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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH3.6L reliability at high mileage
Leading reported evidence
Replace look at the records of these high mileage cars
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Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Look at the records of these high mileage cars to make sure the oil was changed at least as often as every 15K.
Leading evidence: 'Replace look at the records of these high mileage cars' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean ", i wouldn't worry about it' (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.
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Suggestion
The way I see it, if the compression is great and the engine is running "clean", I wouldn't worry about it.
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Suggestion
Some of these items may need replacing but these aren't deal breakers.
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Suggestion
If a car has 100K on it and only 4 oil changes, walk away.
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Suggestion
More in the realm of folklore (though I believe it firmly), an engine that's been driven will, in the long run, be more trouble free than one that hasn't.
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11 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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I've decided to broaden my horizons once I noticed there are some relatively cheap 2002 (hence 3.6L) cars out there...but of course high mileage.
Should one avoid a 2002 w/ 100k miles on it or are those engines good for 250k+? I guess noone really knows yet since it's only a four year old car...it's rare to see a 99-01 w/ over 120k or so on it but I seem to be able to find a number of 02 w/ ~100k
Thoughts? Avoid or good deal if I can find one that passes a good PPI?
I read an article back a couple of years ago from a mag that opened up a 3.4 with 100k miles, virtually no wear except on the valvetrain or variocam (ram)? Sounds like 100k is nothing for these motors if well maintained.
I have 88k miles on my 3.4 and it feels as strong as the day I bought it.
Some pretty smart people about these cars have said that if this engine piles on a lot of miles without any of the scary stuff happening (okay, engine failure), the odds of such a problem decline dramatically. So, to me, high mileage wouldn't be an issue as long as the service history showed diligent maintenance.
More in the realm of folklore (though I believe it firmly), an engine that's been driven will, in the long run, be more trouble free than one that hasn't. That and a subway token will get you downtown, as they say...
Another way to look at it is that the cost of a replacement engine is $10k, so if a high-mileage 996 is cheap enough, you can consider budgeting for a new engine in the future.
If the engine is wearing out, it should show up with a compression test and emissions test. The way I see it, if the compression is great and the engine is running "clean", I wouldn't worry about it.
Go to Renntech.org and make a note of the maintenance schedule for these cars. For example, the oil should be changed every 15K. Look at the records of these high mileage cars to make sure the oil was changed at least as often as every 15K. If a car has 100K on it and only 4 oil changes, walk away. If it has 10 oil changes, then the owner seems to care about the car. You want the cars where the owners looked after it.
Put some money aside for some work to be done on the car too. Clutch (including a new flywheel perhaps), brake work, shocks, etc. Some of these items may need replacing but these aren't deal breakers. Just be aware of them and the ballpark cost to replace them.
Cheers,
This is the best Porsche-buying advice I've heard. My $.02:
I bought a 2000 C2, CPO. I didn't have a PPI done because my dad, quite a Porsche guru, came with me to test drive it, and found the obvious flaws. We made an offer on the spot, without a PPI because the seller cared for the car. He had every receipt since day one, despite being the second owner. We figured anything big would be covered by CPO. It was nice to have every piece of paper ever for that car, though. In the year (exactly) that I had it, I did the following:
- Dealer fixed some sort of electrical problem with passenger side lights (front and rear), took 20 minutes including a car wash. Price: free.
- Dealer looked at brake fluid light coming on under high cornering loads. Found nothing wrong, despite the level being fine (as I'd verified myself). Eventually I added an ounce of brake fluid and never had the problem again.
- 60k service at an indy: $600.
- Here's the biggie: oil/coolant intermix. The car actually had a replacement coolant tank... it had been handled properly. New engine, though, and all new radiators and such. That was a lesson in the value of CPO.
That car was amazing. It was my third car ever, and my second with every receipt ever. The other one was a nightmare, but I think that was due to it being a 21yo BMW, not because of improper maintenance
Then I upgraded to a 911 TT last month. No receipts. No warranty. Despite a thorough PPI, I'm out $6010.74 in repairs already. The owner, despite being a car lover, was not an enthusiast, and I'm paying the price already...
Mine's at 80k plus, and has a reliable history. ('02 C4S)
No engine problems, no RMS issue on records.
(I only had a busted coolant hose.)
Excellent compression test results 7mths ago.
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