Playing The Lottery Twice?

Hi all I currently own a 2000 986 Boxster S which has given me plenty of decent service. Round about now however is the time where I'm going to either spend 2-3k sorting out some of the old niggles (glass windscreen upgrade, alloy refurb, performance exhaust etc.) or upgrade to a new car. About the only thing that fits in terms of price and looks is a 996. I am of course concerned about the potential for great engine death that surrounds these cars though. Does anybody know how reliability between the two compares? Are there a horde of issues with the 996 that just aren't there on the Boxster? As far as I know, all I have to worry about at the moment is the IMS dying, but I've heard there are potentially far worse fates awaiting a 996 owner? Thanks! Ed

Drive one first, especially if you are looking at a cab. I owned two Boxsters, 986 2.5 and a 3.2 987. I bought a 997 3.8s (cab) but I never enjoyed driving it as much as my Boxsters. There is something about removing the roof that ruins the handling. I now own a 4wd coupe and I'm happy with the way it handles. My cab even had PASM but when off the car was too soft and when on it was too jittery. I thought in time I'd learn to love it but it never happened. I sold the car after just over a year. So before even thinking about buying anything (unless it's a coupe) make sure you drive one.

The IMS debate is well documented on here. If it worries you, don't do it. The vast majority of cars are fine. If you go for something with over 70k miles on it the odds even better as there is a reasonable amount of anecdotal evidence that they usually fail before this point. Or find one with evidence of the mod. You don't want it to cloud your enjoyment otherwise it's a waste of money.

isn't its the same engine Look at the Hartech webside That will scare you into not buying either I have a (66 3.4 Convertible LOve it too bits but may have a water problem will let you know As the guy says try a 966 Convertible and see what you think

I've got a 996 and a Boxster. The internet stories can give you sleepless nights, but you have to look at the cold hard facts, not forum threads. Like the issue with the dreaded IMS bearing. Yes there is a 1% chance of something going wrong (1% according to the US lawsuit against Porsche). Here's the list of the worst engines from Volvos website: http://www.volvocars.com/my/top/about/news-events/pages/default.aspx?itemid=64 Reliability "" worst engine manufacturers: Car brand, percentage error (%) Risk of failure (1 of xx) 1) MG Rover 7.88% 1 of 13 2) Audi 3.71% 1 of 27 3) Mini 2.51% 1 of 40 4) Saab 2.49% 1 of 40 5) Vauxhall (Opel) 2.46% 1 of 41 6) Peugeot 2.26% 1 of 44 7) BMW 2.20% 1 of 45 8) Renault 2.13% 1 of 46 9) Volkswagen 1.91% 1 of 52 10) Mitsubishi 1.70% 1 of 59 So when you look at other manufactures you need to ask yourself should I buy something thats MORE reliable than an Audi, BMW or Volkswagen?

Thanks for the replies all. Firmly grabbing hold of the closest wooden object, I will say that I've actually be incredibly impressed with the reliability of the Boxster over the course of my ownership. There's absolutely no chance of me getting a cab - one of the main driving forces behind me going down the 911 route is to go back to coupé ownership. After giving it as good-a stab as it can possibly get in terms of the Boxster I can firmly state that convertible motoring doesn't flick my switches. At this time of the year the market might well be good for getting rid too. Referencing more 996 based issues, I heard that bore scoring could well be an issue, as well as the RMS actually causing something more terminal than 'Oh look, a leak.' Looking at the above though it seems that I'm going to be on the same keel as I am at the moment. Only issue may well be be finding a 996 is a suitably lurid colour combination.

As previously mentioned the same engine is in the 998 as in the 996 So ia 911 SHOULD! be no more susceptible to these problems than the Boxster Richard

According to Paragon & Parr bore scoring is more common in the 3.8 997. In fact both garages have very little issues with the 996. Exactly the opposite of what you would believe reading the web.

I think its a matter of going with you heart Ive bought a 966 3.4 at Christmas that the car dealer spent 4k on getting the transmission right Had a problem with Oil in the coolant that looks as though it is just contaminant from all the work that was done If not Hartech will rebuild it for 3.5k + major parts (Bolton - nr Manchester) THis price includes some work on the bores using existing pistons So not really too bad (THEY ARE REALLY HELPFUL) Problem is that if its a cylinder head these cost £1800 + vat which seriously inceases the cost Ring them and speak with them or down load the very substantial document Autofarm offer a similar service (Oxford) seem to do more diagnosis

Hi All Re this thread Just a little update on my own car. I have had my 996 for nearly eight years and the IMS issue has always been at the back of my mind. I love the car and always thought, well if the engine did go bang, then I would just get it sorted. I don't do a great deal of mileage in the car, but have yearly oil changes & service. One week ago it went in for its regular service and Mot at Dove House in Rushden. I told them I had no major concerns with the car at 62000Miles Forty minutes after dropping off the car Tony the engineer called me to say they had cut the oil filter open and found small traces of metal within and they suspected the IMS bearing was the culprit. So gearbox off, latest LN bearing fitted, new RMS, the clutch was 50% worn, so I asked them to replace that also. When I looked at the old bearing it was very bad and I counted myself very, very lucky and I can only thank diligence of the Dove house engineers. I know most independents cut open and check the filters but not all. Best advice buy with your head, don't skimp on servicing & enjoy a fantastic car. Regards a very relieved Andy

That's really interesting What kind of cost was involved? What a great garage You need to treat yourself to 101 Project for your Porsche 911 (1998 - 2008) He mentions a magnetic system that detects metal in the oil He says to check the Oil (But interestingly does not suggest cutting the Filter up which is BRILLIANT Just shows you how good some indie are (Bet Porsche don't recommend it!!!) Stich with them like glue (or maybe like a magnet) THANKS FOR THE TIP

Problems will metal in the Oil Can this idea of cutting up the oil filter be added to technical articles or at least be added to the Technical Article on Oil Changes or is already there and ive missed it

Hi Richard. I cannot rate Dove House highly enough. Costs IMS bearing £440, Clutch kit £340, Labour £650 Vat on top They did a great job flushed with lower grade oil, and then removed the sump & cleaned it out. There engineers are very enthusiastic has no concerns giving you his personal mobile to call anytime your concerned. I enjoy doing as much work on the car as I can! ie discs ,plugs, brake fluid which helps with costs and this is the first time I have paid out over £300, for any work which in eight years is not bad. But like all things mechanical, anything that can go wrong will go wrong, I got back from Silverstone on Saturday, turned off removed key ENGINE still running, Ignition switch fallen to bits. Sourced a new switch from GSF yesterday morning was in stock at £14 inc vat took me 1 hour to replace. Up until that time the ignition switch & key removal had been faultless. Touch wood car is happy as am I. Andy

You sound so much like me Probably a bit older than you (60+) Was going to ask if they had removed the sump and cleaned it but they did even better they flushed it as well Will make sure my blog shows my life as a petrol head but I had a quattro Couple and 4 quattros (yes that long wheel base wide bodied cars) (Did most of the work myself) Started to do more on my Porsche - seriously treat yourself to that book (Amazon) Have a look through the problems I have had - as discussed hopefully the contaminant is due to my supplying dealer keeping the repair costs down but next 10 days will tell If necessary will get Hatech to rebuild it If we aver meet remind me to tell (bore) the story of an Ignition Switch in a quattro!! Northampton is a bit of a long way from Shrewsbury But!!! Regards Richard 01743 272030

Richard Sixty plus just [ ] I have been following your thread with interest, At first I though you were just over concerned about the issue of mayo as discribed by Richard but now you may well have found an issue. best of luck and hope you have a favourable outcome. Petrol nut yes I am. Going off to Le Mans tomorrow [ ][ ][ ]. If your going to silversotne classic let me know meet up for a drink. Regards Andy

Interesting thoughts. Thanks chaps, I do appreciate it. Look around it is actually the colour/interior combination that's proving the main sticking point in finding a car that I can go and look at and see if the model is for me. I actually thought the Cayman/997 were fixed and free from any foibles, so it's good to know the 996 isn't held in too bad a regard. That's quite the scary story there Richard - If I were to drop that kind of money on reparing the car I think it would have to be shouty and italian, fair play to you though. I have 'the book' or at least the equivalent for the Boxster, and as you chaps suggest - it's somewhat invaluable.