996 Help

[G-P]

I am trying to final get into Porsche ownership and consequently going to look at a 996 Carrera at the weekend on a 01/51 which has covered 95k. It has full Porsche history and has had 3 owners.

Question is what do I need to look out for on this model?

Any help/advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,

[sm34uk]

Hi, am by no means an expert but the location of the aircon radiators shouts, check the system is working fine! For me, the front suspension appears to be the subject of greater than expected wear and tear so would suggest a good hard test drive...and if all is fine you'll have a big grin on your face. The interior can look shabby so check the carpets, seat bolsters, drive-train tunnel to check the condition. As for the engine and other mechanics, ususal things I guess; is the exhaust cold before you get in it so you can check the cold start up, smoke etc and check the receipts. Am sure it will be fine and you'll love it.

[Magic919]

Then there's RMS, etc. I'd suggest paying for a proper inspection. Got to be worth it.

[anonymous-user]

Water rads corrode - check for soggy leaves stuffed in there. A careful owner will clean them out regularly.
Air con pipes get squashed easily when jacking car, so check those.
Rear main seal tends to leak - look for evidence of replacement, usually done with clutch which should have been replaced by now.
Make sure it doesn't smoke when warm, but they can sometimes puff a bit of smoke when cold. Try to find out how much oil it's been using recently. If the oil level is low it could be a clue that it's been using a fair bit.
Listen out for creaking front top suspension mounts and check the condition of the lower control arms and ARB droplinks.

[shipley]

Also check the ignition switch is nice and tight.

They are prone to failure but are an easy and modestly priced fix.

[Sunnysidebb]

There no different to any other car. Inspect everything, just because its a Porsche doesn't mean things wont wear out and just because its a 996 Carrera doesn't mean its any worse than any other car.
check all the areas you would do even if it was a Ford Mondeo, take some one who knows these cars with you or have an inspection done.
Get the right one and I'm sure you will have a smile from ear to ear for many years to come.
Nice choice IMO. Fantastic bargain prices atm.

[carparkno1]

Let me know how it goes - I am looking in the exact same market as you!

[Chris Stott]

Things I've replaced on mine over the past 4 years as it's moved from 57k miles to 109k...

Both radiators, discs & pads, front and rear bottom arms, track rods, track control arms, fuel pump, off side window actuator, ignition barrel, back boxes (good excuse to get something louder)... lots of rear tyres

Mine could do with the top mounts replacing, but before anything else, it needs is a diff rebuild.

[thrashermax]

Chris Stott said:

Things I've replaced on mine over the past 4 years as it's moved from 57k miles to 109k...

Both radiators, discs & pads, front and rear bottom arms, track rods, track control arms, fuel pump, off side window actuator, ignition barrel, back boxes (good excuse to get something louder)... lots of rear tyres

Mine could do with the top mounts replacing, but before anything else, it needs is a diff rebuild.

I've only done 10,000 miles in 2 years... front and rear suspension arms on mine needed doing and alternator. All AC was fixed up by the previous owner! My back box has the usual corrosion but not blowing yet... yes, when that goes, I'll enjoy getting something louder as well!

[G-P]

Magic919 said:

Then there's RMS, etc. I'd suggest paying for a proper inspection. Got to be worth it.

Whats the RMS issue?

[Magic919]

They leak. Pretty common on the 996. Ranges from an ooze to dripping.