Used 996 pitfalls and advice?
Discussion
I'm new to this website, so hello all.
I am seriously considering dipping my toe in the water and buying a second hand 996, I cannot get the idea out of my head so I suppose sooner or later I'll take the plunge
I'm looking to spend about £33K but cannot find a decent buyers guide on the net?
Does anyone know of a comprehensive guide out there or can anyone let me know of the pitfalls if any to look out for?
Cheers
Neil
I am seriously considering dipping my toe in the water and buying a second hand 996, I cannot get the idea out of my head so I suppose sooner or later I'll take the plunge
I'm looking to spend about £33K but cannot find a decent buyers guide on the net?
Does anyone know of a comprehensive guide out there or can anyone let me know of the pitfalls if any to look out for?
Cheers
Neil
Chances of you finding a free quality buyers guide on the internet are slim to none. Look here www.chpltd.com/911_porsche_world/index.html and look in back issues, scroll down to issue No 127 October 2004, there is a good 996 buyers guide in this issue.
The best advice I can give you is never buy a car without a good full Porsche service history and warranty, warranty, warranty (You can extend a Porsche warranty each year up to 9 years as long as the car is serviced by an Offical Porsche Centre). If all this is in place, you can pretty much just buy on condition of the car from there on.
And also be careful where you buy from, a Porsche centre is going to be expensive, so if you go independent make sure they are a good specialist dealer and not a car supermarket with a Porsche on the forecourt to attract attention.
When you see a car you like, ask on here if there is someone in your area who owns a Porsche and who's willing to go with you and check it out, I'm sure there must be someone close to you who would be happy to do it.
Don't buy the first car you see and happy hunting
The best advice I can give you is never buy a car without a good full Porsche service history and warranty, warranty, warranty (You can extend a Porsche warranty each year up to 9 years as long as the car is serviced by an Offical Porsche Centre). If all this is in place, you can pretty much just buy on condition of the car from there on.
And also be careful where you buy from, a Porsche centre is going to be expensive, so if you go independent make sure they are a good specialist dealer and not a car supermarket with a Porsche on the forecourt to attract attention.
When you see a car you like, ask on here if there is someone in your area who owns a Porsche and who's willing to go with you and check it out, I'm sure there must be someone close to you who would be happy to do it.
Don't buy the first car you see and happy hunting
Thanks Steve
The back issue is winging its way to me as we speak.
The nearest porsche specialist is autobahn. I popped up there last week and nearly bought the first one I saw, however decided to cool off for a few days and plan to revisit this week. One problem I have is that they are unwilling to arrange a test drive until I am ready to splash the cash. Otherwise Autobahn seem to be ok and offer a years warranty, do you think I still need to get a car checked by an independent expert if buying from the likes of them?
Has anyone had experience of testing the warranty offered by Autobahn?
I also plan to visit Shirleys at Meriden and Portiacraft in north london has anyone got any experiences to share about those dealers?
The hunt continues!
Neil
The back issue is winging its way to me as we speak.
The nearest porsche specialist is autobahn. I popped up there last week and nearly bought the first one I saw, however decided to cool off for a few days and plan to revisit this week. One problem I have is that they are unwilling to arrange a test drive until I am ready to splash the cash. Otherwise Autobahn seem to be ok and offer a years warranty, do you think I still need to get a car checked by an independent expert if buying from the likes of them?
Has anyone had experience of testing the warranty offered by Autobahn?
I also plan to visit Shirleys at Meriden and Portiacraft in north london has anyone got any experiences to share about those dealers?
The hunt continues!
Neil
I bought my Boxster from Shirleys of Meridien and have had no issues with them or the car. Martin Brown who works next door at Porsche Tech knows his beans as well and had the car sorted to a high standard before I took delivery. I'd use them again.
Steve
>> Edited by Hammerhead on Tuesday 1st February 09:31
Steve
>> Edited by Hammerhead on Tuesday 1st February 09:31
I have bought 3 996's in the last 2 years.
One privately & 2 from a good specialist.
ALWAYS when buying private get it checked out by a specialist or an OPC, either will give it a multi-point check & a full report.
Sound advice getting a Porsche warranty, if only for the Rear Main Seal coverage, as chances are the RMS will go at some point.
Your budget should buy you a 99S/T plate C2 or C4 with around 30k miles on it, this will give you the clear lenses which are a must.
Running costs on the slightly older 996's are higher simply due to wear & tear items, MAF sensors & drop links are common things that seem to need replacing when mileages creep over 30k.
Apart from the inspection, the usual test drive checks should be done - check the car tracks straight on the move & under hard braking, keep the radio off to listen out for unusual noises & accelerate hard from low speeds in a high gear to check for clutch slip & smooth acceleration.
I was daunted when buying my first 996 privately, so the independant check is essential.
Regardless if buying from an OPC, a specialist or private, check the service history, it should have a full OPC history ideally - so call the OPC's on the stamps in the service book & check the car was actually serviced there. It varies as to the level of info they will give, in my experience some would only tell me that the car indeed had been in on that date for a service, while some told me down to the last nut & bolt what had been done to the car.
One privately & 2 from a good specialist.
ALWAYS when buying private get it checked out by a specialist or an OPC, either will give it a multi-point check & a full report.
Sound advice getting a Porsche warranty, if only for the Rear Main Seal coverage, as chances are the RMS will go at some point.
Your budget should buy you a 99S/T plate C2 or C4 with around 30k miles on it, this will give you the clear lenses which are a must.
Running costs on the slightly older 996's are higher simply due to wear & tear items, MAF sensors & drop links are common things that seem to need replacing when mileages creep over 30k.
Apart from the inspection, the usual test drive checks should be done - check the car tracks straight on the move & under hard braking, keep the radio off to listen out for unusual noises & accelerate hard from low speeds in a high gear to check for clutch slip & smooth acceleration.
I was daunted when buying my first 996 privately, so the independant check is essential.
Regardless if buying from an OPC, a specialist or private, check the service history, it should have a full OPC history ideally - so call the OPC's on the stamps in the service book & check the car was actually serviced there. It varies as to the level of info they will give, in my experience some would only tell me that the car indeed had been in on that date for a service, while some told me down to the last nut & bolt what had been done to the car.
3 996's in 2 years, what was up with the first 2?
Is the engine failure problem you hear about on early 996's still covered by porsche or do you need to have a current porsche warranty?
Also if the car has been serviced at a specialist such as Autobahn or Porschetech can you still get a porsche warranty or would you have to get an independent one?
Is the engine failure problem you hear about on early 996's still covered by porsche or do you need to have a current porsche warranty?
Also if the car has been serviced at a specialist such as Autobahn or Porschetech can you still get a porsche warranty or would you have to get an independent one?
hi neil
i was in the same position as u and ended up picking up my baby on xmas eve.
GTPorsche mag had a feature on buying 2nd hand 996, towards the tailend of last yr - i'll dig it out tnite so u can order a back copy.
I ended up buying mine from a north london specialist who i havent seen advertise in the mags - the guy who owns it, has his own GT racing team, and as u might expect, knows a lot abt the cars. Worth a browse if nothing else - ask for paul mace. Also got 1 yr unlimited warranty too.
www.specialistdirect.co.uk/_specialistbuyingdirect.htm
- will dig the mag up tnite.
i was in the same position as u and ended up picking up my baby on xmas eve.
GTPorsche mag had a feature on buying 2nd hand 996, towards the tailend of last yr - i'll dig it out tnite so u can order a back copy.
I ended up buying mine from a north london specialist who i havent seen advertise in the mags - the guy who owns it, has his own GT racing team, and as u might expect, knows a lot abt the cars. Worth a browse if nothing else - ask for paul mace. Also got 1 yr unlimited warranty too.
www.specialistdirect.co.uk/_specialistbuyingdirect.htm
- will dig the mag up tnite.
neilos said:
Where can I get a second hand elcometer from as this sounds like a great investment?
Comment from my local Porsche Specialist was...well done for selling your 996 when you did...let me show you the 3 I have in the workshop waiting for new engines...."
dont and bargpole were also mentioned..go for a 3.6 if you can afford it. These seem OK apparently.
Rear Main Seal (RMS) failure is not isolated to the 3.4L 996. In fact the new 997 still has the problem, so any 996 you buy will have the same problems.
But these problems are not that common and if you buy a car with 30k-40k on the clock and it has no record of any RMS failures then chances are it's not going to happen. Just amke sure the servicing and warranty are good and you'll be fine.
Don't let it put you off buying, if you look into many different performance cars you'll find some kind of engine problem in there somewhere, Jaguar are another example with their nikasil engine failure problems
But these problems are not that common and if you buy a car with 30k-40k on the clock and it has no record of any RMS failures then chances are it's not going to happen. Just amke sure the servicing and warranty are good and you'll be fine.
Don't let it put you off buying, if you look into many different performance cars you'll find some kind of engine problem in there somewhere, Jaguar are another example with their nikasil engine failure problems
RMS is just a fact of life now. Its covered now under Porsche extended warranty, so its more a hassle than anything else when it happens.
My C2 had it at 35k miles then my C4S had it at 8k miles. C2 fixed under extended warranty & C4S fixed under the manufacturer 2 year warranty, so no cost to me but cars off road for a day as its a labour intensive job to fix.
Thats the reason I got a Turbo, no RMS issues....honest....well thats what I told the wife anyway !
Very early 996's (97R's) had porous engine blocks from memory but this was soon fixed.
Several people I know have 3.4 996's & the engines are fine, one chap has spent a lot recently on his, but that was for brake pads, disks, tyres & other wear & tear items which any car would need.
It stresses the need to check out the service history of the car properly. Where it was serviced is probably where any repairs were carried out, so put a call into the garage & get as much info as possible on its history.
Oh & get it HPI'd too - even if buying from a dealer. My brother works for Jaguar & cab HPI cars free of charge for me so if you are serious about buying one drop me the reg & will get it done for you.
Ro.
My C2 had it at 35k miles then my C4S had it at 8k miles. C2 fixed under extended warranty & C4S fixed under the manufacturer 2 year warranty, so no cost to me but cars off road for a day as its a labour intensive job to fix.
Thats the reason I got a Turbo, no RMS issues....honest....well thats what I told the wife anyway !
Very early 996's (97R's) had porous engine blocks from memory but this was soon fixed.
Several people I know have 3.4 996's & the engines are fine, one chap has spent a lot recently on his, but that was for brake pads, disks, tyres & other wear & tear items which any car would need.
It stresses the need to check out the service history of the car properly. Where it was serviced is probably where any repairs were carried out, so put a call into the garage & get as much info as possible on its history.
Oh & get it HPI'd too - even if buying from a dealer. My brother works for Jaguar & cab HPI cars free of charge for me so if you are serious about buying one drop me the reg & will get it done for you.
Ro.
I know what you mean about Autobahn. Lots of stock, but possibly the rudest person I have ever met. I am surprised they get business with their attitude - I came in to look at a £30-£35k purchase and, quite frankly, would not make th eeffort to go there again.
Re: OPC, you will struggle to find a 996 at that budget. I am looking for a 996 in the £35k range. The OPC sales guy said they don't get many pre 2000 or even pre 2001 models, as "most won't pass our 87 point check for warranty". I think he means they will have to spend some money & won't they can't find any 4 year old cars 'up to their standards'.
They showed me a PRISTINE 2002 '02' C2 with 10k miles on th eclock at £46k. Bloody gorgeous - but £10k over my limit!
Re: OPC, you will struggle to find a 996 at that budget. I am looking for a 996 in the £35k range. The OPC sales guy said they don't get many pre 2000 or even pre 2001 models, as "most won't pass our 87 point check for warranty". I think he means they will have to spend some money & won't they can't find any 4 year old cars 'up to their standards'.
They showed me a PRISTINE 2002 '02' C2 with 10k miles on th eclock at £46k. Bloody gorgeous - but £10k over my limit!
Thats always the case, the cars that are 10k over budget are always the ones that you want whatever car you are after!
If I had 45K to spend I'd then be drooling after turbos no doubt.
Thanks for the offer of the HPI check Ro I'll drop you a line when I've made my decision.
I've got a couple of cosmetic bits to sort out on my merc before I try to sell it privately just in time for the spring boom in rag tops. Whether it goes or not I feel i should at least try in order to get a better price than trade in.
Then it'll be all sytems go for the porker and I might be able to squeeze a little more out of my budget.
I've got hold of the 996 buyers guide now from porsche and 911 world which puts the engine issues into perspective, thanks for the tips guys.
Neil
If I had 45K to spend I'd then be drooling after turbos no doubt.
Thanks for the offer of the HPI check Ro I'll drop you a line when I've made my decision.
I've got a couple of cosmetic bits to sort out on my merc before I try to sell it privately just in time for the spring boom in rag tops. Whether it goes or not I feel i should at least try in order to get a better price than trade in.
Then it'll be all sytems go for the porker and I might be able to squeeze a little more out of my budget.
I've got hold of the 996 buyers guide now from porsche and 911 world which puts the engine issues into perspective, thanks for the tips guys.
Neil
Hi Neilos,
I bought a 996 C2 from Autobahn last year....and just being serviced there at the moment!
I would reccommend them, they were very good with my sale. They certainly aren't cheap and you will pay top whack (short of an OPC) for a car through them but they are generally good uns'. I was very surprised how poor condition many of the 996s were that i looked at, so when a mint low mileage early 996 came up at Autobahn I test drove it and bought it straight away.
The warranty my car was sold with was awful, one of the main reasons I bought a car from a dealer, rather than a private seller (and 2-3k cheaper) was the warranty. I don't know what warranty they are offering now but the one I was given with the car sounded great, but the company went bust and the maximum individual claim was for £1000!! I would look into any warranty very carefully as the particular one I had was so tightly written I doubt I'd ever have got any money from them!
Good luck with your purchase mate, I didn't find them arrogant as someone previously stated.....I suggest he tries my local Lotus dealer to find a new definition of arrogance!
I also tried Shirleys who I found possibly the most down-to-earth and friendliest Porsche dealer yet, their setup isn't anywhere near as swept up as Autobahns but they have a good stock and I personally felt could trust them.
I bought a 996 C2 from Autobahn last year....and just being serviced there at the moment!
I would reccommend them, they were very good with my sale. They certainly aren't cheap and you will pay top whack (short of an OPC) for a car through them but they are generally good uns'. I was very surprised how poor condition many of the 996s were that i looked at, so when a mint low mileage early 996 came up at Autobahn I test drove it and bought it straight away.
The warranty my car was sold with was awful, one of the main reasons I bought a car from a dealer, rather than a private seller (and 2-3k cheaper) was the warranty. I don't know what warranty they are offering now but the one I was given with the car sounded great, but the company went bust and the maximum individual claim was for £1000!! I would look into any warranty very carefully as the particular one I had was so tightly written I doubt I'd ever have got any money from them!
Good luck with your purchase mate, I didn't find them arrogant as someone previously stated.....I suggest he tries my local Lotus dealer to find a new definition of arrogance!
I also tried Shirleys who I found possibly the most down-to-earth and friendliest Porsche dealer yet, their setup isn't anywhere near as swept up as Autobahns but they have a good stock and I personally felt could trust them.
Hi nelios,
I'd been looking for a 996 for about 3 months and finally found a silver 99 4 cab tip with all the bells & whistles (Inc PCM, Zenons, GT3 Wheels)with 43K on the clock. Seller dropped two k off asking price and I paid 35k . Which i'm really pleased with.
Although it seemed terrifying buying private at this price, i'd found that unless you were willing to pay top whack at a main dealer/specialist then you need to be patient and keep searching. I regarded all non specialist dealers like a private seller, after all, to them it was 'just another motor' and some were not in the condition advertised (a red 99 cab 4 springs to mind !). This site was a godsend as it's my first porsche and i was so green i 'glistened with dew' !...ie what oil seal problem.
Anyway my thoughts to buying private, HPI a must !, Phone all dealers to cx history, then knock a grand off if you can to pay for oil service (375 ish) and porsche warranty (750 ish). Cheers !!
I'd been looking for a 996 for about 3 months and finally found a silver 99 4 cab tip with all the bells & whistles (Inc PCM, Zenons, GT3 Wheels)with 43K on the clock. Seller dropped two k off asking price and I paid 35k . Which i'm really pleased with.
Although it seemed terrifying buying private at this price, i'd found that unless you were willing to pay top whack at a main dealer/specialist then you need to be patient and keep searching. I regarded all non specialist dealers like a private seller, after all, to them it was 'just another motor' and some were not in the condition advertised (a red 99 cab 4 springs to mind !). This site was a godsend as it's my first porsche and i was so green i 'glistened with dew' !...ie what oil seal problem.
Anyway my thoughts to buying private, HPI a must !, Phone all dealers to cx history, then knock a grand off if you can to pay for oil service (375 ish) and porsche warranty (750 ish). Cheers !!
Autobahn need to remember their roots - this is the problem with a lot of the independents, the bigger they get, the less they care about their clientele. I can name 3 off the top of my head whose attitude has changed in the 20 years that they've been around and 1, whose attitude has always been the same - arrogant tossers whom I wouldn't touch with a bargepole.
Paul Mace - seems to have some nice cars, some are well priced, some seem well overpriced.
All IMHO of course...
Paul Mace - seems to have some nice cars, some are well priced, some seem well overpriced.
All IMHO of course...
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