i think i found my first porsche

[dtrue]

It's a 2001 911 cabriolet with 15k miles for 30k. Good deal?

Am I about to run into thousands of dollars of service costs?

Any tips for a newbie?

Thanks,

David

[Tweedle]

Best to get a PPI (including compression test) from an experienced Porsche mechanic before you buy. You will then have a better idea of the condition of the car & any faults/addition costs now & the future.

Service costs - most are easily done yourself with assistance of the forum.

[porche]

Originally Posted by Tweedle

Best to get a PPI (including compression test) from an experienced Porsche mechanic before you buy. You will then have a better idea of the condition of the car & any faults/addition costs now & the future.

As Tweedle said - get a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) done by a competent mechanic. The early water-cooled cars were prone to IMS Bearing failures. They can be changed out before they fail but, if they fail the engine is toast and from what I’ve read, the case is not re-buildable. That one might be fine – Just be Careful.

[JJ 911SC]

+1 on PPI,

If you are mechanically incline (which I was not) an Air Cooled version are easy to work on and a few thousands less expensive.

[john walker's workshop]

air good, water bad.

[NYNick]

Search IMS and RMS.
These failures can ruin your day.
Do not buy unless these have been addressed and repaired/replaced.

[tonythetarga]

The 99-01 3.4's were more prone to engine failure from both IMS and cracked cylinders. Low mileage cars are more prone to IMS failure than ones with higher miles and driven in the upper rpms. This car is too expensive for an 01. The low miles are not a good thing, contrary to conventional wisdom. You need to read up on the 3.4 engines and I suggest you google "flat six innovations" and read up on the M96 engine.

You might want to look at 993's in that price range or pony up the extra and find one with a 'raby' engine. One is actually listed in the classifieds now...an 05 997 for 39.5

[dtrue]

very good info, everyone. many, many thanks!

[aston@ultrasw.c]

X2 on the 993

buy a good one and watch the prices continue to climb.