996 C2 Buying advise

[j8 tro]

Hi

Ive already looked in the search function but drawn a blank.

I'm just after some general advise on a 996 Carrera 2. Very tempted with the early (98-99) prices now around.

BUT.......I have heard a few bad things about engine and gear box problems. Can anyone advise? is this G-box problem with all models or just trip or manuals? Any other advise / things to look out for on a potential purchase.

Also what are the average MPG figures? I know they will be better than may current car but are Porsches 24-25MPG average figures accurate?

Last thing, what are the worth while optional extras to look out for?

Thanks in advance for any replies

Jay



>> Edited by j8 tro on Friday 8th July 16:21

[milleman]

Bought a 3.6 recently and yes, 25MPG is easily possible.

As to options, some say SAT NAV is essential, but on a personal basis I would pay not to have it.

The sports exhaust is fantastic but very pricey.

You need to have a look at some and then decide what you want, there are plenty out there.

[OGiii]

I recently bought a 99 C2 and love it.

You can find lots about engine problems on earlier cars but don't let it put you off, either buy one where the engine's been replaced or get a warranty. Remember that the net is full of bad news stories, there are lots of these cars around with ~100k miles on the clock.

RMS (Rear Main Seal) issues are the other talking point, these are perhaps what you mean by 'gearbox problems' because I haven't previously heard of gearbox problems.

There are some good indy's out there that look after them for reasonable money, I use www.hartech.org.uk and they are excellent.

MPG-wise, I get around 17-18 on daily commute stop start, but averaged 30 on a trip from Bedford to Manchester.

Options-wise, mine came with this

C16 UK LUX spec: tinted windows, metallic paint, and a few other goodies.
014 Sport Pack?
030 Sports Chasis - 10mm lowered
139 Seat Heating - Left
220 Locking differential (40%)
222 Traction Control
224 Active Brake Differential
340 Seat heating - Right
375 Clutch lining without asbestos
376 996: Color coded seat backs
454 Automatic speed control / Cruise Control
490 Hi-Fi sound system / Porsche Sound Package
563 Airbag passenger's side
563 Automatic air conditioner / Climate Control
650 Electric Tilt Sunroof
659 Onboard computer

Everything you need really - the proper computer with sat nav would be nice but expensive.

If I was chosing again I may not have gone for one with sports suspension because it really is hard on sh1te roads.

Any specific questions, just ask away.

>> Edited by OGiii on Friday 8th July 17:16

[DaGinge]

no common problems with engine or gearbox - apart from RMS - but this wouldn't worry me, see other thread about this.

Sure some people's engines have blown but the actual % is no greater than any other manufacturer - as someone else said, you only hear the bad news stories on the net, there are lots of VERY good prices on 996 at the moment - you get a lot of car for the money.

[daviddeere]

I've got a '98 C2 with 50,000Km on it (35,000Miles?) and it has been 100% reliable. Not a single problem.

Not sure at all about gearbox problems - haven't heard of that being raised as an issue before. My old '83 911 had gearbox issues, but there would be little in common with that and a 996 gearbox.

Long distance cruising in 6th gives 33 MPG at 120Km/h (75MPH), which I think is exceptional for a high performance car. I've also got an MY02 STi Subaru and I'm lucky to get 400Km from a tank - it is appalling in that regard.

I'd go for the sports suspension myself. Better on the track, and I don't find it unpleasant even on our 'average' quality Australian roads. I've got no time for the SatNav option, and would avoid a car with it fitted, but it may be different living in Europe.

For the money - you get a LOT of car. I'd say go for it.
Cheers
David

[j8 tro]

Thanks for the advise. I'm hopefully test driving my first one this Saturday, a 99 V in Black with Black Leather and 18" turbo rims. Good garage too.

Can anyone shed some more on the RMS issue. i.e. what its is? how much to repair if it goes wrong? etc.

Thanks

[LeeME3]

j8 tro said:

Can anyone shed some more on the RMS issue. i.e. what its is? how much to repair if it goes wrong? etc. Thanks

Loads of threads about it here and on rennlist, take a look at:

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=154369&f=48&h=0&hw=rms

...it's an emotive topic with views ranging from all Porshce engines built since 1997 are doomed through to the vast majority are OK. Does make a warranty that covers it seem sensible though...ask the question because not all warranties will (especially those with a single item £1000 limit).

[ginga_dj]

I have a 99 Carrera 2 Cab with about 36k on the clock.
I average 19.2 MPG (according to the computer) and thats mostly fast town driving.
I think 18" alloys are a must and if you dont have clear lenses, then get them too.
I would have a Sports Exhaust all day long - I rather stupidly purchased a Fabspeed system with 4s Tips - after fitting the lot cost about the same as an offical Sports Exhaust which in my opinion sounds a lot better...

[DucatiGary]

Do it

yes there are the horror stories, but what product hasent got internet horror stories?

I bought my 996 pre modded (yeah im brave) 50K miles on the clock and it is fantastic, it took a few days for me to actually realise that it was my car but now it just gets me from a-b and i love it.

I found a little prob with rain, but this has been looked at and I think we have a resolution for it, ill let you know after tuesday.

RMS, i havent looked into much, ill ask the specialist to check on tuesday about this when they replace the coils.

I have owned italian motorcycles for many many years, they are like toys, the 911 is really like a everyday toy, yeah its a toy but its also a everyday vehicle! what more do you want?

do your research, call the garages that have stamped the sevice book to confirm from their records, do a HPI check (if bought privatly like i did) make sure you know for yourself that you are sure the car is genuine then have fun and treat it well.

I have no regrets.



>> Edited by DucatiGary on Friday 29th July 19:53

[welshnobby]

I'd echo the RMS problem but would also add the following tests when looking at possible purchases, could save you potential problems.

- squeeky windows when opperating, sounds like a bit of rubber seal rubbing on the window but infact is the winding mechanism. The cable in the mechanism rusts as water gets into the door (why Porsche didn't spend a few ££ more and have rust resitant cables i'll never know. A new one from OPC is circa £750.

- squeek eminating from front suspension when going over bumpy road, potholes or speed humps. This tends to be top suspension mounts and can be diagnosed from other suspension issues, such as dry joints on lower suspension arms, as the sqeek can be provoked whilst at standstill by turning steering wheel from lock to lock.

Good luck with your search, you won't regret it!

[Vesuvius996]

I have a 2000 C2. I LOVE IT.

Don't listen to the naysayers.

Nigh on 180mph, 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, and they are BULLETPROOF.......... BUT...............

1. But the best BEST you can afford, and don't be afraid to pay top whack from a dealer for the right car.

2. Buy a Porsche warranty. It covers everything and gives peace of mind for £12 a week. Which is cheap when a new engine is £12k. I have the warranty and I do not worry when I mash the throttle.

3. Service it RELIGIOUSLY

4. Be gentle when it's cold and cool it off before you shut it down


All the whiners will talk these cars down, but trust me buy carefully and there is nothing to touch them

I just came back from 2500 hard (and I mean HARD)miles round Europe. I saw 175 on the clock, I blasted across continents, and climbed through the alps and it never missed a beat.


Do it


>> Edited by Vesuvius996 on Friday 29th July 21:35

[che6mw]

Vesuvius996 - can you buy a Porsche warranty despite the age or mileage of a 996? I am also considering a 98/99 996 purchase but wonder if Porsche either won't consider a warranty on such a car, or else would only consider it if under a certain mileage ??

Also, is the Porsche warranty exhaustive in what it covers? Or are there some serious omissions?

Matt

[DaGinge]

You can buy the porsche warranty for cars up to 9 yrs old and 100,000 miles. £725 per annum, subject to passing a porsche inspection (£200) and correcting any defects.

The warranty coverage is reasonable, but certainly not as wide as the OPC would have you believe, think of it as engine and gearbox insurance.

[che6mw]

Thanks DaGinge.

Perhaps that 80k mile 98/99 996 purchase isn't such a great idea then .....

[DucatiGary]

zb4523 - engine mods on 996 - its a Gemballa GT500, whatevery they do (www.gemballa.com), V5 logbook states GT500, it has a stainless exhaust on it also, previous owner imported the exhaust from USA ive been told that it is a BBB (or triple B)

the bike, yeah it is only just faster than my mates R6 now, with the mods, but i can eat R1s on the corners, and thats where it counts ehh ? but as I hit a straight though any R1 would leave me looking like I was on a 125cc. the duc is not the fastest bike in the world but anyone can get on it on a track and give it a ride, the brakes and handeling are the biggest attraction the acceleration and top end are, well in the bike world, pretty low. I also love the foggy era shaped ducati's 916 etc, I only got the 748s TI because of the paintjob, it looks stealthy.

[Vesuvius996]

Wot Ginge sed.

And me.

I doubtless paid over the odds for my 2000 996 (the cover car from issue 1 of Total911 as it goes ) but a couple of thousand extra to have a low mileage Porsche warranted car is money well spent IMHO.

Think of it this way, you can spend £35k and risk it, or £37k and not risk it. The warranty doesn't cover everything, but as has been said, if you think of it as engine and gearbox insurance plus cover for major issues then fine. The warranty document is quite specific about the fact that "block and all internal engine components" are covered. My opinion as a lawyer is that the warranty looked watertight enough for my peace of mind. You have to make your own mind up, of course, but bear in mind that these days the warranty is administered by Porsche itself, not some call centre based third party.


I've had minor niggles with my car (header tank split £600 and washer bottle pipe broken £65) and neither was covered by the warranty, but Porsche East London just did them for free anyway on goodwill becuase they know I'll buy a Turbo there one day

Sure, they made a tidy profit when I bought the car (you'll see them getting pasted on here for making too much profit!) but now they don't need to nickel and dime me on every little thing.

At the end of the day I would rather pay another £50 a month on the finance and have peace of mind, rather than save £50 a month, and have to clench my ar5e every time I open the taps........


*big brother mode ON*

YOU decide.........



>> Edited by Vesuvius996 on Monday 1st August 18:08