Advice on 996

I am possibly looking to change my Boxster for a used 996, test drove an 03MY C2 (registered in September 03) at an OPC last week. Looking at the service history on screen I noted that the RMS and Intermediate Shaft seal had been replaced three times since new the most recent being May this year. Is this to be expected? or as I think far too frequent for this age of car. Should I just walk away? I would appreciate your views. Thanks Ian

Hi, RMS is a known issue but I thought Porsche had cracked it and the latest fix will resolve the problem once and for all? Ask them to explain exactly what they did in May.

There are hundreds of great 996's around to check out, I urge you to take a broader view and look at specialists like Camtune, 911Virgin.com, Paragon (if you are in the south). I had an OPC-bought Boxster that I took back to them at Reading for a trade in - their offer to me was astonishingy low (£17k depreciation in eighteen months off an ex-demo!!) and their pices for a 996 correspondingly high so I walked away. I have now bought two 996's from Tom Harris at Virgin in a year, I'd give him a call - I have no financial interest in their business but they have been hugely helpful and professional to me. I mention the others to you for your interest also. Good hunting.

I would try to sell the Boxster privately and then bargain for a 15%, at least, reduction or walk away; see: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=396342&mpage=1&key=&#396342.[&:][ ][&:] Traders in an exchange situation gain twice....[ ][:'(] I would rather buy privately or specialist, as "patch" suggests or even better from http://www.mobile.de/home/index.html#0. Prices of ALL sports/luxury/4x4 cars are collapsing.[ ] Wait until Oct./Nov. and you will save that 15% easily.[ ] Happy Motoring...

but is Ian concerned about this specific 996 or is he aware that the RMS issue he mentioned is possible on any 996 whether purchased from a specialist or OPC ?

Hi Ian. I had my RMS done at 14,000 miles, it was still under warranty and I got it done free by OPC - I also took the opportunity to throw a new clutch in too! Not sure whether this is the sort of thing you're looking for?: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/644478.htm Adrian.

Mine had its first RMS at about that mileage, its second at 32000 and its first (but hopefully last [ ]) new engine at 42000...

Hi I think they use a RMS from a 997 now on all replacements apparently they have a bigger lip on them, it remains to be seen I had a new one with a clutch a few K miles ago so far so good. - Simon

RMS is an odd one. Some cars seem to have repeated problems like the car you are considering. My early 996 has done 96K miles and never needed one. Porsche keep claiming they have fixed it - but obviously havent. To answer your question, my advice would be to keep looking. There are thousands of 996's for sale. If you do go for this one - you must get it with a Porsche warranty as the RMS is an expensive job if you are paying for it yourslef.

Thanks to you all for your help and advice I think I will shop around. Regards Ian

Does anyone know what happened to Scouser he was the RMS expert and i always thought he had found a solution through an indy however not seen him on here for a long time so not sure what the out come is to his hopeful solution? May have been useful information. Phil