At a crossroads on my 1999 996 C2 Coupe

I am the third owner, having bought this car in 2001, then two years old, from a co-worker who keeps meticulous care of his cars. I've put on ~30,000 miles in the ~18 years I've owned it, with much of the last 8 years sitting under cover in my garage. Dusting it off now, poring through this forum (awesome resource!), and debating whether to: (1) drive more or less as is; (2) perform IMS, RMC, clutch, etc., and continue to drive it for years; or (3) sell as is and buy a Tesla. I am leaning toward option 1, with a basic program of typical maintenance. Local dealers here in Silicon Valley (can there be a more expensive place to have a Porsche serviced??) are quoting almost $4,000 to perform IMS, and my recent research suggests the car is worth in the low teens with IMS done, so if wikipedia is right, that ~1% of early 996's will have a major IMS failure, I'm inclined to roll the dice and drive it as is. Being suddenly stranded somewhere if I am unlucky doesn't bother me. It becomes a roller, I take an uber home, and go buy that Tesla. So over the past week I've picked up the Bentley bible, the 101 projects book, and have spent too many hours reading all your great posts here. I think I'll run the Blackstone oil analysis, check the oil filter on a change this week, and assuming no major bad news, the tactical project list then includes: basic maintenance as prescribed by the factory, probably targeting the 60,000 mile list personal vow to change oil every 6mo or 5,000 whichever comes first drive it hard most of the time, with RPMs > 2,000 and foot firmly on one one pedal or another radio upgrade to get AM/FM and Bluetooth. Thinking the Continental radio covered in this 993 project post . clear out all drain ways (currently feeling damp carpet behind driver seat) fix driver window regulator, which just failed recently replace windshield (pitted, worn, ruins a beautiful day in a beautiful car) minor paint touch up implement the clever "cheap key" solution, as I currently have only one key replace frunk shocks buy a decent car cover tires and pads are good for now, but will need both within 2020 MacGyver a combo solution of cup holder and phone holder, wedged gently between center console and shotgun seat. Haven't seen any aftermarket solution that does what I want here. Maybe I'll even try to get wireless charging into the phone holder. fix a few minor issues broken inside: both visor mirror flaps, center console hinge shampoo carpets and original floor mats If no bad news shows up over the next several months, then I might spring for the performance software upgrade, and buy a bit of Porsche swag. But can't fall [back] in love with this car if heartbreak appears likely. Roller valuation: if my engine blew tomorrow, any predictions of value post tragedy? Thanks all. A few pics attached. The underneath photos were 5 minutes with my phone in the driveway. See anything that portends big bills or broken heart? Kelly Manufactured in Feb 1998 Need to look up the option codes. Car is pretty stock though.

Question for ya. If you've driven it for 18 years without issue, why are you worried about it blowing up tomorrow? It's a 99, so less prone to IMSB issues. If you are asking for opinions, I'd vote for maintaining and driving that awesome C2! I also can't think of a more boring appliance than a Tesla. Rode in an S model a few weeks back. Pretty dull. Miles away from a sports car. Also check out shops in the East Bay. Might be cheaper than SV.

If it has spent the last 8 years covered up then 1. you must not �Need� the money from it but 2. you must also not really enjoy it. If it has no sentimental value then just get a different car you will enjoy as chances are you will just cover it up again.

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Wow, super clean, love the car. IMO you will miss it if it goes. I have driven and love the Teslas, but the experience is completely opposite (of course). Is it possible to keep both?

Beautiful early '98 production 996. The car looks immaculate! Dual row IMS so I wouldn't worry about that for the moment. Are those hollow spoke wheels?

How many miles are actually on it? I can't imagine it's worth only low teens, while it might not fetch higher amounts on the 996 spectrum it doesn't look like a dud. First and foremost with it sitting for so long find a good independent shop and have them go through it and see what they recommend. If you have a leak in the rear main seal you might as well do the IMS while you are in there. I know you are in one of the most expensive parts of the country but a good indy should be cheaper than a dealer. After that drive it a little and see how you feel. I've always liked red with the beige interior, it seems like such a classic look.

Thanks all for your quick and thoughtful responses. I wish I knew how to multi-quote, without spending all afternoon cutting and pasting, but here are some responses/clarifications: I *do* love driving the car Work situation for 5+ years was such that the optics of driving *this* car was problematic. Thus the 2005 F150 crew cab with lumber rack. ;-) #1 reason to switch to a Tesla is not performance, it's environmental conscience, esp with two younger kids (11 and 7) talking about it daily I am not living in daily fear of IMS explosion, and agree that if I've made it this far (apparently), chances are good I am in the Lucky Majority on IMS Yes, keeping both is an option, though wife might not be too happy with that driveway-wise, but yes. One of you asked about the wheels. No clue as to the vernacular. They are original from the factory, whatever they're called. 52k miles on it. First 2 years it live in Austin, Bay Area ever since. Leaning further toward Option 1. Thanks gents. Kelly

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Oooh, just figured out multi-quote! East Bay shops a good idea. See prior post. I do love the car and love driving it. 2nd gear my fav, going over toward the coast on a tight windy road. Agree, I could very likely have seller's remorse ... Thanks all.

I think getting it sorted and driving it a bit is your best option since you don't need to sell it. If you just sell it you might regret it, if you get it sorted, drive it a bit and then decide it's okay to let it go you will have a clear conscience over it.

Seller�s remorse is real!

Also, not sure I believe in the whole �environmentally friendly� thing with Tesla, or any other electric car. Lithium mining and what happens when the batteries have served their lifecycle are not what I�d consider �sustainable�.

That's a real beauty, original right down to the factory Becker CDR210 radio and exterior lights. generally don't like red 996s but the fried egg headlights and amber tails are a very nice contrast! The white (silver?) inserts in the bumper are interesting. If you want to know the options: 234 Internal production code related to tyres 408 18" 993 Turbo Technology hollow spoke wheels (haven't seen these in Hollow spoke before, poster above was right!) 424 CD compartment (seems to be missing, replaced with a secondary storage cubby) 437 8-way electrical seat, left 438 8-way electrical seat, right 490 Basic sound system 537 Seat memory, left 688 CD-radio Becker Porsche CDR-210 USA 936 Leather rear seats 983 Leather front seats I've got a 99 just like this but a few months "newer" Has 134k miles, a stack of maintenance records and I'm the third owner. I'm going to drive it til the wheels fall off and fix what comes up.

I think purchasing a new car (let alone one that requires a lot of mining to produce, heavily reliant on aluminum production, with large batteries being shipped around the world, and uncertain end of life cycle recycling of said corrosive metals -and is powered by whatever the electric grid relies on) is more damaging to the environment than using a properly operating modern car with emission controls for the rest of it's useful life.

Most People have no clue about "environmentally friendly" when it comes to EV! When was the last oil change and the one before that? Old acidic oil eats bearings...

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I don't think I'll ever understand this. People at work comment on mine all the time. And then I tell them it cost less than the 2019 Civic they just stepped out of and they look all puzzled "But it's a Porsche" That it is, Ace.

A Tesla has roughly the same life-time carbon footprint as a HMMV.. The military one.. IF you factor in the raw material environmental impact.. Its even higher than a powerstroke F350.. I like driving them,, but if your going to do one,, do the Model 3 and ask the dealer for the "off the menu" minimum priced model.. they turn off about 30 miles of range and the auto assist features.. Or buy the BMW with range extender.. My girls loved it when I had it for a service car while mine was being worked on..

Wow, if you decide to sell it for low teens WITH the original IMS bearing, I’d be VERY interested.

Keep it. Drive it. Change the oil. Enjoy! My 2 pesos. Your mileage may vary.

Thanks @garrettsr5 for decoding the options for me! No surprises there other than the missing CD holder. Kelly

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You still curious regarding how much would be if is a roller, so I'm thinking still doubting regarding keeping it, my history, I had it for 5 years, bought it with 3900 miles and put 28000 miles on those 5 years, I did - Battery - Water pump, - Serpentine belt, - Flush and replace all fluids, - Changed window actuators all 4 - Sway bars - IMS Direct feed oil - Replaced starter - Replaced hydraulic cylinder - Replaced frunk hood struts - Oil changed and filter every 5000 miles - 3 sets of tires - Engine mounts - Spark plugs This car was never tracked, more of a weekend toy but every time I used it for a week or two in a row something just give up and to top it off I was rear ended last year so my resolution was to sell it in October. Do I miss it? Hell yeah!!! but financially speaking plus the retail value of the 996 is not worth it.

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That's probably not a white or silver insert, its more than likely just faded plastic.

Comparing a Porsche 911 to a Tesla is like comparing a date with hot super model versus being locked in a padded room with a cheap blowup doll.

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Yep, my '99 996 has the same issue. Looking to do it when I take the bumper off to clean out the leaves. Pelican sells the grill plastic for ~$150; OP should add it to his to-do list

I had an 82 Targa and sold it in 98. Missed it from the moment I sold it and it took me 6 more years until I got another one(my 99C2). Unless you want a newer model 911, save yourself the endless online searches and keep it.

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Both my 911s has faded black plastic windshield cowls. I used tire shine. Works like a charm. Only had to apply it once in the 2 years I owned my 99.

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I've had good luck with my cowl trim, but my lower grill plastic trim just keeps fading. I've tried a few different products with no luck. Maybe op will have better luck than I!

Per several recent posts, yes, this is faded black, not silver or white. Also, I couldn't find a good thread on this topic (amp, frunk contents, etc.,) so I'll tag the question on here: is this the amp in the frunk? Factory diagram suggests so. Curious absence of any labels/markings that would give a clue. If I am replacing the original CDR-210 with a Continental unit (per other threads), should I just leave the amp in? [EDIT: the Conti radio I am planning to install has amp built-in, and does not have line-out that could be fed to this stock amp.]

Another question as I re-acquaint myself with my vehicle, and learn more about IMS, boring, etc. What is a typical range of oil pressure readings on the dash as one idles, drives, etc. I see oil pressure gauge read as low as 2 at idle (warm), and then at speed at 2,000 rpm typically reading 4 to 5 on the gauge. On any degree of acceleration, it pegs at 5. Does all that sound normal, or is the 2 at idle suggestive of a "loose" engine? Also, is there a good thread covering expected oil consumption? I'm putting on a few thousand miles a year, zero track, and curious what level of oil consumption is good/average/bad.

Your pressure readings are good. I�m at 1.25 bar at warm idle with 0W oil. You may have a heavier weight oil.

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There are cheaper way to consume less gasoline, like a small chinese electric motorbike for 4000 USD. And I think all those batteries will have to be thrown away somewhere at the end of the life of the car :s But yeah the 996 drink gasoline like you drink water, so it's not like it HELP the environment ahaha

Yes thats the amp. Throw it away with the radio and get a decent 4x50 amp. I got a kenwood for about $150 and put it in the same spot. If u get the continental it may only have a high line (speaker wire not rca) input so make sure u get an amp that accepts high line so u wont need an aditional adaptor. Oil pressure is better the average.

Glad to hear oil pressure readings are good. Successfully changed oil and filter for the first time yesterday. Engine # found while underneath: M96/0166W05174. Anything noteworthy with that number? EDIT: As I understand the decoding, W = built in 1998, serial 05714. Any sense for how early that engine is? Seems this should be the original engine, given Feb '98 build date of the car. Does this further confirm working theory that it's a double row IMSB? And also the score-proof cylinders, right? Kelly

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�99 can still score. http://flat6innovations.com/cylinder-bore-scoring/ but, being a warm weather car helps!

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The environmental impact of manufacturing a Tesla is so much greater than the environmental impact of the fuel usage of the 911 that is already produced. It's not even close. I wouldn't bother with IMS nor replace a clutch that isn't showing signs of being worn. ​​​​​​If your goal for the radio is just to get Bluetooth there are many cheap and easy options for using your original radio still. Becker Autosound offers either a piggyback harness you can install yourself or you can send it to them and they will send you back a result radio that has the Bluetooth internally.

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C.Quartz Dlux lasts 2 years on a car that's parked outside.

Cquartz D Lux or Solution Finish are great trim product.