Need help looking to buy a 1999 996

Looking to buy a 1999 996, should i buy a 99 what should i look for any upgrades to help engine problems? thanks Darell

Too vague of a request..... Go to rennlist dot com...there is a very interesting Buying Guide in the 996 forum.....do a search for it there....you will find enough information to read for days !!

Personally I would avoid the 99 Search for cracked cylinder liners, heads, 99 seem to be worst. The ims is well know and there are preventatives. But due to the block issues you couldn't give me a 99. I got 4 calls from 99 owners in my area this past year, all with intermix issues, and none were worth rebuilding/replacing the engine. Mike

txhokie4life send me the ones folks want to give you! I have a 99 C4 cab and love it. Drove to the Porsche parade this summer from Anchorage AK and back with just a fuel pump issue. Our local shop said the 99 is a good year So i guess it is opinion. Good luck on your search I picked up mine in AZ and drove it back to AK in 2010.

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Interesting comments, I know many guys with 99 996's with over 100K miles with just oil changes and other regular maintenance. Usually we hear the most from people that have problems with their cars, as humans, we tend to voice our displeasures/problems more often than our pleasures/happiness. The failures that you mention DO happen, but I do not think they happen as often as they are promoted. I respect your opinion: "Personally I would avoid the 99" but I think you went overboard stating that you would not receive a free 99 996

For ref, my early 99 had its engine replaced under warranty by the orig owner at 30k for an intermix. next model engine was the replacement unit. Going strong at 87k (57k on motor). Looking to do a clutch some time in the 1st half of the year where I will have the IMS bearing (another major issue not centered on the 99 model) serviced at the same time. Todd 99 coupe

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I can only speak from the knowledge that I have. I bought and fixed a 99 996 a year and a half ago with a cracked cylinder liner. I happened to have a good 3.4L block at the time that I had nikisil plated. I have since sold it -- and last I heard it is doing fine. Last year I had 6 phone calls from folks around the state of Texas that have 99's, 2 were Boxsters and 4 were 996s. All suffered from intermix. Those are tough phone calls to get because none of them could justify the economics of replacing the engine. We also worked on a 2003 996 that had a cracked cylinder liner -- so other years are not immune, but the internet readings, and the actual phone calls I have received suggest the 99's are more prone to intermix issues. I believe the 99s are cheaper because of the concern for their engines, however if I was looking -- I would stay away from the 99's and buy a 2000 or newer. BTW, I am actively looking for a 9*6 for my wife -- and I am practicing what I preach -- I am avoiding the 99's. You are right if someone handed my the keys to the 99 I would take it :-) I would not keep it for long however. The other years are not immune, but they do seem to hold their value better and thus if they did have an engine issue, replacement is an economic possibility. The PO asked about 99's and since he seems to have a choice -- I would go for the something other than a 99. JMHO, Mike

I wouldn't shy away from the 99. There are a lot of greay buys out there and many can be had for less than 20k. My 99 has over 140,000 miles and is still going strong. Only regular maintenance/oil changes performed. I purchased it from the original owner a couple years ago with all maintenance records, etc. There are a lot of good cars available, you just need to spend the time to find the right one.

Line up 20 1999 996's and one of them will have the imfamous design bearing failure. So... You got a 95% chance that the inexpensive two owner, non-modified 911 you purchase for under 20K with 70K miles or less will bring you some fun and not cost you much down the road. It is an old Porsche and you must find one that has been serviced well. My advice to you is that if you are not a decent garage mechanic with a lot of metric tools, you are going to have to pay the Porches shops (independant or otherwise) around $90.00 an hour for labor. Talk to the owner of the car you want to buy. Get service records. All used cars are a risk and the 1999 911 if not well taken care of by the previous owners can be heartbreaking because your dream turns into a nightmare. They are a thrill to drive. Do your homework and really try to find an unmolested one owner for 20 grand if you can. Good luck.

I wouldnt shy away from a 99 either But for a couple of minor repairs, my 99 has been virtually trouble free. It has a 2000 engine though The only engine repair I've had was a water pump and that's not 99-specific. Todd

I'm the fourth owner for my 99. 103500 on it now. The engine was replaced at 22K. Not clear why from the records I have. PCNA replacement. I've put 28K on it in 2 years and replaced the RMS, clutch set and flywheel while GBOX redid my trans at 98,000. Just over $6000 for all the parts,labor and shipping and other Misc. included. Other minor work has been normal maintenance on a 100K sports car. Suspension tuning is next. I see it this way. How much could I afford to pay after I buy? Not as much as I thought !. If I knew then what I know now about the 99 996 reputation I would think about spending more up front on a newer 996 or 997 or way older 911. I'd rather buy a used Porsche than an new anything else. Especially for about the same price. I do have to say that if dealer service was a higher priority I would buy a BMW ( for a wife, (I don't have a wife:-)) I buy old British cars instead.

Where are you located? I have a friend that has a porsche shop in PA and he has a nice priced 99 996 in scranton PA. His name is Rick. He owns Weekend rides in PA. His number is [phone removed]. I came very close to buying the car. My wife game me problems. Robert

I forgot to say. He just pulled the engine and did the RMS and the IMS job and it is a cab. Robert