I'm kicking around a purchase and would love to touch base with someone in the know on Porsche.

Do you know the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche owner ?

I had a 2007 S Boxster purchased it new fun to drive. I do know they had some rear main seal issues.

https://www.perfectionautowork...sche-rear-main-seal/


Pricks on the inside

cmr076 would be a great resource here. 996’s are susceptible to the dreaded IMS issues, so you will need to have that fixed (if not already done).

We have a 997. Most 996s have, by now, had the IMS bearing replaced. 996s have been increasing steadily in value, after languishing under appreciated for a number of years. Still a great value. Obviously, find a locally respected Porsche mechanic and have a thorough PPI.

Buy a turbo model and you won't have to worry about the IMS failure. Most naturally aspirated models with any kind of miles on it should be good to go with no real issue of the bearing failing. Not saying it can't happen, but less likely to happen. If you buy a low mileage car that hasn't had an upgrade you will have a higher chance of it happening. Most believe that if the bearing will fail, it will be in a lower mileage range.

If you are looking for a driver, this is the model to get due to the fact that most Porsche purists do not care for this model. The "fried egg" look cars do not have a high collectability factor and can be had relatively cheap. With that in mind, when or if you sell it, you most likely won't make any money on the deal. In other words. It will not gain value like the air cooled models.

There are some fit and finish issues and rattles and squeaks with these cars also.

Actually, if you want a decent idea, check out Wheeler Dealers episode on the 996. Series 20 episode 1

I drove a 2003 Boxster until recently... the big problem with them is there is no place to really drive them.... top in on this one with the factory installed rpm limiter... was somewhere between 158 & 165 mph. The car loved 2nd gear and a smooth asphalt road....

Only problem I found was the dern car shrunk over the last 15 years....

quote:

Originally posted by XLT:
Do you know the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche owner ?



https://www.perfectionautowork...sche-rear-main-seal/


Pricks on the inside

The difference between a Hoover and a Harley?

With a Hoover the dirt bag is on the inside.


.

Rennist is to Porsche what Sigform is to Sigs

Rennlist https://rennlist.com/forums/

Planet 9 is also a great place to pick up information.
Planet 9

Pricing, issues and what not about all models at both forums.

Be careful once you get one will want more and to upgrade. Kind of like with guns. I know from personal experience. Had a 2005 Boxster S and now have a 2015 911 GTS Cab.

But there is nothing like a German therapy session. Smiles upon startup and continues the entire ride.

Good hunting and dealing.

No experience with 996 but have had a 997 6-speed manual for over 10 years and 79K miles with no major problems whatsoever. Two minor issues fixed under warranty. Otherwise insanely reliable. Unless you do your own work, they are ridiculously expensive for repair and maintenance. Still puts smile on my face every time I drive it.

996's are the value in 911's currently, and are allowing many new 911 owners to enter the fold where they otherwise may not be able to.

As mentioned above, rennlist.com is a great resource, I've been a member there for many years. They have model specific forum sections as well as many advice threads on just your question where things to look for are addressed. The IMS issue has more than likely been fixed by current owners, and if not it probably won't be an issue unless it's a very low mile example.

A PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection)is recommended, as well as finding a good independent shop. Although it's not as critical as it is with the air cooled models as current factory techs are very familiar with the water pumpers vs air cooled. But getting anything done at the dealer is $$$$.

There are some sources for factory parts at discounts, but we'll cross that bridge when you get there.

Good luck in your search, it took me about 6-8 months and multi-state searching to find mine (993) where 996's were and still are plentiful.

Thanks guys! I'll give the ultra simplified rundown here. I have the opportunity to pickup a 1999 996 (non turbo) w/ 90k miles. The deal is pretty low-cost comparable to what I can gather through the usual online offerings (Autotempest et al).

It's on the 4th owner who is a guy I sort of know. Prior to him the 3rd owner had it for 13 years and I think we have all of his records. CarFax shows two "rear ender" accidents in ~2010 and ~2015 w/ "minor damage" in the life prior to my friend. 25k miles since the 2nd rear ender.

My friend got it in 2019 and shortly after he got it took it into a curb low speed on a roundabout.

In that repair, he took it to a Porsche/import specialty shop and along with the repair, they did the IMS, and clutch and new tires and a bunch of other stuff (radiator, fan housing, wheel bearings, control arm, stabilizer bar, strut assembly). I think they also did the rear main seal and oil separator. He said he instructed them to "make it right".

So then COVID... And now he's just kind of wanting to move it along. For about $25k, I can have this car. It seems to me like this could be a fun daily driver, pseudo beater. I mean, I wouldn't have to baby it. And it IS a year newer and has a little less miles than my baby (1998 MB E430)! haha

So, I guess, I'm wondering if these damages would scare a real informed Porsche enthusiast off, or if this is in fact a hell of an opportunity to get a "driver". I'm sure I can find one that might not have had a wreck (maybe,) and maybe less miles. But with all of this recent service, it seems that's worth quite a lot.

Thoughts, my fellow Porsche porcupines?

I'd check on rennlist. Diminished value is really big on these cars. 25k with that mileage and damages seems on the high side to me. As an example, there is a no issues 99 996 with half the miles listed in Panorama, asking 24.5k.

I can go back through prior issues if you'd like and research values, but again, rennlist will help you greatly with that.

996 owner - '03 Carerra cabriolet, 3.6 and 6spd manual.

As mentioned above, values of the 996 are down, presenting many first time 911 owners an opportunity.

$25k is on the high side.
My opinion is around $20k.
Look at the values around the nation.

The service history is the more valid aspect.
As the panel damage has been rectified, this is more a matter when buying or selling.

With IMS and RMS done on the 3.4 engine, that takes away most of the apparent anguish, of what could happen to a small percentage of engines.

Drive it. Stops, steers, no funny noises.

Buy it, drive it, enjoy it.

It's not your average Chevy/Ford/Dodge, some service items cannot be done in the driveway. z

--chris

quote:

Originally posted by cjevans:
$25k is on the high side.
My opinion is around $20k.
--chris

In truth, there's a partial trade involved, so the actual cost is debatable. It could be considered closer to $20k

Not an expert by any means but I’ve had a 2000 Boxster, then a 1988 911 G50 Cab.

I find Bring a Trailer to be a good resource for pricing.

https://bringatrailer.com/porsche/996/

If you look at the bottom of that page you can see the selling price history for 996’s. You can pound into it for specifics.

I miss my Porsche immensely but we have an 8 mile, dirt mountain road to get to our house. I actually built a garage for my 911 but chickened out when the reality of driving the air cooled card on that dusty road set it.

Best wishes!

Edited to add, I agree with 20K based on two accidents. Plan on adding $2,500 for piece of mind if the IMS hasn’t been done. It’s pretty cost effective to do the clutch during that work.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
In truth, there's a partial trade involved, so the actual cost is debatable. It could be considered closer to $20k

... with a trade to factor in?
I would start with a conversation around $15k. What's the lowest the seller would go, etc ...

The good has been done - IMS, RMS, clutch ...

What you want to pay, and what the seller wants to get ... find that agreeable dollar.

Parts are readily available, it's the labour.
Use an independent Porsche specialist. Call the speciality shop and have a discussion.
They would likely look forward to ongoing service/work, if nearby for you.

rennlist.com was mentioned above, a good resource.

Captain Obvious here, so forgive me...

I'd darn sure insist on being able to take it to a good reputable independent Porsche shop/mechanic for a look see. I'd happily pay a few hundred bucks for this service.

Best wishes to you.
.

Cabriolet or hardtop? Cabriolets bring a little less $ and have the additional concerns that go along with the condition and function of the top.

My wife and I have been casually searching for a 996 for a while, so I will be interested to see how your experience plays out.

One of my good friends is one of two Master techs at Porsche HQ in Atlanta. Email in profile if you'd like me to maybe get you in touch. I also have a friend with that exact car. He daily drives it so it has higher mileage and he's done a significant amount of work in the last 5 years including a new manual transmission.

And yeah that seems kinda high for a 1999 996.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
Thanks guys! I'll give the ultra simplified rundown here. I have the opportunity to pickup a 1999 996 (non turbo) w/ 90k miles. The deal is pretty low-cost comparable to what I can gather through the usual online offerings (Autotempest et al).

It's on the 4th owner who is a guy I sort of know. Prior to him the 3rd owner had it for 13 years and I think we have all of his records. CarFax shows two "rear ender" accidents in ~2010 and ~2015 w/ "minor damage" in the life prior to my friend. 25k miles since the 2nd rear ender.

My friend got it in 2019 and shortly after he got it took it into a curb low speed on a roundabout.

In that repair, he took it to a Porsche/import specialty shop and along with the repair, they did the IMS, and clutch and new tires and a bunch of other stuff (radiator, fan housing, wheel bearings, control arm, stabilizer bar, strut assembly). I think they also did the rear main seal and oil separator. He said he instructed them to "make it right".

So then COVID... And now he's just kind of wanting to move it along. For about $25k, I can have this car. It seems to me like this could be a fun daily driver, pseudo beater. I mean, I wouldn't have to baby it. And it IS a year newer and has a little less miles than my baby (1998 MB E430)! haha

So, I guess, I'm wondering if these damages would scare a real informed Porsche enthusiast off, or if this is in fact a hell of an opportunity to get a "driver". I'm sure I can find one that might not have had a wreck (maybe,) and maybe less miles. But with all of this recent service, it seems that's worth quite a lot.

Thoughts, my fellow Porsche porcupines?

997 owner here.

The market has been strong this year and prices are up across the board. I would like to get into a 991 and have even considered selling my 997 now while it's worth more and buying a 991 later when the market settles down some.

The 996 has been gaining in value since bottoming out. It sounds like you know the history of the car fairly well and major things (RMS and IMS) are out of the way so those are positives. The mileage wouldn't scare me especially considering the age. These things run can run forever properly maintained. The M96 engine is solid other than the RMS and IMS. There are concerns with cylinder scoring that are increased in colder climates. Rear-end wrecks are concerning in general, but if the car was really "made right" and you know the shop that did it, I would discount this. The more time and miles between the wrecks and now the better. Sounds like you have that covered.

Do you "like" the 996? I don't care either way about the headlights, but find the 996 interior to be a real letdown. It's said that Porsche just had no money to develop it. It's hard to imagine that now with the brand so strong, but they were really on the ropes in the late 90s. As long as you can get past that, they're just great fun to drive. I think a base 996 or 996 S is well within the sweet spot of cars that you can enjoy reasonably on public roadways and not risk your license or your safety. They drive like they're on rails and you can have a hell of a lot of fun on a curvy road.

As far as pricing goes, I think that $20k is probably top of the mark "driver" car with a bit of a history. Remember that when you look at places like Bring a Trailer that the hammer price does not include buyer's premium so those prices are deflated a little. BaT also tends to get some really, really good examples. That said, looking at the last 12 months of 996 results, they've sold over 30 of them for under $20k before premium. Spot checking them, some of them were pretty nice looking cars with reasonable mileage figures.

And whatever you do and no matter how well you know your friend, have a PPI done. If possible, have it done by somebody that hasn't worked on the car before.