Long time lurker. 1st purchase 996

Hi Been lurking for a while now and reading up on all potential pitfalls for pretty much all generations. I started off looking at 996 then 997 and then 991 then realised putting £60k into a weekend car didn't really work for me. So looking at 996 again ap to around £20k. Seen quite a few about not sure manual or tip suits me yet but ones I would be interested have had IMS and RMS changed A few have had engine rebuild which I think I would prefer to eliminate the bore score issue. I guess the question is how critical is it for any potential purchase to have had an engine rebuild. There's a fair few around that haven't had. Assume a bore scope would alleviate concerns here It also seems lots of places have 996 kicking about due to the relatively low purchase price are these worth considering or should I only look at Porsche independents? Cheers Kwack

Welcome to the fold

:welcome: to 911uk An independent PPI including a borescope analysed by someone who knows what to look for is always recommended especially if buying privately or from a non-Porsche specialist. Asking prices can vary significantly depending upon the seller so don't discount looking everywhere that there's one for sale as you may get a bargain. I'm a big Tip' fan but you'd need to drive both to see which suits you. Manual cars always command a premium so getting a similar car cheaper always suits me fine. Happy Hunting :thumb:

I am coming from a e46 m3, it looks like the 911 community is similar in a way, everyone was going on about big end bearings, vanos, head gasket rear boot cracking, all of these would be expensive to fix and potentially scare buyers off if not addressed. I have bought my 996 without any inspections, it needs some work done, some of it might be expensive, if I will not be able to afford it, I'll have to sell. If you are worried about all these things, don't get a Porsche, get something else

Even setting aside the big jobs these can be expensive cars to get 'right". They're at an age and often a mileage where a lot is MOT passable but worn well past its best. See MC's C4 thread for an example: http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=145605 Look everywhere, go in with your eyes open, and unless there is irrefutable evidence for brakes, suspension, pipes and ancillaries needing no work, expect the iceberg principle to apply (for everything you discover there are 9 more you don't). It's fine to buy from non-specialists (often cheaper and just as good, especially privately) but keep your eyes open.

Have you seen this one? Nothing to do with me despite not being too far away. 1998 C2 Manual £13,500 https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12319412

Thanks all. I am going to look at these with eyes wide open and am used to high running costs having previously owned a rs6 which was very costly 13mpg... I will look for the usual suspects that I would want to have been changed alongside general components as well. Appreciate that it's nearly a 20 yr old car.. I think I will stick though with independent specialists initially unless I see something that really takes my fancy. I don't want the car relationship to start off on the wrong foot and spend all weekend underneath it as I have done on other cars I've owned Will post up when I find one I'm interested in to see whether anyone recognises it Cheers Kwack

How is your search getting on? If you want to discuss a near perfect 04 Seal Grey Carrera, give me a PM.