buying a used 996

What shall i look for when buying a used 996? Is there some standard failures or things that may often be broken? Thanks David

Hey Fokker, Does the phrase "inner circle of trust" mean anything to you? -R

NO

996's are great used cars. Just make sure the service records are up to date. MY '99 had some issues, easily solved under warrantee. So long as the cars are properly serviced and maintained, a used Porsche, 996 or older, is bulletproof.

Thanks

I think I'd avoid the first year 996. Teething problems. BTW, is do you have a wife or sister named Martha? You can milk anything that has nipples.

No problems at all with my MY '99 c4. Only changes between '99 and '00 were (i) improved standard non-leather dash material (not relevant if you had the full leather package) and (ii) a more efficient exhaust system bumping hp from 296 to 300. If looking at identical cars for the same price, buy the '00 - I wouldn't hesitate to buy a '99 if equipped the way you like it. Early MY '99 cars had some reported (i) engine warning lights associated with failing to replace the gas tank cover properly following filling up at the pump and (ii) some reported engine problems (solved later during the MY and repaired under warranty for early MY '99 cars). As Palting suggested, make sure the car has a clean service record and speak to the dealer who serviced the car.

My partner had a '99 and had more gremlins than a fairytale. Maybe his was an anomaly.

Lets be fair guys. I know that the early '99's had some problems, but (1) the problems were relatively minor, and (2) they were all covered under the TSB's. There certainly are owners who experienced model switch-over problems, and there is no doubt that they exist. But let's not give a bad name to all '99's out there. I bought a '99 last year, and have not had a single thing to complain about. In fact after reading about how some '00 and '01 owners have had problems early on with their cars (linkage issues, etc.) I'm even more thankful to have a '99. Don't get me wrong: I'm the first one to admit that a few '99's had problems that need to be watched out for -- especially if the car has been a lease-return and where the owner may not have take great care of it. But as a '99 owner that has had a maintenance free experience, I just get a little tired of people constantly lambasting the '99 model when by-and-large, its an exceptional machine. Sorry, just a little venting. Regards.

I have a pre-99 build 996(10/98) and other then the TSB's that were done under warranty it's been near flawless. TSB's included for me were: rear oil seal/coolant expansion tank/air bag lite/center rear hinge breakage/and rear spoiler needed resealing to avoid rust. Never did get a check engine lite which said the gas cap had something to do with it. My car has 26k miles now and is driven hard and gone to 5 DE events(last 6 months) already. Options to consider if your going for a MY '99 is full leather interior/litronic headlites and traction control. I heard of engines needing replacement or trannys but it's a rarity but that's just from looking at these posts so I'm not an expert on this. MY '99 does not have PSM or Egas(drive by wire). Regards and good luck. Mike

I have to agree with the last two posts as to early build '99 996's. I had a 9/98 build 996 cab that I took delivery on in Oct. '98. It was a daily driver that had 55k miles when I traded it in for an '02. I never once had any major problem with it except for the minor known warranty issues such as the check engine light going on, the air bag light and the squeaky clutch pedal. There was one recall with respect to the engine lid and rustproofing I never even had to add oil between regular changes until 41k miles.

My '99 has been great! I had some reservations about buying the first MY of a new design but this car has given me great carefree enjoyment.

I do have to say that for a first year model of any car the 996 has done a pretty decent job overall. I look at roadfly's M3(E46) board and to see total engine failures that's abit scary and the new 7 series as well but then again maybe the E46 board has done a better job of reporting incidents versus the 996 and would be nice to have a population report on things like that. Do you think that with the way Porsche designs their cars it's configured to prevent engine blowouts via having something else give out like tranny to avoid major engine damage? Regards. Mike

I do have to say that for a first year model of any car the 996 has done a pretty decent job overall. I look at roadfly's M3(E46) board and to see total engine failures that's abit scary and the new 7 series as well but then again maybe the E46 board has done a better job of reporting incidents versus the 996 and would be nice to have a population report on things like that. Do you think that with the way Porsche designs their cars it's configured to prevent engine blowouts via having something else give out like tranny to avoid major engine damage just like having circuit breakers in the house? Regards. Mike

[quote]I just get a little tired of people constantly lambasting the '99 model when by-and-large, its an exceptional machine. <hr></blockquote> I'm Completely agree, with you Vik. Mine (a'99)has been solid as a rock, some DE events, daily driver, just been at the dealer to change oil.! Best regards. Ps: Fokker: ask for service records (higly important)and you can do a PPI inspection.

I was only posting the experience my colleague had. Again, perhaps he got a lemon. FWIW, it was white/tan and sold from Champion. I'm not knocking them but if you happen upon a white/tan '99 originating in Pompano Beach/Broward County, who knows....