Discussion
Dammit said:
Anyway - 911 lighter sockets, who knew? They are apparently European standard, and the majority of lighter socket to USB chargers are American standard, which is smaller and therefore they fall out. If anyone has a recco for a decent one of these that doesn't fall out please let me know.
I've got a white "Rolson" one which came with leads which falls out. I've got a smaller black one from (I'm pretty sure) Wilkinson which came on its own in a blister pack which stays in and works very well. 
Dammit said:
I did share the PPI with Precision- however, they inspected the brake lines and the ARB, both of which BSG marked for replacement and said that in their opinion these parts were fine and to leave them as-is.
I have a good feeling about them - I trust what they are telling me, and if in their opinion he engine mounts need changing then I am happy for them to be changed.
That's a fairly minor part of the overall bill- the control arms are significant on their own, then with labour figured in they get really quite expensive. That's what was going "graunch/graunch" over speed bumps as you said.
OP, there are others on here that have a far greater understanding of these cars than I ever will but it sounds like you got the car you want and you're spending on getting it sorted for peace of mind. I probably would have done the same ( learning along the way). You'll forget about the bills when you're out on the twisties or bombing along the motorway. Congrats and enjoy!I have a good feeling about them - I trust what they are telling me, and if in their opinion he engine mounts need changing then I am happy for them to be changed.
That's a fairly minor part of the overall bill- the control arms are significant on their own, then with labour figured in they get really quite expensive. That's what was going "graunch/graunch" over speed bumps as you said.
Also (and forgive my naivety here), what would others in this thread have done in this situation - taken the "to-do" list and provided it alongside the parts to a third party/DIY?
I've been taking the view that if the car needs the work I may as well get it done, and the sooner its done the sooner I can enjoy the car, but I won't deny that the costs incurred so far are a touch on the high side.
That said, I spent years attending to all the issues that my 850R had when I bought it, and spent a lot more money in the end, it's just that with the Porsche it's all coming at once.
I've been taking the view that if the car needs the work I may as well get it done, and the sooner its done the sooner I can enjoy the car, but I won't deny that the costs incurred so far are a touch on the high side.
That said, I spent years attending to all the issues that my 850R had when I bought it, and spent a lot more money in the end, it's just that with the Porsche it's all coming at once.
If I'd bought the car after a PPI, I'd have taken it to a specialist and asked for an everything service (i.e. Major inc plugs, belts etc) and let me know of anything else that needs doing. I wouldn't show them the PPI, because I think you'll get a more pragmatic approach from a specialist that wants to impress you, but keep your business. You also get an independent second opinion.
But then that's what I do with every car I buy, but I would skip the PPI.
But then that's what I do with every car I buy, but I would skip the PPI.
Dammit said:
Speaking of which, the 911 is slower and brakes worse than the Volvo - which is also when on song quite a bit louder. Quite different cars though.
Regarding the brakes you're experiencing what many first time 911/boxster/cayman owners feel when comparing it to normal road cars. The Porsche brakes are more progressive and less servoed. Therefore if you use the pedal like the Volvo it will feel like the braking is not as good (good probably being the wrong word to use). Press the pedal harder/further and the 911 will stop in a much shorter distance than the volvo. You'll find this out when you need to. 
I agree about the power delivery- the Porsche has immediate urge that increases linearly- the Volvo has a very poor response off boost, and the boost threshold is high. Once on boost however you get all the power very quickly.
The Porsche feels (and likely is) faster most of the time, the Volvo feels faster when you get t fully spooled in the second half of the rev range.
The Porsche feels (and likely is) faster most of the time, the Volvo feels faster when you get t fully spooled in the second half of the rev range.
Nice looking 850R, a quick Volvo indeed.
On my 2nd 3.2 Carrera I went in and spent a similar amount getting suspension and other bits done. I prefer to get my cars sorted asap so I can enjoy them as they're meant to drive.
If you're still under budget and you've had the majority of job s done that's a result.
Going in and handing over your card to pay for a big bill is never nice, but you'll forget about it once you've filed the invoice and are enjoying the car.
On my 2nd 3.2 Carrera I went in and spent a similar amount getting suspension and other bits done. I prefer to get my cars sorted asap so I can enjoy them as they're meant to drive.
If you're still under budget and you've had the majority of job s done that's a result.
Going in and handing over your card to pay for a big bill is never nice, but you'll forget about it once you've filed the invoice and are enjoying the car.
There has been the odd mention of a USB charging outlet on the 996 and cigarette lighter fit. I've used these on other cars at about £20 and a breeze to install. I've not peeped below the armrest box to see what's there as that would be an ideal location. Has anyone else? It would need about 4cm clearance behind. Alternatively I suppose, get the ashtray delete cuddy, I bet it would fit there fine.
This is the upgrade part to the American standard lighter: http://www.suncoastparts.com/product/PK9X6LIGHTER....
I've asked Precision if they can source one and if so how much to do so and fit it- once that's done I can use any current charger.
If anyone knows a source for those over here in Europe please let me know.
I've asked Precision if they can source one and if so how much to do so and fit it- once that's done I can use any current charger.
If anyone knows a source for those over here in Europe please let me know.
Welcome to perils of used Porsche ownership OP!
I place a high price on peace of mind as well as I have little to no mechanical knowledge so I can understand why you footed the big bill.
Questions - now that you have purchased this car.....are you still checking the classifieds regularly for 996s? Often a good acid test for whether you have really bought your dream car..
I place a high price on peace of mind as well as I have little to no mechanical knowledge so I can understand why you footed the big bill.
Questions - now that you have purchased this car.....are you still checking the classifieds regularly for 996s? Often a good acid test for whether you have really bought your dream car..
I am still looking, but only every now and again, and more to maintain familiarity with the market for these cars.
I'm genuinely excited to get my 911 back, i don't begrudge it the money - I could very easily have spent £15,000 on a car that then needed the same work, the way I am looking at it is that I did buy a £15,000 car - one that was in A1 condition. It's just been two payments rather than one...
And this way at least I know everything is done and can get on with enjoying it.
I'm genuinely excited to get my 911 back, i don't begrudge it the money - I could very easily have spent £15,000 on a car that then needed the same work, the way I am looking at it is that I did buy a £15,000 car - one that was in A1 condition. It's just been two payments rather than one...
And this way at least I know everything is done and can get on with enjoying it.
Thrilling update: I ordered the American spec fag lighter, at least that is a "fit and done" part.
In other news I can pick the car up next week - it'll have to be Friday as I'm in the US until then (which has made getting that fag lighter more straightforward).
Now I've only driven the car for a few hours but I'm struggling a little with the wheel position- I'm 6'2" and the wheel rests on my left leg, which makes left turns with a lot of lock a problem.
As I see it the options are to fit an extender-boss to the wheel to get it closer too me and a little higher, or to opt for the centre console delete - the latter means moving the heated seat buttons to the upper part of the centre console.
Does anyone have another option which I've not thought of/has moved buttons around and can chime in on how hard it is/has deleted their lower centre console and have achieved leg room joy through going that route?
In other news I can pick the car up next week - it'll have to be Friday as I'm in the US until then (which has made getting that fag lighter more straightforward).
Now I've only driven the car for a few hours but I'm struggling a little with the wheel position- I'm 6'2" and the wheel rests on my left leg, which makes left turns with a lot of lock a problem.
As I see it the options are to fit an extender-boss to the wheel to get it closer too me and a little higher, or to opt for the centre console delete - the latter means moving the heated seat buttons to the upper part of the centre console.
Does anyone have another option which I've not thought of/has moved buttons around and can chime in on how hard it is/has deleted their lower centre console and have achieved leg room joy through going that route?
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