s with a separate daily driver. I like the 996 over the 986 for the backseat. Not that it’s really usable for normal-sized humans, but you can fit a ton of stuff back there. It makes it a great car for extended road trips (my longest so far is 1800 miles over 5-6 days). Presumably, if you and your son are going to work on the car together, some long summer road trips together would be on the to-do list. One of my trips was to the California coast to play golf with my dad, who lives on the east coast. He didn’t need to rent a car - 2 people, 2 golf bags, and luggage for a 4 day trip all fit. Good luck!

With our 911 I've learned to appreciate a shorter and narrower vehicle (had a Jaguar XJ). Our compact C2 fits my wife and daughter or grandson, and can carry two suitcases, go shopping at the market or home depot, etc. It's an amazing sports car and can still transport a small family and perform many utility functions, where a Cayman or Boxster may be better for a single person. When buying we wanted unmodified wiring and stock everything as much as possible, now we are doing upgrades/repairs that are equal or better than when it left Stuttgart. We are in $25k so far and hope to keep it to $30-35k total after six years and 40k miles of ownership.

Thanks for the replies so far. Hopefully I don't have grandchildren any time soon lol! And my kids are too big to fit. But I have pegged that space as luggage storage for my wife and I .

Florida man votes cab.

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So does my wife lol!

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what seat is that and how does it mount?

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On Barrett Jackson tonight a 2001 Carrera Cab with +/- 110,000 went for $12,000. However, no records and no PPI. Having said that I purchased a 2004 C4S Cab with 65K for $30K with very little records and no PPI. So far it has been about $5k in maintenance over 2.5 years and that is having an Indy do most all the work. Also, that includes $1.4K for an new set of tires they were 8 years old. I was able to see in some of the records the PO had the extended warranty so he kept everything up. From reading on here I think most of my MX is inline: AOS Alternator Oil Changes Transmission mount (needed) and motor mounts while the engine was out Frunk release latch Oil tube filler Some misc dry rotted lines

"I read where someone posted that all of these cars are $30k cars. It just depends on if you spend it up front or over time. I like that analogy, and hope that doing as much of the work ourselves makes it a slightly less expensive proposition. But, if it's 30k, or even more, it's still likely to be a fun trip." So, yeah the sentiment is right on - you have to remember that these cars cost $80 - $100k when new. If you're anything like me and most of the others on this forum (or others like it), you'll be maintaining/upgrading and/or fixing the car in a ongoing/continuing fashion. Seeing as how they're 15 - 20 years old, there's very little on them that doesn't at least need attention - if not outright replacement/fixing. The key is to prioritize and focus on the important (mechanical, & safety) stuff first. Doing as much of the work as possible yourself will save you tons of cash and make the experience much more enjoyable (if you like working on cars). Good luck

^^^^ 100% agreed. Mike

At 100K, you might price out an engine-out replacement of chain tensioner rails, IMSB if not a “Solution”, and various other parts. $10K to 20K for full rebuild. Don’t ask how I know. 996s are $35-40K used, despite the rare 200K examples and despite their attractive less-than-$15K market prices. Once done, though, breath-taking, awesome performance.

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Sorry for delayed response. Standard Graco brand child seat which we already had. Factory seat belt mount did not allow child seat to fit and was too low to insert buckle, so removed and item like this bolts right in and raises buckle point allowing child to plug in themself: Amazon Amazon That is not the actual extender we got and I don't see it on Amazon anymore. Ours is adjustable because I couldn't figure out exactly what length is needed. Also removed top cushion, placed towel at bottom to protect leather and wood Bose speaker cover, and put on crossed flag patch because it's in a Carrera! Seat itself mounts as shown by the belt holding my grandson's super heroes; shoulder and lap belt covers child and if any rapid force attempts to extend belt it instantly locks child and seat in place.

This is absolutely true. I found an 02 C2 996 cab in pristine condition inside and outside but a few things that needed to be replaced/serviced after purchase. I got the car for $22.7k at 61.3k miles.. but the service and the mod bug bites and bites hard. The price for admission may be low ('ish) to start, but over time.. boy... you are in 997+ territory.