When did Porsche stop making the 996 C4S?

Sounds like a simple question but even Porsche GB at Reading don't seem to know!! This is a serious question though as I am in the middle of litigation with a supplying dealer over my car. The dealer ( not an OPC) say Porsche stopped making the 996 C4S in September 2004, yet I have a brochure on the same which refers to a 2005 model year 996 C4S. If anyone has any definite information please let me know. Something in writing would be very useful. Also, when does a car need an MOT? Sounds simple again, after 3 years everyone says......3 years from when? Date of first registration in the UK? Date of delivery to it's first owner? Date of PDI? Does anyone know??

Model Year 2005 cars will be built from late 2004 - not exactly sure when the 05 build program starts, but I have the info somewhere I can dig out. Here is some info from the PET for MY04 and 05. EDIT: According to Paternie, Porsche Build Programs (Model Years) run from August to July Sorry I can't help with the MOT query, but you should find the info on the VOSA web site.

Here is an explanation of the VIN, but you might want to try Scouser's Decoder on the FAQ page.

Hi HG. My car was manufactured on 13/6/03 - therefore I had to get its first MOT done by 13/6/06. Hope this helps. Adrian.

1st MOT is due 3 years from the first registration of the car ... so, mine was registered 2 Jan 2004 and therefore needed one by 2 Jan 2007. If the MOT is done in the last month, then the new certificate lasts for one year from the anniversary of the registration date not the test date; I had the test done mid-December 2006 and have a certificate lasting until 2 Jan 2008, not xth December 2007. It's not the date of manufacture; my car was actually built some time in October 2003. Hope this helps.

From Direct.gov.uk (VOSA was useless): When your vehicle needs testing If a vehicle is registered with no prior use on the road, the MOT will be required three years after the date of registration. For example, a vehicle registered "˜from new' on 1 April 2004 will require its MOT no later than 1 April 2007. If a vehicle is used prior to registration, as would be the case with an import, the MOT will be required three years from the end of the year of manufacture. For example a vehicle manufactured at any time in 2004 will require an MOT no later than 31 December 2007. There is no grace period given after these dates.

Richard, My car was imported from Cyprus but not registered there. It was PDI'd on 16/04/03 and delivered to it's first customer with 50 miles on the clock. Does this constitute use as you describe. It was then stored for 2 years. Paul

The statement was taken word-for-word from the web site, and my interpretation is that the MOT would be required at that point regardless of whether the car was previously registered, if it had been used. I would imagine that even 50 miles in two years would constitute 'use', but I'm no expert. Maybe you could contact the DfT for a definitive answer. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022112 http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/UsefulContactsByCategory/MotoringContacts/index.htm

Paul Another thought occurred to me. In some countries (USA, for sure) they put a sticker in the door shut with the month and year of manufacture. Maybe yours has that?

The only sticker in the drivers door is the VIN plate etc. However the VIN does indicate a 2003 model year and the letter of origin from Porsche states it left the factory in January 2003. I have seen the website you refer to Richard which does seem inconclusive. What exactly does 'use' mean?? I shall conatact them tomorrow and let you know their answer. Paul

This is an email I received from VOSA which is self explanatory! Delivery mileage isn't classed as prior use. Prior use is when the vehicle has been used in another country. If the mileage on the clock is purely the delivery mileage then it wouldn't be classed as prior use. In this instance the first MOT would be required on the third anniversary of first registration. What I would like to know is if the 50 miles as part of a PDI is delivery mileage or not?

I can't say for other countries, but the PDI form for the USA says it should include a road test of at least 5 miles. The mileage prior to the road test is recorded on the PDI form. Maybe someone here who bought their car new has a UK PDI report, or remembers how many miles were recorded when they picked it up.

Just a quick note about when Porsche stopped making the 996C4S. I dont know the exact date, can tell you that my own car is a 2005 model year and came off the factory line on 16th November 2004, although it wasnt registered here until March 05.

Back in 03 the Factory would have road tested the car - and at least 15 miles would be logged then. If there was found to be subsequent work required then further milage would be put on the car. Add on Delivery to Cyprus, and then transfer to the UK, prep by the Seller and a road check, and 50 miles must be easily achievable?

Mark, there were 50 miles on the clock when it was PDI'd in Cyprus. Dillon, that's very interesting that your car came off the production line in November 2004. The 'Porsche Specialist' I'm dealing with says that they stopped making the 996 C4S in September 2004, clearly they got that wrong! How do you know it came off the production line on 16th November? Paul