Advice on buying my first 996

I am hoping to buy a 996 in the near future and am reading horror stories about RMS and intermediate shaft failures. Are these more frequent on some models rather than others. Which model should I buy, C2, C4, Coupe or cabriolet, manual or tiptronic. I am after a car that is above all reliable. with the lowest depreciation (please don't say buy Japaneese) One last question. Where should I buy from? Sorry I've thought of another one. Is the buyers guide written by Adrian someone(911 Secrets revealed) worth the money. Thanks I look forward to your informed opinions.

buyers guide is well worth while http://911uk.com/template.php?page=19

The buyers guide would have been a good buy if it was a lot cheaper IMHO. I did buy it and it gives you loads of good info (with photos) on what to look out for together with a handy checklist to take with you when looking at cars. The internet is, unfortunately, a fantastic tool and a nightmare at the same time. You will always get people who want to go on every forum and blab about their horrible experiences and what to do about them. Unfortunately, the thousands and thousands of happy people rarely do the same. There are problems with RMS which will weep oil - ususally not enought to worry about and (in my case) will be replaced when the clutch needs doing. The shaft failure thing does happen and there can also be problems with cylinder linings cracking. Go to http://www.hartech.org/buyers.html for more info on the problems.

It isn't all that cheap, but for the amount it can potentially save you, you'd be raving not to but it. Best advice is read as much as possible before hand, once you are happy with finding a car that you like, then get a PPI done( again money well spent) and lastly, what do you want the car for? If it's everyday use and in town buy a tiptronic C2 or 4, if it's a weekend toy and you can afford it get a GT3, Turbo or GT2, which although more expensive alleviates the RMS problem. Buy the best that you can afford, and whichever one it is, welcome and enjoy it. Max

Im with Max on this one : the RMS issue is scary ( if you arent aware of it, just do a search ) and the extra price you pay for a GT3/GT2/Turbo eases a bit the mind when buying second hand. On Porsche, buy cheap, buy twice - buy on condition not on price. Use a professional to do an inspection on your car - prices vary from 250 to 350 pounds - may sound a lot but its very worthwhile - the amount of information that comes in a report is just massive and then you realise how little you know about Porsches ! C2 or C4 are good for everyday but I might say the Turbo as well ( very civilized with outrages reserves of power - it just keeps going till you get out of road ) If its for everyday you might prefer a Triptronic box otherwise choose a manual or whatever you would prefer - afterall its you who's going to drive the car, not us ! Cab or Targa or Coupe - well purists say coupe, Targa is very nice and Cab is nicer for weekend toy . GT3 is a special car but comes with its drawbacks - its harsh ride, no traction control, nightmare to drive in town due its low profile and number of speed bumps. But its rewarding, very. Its loud and roudy, but its immense fun. Be sure to drive one though. I did and wasnt my cup of tea. At least for a car that I want to use often. GT2 steer away from it usually - its a car for the Porsche enthusiast - you have to know what you are doing. Its a scary car - 480+ bhp , no traction control, only rwd. When you do a mistake, lets say, going in to fast in a wet corner : - C2/C4/C4s - you can save the day - GT3 - you know whats happening and if you have balls YOU save the day - Turbo - saves the day for you and you think your Schumacher - GT2 - chops your head off, you spin and crash hardly and take 18 cars along the away. Honestly, if you have no experience whatsoever in Porsche cars, steer away from the GT2. My advice. And the GT3 if you are looking into a very special thing but you have quite a driving experience in high performance cars. Turbo and C4/C4S are the easiest car to drive - I love the Turbo, easy as pie, makes me look good , looks darn good and it has all the power you may need , want , etc. Running costs are as follows , per incrasing order > C2/C4 C4S GT3 and Turbo/GT2 My opinion, if I would have unlimited budget I would buy a Cabrio Turbo S. The turbo is such a nice car and its cabrio form is just heaven. If I had my budget again, I would buy my "normal" coupe turbo in a hearbeat. Im a happy camper. One thing though - do your homework, research a lot. We're here to help but try to read the more you can - ask for a ride and Im sure loads of people would be happy to give you a ride so you can feel the different 911's - I would happily give you one but unfortunatly my turbo clutch went kaput - Im just raising the funds to replace it , after that you are more than welcome to come and have a passenger ride on it ! Cheers

ps > turbo and Gt2/Gt3 differ from "normal" carreras since they are different engine blocks and not prone to the RMS issue. the early engines, both turbo and GT3 (MK1) are even handbuilt and famous for their reliability.

I hate to say/type this but ........... I'm selling my car! Peter Morgan.. (I think is it???) can happily look at it!! £250...£350?? ish Or there is Autobahn near me (well PCT) there workshop. Both highly thought of! Oh its a C2 1998 and imaculate! Sorry Sorry sorry for the blatent blug! Anyway! A C2 weems to be equally as good as the C4 .. You get more space in the luggage compartment with a C2 as the drivetrain on a C4 takes up lots of space. Having said that if your budget can stretch to a C4S. Well! Gorgeous Car!! I personally think all the talk of RMS and drivetrain, yes whilst being there and a possible problem, is over talked about and over dramatised! Taken care of they are very good cars! Oh mines a Tiptronic, No RMS probs! I think you will get lots of answers to your questions on here. Probably more than reading a book to a degree. You have to ask yourself .. how you will use the car too! Everyday comute well a GT3 might get hard work! Depending on YOU !! Happy 911..ing they are fantastic!! I thought I would never own such a great car!!!

Seagull mode on: Advice on buying a 996 - Don't. Seagull mode off....... Sorry, couldn't resist, just ignore me, most people do

How is RMS scary? It's a £1200 job which is greatly reduced by having it done at the same time as a new clutch...and that's IF it ever fails. If you're that worried by a car with a porsche warranty - which now costs £1400! :?: There are far worse things that can go wrong on any car and cost a lot more so don't worry too much. Good luck with the search - it's a buyers market but buying through a site like 911uk.com should means the cars are well known and you can ask all the questions you like - you and the seller might save a lot of money 8)

^^^ What he said ^^^ RMS in most cases is a very minor oil leak, if at all... However, greedy OPCs have fitted thousands of them under warranty to keep their workshops busy (and their time-saved-bonus technicians very happy!) I was told I needed a new RMS at about 56,000 miles (3 months after one had been fitted under warranty by a different OPC), but I said leave it... It hasn't needed a drop of oil between services since (almost another 50,000 miles) and there is no patch of oil in the road, and I don't have an engine undertray... At 104,000 miles the engine is as sweet as a nut, oil and water-tight, and just as much fun as the day I bought it nearly 4 years ago

I was quoted under £600 for a new clutch (including fitting) and an extra £27 to replace the RMS while they were in there. As you say, hardly scary - if you avoid the OPC and their £110 per hour labour.