Thinking of buying an early 996

I am thinking of buying an early 996. The car would have light use and maybe rack up 6,000 miles per year. If I got a good one to start with ie 111 point Porsche check and a clean bill of health, what are the weak points on the vehicel and how reliable would it be with the above usage and what should I budget to keep the vehicle in tip top condition each year. Would it be as reliable as a 2003 Impreza STI for example as having owned three Imprezas over the years they have all been bullet proof... Any advice appreciated..

:lol: Your thinking of doing exactly the same as me m8. Currently in a 2003 STi PPP running around 350Bhp. Modded by Mocom racing. Fed up with the Scooby image, and running costs. From what i've already found out by posting on here a early 996 will cost little (if anything) more than a STi to run. Infact the cost of service parts (brakes clutches etc) are actually less on the Porsche than they are on a STi!!! And your not gonna be after modding it all the time. Insurance quotes i've had back are also c£150 CHEAPER on the 996 Only weak points to look out for (with my very limited knowledge) are the RMS which seems to need changing quite often

Yes it does seem that way, I do love Imprezas and have had three over the years including a P1 they are great cars but having turned 35 I am after something a bit more discreet and classy... I was guessing an Impreza would be the same running costs as a 996.. excuse my ignorance but what is the RMS?

Welcome! The 111 point check is only worth doing IMO if you intend to get the Porsche warranty (which is only available up to 10 yrs so you should just scrape in). It is better to get someone to do a proper pre-purchase inspection which will be more detailed where it counts. Running costs? You may be lucky and get away with routine servicing, which at a specialist is cheap- under £150 for a minor service, about twice that for a major. Other common probs are radiator header tanks leaking, the RMS (Rear Main Seal) as noted above can be an issue (but is not the big deal that everyone makes out- it can usually be left til the clutch needs changing and will amount to nothing more than the occasional spot of oil). However, also watch for intermediate shaft seal failure (more serious and similar symptoms). Very occasionally engines do completely let go, but that is very rare. Interiors on early ones can be tatty if not loved. Budget on £1k a year I reckon. Some years less, some more... Good hunting!

If my understanding is correct, i do not think it is possible to have an annual services each year even if the car does less than 3/4 K miles per year. There are three levels of service: annual, minor and major. Although I may be wrong after an annual service, the next service has to be a minor service or a major service (this depends on the mileage).

On the older 996's, they need a service annually, or every 12k miles, whichever is sooner. Personally I wouldnt ever bother with the lowest tier of service OPCs offer (aka annual inspection?) It really involves not much more than OPC cleaning your car and cleaning your wallet. If you only do 3k miles and really dont want to alternate between minor/major services, go for a minor/minor/major/etc rotation. Personally I would budget £1500p.a. for wear&tear/service, and be prepared for double that if you needed clutch/tyres/brakes in the same year.

Hi I bought a 99 c4 with 58k in jan 07 from an independant so far faults have been rads and condensers - replaced by dealer but contributed £400 ignition coil - £150 leaking rad tank - £400 anti-roll bar bushes - £200 mass air flow sensor - £150 tyres x2 £300 service - minor £300 mileage now 74k fuel consumption 30mpg on a long journey, 18mpg round town currnet fault - squeaking lower control arm bushes - £200

Thanks guys all useful information..

Somebody on here mentioned a very good chap who does pre purchase inspections on cars. Like an idiot I am I know cannot find the thread does anyone know of this chap? A couple of people recommended him he is a one man band I believe.. Thanks

Peter Morgan is your man http://www.petermorgan.org.uk/inspection.htm

I just know I'm going to really regret saying this but!! RMS ... failure seems to be a really big thing that everyone worries about without it actually being the huge issue it really is ... if that makes sense? Yes they can leak oil but ... name a car that is completely vice free??? I love my "98 C2 .. it puts a smile on my face just opening the door and seeing it! Driving it is electric! Not sure if a Scuby might outperform it? Probably?? I'm not an expert. Kinda depends on what your doing I guess ..... 8)

No problem ! I recommend Peter Morgan as well - I used him to inspect my 911 turbo and actually was Gordon who inspected it ( Peter Morgan has a team of people who go to see the cars depending on their location ). I can say nothing but praises about the inspection and professionalism - Gordon went there on a Bank Holiday since it was the only day that the seller could do it and spent countless hours with the car - reason is the car was really good and he was very detailed. Brilliant report, both Peter and Gordon super chaps. Oh and I bought the car in the end

Thats the one Peter Gordon, it was on the tip of my tongue... I think I have made my mind up to save some money like billy oh until Xmas and try and get one then..Unsure of whether to buy private with a PPI or go to a dealer? Probably looking at low 20's for budget which should I hope in the Xmas doldrums get me a nice C2 2000 MY... I do love my Scooby and it is very fast and corners on rails (you would have to be brave to keep up in any 911) I have loved 911's since I was a small boy and you only live once..

I was going to replace my '99 38k mile Scooby with another estate but couldn't find anything as exciting so bought my dream car. Bought a '99 C2 Tiptronic and I love it to bits. Get it inspected, accept a 10 year old car has some faults, then enjoy it. All other known faults with early cars are well described on the internet. I have not one regret.