996 C4: floaty front, variable clutch, over assisted steering.
 

My mini was stolen while I was in London and recovery seems very unlikely. I went to see a possible replacement this morning, a 996 C4. The car has less than 20,000 klm and is like new, including an engine that is still tight. From the owner's reaction I think my test drive was the most action that car has ever seen.
I have a couple of questions:
-At speed the front seems very floaty, I can't believe the shockabsorbers are shot with such a low mileage, could it be the tracking and alignment?
-The power steering is very light at speed, can it be adjusted?
-The clutch/transmission is horrible when cold, are they all like this?
It's a bit too expensive for me unless I can negotiate the price down some or unless my husband will go halves with me (hint hint):D
Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately, the very symptons you describe are the reasons these cars never really were a hit with the lovers of the older models. 996's around here have very little resale value compared to other models so some deals should appear. As a daily driver and less as a performance car, the 996 still would be an nice car.

Isa,

Perhaps when compared to our old machines, but still it´s unlikely you should experience the drive THAT bad. I´m no mecanic but to me it sounds like that vehicle need some issues taken care of.

Even if it´s watercooled it´s still a Porsche for good sake. Can´t be that bad..... Or perhaps it can..

Envy your climate. Here in Sweden still have to make do with the Jeep.

Markus
Carrera 85

Bad shocks should result in poor tire wear patterns up front. Bad shocks will result in cupping wear patterns on tires like someone cut horizontal bands off the front face of the tires. Assuming the tires on car is original. PPI should check that. Bad clutch actuation at cold? That should not be in a perfect system. Have that checked out by pro. Steering too light well it must be compared to manual non assisted earlier models. Go for a 993 instead if looking for a Porsche daily driver in the price range of a used 996.

Maybe it had 50psi of air in the front tires. ;)

I'd have to drive it myself, but that seems odd to me to hear a 996 described that way. They are pretty nice to drive.

I think you should drive some others, and /or have someone who knows these cars drive it to see if it's behaving as it should. It's impossible to diagnose something by someone's description. (Though people still try, like when I'm at a party and someone finds out I'm a Porsche mechanic. :D )

Evil... Or not?
 

This caught my eye:
Posts: 666

I was a bit concerned then I read more and realized we were talking about a water pumper. :) It's all coming together now.

I got to try another 996. This one was high milage and hard used. It felt a lot better than the the other one. I made an offer below the asking price on the first one which was refused. It was too expensive for me anyway.
I am now starting an internet search for a new mini which is a better daily car for me anyway.