What To Look For When Checking Out a 2004 Anniversary edition 911...
 

Going to look at a 2004 911 this week. Its an anniversary edition which means it has a few more blingy things as well as nice wheels and a propped up exhaust that owner says boosts hP by 25.

So, please provide this idiot a check list of questions to ask... please SmileWavy

Proof of a 25 HP gain for starters.

Yeah, I wouldn't bet on that 25 HP.

The 996 has a major service every 30k, so that's a great place to start. It's not big stuff (air filter, pollen filter, plugs, serpentine belt, brake fluid, fuel filter on early cars) but it's well over $1000 at the dealership and therefore a great negotiating tool if due. Other stuff I would ask:

Original motor?
IMS or RMS work done?
Other service work done - fluid changes, suspension bushings, struts, ignition switch, headlight switch are all worth looking for

Otherwise just normal stuff about condition, accidents, paintwork, etc. They're pretty solid cars.

The 40thAE cars have the X51 power kit as standard equipment. There's your HP boost.

Matt,
Talk to me about RMS and IMS work...whats that all about for these?

Both the RMS and IMS can leak; the IMS leak can be catastrophic. The frequency has probably been blown out of proportion by the internet, but the risk is there. There is a "while you're in there" fix when the clutch gets changed that runs about $1k or so.

What Brad said. Some choose to install a new OEM IMS bearing at clutch time, others install the LN Engineering IMS bearing as an upgrade. It makes sense to do it at clutch time (if you care to do it) because you're already right there. RMS is just an oil leak, no real risk unless you somehow let it run dry. Of my five 986/996 only one was damp at the transmission/engine mate area, and it wasn't enough of a leak to even leave a drip on the floor. That I'm aware of none of my cars had any IMS or RMS work done.

Oh, and see if you can score the matching luggage with the car. I seem to remember reading they came with luggage.