Keeping a Porsche 996 running for 30+ years
Discussion
i have 996 C4 2001. She is called Sally. She has done 108000miles. this car has been modified, but in keeping with a Porsche club sport spirit. original in all body work but improvements where it counts, suspension, intake, exhaust, brakes, remap, replaced MAF sensor. the car despite high mileage is running perfectly and apart from the engine has had all major parts replaced, gearbox, clutch, fly, etc and all seals dealt with.
I want to be able to gift this car to my son when he is 18 years old. I want to be able to use the car as a metaphorical carrot to keep him out of trouble and do well in school. It would be something for us to maintain and work on together over the years. The problem is he is still inside my wife's belly for another 5months! I also love Sally and don't ever want to let her go and think this is the only way i would be able to keep her and have a family! Fortunately i have a cool wife and she likes the idea.
so my question is: anyone know what it takes to keep a 15 year old car running for another 18 years and beyond? or is this a dumb idea and she will just fall apart/ rust away and send me to financial oblivion?
i appreciate i will need an engine swap or rebuild at some point (although have seen the x50 TT that hit 300,000 on original engine) but will she just keep going for +20 more years as long as i just replace all mechanical parts and service the car in good time?
I want to be able to gift this car to my son when he is 18 years old. I want to be able to use the car as a metaphorical carrot to keep him out of trouble and do well in school. It would be something for us to maintain and work on together over the years. The problem is he is still inside my wife's belly for another 5months! I also love Sally and don't ever want to let her go and think this is the only way i would be able to keep her and have a family! Fortunately i have a cool wife and she likes the idea.
so my question is: anyone know what it takes to keep a 15 year old car running for another 18 years and beyond? or is this a dumb idea and she will just fall apart/ rust away and send me to financial oblivion?
i appreciate i will need an engine swap or rebuild at some point (although have seen the x50 TT that hit 300,000 on original engine) but will she just keep going for +20 more years as long as i just replace all mechanical parts and service the car in good time?
Apart from all of the mechanical bits which will be available from breakers/engine builders for many years to come, I see the biggest threat to longevity as rust.
When salt has corroded the galvanizing from the shell, rust is likely to get a grip. Your best precaution would be to have it properly steam cleaned underneath back to base coatings, remove all signs of corrosion and touch up paint/underseal. Following that, pressure spray waxoil, dinitrol or any reputable rust preventing wax treatment into the inside of all box sections and underbody areas. Repeat every 5 - 10 years as required.
When salt has corroded the galvanizing from the shell, rust is likely to get a grip. Your best precaution would be to have it properly steam cleaned underneath back to base coatings, remove all signs of corrosion and touch up paint/underseal. Following that, pressure spray waxoil, dinitrol or any reputable rust preventing wax treatment into the inside of all box sections and underbody areas. Repeat every 5 - 10 years as required.
Mechanically, I think it'll be down to using the correct oil and maintaining decent service intervals, keeping an eye on the levels and not ragging the thing from cold.
Regular use will help keep things in ship shape.
As above, the bodywork will need to be looked after, but these cars seem to be very well protected anyway.
Regular use will help keep things in ship shape.
As above, the bodywork will need to be looked after, but these cars seem to be very well protected anyway.
Pugley said:
Apart from all of the mechanical bits which will be available from breakers/engine builders for many years to come, I see the biggest threat to longevity as rust.
When salt has corroded the galvanizing from the shell, rust is likely to get a grip. Your best precaution would be to have it properly steam cleaned underneath back to base coatings, remove all signs of corrosion and touch up paint/underseal. Following that, pressure spray waxoil, dinitrol or any reputable rust preventing wax treatment into the inside of all box sections and underbody areas. Repeat every 5 - 10 years as required.
That is very good advice, thank you Pugley. Just the advice i was looking for. i have one small area of rust on driver door no bigger than 5p thats been touched up so have left alone. also i never heard of getting the underside steam cleaned and treated for rust but will look to get this done. so if i get this done properly now, including small spot on drivers door; makes sense that it will last another 10years or so as lasted very well till now. Can you recommend anyone who does this treatment or give an idea on cost? dont worry if not as will investigate and thanks again. one last question so this isnt a dumb thing to do keeping 15 year old car for another 20 years?When salt has corroded the galvanizing from the shell, rust is likely to get a grip. Your best precaution would be to have it properly steam cleaned underneath back to base coatings, remove all signs of corrosion and touch up paint/underseal. Following that, pressure spray waxoil, dinitrol or any reputable rust preventing wax treatment into the inside of all box sections and underbody areas. Repeat every 5 - 10 years as required.
Just have a look at the classifieds... loads of 70s Porsches on there ... ergo... with better steel and rust protection on the 996 than those, its easily feasible.
I'd say to use it when you can too, trying to just dry store it will cause loads of problems IMHO. If you have a yearly budget of perhaps £1000-1500 to keep it going but if you also use it then you will at least get some enjoyment from the spend. You could get away with less but then you will have a large "recommission" cost looming on his 18th BDay.
I'd say to use it when you can too, trying to just dry store it will cause loads of problems IMHO. If you have a yearly budget of perhaps £1000-1500 to keep it going but if you also use it then you will at least get some enjoyment from the spend. You could get away with less but then you will have a large "recommission" cost looming on his 18th BDay.
I'm sure you can keep the car running but I think the flaw is probably that at 18 years old he may not be able to insure it at all, he may not want it, he may not be "into" cars, the running costs may be too much etc You may spend years looking after it and he might stick it in a ditch within 6 months?
It's a nice idea but I'm not sure he would actually end up driving it. Also what's to say in 10 years time you won't be bored of it and want a replacement?
It's a nice idea but I'm not sure he would actually end up driving it. Also what's to say in 10 years time you won't be bored of it and want a replacement?
Muncher said:
Also what's to say in 10 years time you won't be bored of it and want a replacement?
I guess from the OP's perspective, if he does change his mind at some point in the future at least he's got a well sorted 996 to sell on. There'll be a lot of tatty ones around in 10 years, so one that's been cared for with the future in mind could be worth a premium.IknowJoseph said:
I guess from the OP's perspective, if he does change his mind at some point in the future at least he's got a well sorted 996 to sell on. There'll be a lot of tatty ones around in 10 years, so one that's been cared for with the future in mind could be worth a premium.
That's true, but then the question is really "how should I look after my car?" as a general proposition. There may well come a point where it is not economical to look after certain bits and keep them in pristine condition as that won't be reflected in the ultimate value. I'm not criticising the sentiment behind this at all. The other problem is in 20 years time if you continue to use it the mileage will be really quite high and the maintenace costs for your son would be pretty hefty.
Thank you to all for the response so far for the response and have learnt some very useful things, rust, transmission oil change are main ones.
To get back to some of your comments:
@muzzer79: named after Sally The Porsche from film Cars.
@gt3nor: thank you, i will do that.
@muncher and @993AL: I have considered that he may not be interested in cars (probably won't be, just to rebel!) but my idea is it will be his to do what he wants with it no matter what. if he wants to sell it or has other plans/ needs for the money, i am sure there will be plenty of buyers and wouldn't be surprised if a good condition 996.1 in c.2030 (sounds crazy!) will fetch a lot of money, again would be all his. Ability to drive and avoid the ditch, will be based on his enjoyment of cars, if he has it, there will be plenty of track time to drive the car fast to understand limits and learn how to handle the car.
I should also add that it would not be a daily car so my prediction is i won't do more than 4-5000 miles per year so probably just over 200,000 in another 20 years. that 996TT with 300,000 on just one engine got me thinking.
My hope is the gift of the car is a firm deal based on him performing well at school, being polite, avoid those distractions that life can throw at you (by having a greater reward at the end) and to actually teach him the concept of working for something. Although thinking about it, it might be a gift when he graduates university! 18 might be a bit too soon. i think some sort of contract agreement at 13 might be fun!
To get back to some of your comments:
@muzzer79: named after Sally The Porsche from film Cars.
@gt3nor: thank you, i will do that.
@muncher and @993AL: I have considered that he may not be interested in cars (probably won't be, just to rebel!) but my idea is it will be his to do what he wants with it no matter what. if he wants to sell it or has other plans/ needs for the money, i am sure there will be plenty of buyers and wouldn't be surprised if a good condition 996.1 in c.2030 (sounds crazy!) will fetch a lot of money, again would be all his. Ability to drive and avoid the ditch, will be based on his enjoyment of cars, if he has it, there will be plenty of track time to drive the car fast to understand limits and learn how to handle the car.
I should also add that it would not be a daily car so my prediction is i won't do more than 4-5000 miles per year so probably just over 200,000 in another 20 years. that 996TT with 300,000 on just one engine got me thinking.
My hope is the gift of the car is a firm deal based on him performing well at school, being polite, avoid those distractions that life can throw at you (by having a greater reward at the end) and to actually teach him the concept of working for something. Although thinking about it, it might be a gift when he graduates university! 18 might be a bit too soon. i think some sort of contract agreement at 13 might be fun!
IknowJoseph said:
I guess from the OP's perspective, if he does change his mind at some point in the future at least he's got a well sorted 996 to sell on. There'll be a lot of tatty ones around in 10 years, so one that's been cared for with the future in mind could be worth a premium.
I agree my view is a 996.1 will be an appreciating classic. there are so many more 996.2 and facelift models that an original mark 1 will be rare in 10 years. i also love the ageless and functional uncomplicated interior. no ugly outdated screens to ruin the looks or complicate what is a classic interior.this is just my opinion but looking at the values of 964 which is what a 996 will be the equivalent of in 10years time i seem to be looking at c.£35000 before inflation so if i can maintain the car for about £1500pa average i should make some money on it if the day ever comes.
Edited by Vizzle on Friday 6th February 18:17
BluePurpleRed said:
Just have a look at the classifieds... loads of 70s Porsches on there ... ergo... with better steel and rust protection on the 996 than those, its easily feasible.
I'd say to use it when you can too, trying to just dry store it will cause loads of problems IMHO. If you have a yearly budget of perhaps £1000-1500 to keep it going but if you also use it then you will at least get some enjoyment from the spend. You could get away with less but then you will have a large "recommission" cost looming on his 18th BDay.
Just did that thanks and see my post above on the 964 but if i can maintain it for c.1500 there is profit to be had in the appreciation value.I'd say to use it when you can too, trying to just dry store it will cause loads of problems IMHO. If you have a yearly budget of perhaps £1000-1500 to keep it going but if you also use it then you will at least get some enjoyment from the spend. You could get away with less but then you will have a large "recommission" cost looming on his 18th BDay.
First post on P/H Here and a 996 Turbo owner.
I have sons over 18 who have little interest in sports cars and i find it wise not
To impose my tastes on them .
As for long term i believe these cars should last well but maybe at 30 years age its will not be
Rust , but electronic components that are expensive / no longer available .
I hope i am wrong on this but have asked a couple of Porsche mechanics
I have sons over 18 who have little interest in sports cars and i find it wise not
To impose my tastes on them .
As for long term i believe these cars should last well but maybe at 30 years age its will not be
Rust , but electronic components that are expensive / no longer available .
I hope i am wrong on this but have asked a couple of Porsche mechanics
Edited by Turbo Jonny on Friday 6th February 19:32
Turbo Jonny said:
First post on P/H Here and a 996 Turbo owner.
I have sons over 18 who have little interest in sports cars and i find it wise not
To impose my tastes on them .
As for long term i believe these cars should last well but maybe at 30 years age its will not be
Rust , but electronic components that are expensive / no longer available .
I hope i am wrong on this but have asked a couple of Porsche mechanics
Interesting. Thanks for the advice on both counts! I have sons over 18 who have little interest in sports cars and i find it wise not
To impose my tastes on them .
As for long term i believe these cars should last well but maybe at 30 years age its will not be
Rust , but electronic components that are expensive / no longer available .
I hope i am wrong on this but have asked a couple of Porsche mechanics
Edited by Turbo Jonny on Friday 6th February 19:32
You will have replaced pretty much everything at least once!I'll just add my 2p's worth on this question...
I always wanted a 911. In 2007, I was fortunate enough to be in the position to buy one. I found (what looked like) a lovely, one-owner, pre-facelift 2002 996. She had 40k on the clock, with a 'military precision' service history, at a well-known, well respected Porsche indy dealer.
After looking for 6 months for my ideal car, and viewing and rejecting many old muttons dressed as lamb - I thought I had finally found my 911 nirvana.
She was ok for the first year or so, and the first 10 or 15 thousand miles.
Then, over the next 3 years of ownership, the car was (in between bouts of extreme pleasure and some very memorable runs) by far the most unreliable, hopelessly built and heartbreakingly stressful vehicle I have ever owned
I've said it before on here, and some people have suggested that I had a 'Friday afternoon car...' Maybe they're right.....but it really put a downer on my ownership, and I sold her on for a huge loss, mainly because after spending nearly 25 grand on repairs over 4 years, I became too scared to even drive her anymore...
996? I wouldn't bother.
I always wanted a 911. In 2007, I was fortunate enough to be in the position to buy one. I found (what looked like) a lovely, one-owner, pre-facelift 2002 996. She had 40k on the clock, with a 'military precision' service history, at a well-known, well respected Porsche indy dealer.
After looking for 6 months for my ideal car, and viewing and rejecting many old muttons dressed as lamb - I thought I had finally found my 911 nirvana.
She was ok for the first year or so, and the first 10 or 15 thousand miles.
Then, over the next 3 years of ownership, the car was (in between bouts of extreme pleasure and some very memorable runs) by far the most unreliable, hopelessly built and heartbreakingly stressful vehicle I have ever owned
I've said it before on here, and some people have suggested that I had a 'Friday afternoon car...' Maybe they're right.....but it really put a downer on my ownership, and I sold her on for a huge loss, mainly because after spending nearly 25 grand on repairs over 4 years, I became too scared to even drive her anymore...
996? I wouldn't bother.
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