Which 996 to buy?

Hi all, I'm new to the PCGB as I'm looking to purchase a 996, probably 2000, 2001 ish. I've read a lot about the RMS issue but I don't think it's so bad. Is this just applicable to manual cars or do Tiptronics suffer as well? I'm probably looking for a C4 tiptronic in Lapis Blue or Basalt Black, any recommendations as to places to buy/steer clear from in the midlands area (i live in Northampton)? Cheers All!

Welcome to the club Ian. I too am relatively new around here though I've been driving a 996 for nearly 3 years now. You will love it - thoroughly reliable and a joy to drive. The RMS issue is real and out there. It is a concern but the advice ssems to be ensure you get a warranty. Probably get shot around here for suggesting it but dont rule out the Independents. I bought my 996 from Autobahn on the A45 in Coventry. Very friendly, professional and the guys at PCT (Porsche servicing in same premesis) are great. They will even hunt a particular colour/spec for you if you call them. Worked for me. Try http://autobahn.co.uk I dont think the OPC stamps are as important as they used to be, particularly after 3 years + though I may find differently when I come to sell!

I bought mine from Autobahn too, and found them to be very professional too. Their prices seem reasonable compared to other independents. From what I have read on this and other forums, tiptronics are less susceptible to the RMS problem, but they aren't immune. Mine has done 67000 miles now, and no sign of even a weep.

Ian, I had both a C4 Tip and C2 Manual and both had RMS issues. I would agree that AUTOBAHN are friendly and PCT very helpful. Hope you have better luck than the two 996's I owned as neither were very reliable at all. Sorry Neil but I can not agree on thoroughly reliable as they were worse two PORSCHES ever owned; but I am glad your car is. Mark

Mark, sorry you've had 996 problems (as described on your farewell thread) but you sure a 964 is the answer? Expensive servicing (those twin sparks per cylinder..) and the dual mass flywheel to replace sometime soon..... I saw you're aiming to be back behind the wheel of a 993 before long. Hope the wait is not too long.

Can only go on my experience. Bought the car at c30K miles. Now 3 yrs later at 85K. Used every day including business miles, sitting in airport c/parks etc. Never missed a beat. Out of interest, how much does an RMS replacement cost??

I've had two new 996s - a 1998 3.4 Tip and a 2002 3.6 Manual. Both have been excellent with no problems and no RMS issues. However, the later 'facelift' model does feel superior in terms of quality, packaging and overall dynamics. In fact, it's so good I'm struggling to justify the move to a 997. So, worth stretching to a later 996 if you can. Personally, I much prefer the C2 with PSM to the C4, and the 6-speed manual to the Tip, so might be worth broadening your search. Best buy would be a nicely spec'd lowish mileage, FPSH, private sale with Extended Porsche Warranty.

[/quote] Out of interest, how much does an RMS replacement cost?? [/quote] Personally, I think the RMS issue has been blown out of proportion. It's only a small oil leak. From my understanding, most cars seem to have had no, or one, RMS replacement. A few may have had two and a tiny % may have had multiples. These are replaced free under Warranty or Extended Warranty and can cost c £500>£800 otherwise. Worth checking, but don't let it put you off the 996/997/Boxsters.

Carrera 2 wheel drive manual would be my recommendation. If you can find one with the Aerokit and 18" sports design wheels then this makes a stunning affordable package for a 2000/2001MY car.

Hi all, Thanks for the many and varied comments! I have been to Autobahn and did find them reasonable and a good selection of cars. Still in 2 minds about cab/coupe and manual/tip. I've driven both and liked both for their own merits so I'm no nearer a decision [ ] With regards to the warranty, is this provided by Porsche of from the dealer/independant garage?

To get the official Porsche Extended Warranty, the car will already need to be under warranty, in which case it is simply extended at the renewal date. Or, an OPC will need to inspect the car before issuing an new Extended Warranty policy. This can cost £200 for the inspection, plus £725 for the policy, plus the cost of rectifying any defects. Most independents probably use another insurer, so you may need to check the policy terms.

I would agee that the Porsche warranty certainly gives peace of mind. I now have a facelift C2 which feels a lot better in terms of finish to my earlier C4 996. Both were tiptronics though I might be tempted into a manual next time. I chose tiptronic because of the stop start traffic. My last 996 had done 143k when I sold it and no oil leaking either!

I think it is well worth while getting the car taken to an OPC doing the check and then having the extended warranty even though it cost £725 for the first year it is a must, while you get to know the car, i did this and have had about £350 spent almost in a year which was covered by warranty, plus have had the piece of mind by having the warranty. I am in two minds now to extend my warranty for another year the car has had it's RMS done so this is covered under it's own warranty for 2 years. I feel i have the car up to a perfect standard and have every detail on it's one owner history and have owned the car for 1 year so have got to know it, i also am aware of the engine failure issue, but i must say i loose sleep over the thought of having to spend another £725 and may just keep that for a rainy day, don't want to get off the subject of which 996 to buy but while we are on the subject of warranty thought i may just add this in. I personally think a coupe is my choice with a manual gear box, tips are great if you are spending time in a lot of traffic, and a convertible is also nice only if you can use it with the roof down on a regular basis, i found in the past passengers like (girlfriend) can put a stop to this. Phil

Philippe, Couldn't agree with you more! My girlfriend hates having the top down between 10am-2pm, when the sun does the most damage to her skin! Then at other times its either too windy (even with a wind deflector) or too cold! [ ]

If you want a 'drop top' I think the Boxster S is a realistic alternative to the 996 Cab. OK, no rear seats, but they are slightly compromised in the 996 Cab anyway. I find the Boxster cabin more snug, roof down than the Cab. Either way, heated seats make a huge difference - without having to dress at Milletts. Personally, I just love the sleek roofline and rear quarter windows of the 911 Coupes ('63 > '05) [8D] Oh, and the 'must have' option on any 996 has to be PSE (Porsche Sports Exhaust) - it really is superb. Do a search to see why.

Thats why i now drive a hard top saves lots of disappointment every time i see a bit of sun, i guess either that or change the girlfriend. Phil

I couldn't go back to a coupe after a cab (unless its a turbo or GT3/2), it feels so claustrophobic. What I do is keep the top up when we go out, but when I drop her back to her place, I'll have the top down (regardless of what she says). That way, she can be in a bad mood on her own, and I can enjoy myself! [ ]

These outfits aren't necessarily that close to you but you will get a good idea of prices looking around the site. I would concur that you should look VERY closely at a Boxster S if you don't need rear seats. A good facelift 996 cabrio will cost you 45k plus which would get you into a brand new Boxster S with all the toys you need. http://www.camtune.com/sales.html http://www.911virgin.com/stock.htm http://www.paragon.gb.com/sales/default.asp http://www.autobahn.co.uk/Autobahn_2005/pre_owned_911_search.php http://www.gmundcars.com/website/for_sale.htm

SOLD Hi, You could save yourself some cash and buy one of the best condition 996s available - I know as i looked at over 15 cars when i was buying mine. go to :- http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/54563.htm pictures should be posted soon, but I can e-mail them to you direct if you want. cheers, stephen

Hi Ian I think you should have all the answers from the varied responses of everyone. However I shall try and say my bit. RMS problem is highly exagerrated I think. I have had 996's for the last 6 years and never a problem. It does excist though so as everyone is saying get an inspection done. However whenever I have heard about the problem it tends to be the 97/98 cars. My advise is to certainly shop around and don't be afraid to travel. Autobahn are good but you need to check out Cridfords in Surrey , Camtune in Surrey, and do have a look at OPC's aswell. Strasse , near Leeds is another good one, and Finlay Gorham in Norfolk. In other words shop around. They all have websites so draw up a list. As to coupe v cab , manual v tip. So personal really. Tip is great for around London and I love it, but maybe to where you live you will find a manual have a bit more driver involvement. Cab again is great and probably now a good time to buy one. With either again as some of the guys have mentioned, make sure you get as many extras on the car as possible. Also you will find Cab / tip a good combination for resale. Good luck Johannes