996 C4S

[mattshears]

Hi,

I'm looking for a C4S and found this nice Midnight Blue, low miles (49k) example at Hendon Way Motors this weekend. Needs a service and a couple of minor bits sorting but condition is good, all OPC servicing, with exception of last service (Porsche specialist), and price (for a dealer) seems reasonable.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

I know there have been some strong views about HWM expressed on this forum so I would proceed with caution. Would prefer not get into a debate about them as much more interested in views on the actual car.

Cheers,
Matt.

[WindyMiller67]

I've not been following 996s so can't comment on the price, but when I was looking for a 996 Targa a few years ago I concluded I needed a 2003 MY to get the later PCM as well as other improvements. I've you're not bothered about these, then it looks clean.

[Dave Thornton]

I assume it hasn't got the PSE? My only concern would be the mechanical condition i.e when was the following last done (if at all): clutch, RMS, IMS, tyres x4; rads; discs/pads x4 +++

[mattshears]

Dave Thornton said:

I assume it hasn't got the PSE? My only concern would be the mechanical condition i.e when was the following last done (if at all): clutch, RMS, IMS, tyres x4; rads; discs/pads x4 +++

Good advice - thanks

It doesn't have PSE but looks like that can be quite easily rectified looking at some of the posts on here.

What are the chances of needing a new clutch at £49k? Tyres are good, rear discs and pads need changing and dealer is aware. I think fronts were done - need to check. Not certain IMS, RMS or rads have ever been attended to and I understand these are all important.

I would have a PPI by Jaz who are the reputed local specialist so hopefully anything that needs doing would be picked up??? It's been serviced every 10k, do they typically need a major service around 50k miles?

[monthefish]

mattshears said:

Good advice - thanks

It doesn't have PSE but looks like that can be quite easily rectified looking at some of the posts on here.

What are the chances of needing a new clutch at £49k? Tyres are good, rear discs and pads need changing and dealer is aware. I think fronts were done - need to check. Not certain IMS, RMS or rads have ever been attended to and I understand these are all important.

I would have a PPI by Jaz who are the reputed local specialist so hopefully anything that needs doing would be picked up??? It's been serviced every 10k, do they typically need a major service around 50k miles?

To retrofit PSE (complete with switch) is quite involved, however the addition of a sports exhaust (which gives the important bit - the noise) is easy enough.

Clutch wear rates will depend heavily on how it is driven and where (i.e is it someone with poor clutch control doing city centre driving, or a mechanical sympathetic enthusist doing mostly out of town/motorways).

If it's still on its original clutch (is it?) then yes, I'd be budgeting for a replacement soon enough but as per above, it could also be fine. I think you can gauge the health of a clutch on the Carrera by how it feels, but you can't do this on the turbo IIRC, so not sure whether the C4S is the same.

[dts439]

Changed my clutch at 48k as part of RMS oil leak fix. Wasn't slipping before but noticeably easier to use after replacement. And this was on a car that had mostly done motorway miles.