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YOUR RESEARCHBest source for 996s
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And then one that checked all my boxes appeared on facebook marketplace, and here I am.
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Suggestion
When you get PPI, check for cam chain deviation - plastic chain guides with a chain running over them for 20 odd years is a problem for every car brand that used that technology.
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Suggestion
I have owned three 996's, and I would recommend the '99-20 years
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Suggestion · Original poster
What online sources do you recommend I look at to find one to purchase?
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Suggestion
When you get PPI, check for cam chain deviation - plastic chain guides with a chain running over them for 20 odd years is a problem for every car brand that used that technology.
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Suggestion
What I mean by super deep pockets is if one spends $30k on a 996 and then 6 months later have to replace the engine for $30k, it�s a non-event for that person.
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Suggestion
When you get PPI, check for cam chain deviation - plastic chain guides with a chain running over them for 20 odd years is a problem for every car brand that used that technology.
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Rennlist is your best resource for education. I often also use cars.com to find cars. You shouldn�t just go and buy a 996 unless you have super deep pockets. Instead, find out what to look for will save you lots money, time, and frustration.
Research the heck out of the 996 ,,, its a great car, has some flaws and a FULL PPI before buying is mandatory.
If the shop doing the PPI doesn't start with dropping the oil cover and doing a bore scope from the "bottom" side of the pistons.
Just walk away..
The PPI is going to be just a tic higher than some cars near as I can tell. Mostly because to really do it you need to pull plugs and oil cover..
And with the reputation of the 996 engine, the shops are a bit leary of doing a PPI...
Upon purchase:
FULL fluid service Coolant, Engine Oil, trans oil, brake fluid , Front diff if you get a c4.
IIRC my first service with a ton of small stuff done was about 1200 bucks.
You should have plenty of choices, the cabs are easier to find, and less expensive. If you are going to have a PPI, then you shouldn't worry so much about the source of the advertisement: Rennlist, PCA website, car gurus, cars.com, and even craigslist. If no PPI, then I would use a trusted source like PCA or similer - and hope for honest seller. When you get PPI, check for cam chain deviation - plastic chain guides with a chain running over them for 20 odd years is a problem for every car brand that used that technology. I have owned three 996's, and I would recommend the '99-20 years
I'm not sure bore scope/dropping oil pan is standard PPI. It's an additional bit that needs to be requested and of course obtaining owner agreement.
I'm not sure i would be thrilled about the idea of getting the bore scope done as a seller, that rather invasive. What do others think? Also if bore score is discovered to any degree, it would have to be disclosed to any other future buyers. Minimal scoring may be something expected in a 20+ year old car with a known issue. I doubt there are any pristine cylinders out there for the driven cars.
Get involved with your local PCA region. Go out to every event you can and meet the people and tell then what you are looking for. You will be surprised how opportunities come out of the woodwork. I can assure you, they are excited to talk everything Porsche, give advice and get new blood in the club.
When you are at these events, start asking about what local porsche indies are the best. Stop by and see them and let them know what you are looking for. They always know about cars, and more importantly which ones to stay away from. This also sets you up with a place to PPI and scope the bores. There isn't a time when I am at my local indy that i don't find out about a few cars for sale, parts I am looking for, trailers for sale, and all the local scuddlebutt.
You can take the online route or if you are really serious about ownership of a well kept 996, you can go the face to face network route.
Good luck with your search. It will be worth it!
i suggest you look for a higher mileage well maintained car with records. I suggest you read the thread about why the 99s are special and if get the opportunity drive both a cab and a coupe before buying. Finally as someone said here go to the PCA get togethers and ask. Finally yesterday I met a club member that has a 997.1 coupe with only 32 k miles and this week he got confirmation that the bores are scored. So don�t fool yourself thinking that a low mileage car is better. Yes I�m partial to the early 99 because I got one, I also have a triple black 03 turbo coupe. Do as much research as possible before buying. Good luck
I have a 99 Silver Cab that I may sell. Great service history with clean bill of health. IMS, AOS, Coolant expansion tanks, Water Pump, etc al recently done. Everything Id want to do right away if I bought a new to me 996..PM for details if interested.
This 3 owner car sold yesterday on bat. Wait for the right car they are out there. This one less than $22k all in. Houses and cars are the same to me, you are going to be good if you buy them at the right price, if you overpaid that�s when you get into trouble.
This one was a good deal. I would have bought myself, I don�t have the garage space. Be patient with your search.
I spent years tracking 996/997 options via craigslist, autotrader, cars.com, Rennlist Marketplace, Cars and Bids, and of course BaT. And then one that checked all my boxes appeared on facebook marketplace, and here I am. Go figure.
Whats the year? My thoughts are that It's probably fine, and failure would have already happened..but not sure Id want to chance it as a replacement engine is pretty expensive. To me it would be worth the peace of mind to have it replaced. Furthermore, If it passed the checklist from LN and was deemed "worthy" of such bearing Id go with the IMS solution and never think about it again.
1999 has more durable bearing that is less likely to fail so thats a bonus. Id want to have this checklist knocked out.
https://lnengineering.com/products/t...ification.html
Pretty involved, but as stated before a new engine can cost just as much, in some cases more than the car..
After my experience, no PPI no sale.. Having the motor that looked and sounded perfect biff itself 2 months after purchase,,, no fun.
Anyone that owns a 996 should just expect the ask. You not just looking for scoring your looking for cracks.
One option is if you have a well known local indy, pay them to do it and pay them to give and explain the PPI sheet to the buyers.
Just a teaser but for EU people
www.mobile.de
(use translation) is the go-to solution. For others it's a good place to see what's in theory available and fantasize - at the moment there are 460 996s available. For US importing cars is not a realistic option and we have here in Finland an abysmal import tax on ICE cars. For example it's about 10k or so for 996s so 20k for the car and 10k for the taxes or for turbos it's atleast 20k for the taxes.
Quick search ->
https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/s...&sb=rel&vc=Car
awesome. How much money they want for the car and do the have maintenance records. I wouldn�t worry about the ims on this car. If they want less than $20k for it, if it has clean car fax, the convertible operates no oil in water, decent tires, decent brakes, no water inside the car, no funny noises, ticking, I wouldn�t go with the ppi. Ask for a cold start video. I bought mine sight unseen, the dealer gave me $500 to go pick up the car in Wisconsin, I drove it here 1300 miles no issues. My total price to the dealer was $17,500 they gave me another $250 for the oil leak (no crush washer on the oil drain plug). The car had a clean car fax and 41 out of 42 service records at Porsches dealerships. I purchased the car in January 2021. Have driven it 12k miles. Car had 90k miles when I got it. I wouldn�t hesitate to drive it anywhere.
Not sure what "super deep pockets" means, though. I've been able to thoroughly enjoy my 2003 996.2 C4S and maintain it, modify it, and drive the hell out of it. We do just fine, but I'm not sure super deep fits. (Eye of the beholder?)
I'd invest in a good shop manual (Bentley's) and the indispensable "
101 Projects
101 Projects
" book. A solid rack of tools, a good floor jack, a fair bit of patience, and an affinity for doing your own labor and I've found that both the 996 and its little sister, the 986 Boxster are not only a riot to drive, but are satisfying to work on. The 996 is a lot easier to wrench on than the 986 Box just because of the location of the motor.
Buy a "membership" to RennList; it's the most active forum I've found for 996s and a solid community with great people and very knowledgeable hobbyists.
What I mean by super deep pockets is if one spends $30k on a 996 and then 6 months later have to replace the engine for $30k, it�s a non-event for that person.
100%, save for those that are looking for that old school 911 feel and already have been through several 911s, turbos, newer ones, etc.
Some day the 996 will be $50k all day long.
The old adage when I first joined Rennlist 20 years ago was: �buy the newest 911 you can afford.� Back then, the 78-83 3.0 SC�s were $25-$20k, the 84-89 3.2 Carreras were similar and plentiful, and the 964 was least-loved. The rich gold bought 993s. The brave and bold bought the new 996s. I would read the 996 forum back then and think to myself, �this will be my car in 15 years.� Now I�m saying that about the 992.
Absolutely.
In 2005, I remember looking at a polar silver 964 RS America with 15k miles for $45k. Still kicking myself on not buying that one. Also remember that 993 C2S wide bodies were going for about the same price. You could pick up 993 C2s for $35k. around that time a buddy of mine picked up a 911 SC for $8k. We all know what these cars are worth today. Alot.
They all go thru a depreciation cycle, everybody complains about their quirks, then all of a sudden folks wake up to them, prices bottom and then start to go up. We are seeing the same thing with the 996. Havent studied the 997, 991 nor 992 in depth, but there will be very attractive entry points as they follow the same price trends.
I just googled �996 Cabrio for sale� and because I am in SoFlo there were several that popped up in this area. Have you looked at those? The only thing I would add is the IMS bearing issue is less than 10% of the cars and if you can find one that has been driven and loved you are more than likely going to be fine with a higher mileage car.
Appreciate what you are saying on durability, but I would take the other side of that bet. All metal, ceramic, plastic and rubber parts will eventually wear out. Doesnt matter as much if the parts failure does not lead to catastrophic engine failure, but this one does.
Speaking of quirks, my C2 felt super old school the other day on the highway when I was nearly out of fuel. Front end was super light. Then go for a fill-up and it�s totally different, way more planted.
I know a guy that's looking for a 996 Turbo to resurrect and may be selling his 2002 Cabriolet with a built motor. I read it was bored out to a 4.0 and is completely rebuilt. Give me a sec and I'll remember his name...
Finding used Aero 996.1 bumpers are scarce and expensive I was lucky to find this at a reasonable price
the difference between the stock XAA and a cup bumper are small but noticeable especially in bottom width
it was measured to be a few millimeters wider at the bottom then stock Aero as is a tow hook slot
I thought it was cool talking point
I second Blakcar�
located in Doral like 10 min away from MIA airport
I�ve traded a few cars with them
they have a triple black 99 w hardtop, red/beige 99 and an 04 turbo cab in triple black as well
call and ask for Nelson - the really good stuff is not listed usually
