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Hiya,
First post n all that so be gentle...
Can anyone tell me why with 'German engineering' Porsche 911 seem to be quite fickle? Don't get me wrong, they're my favourite car, in fact I'm looking for one (996 c4s). That's how my question came about...
When I read adverts for cars around 70-100k on the clock, I read things like;
"just had all radiators and air con generator replaced"
"Just had all 6 coil packs replaced"
"Just had engine rebuild"
"Just had suspension set up"
I know its good to show that the car has been maintained well etc etc and not every advert, or indeed car, has had major work but it can be alarming as a whole. Surely a 3.6 litre car kicking out circa 320bhp should not be under too much stress and shouldn't need major jobs done around 70-100k?
First post n all that so be gentle...
Can anyone tell me why with 'German engineering' Porsche 911 seem to be quite fickle? Don't get me wrong, they're my favourite car, in fact I'm looking for one (996 c4s). That's how my question came about...
When I read adverts for cars around 70-100k on the clock, I read things like;
"just had all radiators and air con generator replaced"
"Just had all 6 coil packs replaced"
"Just had engine rebuild"
"Just had suspension set up"
I know its good to show that the car has been maintained well etc etc and not every advert, or indeed car, has had major work but it can be alarming as a whole. Surely a 3.6 litre car kicking out circa 320bhp should not be under too much stress and shouldn't need major jobs done around 70-100k?
A well covered topic on here, do a search.
The fact is that the 996 and Boxster signalled a new type of Porsche business model. There is no doubt that this new efficient amd more cost effective policy saved Porsche and turned them into a very profitable company.
But there has been downsides, mainly to the product itself. The same happened at Mercedes. As a result, the term 'German Engineering' does not really have a meaning anymore.
Both of these companies seem to have learned from this era and are back on track.
MTR
The fact is that the 996 and Boxster signalled a new type of Porsche business model. There is no doubt that this new efficient amd more cost effective policy saved Porsche and turned them into a very profitable company.
But there has been downsides, mainly to the product itself. The same happened at Mercedes. As a result, the term 'German Engineering' does not really have a meaning anymore.
Both of these companies seem to have learned from this era and are back on track.
MTR
Ive been a Porsche fan for years and love them, however .........
Compared to many high performance builders Porsche engineering is fantastic but e en so Porsche has made some major cockups way before the 996 and the bean counters turned up. For example
2.7 engine (1970s)
Any Pre 3.2 chain tensioners
964 engine leaks
996
Early 997
Basically from 1974 to 2006 Porsche 911s have had certain engine issues other than the 3.2
And I won't get onto the aerodynamic side of the 911 especially in the early days ............ Lead in the front bumpers anyone!!
Compared to many high performance builders Porsche engineering is fantastic but e en so Porsche has made some major cockups way before the 996 and the bean counters turned up. For example
2.7 engine (1970s)
Any Pre 3.2 chain tensioners
964 engine leaks
996
Early 997
Basically from 1974 to 2006 Porsche 911s have had certain engine issues other than the 3.2
And I won't get onto the aerodynamic side of the 911 especially in the early days ............ Lead in the front bumpers anyone!!
chrisobo said:
Hiya,
First post n all that so be gentle...
Can anyone tell me why with 'German engineering' Porsche 911 seem to be quite fickle? Don't get me wrong, they're my favourite car, in fact I'm looking for one (996 c4s). That's how my question came about...
When I read adverts for cars around 70-100k on the clock, I read things like;
"just had all radiators and air con generator replaced"
"Just had all 6 coil packs replaced"
"Just had engine rebuild"
"Just had suspension set up"
I know its good to show that the car has been maintained well etc etc and not every advert, or indeed car, has had major work but it can be alarming as a whole. Surely a 3.6 litre car kicking out circa 320bhp should not be under too much stress and shouldn't need major jobs done around 70-100k?
I have my 996 C4S for sale and some of those lines are probably quoted from my advert.First post n all that so be gentle...
Can anyone tell me why with 'German engineering' Porsche 911 seem to be quite fickle? Don't get me wrong, they're my favourite car, in fact I'm looking for one (996 c4s). That's how my question came about...
When I read adverts for cars around 70-100k on the clock, I read things like;
"just had all radiators and air con generator replaced"
"Just had all 6 coil packs replaced"
"Just had engine rebuild"
"Just had suspension set up"
I know its good to show that the car has been maintained well etc etc and not every advert, or indeed car, has had major work but it can be alarming as a whole. Surely a 3.6 litre car kicking out circa 320bhp should not be under too much stress and shouldn't need major jobs done around 70-100k?
Radiators and air-con condensors are a consumable item on these cars. They rot and need replacing every 5 years or so. You really don't want to run one of these with a coolant leak and it's not a good idea to throw some RadWeld in and hope for the best.
The coil packs on these engines crack their plastic casings and then fail leading to misfire. I could have replaced just the misfiring one, but if they're all cracked then it makes sense to replace the lot. Surely this is a good thing from a prospective purchasers perspective?
The lower wishbones (coffin arms) on these cars tend to get loose over time. They are a common replacement item and it makes sense to have the geometry checked and adjusted at the same time. It makes a huge difference to the handling if it is set up correctly.
Ultimately, these cars aren't Mondeos that will run forever with just oil and filter servicing every 12k miles. I'm sure there are a number of early 996s that people have bought and tried to run on a shoestring, but these jobs will keep adding up. The chances are that much of this work would be needed on a 10 year old 70k mile Mondeo, but as it's a family car worth £2k and not £20k then people don't care.
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