Late 996

[cologne2792]

Having read various horror stories about the 996 mechanical reliability and being led to believe that from 2002 most if not all of the problems were sorted - does anyone have a 996, pre or post 02, that has actually been reliable ?

[CraigJ]

I have a 99 996. The reading I did puts it the other way around. The newer they got after late 99 the more problems seems to be about. They went from dual row IMS to single row IMS. Recent info released from Porsche USA stated that less than 1% of failures for dual row and i think it was 8% for the single row. Also the larger engine 3.6 had thinner liners and the piston coating was changed i think. This lead to more bore scoring problems.

If the problems worry you you have options.

Upgraded IMS. Usually around a grand fitted. (will differ in price depending on where you go)
Also Direct oil feed kits now about.

Bore scoring. Low temp thermostat kit (£50) and a third rad kid, Few hundred quid.

Or just do what I did. Buy one in good condition with full history and just enjoy it.


An engine can fail on any car and it will cost money. Some more than others.

P.s had mine for 12 months now. Apart from a bottom arm and exhaust clamps its been fine.

[Magic919]

Mine were both reliable 04 models.

[Hungrymc]

4 years and approx around 50,000 miles into a 2003 C4S.... No major woes (radiators, coils etc cost a few bob in servicing) but no major mech issues. Any car can fail, expensive cars come with big potential bills, and we know these do have a few know issues / risks. Not sure what more to say.

[Pazuzu]

I had a lovely '99 C2 Manual for 18 months a couple of years ago. Took it from 54k miles to about 75k miles IIRC and the only non-servicing thing required was the front aircon radiators needed changing as one started to leak, a very common problem but nothing major.

Cheers!

Phil

[jkh112]

3.6 996 used as daily driver for the past 3 years. No major problems. Lots of smiles.

[steve1968]

Interesting thread , i am looking at the pros and cons of running a 10K ish C4 as an all year round car but am a little put off by the possibility of an engine failure .

Anyone got any more experiance , good or bad ?

[Patrick1964]

Hi Steve, maybe look for a car that's been on the Hartech maintenance plan, or had a Hartech rebuild ? At least that way you can keep it in the scheme and you have some insurance against the big bills.

Cheers

Patrick

[steve1968]

Ayup Pat , thanks for the advice , small world , we actually know each other .

Hope you are well .

(TWR NISMO , 911 celebration ,working with AC again in Derby )