996 Purchase Advice

Apologies for asking questions about probably already covered ground, but - apart from visiting a couple of specialists and reading the usual motoring mags - I am new to the wonderful world of Porsche. After contracting the Porsche-love virus about 18 months ago, I am planning to activelly start looking for a pre-2001 996 sometime in the summer, but I have serious doubts on the following: 1. Is buying for a specialist relativelly safe that a full professional inspection may not be needed? 2. Should the inspection on a potential purchase be made by an OPC or would any contact out of the specialized mags do? 3. Would you always recommend an inspection before buying from a private seller? even if proof of FSH/FPSH given? 4. I am based in Lacashire and I have no problems in buying from a specialist miles away. But does anyone know any local reputable specialist centres where the car can later receive due attention and services in the following years? All the stories about engine failures and constant oil leaks are spoiling what should be the natural excitement of looking for a Porsche. I would be grateful to anybody who could spare a couple of lines to give me some advice on my doubts and anything else they may think appropriate. Many thanks Robo

Robo I would recommend having the 111-point inspection done by an OPC. Once any problems this unearths have been put right, it entitles you to buy the Porsche extended warranty. This warranty now includes RMS replacement and engine replacement in the event of cracked liners or intermediate shaft failure (the most 'common' causes it wouild seem). The warranty also includes Porsche Assist roadside recovery / get you home and is (IIRC) £725 + VAT now. The 111-point inspection I'm not sure about but I think it works out about £150. Once armed with the extended warranty, you can buy with confidence knowing most anything that goes wrong is replaced FOC. Also means you can drive the wheels off the thing and enjoy it rather than worrying about bits breaking - surely the point of Porsche ownership! Enjoy Ian W

Most OPCs no longer retail 'pre-facelift' cars, so the independents do have a wide choice. However, in my opinion, the best buy is a realistically priced private purchase from a really conscientious owner. The key criteria would be: - UK supplied and OPC maintained - First class condition and low(ish) mileage - Nice colour combination and desirable spec. - Recent service and some Porsche Warranty - One or two owners These cars do exist and, if the owner is staring at a derisory trade-in offer, you might pick up a car for not much above the trade price. Typically such cars have been maintained by one OPC and you can speak to the service department about the car and, if you prefer, have it fully inspected

I would agree with almost all of this post BUT The man who services the car will tell you b*gger all. He has a duty of confidentiality to his customer... Evidence of a service is just that. Change the oil and wipe round with an oily rag... Most people with older 996's may have OPC do services to get the stamp then take it elsewhere to get the expensive jobs done.... And if the owner is selling he may not bother to do all those niggly jobs that are 'due in a few months'.... The moral of this tale is GET A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION.... The cost will be easily lost in any susequent negotiation.... When I bought my C4 a few years back it was OPC stamped to the hilt... A PPI revealed about 20 mostly niggly little items.... In total about £3.5k's worth!!!! Armed with that the negotiation was easy-peasy.

I agree entirely with above comments: I insisted upon OPC inspection which gave me confidence at the time of the purchase, and qualified me to take up the Porsche warranty. This not only enabled me to sleep nights from the start, but also to sleep just as soundly a few months later when I found drops of oil on the floor and developed an intermittent misfire. One air mass sensor and one oil separator later, under warranty, and I'm still sleeping well

All good advice. I've just purchased an early 996. I had an inspection done by Peter Morgan on one car I fancied, he basically put me off it which was dissapointing but there seemed to be some big problems waiting to happen. I ended up using Hartech, an independant in Bolton. I really decided that I wanted a car from them becuase of their experience, their life time maintainence plan etc etc. They ended up finding pretty much exactly what I wanted. The price was right and they are such great people to deal with. True specialists! Talking of their LTMP, it's worth looking at on their site www.hartech.org.uk

Thanks a lot for all your replies. The situation is certainly becoming much clearer now. I think that an inspection is something I cannot do without if I want peace of mind and days of trouble-free Porsche enjoyment. Cheers

I agree with all of the above but would highly recomend that if you have an inspection you be a little carful on that front i would go for an OPC inspection, so that you can then take out the warranty if you wish to. I bought my car had an inspection done by a well known independant and guess what they missed the most common problem (RMS) and there was no come back after 3 months of ownership even though the guy i bought it from went halfs on the fixing it cost. Peter Morgan is also ment to be very good and not expensive. Good luck and enjoy the hunt. Phil