Early 996- specific problem areas
Discussion
Going to have a look at a couple of 996 C2s this weekend and did a search through previous threads for various do's and don'ts. This will be my everyday motor so it HAS to be reliable etc.
The concensus seems to be:
1) buy from a OPC since the warranty is better
2) traction control is a must rather than a nice-to-have
3) go for a '99 or later model because early ones had problems
Well, my budget will get me a 98 C2 on an S plate BH (before haggling). I need to know what exactly were problems on these early cars? Engine blowups seem to be one, rattles another. Both of these are fairly easy to diagnose.
Sorry if this has been covered before- couldn't find it.
Thanks
Kevin
The concensus seems to be:
1) buy from a OPC since the warranty is better
2) traction control is a must rather than a nice-to-have
3) go for a '99 or later model because early ones had problems
Well, my budget will get me a 98 C2 on an S plate BH (before haggling). I need to know what exactly were problems on these early cars? Engine blowups seem to be one, rattles another. Both of these are fairly easy to diagnose.
Sorry if this has been covered before- couldn't find it.
Thanks
Kevin
Going to have a look at a couple of 996 C2s this weekend and did a search through previous threads for various do's and don'ts. This will be my everyday motor so it HAS to be reliable etc.
The concensus seems to be:
1) buy from a OPC since the warranty is better
2) traction control is a must rather than a nice-to-have
3) go for a '99 or later model because early ones had problems
Well, my budget will get me a 98 C2 on an S plate BH (before haggling). I need to know what exactly were problems on these early cars? Engine blowups seem to be one, rattles another. Both of these are fairly easy to diagnose.
Sorry if this has been covered before- couldn't find it.
Thanks
Kevin
Its a good idea to join,but in the meantime I'll try and dig out the Tel No. for the Tech guy on www.pcgb.co.uk and e.mail you.
Cheers
Steve
Our mostly american friends on www.rennlist.com are forever discussing problems with early 996 models.
main seals going,trim etc...There are things to look out for.
However the conclusion is that most of these things have been dealt with under warranty.maybe it is better to get an early car that HAS been back to the dealer a few times.
It seems Porsche was understandably very pro-active on addressing these issues in order to uphold the credibility of the 996 in the market place after replacing the beloved air cool cars.I would not buy without a comprehensive warranty.
check this months GT Porsche magazine,they have a review on prices of early 996,apparently they have been dropping £1-1.5k a month !!! seems prices should stabilize and look like a fair buy
main seals going,trim etc...There are things to look out for.
However the conclusion is that most of these things have been dealt with under warranty.maybe it is better to get an early car that HAS been back to the dealer a few times.
It seems Porsche was understandably very pro-active on addressing these issues in order to uphold the credibility of the 996 in the market place after replacing the beloved air cool cars.I would not buy without a comprehensive warranty.
check this months GT Porsche magazine,they have a review on prices of early 996,apparently they have been dropping £1-1.5k a month !!! seems prices should stabilize and look like a fair buy
Kev, ask bennno about his experiences... gearbox problems were one, I think.
To be honest, I think early 996s have a poor reputation (I always mention them to Porsche techs and they almost suck the scenery in through their teeth).
You'd be better off with a late 993, or stretch to a newer 996 after they ironed the teething problems out.
ATB
Dom
To be honest, I think early 996s have a poor reputation (I always mention them to Porsche techs and they almost suck the scenery in through their teeth).
You'd be better off with a late 993, or stretch to a newer 996 after they ironed the teething problems out.
ATB
Dom
"911&Porsche World" had an eight page review of buying 2nd hand 996's last July. I can fax/send you a copy if you want. (have no scanning capabilities though)
For what it's worth I've got a 98 S reg, have had it for four years and can honestly say that it's had annual services and nothing else..... not missed a beat. Only problem is that it's not as fast as a 355 let alone a 360.
For what it's worth I've got a 98 S reg, have had it for four years and can honestly say that it's had annual services and nothing else..... not missed a beat. Only problem is that it's not as fast as a 355 let alone a 360.
tony_996 said: "911&Porsche World" had an eight page review of buying 2nd hand 996's last July. I can fax/send you a copy if you want. (have no scanning capabilities though)
quote]
I think I have the mag still Kev and can post it to you if you wish - My new car plans are on hold at present!!
Email me if you would like it.
A bit cheeky but I'm selling my 996, bought it from Stratstone Porsche about 5 months ago. I got a 1999 T reg 996, have loved every minute of it but am moving to london in the new year and a car is a no-no in so-ho.
Used Porsche dealer as it was an impulse purchase, a week from deciding a I wanted one to taking delivery (doh), dealer was helpful... but it cost me alot! Re: the warranty, anyone can purchase the official porsche warranty that you get with the used cars, costs about £700 and is very comprehensive. Still have 5 months left on current warranty (transferable) and it can be renewed no problem if you have a full PSH (I have). Price is negotiable and it's 'nearly' a dealer car as I've not had it long!
It's the black 996 C2, look at the price and make me an offer (if you want)
Needs brake fluid changing in my opinion and I was going the get a four wheel alignment done, but we could talk about that if you are interested.
www.pistonheads.com/ads/adverts.asp?s=79&p=1
As for probs with early ones, seatbelt warning light/airbag was a prob on some (dodgy connectors) and radiator expansion tank could give a false overheating/water low reading. Pretty solid cars, the porsche warranty covers stuff like blown engines and gearboxs too, as well as european breakdown. If you have the warranty you can sleep pretty safe at night. Dealers are helpful too which makes owning a car much more pleasant.
>> Edited by hoganscrogan on Thursday 19th December 14:16
Used Porsche dealer as it was an impulse purchase, a week from deciding a I wanted one to taking delivery (doh), dealer was helpful... but it cost me alot! Re: the warranty, anyone can purchase the official porsche warranty that you get with the used cars, costs about £700 and is very comprehensive. Still have 5 months left on current warranty (transferable) and it can be renewed no problem if you have a full PSH (I have). Price is negotiable and it's 'nearly' a dealer car as I've not had it long!
It's the black 996 C2, look at the price and make me an offer (if you want)
Needs brake fluid changing in my opinion and I was going the get a four wheel alignment done, but we could talk about that if you are interested. www.pistonheads.com/ads/adverts.asp?s=79&p=1
As for probs with early ones, seatbelt warning light/airbag was a prob on some (dodgy connectors) and radiator expansion tank could give a false overheating/water low reading. Pretty solid cars, the porsche warranty covers stuff like blown engines and gearboxs too, as well as european breakdown. If you have the warranty you can sleep pretty safe at night. Dealers are helpful too which makes owning a car much more pleasant.
>> Edited by hoganscrogan on Thursday 19th December 14:16
Well after asking for advice I've ended up ignoring most of it sorry! 993s not my cup of tea and later 996s more wonga that I care to spend. The OPC stock was pretty thin and I wasn't impressed with the condition. Ended up buying a '98 996 from Camtune this morning- it's the blue over savannah one. Great nick, good spec. and drives nice and tight. Santa arrives first week in Jan; he may be late but he's coming fully loaded.
PS That stock exhaust just has to go!
PS That stock exhaust just has to go!
Gearbox syncro started to go on my 40k mile car and given it had fpsh they just agreed to swap the box over and fit a new clutch FOC to make up for the inconvenience.
Pretty much free of vices, sunroof is fairly useless and it just creates resonance at anything over 25mph and if you give early cars 'a working out' then they have a tendency to flash the cooling warning light - they all do this sir, coolant expansion tank to small.
Best advice is buy on condition and only with FSH. Any avoid lt grey lthr, white, dk red metallic or speed yellow if you want to resell.
Lots of the 98 cars were dealer demos and consequently spec'd to the hilt with sports seats, nice wheels, PDC, decent hifis etc. My first one had an original invoice price of 75K!
traction control is almost redundant due to the lump of engine sat on the rear wheels, the later cars has PSM which is worthwhile as it is a very advanced traction control.
for exhausts try 911 design in london www.fabspeed.com
Bennno
456mgt said: Well after asking for advice I've ended up ignoring most of it sorry! 993s not my cup of tea and later 996s more wonga that I care to spend. The OPC stock was pretty thin and I wasn't impressed with the condition. Ended up buying a '98 996 from Camtune this morning- it's the blue over savannah one. Great nick, good spec. and drives nice and tight. Santa arrives first week in Jan; he may be late but he's coming fully loaded.
PS That stock exhaust just has to go!
Congrats Kevin,
That car looked like a really nice one when I was over at Camtune last week.
Look forward to seeing it in the new year.
Steve
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