Hello, New Here - Considering 2002 C4 Convert - Please Advise

Hello, Newbie here. I am looking at a 2002 C4 Convertible, Tiptronic (no hard top). I used to have an 83SC with an 86 3.2 in it (10 years ago). I R&R'd the engine & trans myself many times (I know, the 996 are way more complicated - I'm a little older now and not planning on doing any heavy lifting with a newer 996 myself - hopefully won't have to anyway). I have researched the prices and I know the price is a fair and good deal. So my question is not about price. I am comfortable here. I know the full history and servicing history of the car, spoke to the Porsche dealership who performed all the service, etc.. All of my due diligence results have been excellent so far. I have done a lot of research on this Board on 99 through 04's, and I know the AWD is heavier, that the TIP is not for everyone (I have a bad left knee, so need TIP), etc. I know the changes that occurred in 2002, etc. My only real question relates to the 3.6 engine. I don't want to rehash the debate about whether it will blow up in the future, etc. However, the engine has about 46,000 miles and just came off Porsche CPO warranty. Porshe will not extend it. There is an available aftermarket powertrain warranty for 2 years for $1800 through my local dealership, but I have heard that these can be difficult if you actually have to use them (heard that on this Forum). So I am down to the fact that I can afford the car, but if the engine blows, I am in big trouble. I know the statistics are in my favor with a 3.6 liter with 46K miles, but does anyone have any comments/suggestions for me at all on this concern? Has anyone had the same internal debate, and if so, where did you shake out? I believe in the old Porsche saying of "buy the newest 911 you can reasonably afford," although some here say buy a 99 with a replaced factory 3.4. I think I still lean to the old saying. Separately, this car has the Sport Design 18" wheels. If anyone wants to trade these for Sport Classic II's, just let me know!! I prefer those! Also, if there are any simple upgrades or aftermarket changes to a 2002 C4 cab that I should be considering, please let me know. Aero package may or may not come later, if I can afford it...Not interested in different exhausts for now. Thanks in advance! Todd

Hi Todd - first, welcome to Rennlist. I have moved your post to the right section where you should get some answers! Best of luck! Adrian

Get the best coverage warranty, PPI, drive the wheels off the car and sleep like a baby every night. Or do like me, no warranty, no PPI, drive the wheels off and stay up all night drinking beer to cope with your fears Either way - drive the car, best thing for it

Todd... I think you know what you are doing and have the bases covered... mods are very friendly DIY for the 996... when you get your p-car, let us know your setup and we can recommend some sweet mods.

Welcome to the asylum where the inmates run the store. Looks to me like you've thought this through. If I were you, I'd go ahead and spring for the powertrain warranty. If your dealership is selling it, they would be hard pressed to not honor it if/when the time comes. Like you, the thought of a $12,000 short block or a $7,000 replacement tranny makes me a bit edgy. As far as modifications go, I have changed out the radio/CD player with a Pioneer Nav System and have changed out the mats for some Lloyd's mats. That's all I've done and all I intend to do to my Targa, except maybe have a roof pad fabricated to block some of that 104* sunshine we're getting around here. The one thing I can tell you is that the folks here well tell you to change out the pumpkins. What they are talking about is the orange side marker lenses. Frankly, on my Seal Gray car, I like the orange for a little contrast. Ain't changin'. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. Miles of smiles with your new ride. Here's a pic of my ride with the pumpkins in place (Just to pi$$ them off)

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Some warranty companies are quite easy to use. On my 2002 C4 Cab I have Warranty Direct and they have been pretty easy to work with. They paid almost all my claims without issue, RMS leak, IMS leak and some other problems. I had to talk to claims about a valve cover leak, but that was eventually covered. My 2003 C2 Coupe is covered by Fidelity Warranty which is what my local P dealer sells. Haven't had to use it yet, but the dealer says they pay claims without issues (duh, why else would they sell them?). Before I purchased either warranty I checked to make sure the insurer underwriting the claims was financially stable. Also check with your P car dealer to see if they have any bad experiences with the warranty paying out. For a cab, SmartTop and RemoteTop are de rigeur.

Thanks for the responses. Can you guys let me know what SmartTop and RemoteTop means? I suspect it may mean you can open the top remotely from outside the car? But not sure. Also, this car that I am looking at has PSM. Is this just traction control, which is standard I imagine?

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Todd, Welcome. Here is a link with some info on SmartTop. It is an aftermarket system, but it works very well and should not pose any problems on your car (I have it on my Boxster). http://www.pcars.com/porsche_parts/s...xster/p_1.html PSM, stands for Porsche Stability Management. Here is a link that describes its function (the link is for a Cayenne, but the system works in a similar manner in a 996) http://www.panix.com/clay/cayenne/PSM.html Good luck...

Thanks again. I just spoke to an Indy Porsche repair shop who has been in business for 30 years (they put new synchros in my 915 trans 10 years ago). They said that the 3.6 is much more reliable than original 3.4's. He also said he just sold a 3.6 with 3100 miles for $7K. This is what they are selling for on Ebay. He would charge $750 to R&R. So I am thinking about "self-insuring." I wonder if an 04 3.6 is a direct replacement for an 02, or if the computer needs change out too? He said that the aftermarket warranties can sometimes be bad. For instance, they don't pay for the replacement antifreeze, oil, etc. etc. etc. They only pay $45 per hour, etc. But he said that there are probably some good companies out there too, but read all the fine print. I saw another example where someone's trans went bad, and the warranty company send over a used replacement with 102K miles ("replacement with like kind automotive parts" in the detail). Again, thinking about self-insuring. I called Warranty Direct, which someone mentioned, but they will not insure a 911 unless it is still within factory warranty (i.e., just about to expire). With respect to a Tiptronic, he said he has never seen one gone bad. I keep hearing good stories about the Tips. I wonder is a Boxster S Tiptronic is a direct replacement? Probably easier to find these should I have to in the future. He said the only negative with a TIP AWD is that it can take more labor hours. For instance, the trans will come out without having to remove the engine in a manual, but not so for a Tip AWD. Again, he said only $750 for an engine R&R, so I am not so worried about that. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger!!! The biggest problem I have now is that the guy has a LIEN on the car, so I need to make sure I am risk free in obtaining clear title.

You seem to be on the right track and are entering to this activity very well informed. Cab mods worth considering: -SmartTop -Wind deflector -OEM wing and front splitter (don't do one w/o the other) -ROW M030 suspension (most significant and rewarding mod for me so far) -subwoofer, amp and speaker upgrade -PIAA ion yellow fog light upgrade (if you ever drive in fog or inclement weather) -tinted windows and clear bra if it's a driver -iPod integration to Becker stereo -hardwire for V1 radar (only if you're a recreational speeder ) -Fuggly airbag sticker delete mod I also have a C4 w/ tip and it's a great combo. I was very concerned about having to compromise w/ my wife on the tip, but it's a fabulous tranny - if you commute it's the only way to go.

Thanks Skiracer. I wonder if a hard top is really worth it?? Do you have one? Won't drive too much in inclement weather. Also, is it the same price to get a new soft top after a few years, if worn that quickly, instead of me paying for a hard top? Wonder if the hardtops are safer?? I would guess they provide better sound insulation? Thanks for the great combo comment. I had a manual 83 911. Really bothered my knee after a while (non hydraulic clutch). THen I had a 528i BMW with the tiptronic type trans, and I really enjoyed being able to manually downshift when going up a hill, without moving my left foot! 528 could have used more power though, which I am hoping the 911 will be able to provide (haha). My wife will be able to drive the car also with the TIP, but it is my preference at the end of the day too due to knee issues. I have been looking for a convertible four seater sport car (lots of two seaters out there), and this C4 really fits for me. Won't ever track it, etc. Just a guy coming up on 40, who likes to take the family out for ice cream and really hit the twisties and curves on occasion. Should be fun!

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A hard top is quieter at highway speeds; less so on surface streets. I have a hard top, and in the 7 yrs I've owned the car, I've put it on maybe 5 or 6 times during the winter (obviously skipped some winters altogether). I actually got it free from the dealer because so many cabs back then were shipping with the hard top and customers were choosing to omit them! Based on your intended usage, I'd say skip it. You can always pick one up on fleabay if you later decide that you want to have one.

Agreed on the hard top - I put mine on every winter and remove it for the summer months. I love driving the C4 in snow - it was made for it. It's made of aluminum and I keep mine on a hoist in the garage above the P-car, and it's a one-man operation to remove and install. As ervtx mentioned, you can get one later if needed - they sell for ~$500 plus re-paint if needed.