106 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHNeed Help should I buy 1999 996
Leading reported evidence
Check the two upright skis
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
OBTW, I checked, the two upright skis on the left, with the stylized "B" and the word "Breck" is the official logo of the town.
Leading evidence: 'Check the two upright skis' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check the two upright skis' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
that's what I was told that did the restoration.I was basically under the impression that everything that needed to be replaced was replaced.(Suspension, seals on transmission, seats,carpet.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I was told the IMs was replaced per LN engineering instruction.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The labor line is copied out of Pro Demand for engine overhaul but the invoice doesn't show anything from the bottom end being replaced, nor the IMS.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
New bearings make me wonder why they needed to be replaced on an engine with so low mileage.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
that's what I was told that did the restoration.I was basically under the impression that everything that needed to be replaced was replaced.(Suspension, seals on transmission, seats,carpet.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
In addition to what you got, I document suspension components, compression tests, ECU(DME) data, and run a borescope from above for about what you paid.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
106 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 1 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T091943Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Hi
Just wanted to get some expert opinions on the purchase of a 996. This will be my first 911 of course always wanted one. I did own a 924s. Just wanted to get your thoughts before I put a deposit down.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-Porsch...item23b2c19674
. Just want something i could drive without losing money. The last photo shows the PPL. Says that the engine was done 50k miles ago. Thanks for the help!
Lmao. Somebody turned it into an imposter porsche. Looks like it has oil leaks, suspension is tired and a bunch of other little stuff. Whoever wrote that ppi has really bad writing.
I wouldn't buy it just based on the fact that someone turned it into something that it's not. But to each their own.
Clint, listen to me closely. Don't walk, RUN from this car. This car is like the FOLEX of Porsches. It's obvious the previous owner took a '99 Carrera cabriolet and converted it to a "turbo-like" car. It's one thing to put turbo parts of a base Carrera, but when someone goes all out and then re-badges as the genuine article, that crosses the line in my book. Someone has really dumped some money on turbo bumper skins, rear spoiler, faux intercooler air scoop, and rocker moldings for no return on the investment! As I've said before, it's like a curl on a pig's tail, doesn't add anymore pork to the pig!
Keep looking!
I agree with the previous comments. That car is a bit screwy, and the seller appears to be an idiot. You should be able to find a much better car from a reputable seller that’s still in your price range. I’m not sure how realistic it is to want to buy a 20 year-old performance car, drive it, and not lose money. But you increase your chances if you buy a well-sorted, maintained car from a reputable seller.
Didn't seem that bad to me. If it didn't need too much mechanically, who cares if it has turbo parts on it? At 16k bucks it could have been a lot of cheap fun.
LMAO. I clicked the link and spent 10 minutes trying to figure out what the hell you guys were talking about. Finally realized the original auction ended and it was showing me another.
Welcome Clint. Put your location in your signature block. Take a look at the 'Craigslist finds' sometimes there are good deals there. Reach out to other owners and also shop right her on rennlist. You've chosen a great car, and a very good team here, hope it goes well and you find what you want. Most people shop for a year or so before dropping coin. Take your time, get what you really want. Read the sitckys at the top too.
I have a 1999 rare Ocean Jade Mettalic with green leather, titronic, 187K mils looks and runs great I am a 30+ yearvPCA member and know a reasonable car and pricing, $14.5K will negotiate with a Rennlist member
Rich
That is a nice car! I can honestly say I've never seen that color before on a 996. Just worried about the mileage. It seems like it cost about 15K if I needed a new engine?
If well maintained, 187k isn't particularly high on a 20 yr old car (9-10k/yr on average). You could spend up to $30k on a new engine/rebuild, depending on what you get... $15k will be a very basic replacement engine. $22-25k will get you a nicely upgraded and more powerful engine. Anything beyond that is more likely something that's geared more toward track use.
If others can see the whole image (as I can), the problem is not with the uploaded file or Rennlist. Something is going on with the client device (phone, computer, browser, etc.) you are trying to view it from. Data point: it works fine on Chrome and Safari on a mac and in Chrome and Safari on my iPhone.
[QUOTE=uscarrera;15605472]
I have a 1999 rare Ocean Jade Mettalic with green leather, titronic, 187K mils looks and runs great I am a 30+ yearvPCA member and know a reasonable car and pricing, $14.5K will negotiate with a Rennlist member
Rich
[/QUOTEDo you have it for sale here on rennlist? More pics?
Not sure if this is a real buyer, I would like to see more details on where he is located and what are the criteria for the vehicle. So far, just a lot of thought provoking comments/questions.
I am a real buyer. Always loved 911 Porsche. Had a 88 924s for 8 years because I could not afford the 911 at the time. Looking for a 911 that i could own for 10-15 years and maybe have the value go up. It would be my family's second car. I am about to put a deposit down on another one. This time its has a rebuilt engine, transmission, suspension, seat, carpe. Or about 10k miles ago. total millage is 140,000. the price is under 20k.Carfax says everything is clean and a good service history and all stock. Does having a lot of things rebuilt really help the value? I am paying for the PPI in a few days.
Awesome, welcome. Sorry for the suspicion, there have been a few strange threads lately. Feel free to share any details, look forward to supporting your questions.
^^ It depends on who did the rebuild. There are a few that will affect the value in a positive way. There are also a few that will affect the value in a negative way. I'm sure there are MANY that will do a decent job, but are unknown quantities so they won't affect value either way. All I can recommend is that you really do your homework and ask lots of questions. Ask what kind of parts were used for the rebuild and remember that there are some real weak points with stock engines/parts (i.e. - "we only use geniune Porsche parts"). This is particularly important when it comes to pistons, rings, connecting rods/bolts, timing chains/tensioner paddles, etc... Good luck
Porsche tech was the person that supposed to own it before the current owner. I guess the current owner had it for a year and a half. Said he was selling for medical bills. The PPI is going to a Porsche shop. I don't know if the Porsche tech that use to own it works there.
Verify carefully who 'rebuilt' the engine. What exactly was done, and is any/all of it backed up with clear and decisive paper docs. If the price is under $20k, and it really has a rebuilt engine(cost at least $20k to rebuild), you are getting the car for free, and just paying for the engine. The words 'rebuilt', and 'engine' in the same sentence is fraught with peril, even more-so on a 996 Porsche.
That is great advice. The rebuild was done at Euro spec Inc in Jacksonville FL. I also saw that invoice for the engine and transmission rebuild. Looks like they also did the transmission rebuild at the same time. They are all so the ones that are doing the PPI. I did look them up and I got pretty good reviews on a couple different sites.
Looks like a generic invoice with some porsche part numbers added in to me
De ridge and burnish cylinders, I hope not with lockasil votes they will be wrecked unless special methods are used , doesn't sound good to me
How much did that PPI cost?
Seems a bit scarce on info.
Also, I would consider 2% moisture in the brake fluid to be more urgent than the cabin air filter.
OP,
I would want to know the build specs for the rings/gaps/pistons. What does �burnish� even mean? Sorry if I missed it, but why was engine rebuilt? Compression test numbers from a leak down? No mention of when AOS, RMS, IMS were done. �01 cabs have the plastic window. If basic maintenance like fluids and filters are not good, per the PPI, I wonder how well the car has been looked after. If the headlights look like they do in the photos, cosmetic issues will probably need to be addressed for the whole car. Was any replacement of suspension parts ever done? 140,000 miles is a lot of miles for the underpinnings. �Good� on a PPI is not enough to make this anywhere close to a $20k car. Lots of things make me say pass on this one.
Thank you for your responses! I was told the IMs was replaced per LN engineering instruction. I was told that the car was previously owned by aa Porsch master technician. that's what I was told that did the restoration.I was basically under the impression that everything that needed to be replaced was replaced.(Suspension, seals on transmission, seats,carpet. it was almost a fully restored 996. I have the wrong kind of thinking. I was thinking that since the car is 18 years old and the only thing that really needs to be done was the replacement of the brake fluid and the filter for cabin air. I just haven't seen a car that old that didn't have something that needed to be fixed or replace. But this was exactly why I came here to ask different opinions. Just to be safe.
It doesn't look like they rebuilt the transmission.
They may have listed it because the dropped it when they dropped the engine.
Or it is just identifying that it had an automatic transmission.
If an engine rebuild and transmission rebuild was done for that price, I wouldn't trust either.
Looks like they just installed new bearings, rings, chains and tensioners, and put it all back together.
That's a typical "rebuild" for most makes, but it really doesn't address most of the issues an M96 could have.
I'd consider this a budget rebuild.
I would add very little additional value due to the work done.
New chains and guide rails are a good thing.
New rings could or could not be a good thing, depending upon the bore conditions.
New bearings make me wonder why they needed to be replaced on an engine with so low mileage.
Maybe a "just because we're in there."
I think they meant they "honed" the cylinder, not "burnished."
If they didn't send it to LN for Nickies, and install a new IMS bearing (Preferably The IMS Solution) it really adds little or no value to me.
The car had approximately 146000 miles at the time of this repair. I'm not sure if that helps or not. I did thought he said that the transmission was rebuilt but it is not. He said that they just replace the seals on the transmission. The purchase price is $14500.
If the car had been well maintained, that's a little early.
But no matter what the cost was, that was a low-end rebuild.
Don't let it add much into the vehicle price.
If they also have done the IMS, then that would be good.
I agree with what hatchetf15 said about the maintenance on filters and leaks.
If they've been ignored, then what else has too.
I've done a few PPIs and my documentation was a lot more thorough.
In addition to what you got, I document suspension components, compression tests, ECU(DME) data, and run a borescope from above for about what you paid.
But it would be even better to have the sump dropped and borescope from below.
Docmirror is correct.
If you want a convertible with automatic, that one would be a better deal in my opinion.
That's less than half the mileage on the entire car.
It still has the age, but wear wise it would be preferable.
My 2002 has 67K miles now and I still have people ask me if it is a 2018 or 2019.
At least two had already looked inside it when they asked.
Front bumper, sideskirts, headlight covers, and rear spoiler have been recently painted, but the rest is factory.
65K miles is nothing for a 996.
Just take care of maintenance and it should last a long while.
How long would it take you to put an additional 80K on it?
Targa, few bucks more. I think squirrel doesn't like this seller, but all I know is the car looks ok. Caveat emptor.
https://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/d...802738227.html
Man you guys are tough buyers. I would not let the lack of maintenance keep me from buying this. You only talking about changing brake fluid, a cabin filter, and an air filter. Some mechanics are bad about this kind of stuff. They would replace a transmission bearing or wheel bearing or rebuild the engine at the very first sign of any noise, but not wash the car for 3 months !! lol..
And by the way, looking at the repair sheet, I see 12 new intake valves and 12 new exhaust valves.$1500 in new valves tells me something failed causing the valves to get bent. Possibly a broken chain or failed IMS. The Mechanic may have bought it as a roller, then repaired the engine and did a refresh while he was in there due to mileage. Of course this would not add any value to the car as a whole, just a necessary repair. Looks like the car needed and received a lot of love.
Now
THAT
looks nice!
Not too far away from me either.(3 hour drive)
Luckily I have 9 cars waiting for repairs and oil changes this weekend, or else I'd head to Austin to take a look at it.
That sure would be a tempting treat to pick up if the rest of the car looks as nice as the exterior!
This is really good help I really appreciate it! I certainly know I came to the right place. Now I just got to learn how to dress like you Porsche owners😉
That's a good price.
But I'd expect to have to do a lot to bring it up to snuff.
But at that cheap, you could do a lot if you do your own work.
I'd definitely be tempted if it were a little closer, and a coupe, and I didn't have a full schedule for the next week or so.
Uh, I'm wearing sweats and a long sleeve pullover.
Hey, I'm going up skiing this wknd. If you are around Breck, drop me a private note. I can give you a ride to TX if you want to come down and shop for a some cars in the Republic.
Uh, that cab top in Waco screams water damage. Proceed with all due caution.
Not really interested in sounding like a local.
BTW, you should tell Breck not to use Breck. Because Breck is literally - all over the official website of - say it with me, Breck.
https://www.breckenridge.com/
OBTW, I checked, the two upright skis on the left, with the stylized "B" and the word "Breck" is the official logo of the town. (you should also learn how to spell it, would help your case)
Just telling you what everybody in Colorado calls it. only people that call it "Breck" out of state trying to impress people. So smart somebody does that we immediately know.
Is there a page two? That is nowhere near a complete rebuild. The labor line is copied out of Pro Demand for engine overhaul but the invoice doesn't show anything from the bottom end being replaced, nor the IMS.
I just asked him for it. The seller is not the one that had the engine rebuilt. Looks like is actually the owner of the company had the engine done. That's who owned it before him. Looks like the owner of the company owned it for three and a half years.
But looking through the threads on this forum and other pre-purchase inspections, the car looks to be in really good shape. Understand you can expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 in deferred maintenance.
I'm not sure if the car comes with the mankini. I may have to purchase that separately.
Like Charles said, the labor description line is for a top refresh only. For an example, my indie was gonna charge me 35 hrs for a top refresh with me providing the entire parts list (way more extensive than your invoice, minus valve work) I was able to source for appr $1500. A full rebuild is in the neighborhood of 60 hrs, from what I can gather.
Here is the IMS
I talked to the seller of the car. he said that absolutely the whole engine was completely rebuilt. He said since it was the owner of the company he didn't always invoice the total of what he did on the car. Because it was his own personal car and he often didn't invoice all the work he did.
I can tell from the picture from the PPI, the bottom of the engine does look very clean. Just not sure why the IMs invoice and the engine rebuild invoice dates don't match.
Looks like it has been taken care of, although if the last water pump was installed in 2013, it's
about
due for a new one.
If you're talking about inside the sump, this one below was very clean at 64K and hadn't been rebuilt.
If you're talking about the sump plate, then maybe that's a good indication.
Right after removing the sump plate.
After removing the 996 oil separators with swirl pots and installing the 997 oil separators.
Deep sump and cleaned up sump plate.
It was not a full rebuild. Only top end. Not even sure what IMS was used. His explanation of not listing or charging everything out is bogus. Why go through the trouble of listing all top end and no bottom end parts then?
In my professional opinion, I would keep looking if this is a car you are considering purchasing.
If you decide to buy it, I would consider installing a known IMS bearing.
I'd suggest The IMS Solution, which I'm pretty sure Charles would agree with me.
The IMS Solution is truly install it and forget about it.
Well the air cooled guys that bought there used 911 for 15k or less sure did make some money(Or 912, 914, 928, 924). They said they would never increase in value. I have a 1987 runner in my garage I bought for 4k. It worth around 12k now. My mother in law had and old mercedes sport convertible that she traded in for 4k. It would be worth a 100k today. I can add all the articles by financial advisors that say to buy old performance sports cars because it will do better than the stock market. It better to diversify. So if you make money on your old performance car will you send it my way? Because it's not possible.
Here is the same pick underneath attached. The car does looks brand new on the underside.
Not sure if it would set off an alarm - but there are a number of bolt heads and studs; as well as the coolant drain plug that are rather rusty looking. May or may not mean anything.
But as a point of reference, those same fasteners on my old car, are not rusty. Then again, I have a lot of oil and grime protecting these critical parts...
Just don't know how it would be so clean? I guess you could have took in everything apart cleaned and put it back together again. Maybe he needs some oil leaks the cover some of it up. But half of people in The forum think I'm not real also or old convertible sports cars don't go up in value. Or wild Bill doesn't look a lot like Kelly Slater.
I am going to buy it. Just looking at the invoice it does say that the engine was overhauled. It does show that a new crankshaft was put in. although he did not use a part number. I have spoken to two different people at the company and they both verify that the engine was fully rebuilt. In addition how clean it is. Water pump only has 10000 miles on it. Confirmed with the shop that the IMS is the Vetech eps with oil drive permanent solution.
It comes down to judging your risk and throwing the dice.
Once you decide to buy it, put the naysayers behind you and never look back.
Hope it works out well for you!
Got it drove it from Florida to Denver. I'll post some pics as soon as it gets warm enough here to wash it. Got into a terrible snowstorm couldn't even see the nose of the car the snow is so thick. Car ran great. Has 3/4 of a factory aero kit and the $600 air box. Which I didn't expect and was not advertised.
Looks like it has lots of new parts everywhere. Looks like somebody went through the whole car. I'm in no way an expert mechanic. The parts and bolts just don't look eighteen years old.
Jealous of you guys have had these cars for a while. Fun to drive.
JD power sure thinks Porsches are very reliable. Looks like they're always in the top five of car manufacturers which I didn't expect. Didn't expect them to be side by side with Lexus. Just voted the 911 the most reliable cars you can buy this year. I don't know how much Porsche is paying them?
They're very reliable, but expensive to fix when they do break. The thing to remember is that the 996 generation of cars are 15-20 years old now. Even on well maintained cars, you've got old plastics, hoses, fasteners, electrical connectors, switches, etc. Your best bet will be to learn how to do at least the small stuff yourself. The $ you save on labor will be significant, and you'll really get to know your car. Good luck
Congratulations. That's a hell of a drive home.
Regarding JD Power - I wouldn't put much stock in that. I believe they focus on initial satisfaction. Which in your case, is obviously good. But they rate it at initial purchase.
Nonetheless, Porsche has always been built on quality and reliability. Even a 20 year old Porsche still holds these attributes; as long as the owner cares for and maintains it.
Jumping in here. Thoughts on this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-Porsch...4/303059996769
I am taking for a test drive by Friday and then scheduling a PPI if warranted.
Looks ok.
How many miles did the used engine have on it when it was installed?
It seems a little high to me for a cab, but maybe not for a C4.
I�ve seen lots of cheaper C2 cabs for sale.
There was no information about the engine other than a receipt (I have a copy), which included a $600 IMS upgrade. Seeing that the engine was replaced in 2010 and only 20,000 miles have been added since, I can't imagine the engine is a dog.
But then again, I am new to 996s. I loved my Cayenne until it got totaled .. so I figured why not a C4, which I plan on driving daily (snow and all).
Congrats Clint, she's a beauty!
Tom, find out more on the motors previous history. You don't want an old 200K mile motor in there! Maybe try to find the previous owner or the shop that did the work?
