Running costs for a 15 year old 996
Discussion
Had a 996 C2 manual for 5 years. Started with me 8 years old, ended 13yrs old. Mileage went from 40k to 60k in that time.
No problems at all. Just tyres, brakes, exhaust, one condenser, a battery plus servicing at a respected indy (which was cheaper than daily hack).
Didn't have warranty after the 1st year. Did have the money to pay for an engine rebuild should it let go, but obviously it didn't.
It was a great car and thoroughly enjoyed owning it. Never once let me down apart from flat battery after 3 weeks of no use in a cold spell.
N
No problems at all. Just tyres, brakes, exhaust, one condenser, a battery plus servicing at a respected indy (which was cheaper than daily hack).
Didn't have warranty after the 1st year. Did have the money to pay for an engine rebuild should it let go, but obviously it didn't.
It was a great car and thoroughly enjoyed owning it. Never once let me down apart from flat battery after 3 weeks of no use in a cold spell.
N
It's one of the easiest cars to service that I have ever owned. Oil and filter, air filter, cabin filter and fluid checks and top ups are all straight forward. An indie air con re-gas costs about £70 on your own driveway. Disc pad changes are easy and so is bulb replacement for back and front. I recently changed an air con rad and condenser with the parts costing just about £70 from an indie source as they are generic. A mass air flow sensor is straight forward to change. Plugs are a bit less straight forward and you might want to book it in for that job.
After buying the car I did have some big bills as the coolant reservoir needed changing and so did an alloy coolant return pipe. I had the air/oil separator done at the sane time and also changed the alternator and oil filler tube. My local indie did that at a cost of £1400 all in.
A set of four tyres costs about £750 to £800 but you should get 10k from normal motoring. My 996 will do 33mpg but generally the final figure turns out about 27/28mpg.
The great thing is it's a 911 and they are always in fashion and they share many common parts with the Boxster, VW and Audi.
Good luck
H
After buying the car I did have some big bills as the coolant reservoir needed changing and so did an alloy coolant return pipe. I had the air/oil separator done at the sane time and also changed the alternator and oil filler tube. My local indie did that at a cost of £1400 all in.
A set of four tyres costs about £750 to £800 but you should get 10k from normal motoring. My 996 will do 33mpg but generally the final figure turns out about 27/28mpg.
The great thing is it's a 911 and they are always in fashion and they share many common parts with the Boxster, VW and Audi.
Good luck
H
Hi, I'm completely new to Piston Heads but saw this thread and thought I'd join in. I've had a '99 Carrera 2 Tip for about four or five years. I love it. Best car I've ever bought and I'll never sell it. I have a two kids, 10 and 12 who fit in the back no problem and my wife has used it for the school run. It makes me smile every time I get in it (I drive it daily to the station) and when I want to take it for a blast it's plenty fast enough (though most modern German metal will probably be just as fast). It's now done 93k. And I've lost about £4-5k in value since I bought it.
I have spent a fair amount on in it over 4 years. Biggest bill was £1,800 when I first got it and had several bits sorted. Things I've had done are pretty much regular. Coil packs do go, air con condensors and radiators also go. I've had much of the suspension re-bushed. New tyres all round. New MAF sensor. New discs and pads all round. A change of oil at least once a year. A couple of big services. I budget at least £1k a year but it probably costs more like £1.5k.
Brake lines usually need looking at at this age. I'll have mine done soon. I'm trying to get the whole car up to scratch but completely original. I'm due to have wheels refurbed and a bonnet respray soon. I'm also thinking of sticking a low temp thermostat in as several owners swear by them.
Porsche paranoia does occasionally get to you but honestly, I'm less worried as it's already reached a high mileage, it's an early car, a 3.4 and I've heard tips are also less likely to suffer problems as they are harder to over rev (this could be a myth). My local Porsche Indie also said he hardly ever sees IMF problems despite a huge customer base (though he said he sees more on 997s).
Buy it, enjoy it, know that it will cost a bit to run but you get a lot of smiles per pound. It's a special car and to me, the pure shape of the early C2s, without all the frippery of wings etc. is starting to look quite classic.
I have spent a fair amount on in it over 4 years. Biggest bill was £1,800 when I first got it and had several bits sorted. Things I've had done are pretty much regular. Coil packs do go, air con condensors and radiators also go. I've had much of the suspension re-bushed. New tyres all round. New MAF sensor. New discs and pads all round. A change of oil at least once a year. A couple of big services. I budget at least £1k a year but it probably costs more like £1.5k.
Brake lines usually need looking at at this age. I'll have mine done soon. I'm trying to get the whole car up to scratch but completely original. I'm due to have wheels refurbed and a bonnet respray soon. I'm also thinking of sticking a low temp thermostat in as several owners swear by them.
Porsche paranoia does occasionally get to you but honestly, I'm less worried as it's already reached a high mileage, it's an early car, a 3.4 and I've heard tips are also less likely to suffer problems as they are harder to over rev (this could be a myth). My local Porsche Indie also said he hardly ever sees IMF problems despite a huge customer base (though he said he sees more on 997s).
Buy it, enjoy it, know that it will cost a bit to run but you get a lot of smiles per pound. It's a special car and to me, the pure shape of the early C2s, without all the frippery of wings etc. is starting to look quite classic.
edh said:
g7jhp said:
It's worth spending a bit of time finding a nice car which the current owner has done all the jobs on.
- IMS
- Rads
- Brakes and pads
- Tyres
Worth getting an independent inspection as a few issues will cost you far more than the cost of the inspection and you can always use it to negotiate on the price.
Plus I'd suggest going for a manual C2 coupe as historically they hold their value best!
- suspension arms, dampers, droplinks, aircon condensers- IMS
- Rads
- Brakes and pads
- Tyres
Worth getting an independent inspection as a few issues will cost you far more than the cost of the inspection and you can always use it to negotiate on the price.
Plus I'd suggest going for a manual C2 coupe as historically they hold their value best!
t08yg01 said:
Hi, I'm completely new to Piston Heads but saw this thread and thought I'd join in. I've had a '99 Carrera 2 Tip for about four or five years. I love it. Best car I've ever bought and I'll never sell it. I have a two kids, 10 and 12 who fit in the back no problem and my wife has used it for the school run. It makes me smile every time I get in it (I drive it daily to the station) and when I want to take it for a blast it's plenty fast enough (though most modern German metal will probably be just as fast). It's now done 93k. And I've lost about £4-5k in value since I bought it.
I have spent a fair amount on in it over 4 years. Biggest bill was £1,800 when I first got it and had several bits sorted. Things I've had done are pretty much regular. Coil packs do go, air con condensors and radiators also go. I've had much of the suspension re-bushed. New tyres all round. New MAF sensor. New discs and pads all round. A change of oil at least once a year. A couple of big services. I budget at least £1k a year but it probably costs more like £1.5k.
Brake lines usually need looking at at this age. I'll have mine done soon. I'm trying to get the whole car up to scratch but completely original. I'm due to have wheels refurbed and a bonnet respray soon. I'm also thinking of sticking a low temp thermostat in as several owners swear by them.
Porsche paranoia does occasionally get to you but honestly, I'm less worried as it's already reached a high mileage, it's an early car, a 3.4 and I've heard tips are also less likely to suffer problems as they are harder to over rev (this could be a myth). My local Porsche Indie also said he hardly ever sees IMF problems despite a huge customer base (though he said he sees more on 997s).
Buy it, enjoy it, know that it will cost a bit to run but you get a lot of smiles per pound. It's a special car and to me, the pure shape of the early C2s, without all the frippery of wings etc. is starting to look quite classic.
Sorry to break this to you but I believe the Tip's are more prone to things like bore scoring than the manuals.I have spent a fair amount on in it over 4 years. Biggest bill was £1,800 when I first got it and had several bits sorted. Things I've had done are pretty much regular. Coil packs do go, air con condensors and radiators also go. I've had much of the suspension re-bushed. New tyres all round. New MAF sensor. New discs and pads all round. A change of oil at least once a year. A couple of big services. I budget at least £1k a year but it probably costs more like £1.5k.
Brake lines usually need looking at at this age. I'll have mine done soon. I'm trying to get the whole car up to scratch but completely original. I'm due to have wheels refurbed and a bonnet respray soon. I'm also thinking of sticking a low temp thermostat in as several owners swear by them.
Porsche paranoia does occasionally get to you but honestly, I'm less worried as it's already reached a high mileage, it's an early car, a 3.4 and I've heard tips are also less likely to suffer problems as they are harder to over rev (this could be a myth). My local Porsche Indie also said he hardly ever sees IMF problems despite a huge customer base (though he said he sees more on 997s).
Buy it, enjoy it, know that it will cost a bit to run but you get a lot of smiles per pound. It's a special car and to me, the pure shape of the early C2s, without all the frippery of wings etc. is starting to look quite classic.
All very interesting. In 3 years of ownership my C2 2002 has needed new discs and pads all round, a new water pump, 2 front springs and I've just ordered 2 coffin arms cos I cant stand the creaking any longer! It will need a new exhaust in the foreseeable but not yet. Services always seem to come in at about £250. Insurance is about the same - I am old - tyres last quite well unless you hoon them. Consumption about 28 mpg depending on conditions. This car is no more expensive than my L200, the mustang it replaced, a mercedes C class and sitch like. Plus it's for the most part quite easy to work on. If the engine explodes so be it but I am not gonna worry about it. Can I just add, this car has never used any oil or water - I replaced the pump before it let go - the levels remain rock solid.
I might install a low temp thermostat however. Can some kind soul tell me where I can get one. And anyone know how to fit the coffin arms? it looks straightforward but it would be nice to confirm no pitfalls
I might install a low temp thermostat however. Can some kind soul tell me where I can get one. And anyone know how to fit the coffin arms? it looks straightforward but it would be nice to confirm no pitfalls
Coffin arms very easy to fit, access to turn the chassis bolt is a little difficult and you will probably need a ball joint splitter for the hub.
I changed the adjoining control arm (£80 for two genuine trw parts on fleabay) at the same time since its only one more bolt. You might as well check the tie rods while your down there and replace if neccesary. The more you can do at one time, the easier it is and then you only have to pay for the tracking once rather than replacing piece by piece and getting the tracking done each time.
If you have Xenons/Litronic headlights, just don't do what I did and yank at the coffin arm with the levelling sensor still attached to the nearside coffin arm! First thing to do once the wheel is off is disconnect it from the coffin arm before it gets forgotten (a SNAPPING noise will be the next time its remembered other wise).
Andy
I changed the adjoining control arm (£80 for two genuine trw parts on fleabay) at the same time since its only one more bolt. You might as well check the tie rods while your down there and replace if neccesary. The more you can do at one time, the easier it is and then you only have to pay for the tracking once rather than replacing piece by piece and getting the tracking done each time.
If you have Xenons/Litronic headlights, just don't do what I did and yank at the coffin arm with the levelling sensor still attached to the nearside coffin arm! First thing to do once the wheel is off is disconnect it from the coffin arm before it gets forgotten (a SNAPPING noise will be the next time its remembered other wise).
Andy
Ive been running my 2002 996 gen2 for nearly a year now, using it as a daily driver and its been a superb motor.
It had done a whopping 169,000 miles on purchase.
Its a tiptronic model and is still on original engine and gearbox.
Full Porsche main dealer history and every trip from the previous owner was main dealer at the same Porsche dealer, tyres, mots, everything.
This gave me confidence in the car had been looked after by the lady who i bought it off, she bought it 18 months old from the same dealer.
Not saying indy serviced cars any worse/better off, just with the very high mileage it made me think it was defo worth a look at.
I hope to run the car for £83 per month, (currently at 85.21 per month) you can follow my story so far at...
http://www.project3000.co.uk
Hope this helps with your search for a 911, 996's are superb value for money, i just think you need to buy a nice well looked after example and you should be fine.
It had done a whopping 169,000 miles on purchase.
Its a tiptronic model and is still on original engine and gearbox.
Full Porsche main dealer history and every trip from the previous owner was main dealer at the same Porsche dealer, tyres, mots, everything.
This gave me confidence in the car had been looked after by the lady who i bought it off, she bought it 18 months old from the same dealer.
Not saying indy serviced cars any worse/better off, just with the very high mileage it made me think it was defo worth a look at.
I hope to run the car for £83 per month, (currently at 85.21 per month) you can follow my story so far at...
http://www.project3000.co.uk
Hope this helps with your search for a 911, 996's are superb value for money, i just think you need to buy a nice well looked after example and you should be fine.
Any 996 could be perfectly reliable, or the engine could grenade at any time (however well maintained/serviced). Simple fact of ownership and something to bear in mind.
I had a '99 996 C4 tip for almost 9 years (2001 to 2010). Porsche warranty until it's 10th birthday, full PMDSH. Always driven sympathetically, warmed up, She'll V-Power, no expense spared, etc.
It still went pop at 151k miles (bought at 40k miles). Scored bores/ oval cylinders or some such. Anyway, not economical to repair at that age/ mileage. At least I drove the thing and got several years of pleasure from it.
Lovely car to drive though - wonderful analogue steering and brake feel, and sublime handling. Still miss it.
I would never buy another one though, knowing what I know now about the poor engine design/ risks.
I had a '99 996 C4 tip for almost 9 years (2001 to 2010). Porsche warranty until it's 10th birthday, full PMDSH. Always driven sympathetically, warmed up, She'll V-Power, no expense spared, etc.
It still went pop at 151k miles (bought at 40k miles). Scored bores/ oval cylinders or some such. Anyway, not economical to repair at that age/ mileage. At least I drove the thing and got several years of pleasure from it.
Lovely car to drive though - wonderful analogue steering and brake feel, and sublime handling. Still miss it.
I would never buy another one though, knowing what I know now about the poor engine design/ risks.Wouldn't worry too much, I drove a late 3.4L Cab C2 manual as daily from 2001 to 2004, put on 120tkm and only had regular maintenance on the car. Always warm and only good fuel, but I don't spare the car, it took a fair amount of regular abuse, it even saw a few tracks as well. Take your time, narrow cars down and get a specialist to check the car so you know what you go into. Cheap cars will often have lacked maintenance and eventually prove not to be cheap. Good luck with your search and your "new" 911.
Good afternoon, I'm in a similar position to the OP and viewed a 996 Tiptronic convertible yesterday. It's going to be my partners car to replace her Golf so I have to be honest and let her know what we are getting into i.e small risk of engine problems.
This particular car we looked at a local dealer is a 2001 with 65k on it. I asked to see the service history and had a brief look through the stack of invoices...all Porsche service apart from last one at a specialist. The previous owners address on the paperwork tells me that she is probably reasonably wealthy and won't have skipped any servicing or remedial work. The fact that it's got 4 decent Continental Contisport tyres with plenty of tread also gives me a positive feeling.
Obviously I'm hoping that the previous owner lavished care and attention on it and did not get rid because of the prospect of some hefty bills.
The proprietor of the garage won't REALLY know whether it's a great car or not so he's quite happy for me to have it inspected so I guess I can either have it taken to an OPC or find a specialist that can travel to it and use their ramp to inspect it on. I'm guessing the profit in the car for the dealer precludes me negotiating much off if an inspection reveals a long list of required work. It will be more the case we just walk away if it's anything more than minor issues. For the sake of a few hundred pounds potentially saving us from a costly mistake though, I'm more than happy with this.
Running costs as described on here sound 'ok' I guess. I had Nissan Skyline GTR for 10 years so have ran a sports car before.
Parked next to it at the dealer is a 120k mile 135 m sport convertible BMW which my missus likes also (same price). My point to the dealer is that in 6 years/30k miles time, the BMW is going to be a hard car to sell with that mileage. The 911, however, I can't see getting much cheaper so potentially higher running costs could be offset by the higher value of the car in a few years time.
I guess I'm a bit nervous as the missus will be paying for most of it and I'll feel a right git if I recommend a car to her and then it lands her a massive bill.
regards
Ben
This particular car we looked at a local dealer is a 2001 with 65k on it. I asked to see the service history and had a brief look through the stack of invoices...all Porsche service apart from last one at a specialist. The previous owners address on the paperwork tells me that she is probably reasonably wealthy and won't have skipped any servicing or remedial work. The fact that it's got 4 decent Continental Contisport tyres with plenty of tread also gives me a positive feeling.
Obviously I'm hoping that the previous owner lavished care and attention on it and did not get rid because of the prospect of some hefty bills.
The proprietor of the garage won't REALLY know whether it's a great car or not so he's quite happy for me to have it inspected so I guess I can either have it taken to an OPC or find a specialist that can travel to it and use their ramp to inspect it on. I'm guessing the profit in the car for the dealer precludes me negotiating much off if an inspection reveals a long list of required work. It will be more the case we just walk away if it's anything more than minor issues. For the sake of a few hundred pounds potentially saving us from a costly mistake though, I'm more than happy with this.
Running costs as described on here sound 'ok' I guess. I had Nissan Skyline GTR for 10 years so have ran a sports car before.
Parked next to it at the dealer is a 120k mile 135 m sport convertible BMW which my missus likes also (same price). My point to the dealer is that in 6 years/30k miles time, the BMW is going to be a hard car to sell with that mileage. The 911, however, I can't see getting much cheaper so potentially higher running costs could be offset by the higher value of the car in a few years time.
I guess I'm a bit nervous as the missus will be paying for most of it and I'll feel a right git if I recommend a car to her and then it lands her a massive bill.
regards
Ben
I've got a tip 996 Cab and, whilst I don't have any experience with a manual Porsche, there are times I wish I had gone the manual route. However, MOST of the time I'm glad it has the auto box as it makes real life trundling around so much more relaxing.
If you like the roof down experience (and I'm firmly in the "yes" camp) then a 996 cab offers a nice mix of performance and cruiser.
Be intrigued to know how much the one you've seen is up for as I will be selling mine at the end of August after it has one last swansong across Europe - prices seem to vary from suspiciously low to crazily optimistic!
If you want an owners perspective I, along with many others, have contributed to plenty of running cost threads on here
If you like the roof down experience (and I'm firmly in the "yes" camp) then a 996 cab offers a nice mix of performance and cruiser.
Be intrigued to know how much the one you've seen is up for as I will be selling mine at the end of August after it has one last swansong across Europe - prices seem to vary from suspiciously low to crazily optimistic!
If you want an owners perspective I, along with many others, have contributed to plenty of running cost threads on here
Ta for the responses...cmoose, was your car listed on a 911 forum? I'm sure I spotted that username against an advert a few months ago.
Any road, we've looked at all the usual suspects i.e Z4's, TT's and my partner has decided she wants a sports car that can occasionally involve the whole family. We have 20 month old twins so the two small rear seats are ideal. We also discounted the C4 due to decreased boot space. If you are prepared to use tyre foam and lose the space saver, the front recess it's actually quite reasonable i.e you could go away for a weekend away once they are out of the buggy.
She also wants a convertible and it's her preference to drive an auto. Principally it's going to be her car and she values these criteria above any degradation of driving dynamics which is fine by me. I have a wonderfully communicative Megane RS Cup for trackdays and, dare I say it, a very nice handling Mk1 MX5 for when I want that uninterrupted analogue driving experience.
I've spoken to three specialists now and for that early 3.4 engine, two said risks were low and the other accused me of spending too much time on the internet reading horror stories from people who don't actually own the car. Of course though, I am aware of the risk
Mike, I've had a read through some of your posts...good info ta. This particular example I'm looking at is up for 13k which seems about right judging by low mileage, it comes with a hardtop and service history looks spot on. Of course, height of summer...prices are at the top end but c'est la vie.
Current plan would be to trailer the car to Autostrasse for an inspection as my colleague has his 993 looked after there and rates them very highly.
regards
Ben
Any road, we've looked at all the usual suspects i.e Z4's, TT's and my partner has decided she wants a sports car that can occasionally involve the whole family. We have 20 month old twins so the two small rear seats are ideal. We also discounted the C4 due to decreased boot space. If you are prepared to use tyre foam and lose the space saver, the front recess it's actually quite reasonable i.e you could go away for a weekend away once they are out of the buggy.
She also wants a convertible and it's her preference to drive an auto. Principally it's going to be her car and she values these criteria above any degradation of driving dynamics which is fine by me. I have a wonderfully communicative Megane RS Cup for trackdays and, dare I say it, a very nice handling Mk1 MX5 for when I want that uninterrupted analogue driving experience.
I've spoken to three specialists now and for that early 3.4 engine, two said risks were low and the other accused me of spending too much time on the internet reading horror stories from people who don't actually own the car. Of course though, I am aware of the risk
Mike, I've had a read through some of your posts...good info ta. This particular example I'm looking at is up for 13k which seems about right judging by low mileage, it comes with a hardtop and service history looks spot on. Of course, height of summer...prices are at the top end but c'est la vie.
Current plan would be to trailer the car to Autostrasse for an inspection as my colleague has his 993 looked after there and rates them very highly.
regards
Ben
turboslippers said:
Current plan would be to trailer the car to Autostrasse for an inspection as my colleague has his 993 looked after there and rates them very highly.
I love my 3.4 and after owning it for just under 18 months it's running like an absolute peach. It makes a comfortable and easy daily drive, but when you take it out for a proper run the car is a wonderful experience.Having said that, I've spent a large amount of money on the car during my relatively short ownership. Nothing to do with engine blow ups, just replacing worn, rusted or failed components with their stock equivalents. Only the exhaust back boxes I've spent money on for an upgrade.
The point being, many people on the forums speak of the possible engine expenses and forget all the other things that will genuinely cost you much money. A thorough PPI has to be very important, especially as I'm sure there's going to be an increasing number of cars for sale that haven't undergone the expensive routine maintenance these cars can sometimes require.
IknowJoseph said:
I love my 3.4 and after owning it for just under 18 months it's running like an absolute peach. It makes a comfortable and easy daily drive, but when you take it out for a proper run the car is a wonderful experience.
Having said that, I've spent a large amount of money on the car during my relatively short ownership. Nothing to do with engine blow ups, just replacing worn, rusted or failed components with their stock equivalents. Only the exhaust back boxes I've spent money on for an upgrade.
My 3.4 will need new exhausts soon, what did you go for out of interest?Having said that, I've spent a large amount of money on the car during my relatively short ownership. Nothing to do with engine blow ups, just replacing worn, rusted or failed components with their stock equivalents. Only the exhaust back boxes I've spent money on for an upgrade.
LordHaveMurci said:
My 3.4 will need new exhausts soon, what did you go for out of interest?
I went for Dansk Sports Stainless, largely because they were recommended by my local (well known) indie, they were well priced and they are a Porsche OEM supplier.The first pair spat out all the wadding quite quickly and became far too loud. Had them replaced under warranty ("We've never seen this before on any of our exhausts sir") and the second pair have been really good. There are louder exhausts available, but I've really come to enjoy the sound mine makes as the boxes have bedded in.
I'm told that there's a wait to get the Dansk boxes now as they're unable to keep up with demand, but obviously I've not tried to get another pair since.
IknowJoseph said:
I went for Dansk Sports Stainless, largely because they were recommended by my local (well known) indie, they were well priced and they are a Porsche OEM supplier.
The first pair spat out all the wadding quite quickly and became far too loud. Had them replaced under warranty ("We've never seen this before on any of our exhausts sir") and the second pair have been really good. There are louder exhausts available, but I've really come to enjoy the sound mine makes as the boxes have bedded in.
I'm told that there's a wait to get the Dansk boxes now as they're unable to keep up with demand, but obviously I've not tried to get another pair since.
Thanks, have heard of Dansk before, they are on eBay for about £700 I believe. My local Indie has quoted me c£1200 fitted for 'Cargraphic type' exhaust, just need to weigh up my options before shelling out that kind of cash.The first pair spat out all the wadding quite quickly and became far too loud. Had them replaced under warranty ("We've never seen this before on any of our exhausts sir") and the second pair have been really good. There are louder exhausts available, but I've really come to enjoy the sound mine makes as the boxes have bedded in.
I'm told that there's a wait to get the Dansk boxes now as they're unable to keep up with demand, but obviously I've not tried to get another pair since.
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