I'm dangerously close to buying a 996 !! I need help !!
Discussion
I think I may have found the car I've been looking for but need some reassurances !
Its a 1999 996 in dark blue metallic with graphite grey interior and the paintwork and interior is pretty immaculate. The current owner has only done 1300 miles since last October so it hasn't really been used much at all. In fact on the test drive he was getting worried about flies on the bodywork !! ( I don't think he was an environmentalist).
The only worries I had but I believe they are pretty normal are :
- Bit of bubbling paintwork on the door catches - only minor.
- The clutch was very heavy but felt solid ( but this is compared to my BMW 328 ci)
- There was a bit of squeaking/creaking ( might have been the seats/interior) but I also believe this is quite normal? Possibly this is due to the car not being used much recently and it is 7 years old?
I am getting it checked by the local OPC to get the warranty which hopefully will bring up any mechanical problems but it seems to be OK ?
As you can tell I am excited but feeling nervous ( Not 'Nervous' from this forum - I've never met him !)
Its a 1999 996 in dark blue metallic with graphite grey interior and the paintwork and interior is pretty immaculate. The current owner has only done 1300 miles since last October so it hasn't really been used much at all. In fact on the test drive he was getting worried about flies on the bodywork !! ( I don't think he was an environmentalist).
The only worries I had but I believe they are pretty normal are :
- Bit of bubbling paintwork on the door catches - only minor.
- The clutch was very heavy but felt solid ( but this is compared to my BMW 328 ci)
- There was a bit of squeaking/creaking ( might have been the seats/interior) but I also believe this is quite normal? Possibly this is due to the car not being used much recently and it is 7 years old?
I am getting it checked by the local OPC to get the warranty which hopefully will bring up any mechanical problems but it seems to be OK ?
As you can tell I am excited but feeling nervous ( Not 'Nervous' from this forum - I've never met him !)
1300 miles since last October <<<<< thats a bit of a worry
apparently 996's dont do very well if they are sat in a garage for long periods, I had the same as you the guy I bought it from did 2k mile in the last 12 months, I thought that was great but it turned out a few minor things where in need of replacment and it cost me about 1500 pounds to get it right.
ive learned the hard way, milage means nowt on these, especially if its been sat its going to cost you more than a car thats run daily to bring back up to scratch, OPC PPI should show a few things in need of attention.
apparently 996's dont do very well if they are sat in a garage for long periods, I had the same as you the guy I bought it from did 2k mile in the last 12 months, I thought that was great but it turned out a few minor things where in need of replacment and it cost me about 1500 pounds to get it right.
ive learned the hard way, milage means nowt on these, especially if its been sat its going to cost you more than a car thats run daily to bring back up to scratch, OPC PPI should show a few things in need of attention.
71k miles on it so the next big service will be at 80k ?
I only do about 8000 a year so it will not need it for another year.
The problem I'm having now is trying to get through to the OPC service desk to try and get the inspection done. Hopefully they can fit it in soon. The pre-warranty inspection should be about £200ish ?
He has already mentioned that there is a bit of movement in the price so hopefully the inspection might give me that leverage.
I only do about 8000 a year so it will not need it for another year.
The problem I'm having now is trying to get through to the OPC service desk to try and get the inspection done. Hopefully they can fit it in soon. The pre-warranty inspection should be about £200ish ?
He has already mentioned that there is a bit of movement in the price so hopefully the inspection might give me that leverage.
Nice idea but I think I have missed that opportunity as it is going in for its inspection tomorrow ( just had confirmation from the OPC ). To be honest, I think it is very well priced assuming there are no gremlins to be found - but I will certainly be trying to drive the price down !
Also, why is it always the case that you always end up buying a car that is £2k more than you originally wanted to spend !!!
Thanks for the responses so far - I will update you on the outcome of the report tomorrow.....
Also, why is it always the case that you always end up buying a car that is £2k more than you originally wanted to spend !!!
Thanks for the responses so far - I will update you on the outcome of the report tomorrow.....
I don't know whether to laugh or cry - I've just bought it !!
The 111 point check came with about 20 items on there which needed fixing before they would sell it at the dealership including highlights of :
New Cigerette Lighter
Worn Vanity Mirrors (both) ???
Non Porsche Battery ( it's a Bosch unit )
Mufflers cracked ( but not blowing and the seller has 2 back-boxes to give to me as part of the deal )
Front and rear discs are lipped and grooved ( but was advised that it was probably because car had not been driven immediately after washing and not to worry in the short term anyway )
The creaking I mentioned earlier was to do with the suspension bottom arm which apparently may have developed a dry spot through lack of use and would be noticeable especially on dry days. With regular use it should lubricate itself again ( guess I will be forced to drive it a lot then !!)
But Finally it has RMS leakage !!!! This was the only item stopping it from getting a warranty and would cost £707 to sort out. It would be replaced with a 997 seal though.
Thanks to all who have revealed the truth behind RMS, It meant that I wan't put off. I was able to negotiate with the seller a discount of £800 off the price so that sorts that out. Very glad I had this check done - It has just saved me enough to pay for the warranty basically.
Pick it up next Wednesday/Thursday - Can't wait !!!
The 111 point check came with about 20 items on there which needed fixing before they would sell it at the dealership including highlights of :
New Cigerette Lighter
Worn Vanity Mirrors (both) ???
Non Porsche Battery ( it's a Bosch unit )
Mufflers cracked ( but not blowing and the seller has 2 back-boxes to give to me as part of the deal )
Front and rear discs are lipped and grooved ( but was advised that it was probably because car had not been driven immediately after washing and not to worry in the short term anyway )
The creaking I mentioned earlier was to do with the suspension bottom arm which apparently may have developed a dry spot through lack of use and would be noticeable especially on dry days. With regular use it should lubricate itself again ( guess I will be forced to drive it a lot then !!)
But Finally it has RMS leakage !!!! This was the only item stopping it from getting a warranty and would cost £707 to sort out. It would be replaced with a 997 seal though.
Thanks to all who have revealed the truth behind RMS, It meant that I wan't put off. I was able to negotiate with the seller a discount of £800 off the price so that sorts that out. Very glad I had this check done - It has just saved me enough to pay for the warranty basically.
Pick it up next Wednesday/Thursday - Can't wait !!!
Thanks - doesn't sound too expensive - Probably about £150 at an independant then !
Now I just need to sell my BMW, and get new insurance sorted, and transfer the money, and get a bankers draft, work out which very long route to take home next week !, buy new wax, clay bar,polish, etc, etc.
Now I just need to sell my BMW, and get new insurance sorted, and transfer the money, and get a bankers draft, work out which very long route to take home next week !, buy new wax, clay bar,polish, etc, etc.
It's here !!!
Picked it up last night and it is fantastic !!
First impressions are all positive - it is so planted and quick. I really need to keep an eye on the speedo because you really don't realise how fast you are going.
It will take a bit of time getting used to the clutch point but I can't wait to get to know it more. I'm just gutted I am stuck in work ( but at least I get to show it off!) so keep on getting up to see if it is OK..... sad really.....
Picked it up last night and it is fantastic !!
First impressions are all positive - it is so planted and quick. I really need to keep an eye on the speedo because you really don't realise how fast you are going.
It will take a bit of time getting used to the clutch point but I can't wait to get to know it more. I'm just gutted I am stuck in work ( but at least I get to show it off!) so keep on getting up to see if it is OK..... sad really.....
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