20 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHCarfax minor damage 996.1 - looking for opinion
Leading reported evidence
Replace pads
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 · Original poster
Chris's German Auto Service, changed pads, but didn't mention rotor change)
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
If all checks out, then I would have them do the IMSB, RMS, check clutch and flywheel, replace trans fluid, replace AoS with UAOS, replace engine mounts, replace water pump, water reservoirs, belts and check coolant lines all in one visit since the engine will be lowered.
Leading evidence: 'Replace pads' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check clutch and flywheel' (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.
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
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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
not sure porsche mark up for used car; but I saw my Audi trade-in got marked up $6-8k)
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.
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
In the grand scheme of used sports cars and used cars in general, the 996 is a rather inexpensive 20+ year old car to buy, refresh and maintain.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
Check clutch and flywheel
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
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.
Suggestion
If all checks out, then I would have them do the IMSB, RMS, check clutch and flywheel, replace trans fluid, replace AoS with UAOS, replace engine mounts, replace water pump, water reservoirs, belts and check coolant lines all in one visit since the engine will be lowered.
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
If all checks out, then I would have them do the IMSB, RMS, check clutch and flywheel, replace trans fluid, replace AoS with UAOS, replace engine mounts, replace water pump, water reservoirs, belts and check coolant lines all in one visit since the engine will be lowered.
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
If all checks out, then I would have them do the IMSB, RMS, check clutch and flywheel, replace trans fluid, replace AoS with UAOS, replace engine mounts, replace water pump, water reservoirs, belts and check coolant lines all in one visit since the engine will be lowered.
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
If all checks out, then I would have them do the IMSB, RMS, check clutch and flywheel, replace trans fluid, replace AoS with UAOS, replace engine mounts, replace water pump, water reservoirs, belts and check coolant lines all in one visit since the engine will be lowered.
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
If all checks out, then I would have them do the IMSB, RMS, check clutch and flywheel, replace trans fluid, replace AoS with UAOS, replace engine mounts, replace water pump, water reservoirs, belts and check coolant lines all in one visit since the engine will be lowered.
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.
20 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: 20261026T024951Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
TL;DR:
looking for a 3rd, fun convertible with a set budget (~$15k) and found a 100k miles 996.1 with minor front damage, asking for opinions
Long version:
My wife loves Audi, so I have been a long time Audi owner (TT, S4, A5cab; A7, S8). Recently, wife misses her convertible and kids are sitting front facing, so we had an interest to look for a 3rd, fun convertible. We have a set budget in mind (total out of pocket $15k max). Originally the budget was set to $30k, but then downgraded to $15k (due to other life choices).
So, we initially were looking at this, then out of our consideration, link posted below for reference (996.2)
https://www.mbseattle.com/used-Seatt...CA29952S652708
then since budget change, we were searching again and an A3cab fit the budget until this one pops up within our price range last night (originally selling since Oct/Nov 2023 for $19800, now $14800)
https://www.bmwbellevue.com/used/Por...3f43132610.htm
I have been reading this forum and others for a bit, knowing (or probably never knowing enough
) IMS, bore scoring, etc on 996, and also the need and expense to maintain it. I couldn't fix anythings myself, at best changing rotors/pads, so we are ok to budget $1000 a month during ownership.
And we also understand the minor damage on carfax will ding resale value (my guess the trade in value on this car probably $8000 - $10k? not sure porsche mark up for used car; but I saw my Audi trade-in got marked up $6-8k)
Considering we plan to own it for a least 3-6 years with average driving milage of 300-500 a month. What would be your opinion towards this car?
(I haven't checked it in person yet, so want to know if it even worths the time and effort...)
Points noted:
- Carfax showed it did a PDI back in November 2023, does it even mean anything after 5months?
- Carfax also showed it got a reputable porsche shop in Seattle serviced it 9 years back (
Chris's German Auto Service, changed pads, but didn't mention rotor change)
- the driver seat leather was torn, then fixed?
- the wheel nuts are rusted (probably surface rust?)
- only hard top pic, no soft top pic shown
- haven't seen Carrera logo being "inside" the spoiler before... did the previous owner intentionally did that?
- wheels are definitely in bad condition (surface scuffed)
Questions:
- all these 1price policy, I wonder how much more wiggle room I may have?
- anything particular I need to be aware of if I go see in person? (I usually check brake pads, rotors, all button operations, any error lights, again I am not technical enough)
Thanks in advance
Nice cars, though that 996.1 will need some love and some $$$. You know how they say the least expensive Porsche is the most expensive Porsche?
(and sometimes the most expensive one is also the most expensive one!)
The Carrera logo is in the right place for a 996.1
Thanks for checking! I do remember reading that somewhere, either on here, or the other forums or reddit
Is it reasonable to ask for a copy of the PDI report they did?
Oh thx for confirmation, I didn't know... maybe coz I have been checking out 996.2s...
Seems fairly priced if everything works including the top.
Check IMS history. AOS health also important. Doesn�t smoke? Residue on the muffler? If you can get an independent PPI and a scope you�ll know all you need to know. Price is definitely fair though.
You should have the dealership send you a picture of the sticker under the frunk lid to see what options it has.
At 110k, if there is significant deferred maintenance (AOS, coolant hoses, suspension/bushings, etc.), the initial costs could add up quickly.
The logo isn't inside the spoiler. It's in the correct spot, below the spoiler.
Assuming bores are good and the PPI checks out, i would look at it as a $30k car all in up front. $15k for purchase and $15k for deferred engine maintenence and parts replacement since you are not a DIY guy. Anything less is a bonus.
Add in another $15k for suspension, exhaust, tires, brakes, interior, exterior, misc.
These are great cars, but make sure you get the bores scoped and a comprehensive PPI to mitigate a troublesome engine. If you have a bad engine, add in another $15-30k for swap or rebuild.
Not trying to scare you away. Just making sure you understand that while the car may initially look cheap, it could end up being very expensive.
Thanks
marosmith and binaryaudax.
Thanks GC996 for the estimated number.
While will do another PPI and the scope, does any of the mentioned items need immediate fix/attention (AOS,
coolant hoses, suspension/bushings, clutch life)
?
I am trying to see if I could spread out the deferred cost of maintenance, e.g. $500 to $1k / month kind of approach. (knowing IMS will be $2k+ with LN)
(edit after your edit
- it almost sounds like the carfax PDI doesn't mean much - especially if it can't catch the AOS and bad engine
Miata is always the answer.
Find a nice NC with the power retractable hard top. Cheap to run, never breaks. Ours gets more play than both 911's put together. Great car. $15k will buy a nice one.
(you said you were looking for opinions)
;-)
I would first test the oil to see whats in it. You can do that at home with a Speednostix kit you can get thru LN Engineering. It would be better to do it at the dealership before you buy the car as a JIC. It will cost you $65 for a 3 day turn around test, Plus the tube and pump and 3 min of your time.
Assuming it looks good, i would then take it to your indy and have them drop the sump to see what's in it, cut open the oil filter to see what's in it as well. Then i would scope the bores thru the sump. If all checks out, then I would have them do the IMSB, RMS, check clutch and flywheel, replace trans fluid, replace AoS with UAOS, replace engine mounts, replace water pump, water reservoirs, belts and check coolant lines all in one visit since the engine will be lowered. $7-12k depending on indy and parts.
I think it's a 996.1 so others will have to speak about the 5 chain system and what may need to be done. It's not cheap.
With all this being said, you gotta make sure that the brakes and suspension are in good shape if you will have your kids in the car, not to mention you and your wife. Cost all depends on what you have to replace and time. Oem rotors and pads are not very expensive. Suspension components are. $600-$4,000.
If it was my new 996, I would put the $15k worth of work in immediately so the car won't brake down or implode on me and my family. Other who are DIY guys may have a different opinion and its all good.
IMSB, Water Pump, AOS are the three failure points that can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Cant speak about the 5 chain system since i have a 996.2, so you really should do them. Everything else relating to the engine and components will eventually wear down and will fail and can leave you stranded, but arent catastrophic. Question is how bullet proof do you want the car and how soon.
LOL, thx for the suggestion. Our plan is to include the kids in the back seats to enjoy the summer together, so miata, z4 didn't work; we cross shop for 3series, a3 though
My wife has a 2010 Audi A5 4 cylinder turbo convertible and loves it. You can find a software tune for 1k that will boost the hp 60-80 from one of the Audi aftermarket providers. We did Stassis back in the day. Forget the new partner Audi uses but you can find it. Looks brand new, styling hasnt really changed. never any problems. She keeps looking for a new car but keeps going back to her A5. Big enough back seats for kids. AWD is a bonus. A 10 year old A5 convertible is probably in the price range.
Strongly recommend you test fit this option. The back seat of a convertible can be very windy and unpleasant.
If you still want to go with seating for four, opt for the 3 series. The 911 'vert has only marginally more back seat room than a Miata.
wife had a 2013 CPO A5 before, she loved that car but rear facing car seats didn't work well, so eventually we had to trade it in. Since it was cpo, she refused to do Apr stage 1 to it...
Hence, now the kids could sit front facing, she's tempting to get a convertible again. That's why we began with A3 (we both don't want to drive the same model again).
Looks like that Porsche at BMW of Bellevue is gone. I would also add what has been said before, there are no $15K 996s anymore. At that price, there is either something wrong, or there is >$15K worth of deferred maintenance.
Look at E90 328 and 128i verts too. Either one should be a bit cheaper to buy, and a LOT cheaper to own, than a 996. You're more likely to be able to break down deferred maintenance items into $1K-$2K chunks also. I bought an E93 a few years ago for $12K and the maintenance items have been reasonable. Stay away from the turbo cars though, if you want to keep costs down.
As several have said there is no such thing as a $15K 996. You might be able to take care of the engine maintenance stuff for another $5K or so, but the suspension will need refreshing, the brakes too, and there are potential huge gotchas lurking inside of an M96. And if the prior owner has all of that already taken care of, you should be looking at a much higher asking price.
Take all the advice with a grain of salt. You can get good deals out there. Not every car requires $15k of work. There is a principle of moderation that can apply to these cars, believe it or not. BMW�s and AUDI�s and even Subaru�s all require maintenance too.
I am pretty confident the OP is a pretty smart guy and will find a good one whichever he chooses. I just hope he lets us know what he ends up buying and more importantly, stays on the 996 forum and soneday becomes an owner.
In the grand scheme of used sports cars and used cars in general, the 996 is a rather inexpensive 20+ year old car to buy, refresh and maintain. Especially for the performance, handling and fun you get for the "all in price". But no question, if I had the skills to take apart and rebuild the M96 engine, I would have a bunch of $15k 996s sitting in my garage as projects.
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