Buying my first Porsche (2002 996), Possible IMS issue (oil leak)?

Hello everyone, Longtime Porsche fan, looking to buy my first. I found one close by that fits my budget. However I had an inspection done at an indy Porsche shop, and he noted there was a very small oil leak between the engine and transmission. I was well aware of the possibility and was dreading the inspection so this is making me nervous as I can't afford a 10-15k rebuild. Just wondering what you think the likelihood that this is IMS or just a simple RMS leak? Some more notes about this car, its been resold a few times, I don't have detailed maintenance history outside of Carfax report noting regular maintenance. It was also involved in one accident 4 years ago to the front end of the car, but driving fine since. Has 45k miles on it. Also its been sitting in a driveway for the past 5 months (probably 9 when factoring the winter). They boosted the battery and took me on a drive and it seemed to operate fine. But I've heard a total lack of use for such long periods is bad for these cars. I am currently negotiating a possible lower price to get the issue fixed (retrofitted with an LN shaft). Does this seem like the right course of action? The mechanic said the clutch was starting to see its age too so it seems like its a good time to just replace it all at once to save on labour. Thanks for any advice

Not knowing where you live, it's hard to know what the inventory is right now. However, it's a 996 buyer's market. Hold out for a car you don't need to start repairing on day 1.

New clutch, new battery, IMS bearing replacement, and all the other stuff you DON'T know about. Add in the stuff that is known to need replacement (coolant tank, water pump), and you're well into the thousands. Find one that's been properly maintained and won't start sucking your wallet dry the day you drive it from where you bought it to your new best friend (your indy Porsche mechanic). Unless you really like your indy and want to put his kid(s) through college...

I live in Ontario, Canada. Yeah, I'm worried about all those things too I'm starting to think it's not worth the possible headache. It is a pretty good price for a 996 with low mileage, but just so many unknowns... combined with repairs right off the bat. And as you said, it's a buyer's market for 996's especially with winter around the corner.

On the other hand, if you can get the car for a great price, why not buy it, have these items fixed, and know that it was done right? The car's price was never mentioned in your post, but if the cost of the car plus repairs (let's assume maybe in the range of 5k) adds up to be less than a similar car, then why not? Then, you will have a car with a brand new clutch, new IMSB, new AOS, and whatever else you decide to fix/replace.

I have to agree with Cuda911. Did you ask them why it had been standing for 9 months? A very important question. At least they were honest and told you that fact anyway. Is it a private or dealer sale? These cars could stand legit on a dealers front for months at a time. 45000 is a nice mileage for a 2002 model. Anything older then its not been driven up to par. I would be thinking of taking off $3 grand from the asking price plus 5 grand for the repairs. The front end bump (depending on how severe) would be the thing that would frighten me. If anything, That's the thing of all that I would be walking away from. That's if I walked away. It may have been a slight car park bump. If they have photos (which I very much doubt it) I would decide then. Is there a site you can link that shows the vehicle?

Where are you in Ontario and what is the price you are shooting for? All.car prices in Canada are hiher than the US and the choices are alot more limited.

Model year, color combo, price, options would help us a lot. Some wouldn't mind taking a risk if the price was low enough but not sure if you're that type. Number of owners doesn't really mean a whole lot as these types of cars are generally 2nd weekend cruisers for most. Does it include the original manuals, 3 keys(1 valet)? How is the condition of the interior trim, including the floor mats? Is the seller forthcoming with any questions you might have?

2002 carrera 4 cabriolet. Silver. We agreed on $20000 before the clutch/oil leak issues. The interior looks good. Power top works. To get a sense of price you can check Canada wide for these models on kijiji or autotrader.ca. Comparables cost around 25000 but they're probably a little cleaner on the history. You have to discount that we're not in a big market like Toronto though. I mentioned the change in ownership because that's the reason they don't have all of the maintenance history. They've been fairly forthcoming about information and provided carfax on their dime. The front damage is labeled moderate on carfax for front end impact. Maybe they hit a pole or something, I'm not sure. Its been standing for months because of Canadian winter and then the current owner took it as a trade in for a boat (he owns several boat dealerships). He was going to drive it himself but decided he has too many cars already (I've seen them, he does). Any other questions? Thanks again.

Update : they are now offering $19000.

If the motor is sound, and all that really needs doing is the RMS (and, if you're gonna clutch, IMSB retrofit), it's a ton of car for the money. I admit that I bought my 996 with no service history, but a once-over on the car showed that every item that had been replaced was the best available, and it was in impeccable running condition. I'm suspicious by nature..."sitting in a driveway for 9 months with a flat battery" sounds like a car that was very much unloved.

It hasn't been loved since it was sold to the current owner 6 months ago, as I said he took the car as a trade in and hasn't used it since. Do you think it would be better to get them to fix all issues and I pay say $22500 for it, or negotiate to $18500 or so and fix it AFTER buying it? I'm just wary the mechanic will find more issues once he takes down the engine given all the problems already found and the accident history. The mechanic agreed. Right now they are offering $25000 fixed (haha no) or $19000 as is.

Once you're getting it fixed, get it fixed under your watch. If the current owner doesn't care about the car (which seems evident), he's going to do the minimum amount of work at the lowest price possible to get it "repaired." Get a quote from the mechanic for the work that you need to do. Since you're pulling the transmission for a clutch, do the IMSB. Once it's on a lift, consider having your mechanic do the water pump, air-oil separator, and expansion tank. Once you have a quote for the repairs, you'll know if $19K is a fair price. You may want to request a quote for the repairs from a couple of shops...repair costs can vary significantly. Ask here or elsewhere for reviews on the indy to use... If your indy is worth his salt, he'll give you a list of "you gotta fix nows" and "you oughta fix soons" once the car is yours and in his care. It's not binary - there may be stuff he looks at and believes it's fine to leave as-is for six months (or until you decide to try it yourself). If you are even remotely capable of hand tool operation, do the brakes and rotors yourself.

...and good luck - I hope this is the right 996...but if it's not, it's out there.

If you can't afford the rebuild than you can't afford the car. Sorry to be so direct. Today's buyers need to have a stash for repairs and maintenance. This is a Porsche not a Toyota.

I don't think a $15,000 rebuild cost is necessarily a reasonable expectation for a maintenance budget. If you can't afford the rebuild, you sell the car as a roller and buy a used Toyota if something bad happens.

I already own a reliable Civic for non pleasure driving. I don't NEED this car. Purely for fun. I've set aside $3000 a year budget for possible maintenance which going by my research is excessive but you guys please correct me if I'm wrong so I don't bankrupt myself. I just don't have another 15k on top of that for an immediate rebuild on a car I'm only buying for 19k or so. Once again thanks for any and all input, it is much appreciated. I hope to get one and become an active member here :-)

Quotes source post: 10805897

+996. How is the condition of the top and does it go up and down smoothly? Maybe get a quote from your Indy and show it to the seller as a bargaining tool if it needs something major. Either way, the leak is something you'd probably want to get taken care of regardless if it's the RMS or IMS. And of course while you're in there, might as well do the whole enchilada(IMS, clutch, RMS, AOS, possible flywheel, etc) as 5Chn3ll mentioned.

The top works perfectly and they are already aware of what it will cost to completely proof it against failures. I don't think they had any idea, they were convinced the inspection would be flawless and already took the ad down. I kinda had to educate them on it but they are seeing my point and continuing to negotiate instead of telling me to buzz off like I'm sure many sellers would.

Your buying a used car so there is always risk. I replaced my AOS 2 1/2 years ago with a new clutch and RMS. Guess what the AOS needs to be replaced and the RMS is leaking again. (It has only been replaced 3 previous times). It wasn't leaking when I brought it in for its spring checkup and I've driven it more this summer than I have in the past 4 years. It's a car they always need something! Don't be scared about the RMS just have it replaced and the IMS upgrade plus all the other replacements your probably looking at $4K. I was told by several Porsche owners you should always bank $5K for R&M per year. I have never hit that mark but been close at over $4K. Last year I was under $1K. This year I'm going to be under $2K. Need breaks next year so I'm planning on $1.5K next year.

Oh btw they are actually a car and really like to be driven. I've driven mine more this year than any prior year. My only regret is I haven't driven it more over the past few years. Who am I saving the car for the next owner?

I'm thinking I will ask 18k firm and get a mechanic to do the work so I know it's been done right. If they don't like the offer I can walk no problem. They're the ones who need to unload the car with no buyers in sight. Thanks again for the advice.

18K plus 4K in work still puts you at $22K. That's a 911 for Hyundai money. Hope things all go your way with the purchase and the work.

Quotes source post: 10807221

Haha, funnily enough I was looking at a Sonata Hybrid for $24k (0% financing). Then I thought "If I'm spending that kind of money why not just go with a car I've always wanted?"

Quotes source post: 10807364

Rationalizing is fun! Before I bought the C4S I was looking at used all wheel drive Infiniti's and the price on every one I thought I might be satisfied with put me with in the 996 C4S price range. And besides, what I really really wanted was a C4S, not an Infiniti. And I really really didn't need an all wheel drive; that just made the rationalization for another car a tad more palatable. Of course I never mentioned things like the cost of scheduled maintenance, proper N spec tires for both summer and winter, and the assumed need to rebuild as much of the car as possible whenever "you are in there" for any reason. But man, these cars sure are fun. On a serious note; sounds like you are going in with your eyes open and you might very well score a nice car at safe cost of entry. Best of luck.