Looking at buying 1999 996

rickharrison · 07-23-2018, 05:57 AM

Hey fellas.

I'm looking getting back into a P-car again after I sold my beloved 88 944S two summers ago. I'm going to test drive a 1999 996 later this week, an unmolested car with 76,500 original kms. I've always wanted a 911, and this looks to fit the bill.

Its had the IMS upgrade with the LN Engineering bearing set (original bearing included and is pristine), rear main seal, tubes, coils, plugs, clutch, oil/filter and a new battery installed. All work done by Mantis Porsche in the GTA. (They are renowned for racing, training, rebuilding , custom work, etc.) He has the work order from Mantis for review as well...I think that bill was @ $5,000.

A/C, heating, windows, etc. ALL function properly. It has the 18 inch turbo twists on it as well.

Ocean Blue with grey leather interior. I don't have the option sticker, however it looks clean. Absolutely zero rust, always garaged, never driven in winter.

Anything else I need to see/watch for?

He's asking $26,500 Canadian, however I looks like he's had it in his garage for the last year or so, a new Mercedes is in the driveway. He said that he's semi-retired, so that encourages me. (not a young punk car abuser)

Thoughts gents? Many thanks. Rick

tonythetarga · 07-23-2018, 01:21 PM

Ernie's shop is very good. If he's serviced it, talk to him about it. The cooling system can be an issue. The expansion tank are prone to cracking and that causes a leak. The front rads might want to be checked. The a/c condensers sit in front of the rad. The junk that collects behind a 20 year old car is unbelievable. It might look clean from the outside but you cannot see between without taking the nose cone off and separating. Cooling is the big issue with these cars. Overheating it can crack a head and lead to a coolant oil intermix. Sounds like you found a good one, but you want the full piece of mind on it.

Nevins · 07-24-2018, 08:47 AM

Sounds like a clean well cared for low mile example.
No mention of previous owner chain though your happy
with the current one and in my books that goes a long way.

My 03 C4S was at 42km's when I purchased it.
Shortly after the pass.side rad. needed replacement
so I did the fan, hoses and coolant flush.
Not cheap but like Tony says it's a 19 year old chassis
and parts wear thru time or miles.

Was the DMF replaced also?
No mention of the water pump.
It's got plastic composite blades that get brittle thru time.
Take the front bumper off and clean the rads. (easy)
Replace the motor mounts.
Sounds like Mantis is familiar with it.
Maybe a phone call to them and forego a PPI?

Enjoy the drive.
Coolant temp should sit on the right side of the 8 on 180.
If the interior plastics are in good shape then it's spent a
garaged life...no sun and trees.Not many Ocean Blues around.
Listen for motor ticking(bore scoring or lifter issues).
Exhaust tips should be clean.

I drove a handful of 996's and prefer the AWD and the mk2's
but to each their own.
Bang for the buck you can't go wrong.

rickharrison · 07-24-2018, 03:07 PM

OK, so look at the coolant tank, ask about the flywheel re: clutch job - he has the work order from Mantis for me to look at.

Check for a rad/system flush, engine noise.

Maybe ask for a PPI from Mantis or call them?

I believe he's the 3rd owner, and is older so it has likely been taken very good care of as compared to a racer wannabe. He sounds like an enthusiast and does some basic wrenching like me, just Mantis for the big jobs.

I'm excited, but don't want headaches.

I've restored 2 944s and a 914, so I know how these cars can dig into your wallet if you're not careful. Thanks guys.

tonythetarga · 07-25-2018, 06:55 AM

When you look at the car again, and while it's running, turn on the a/c. Go to the front and check to see if the cooling fan at each corner is running. Both should be on. If not, you may need a fan there.
Regarding cleaning between the a/c condenser and the radiator, that is something you can do and should do. As long as the cooling temps for normal hot weather driving are in the 180 range, it's probably fine. I was tracking my 99 and had to add a center rad for additional volume and cooling capacity. Did the same with my 98 Boxster too. Temps were pegged at normal and never went higher!

rickharrison · 07-26-2018, 04:31 PM

So, I drove the car today.

Very well kept. Body is excellent, interior good, some wear/fading on driver bolster, easily fixed with a re-dye. Otherwise, a couple of hours with my detailing kit and it would look near new.

A couple of issues...the dreaded airbag light is on...I've read a ton of posts, that it's really not that serious, however I HATE dash lights on. The fix can be a bit of frustration too.

The other issue was the passenger window went down, wouldn't come back up. It went up maybe halfway, then wouldn't go further. He told me he replaced the regulator about 3 years ago, I assume it may have gotten loose on the track or a cable has come off. He was embarrassed by this...seemed genuine, like he couldn't believe it happened when I was there looking at his baby.

I saw the work order from Mantis, and yup he spent @ $4100on the IMS, clutch/related clutch parts and the other stuff. I called Mantis, the service tech was helpful-it didn't sound like the car was a regular.

All cooling fans worked as they should, tight with no leaks. Rads have been serviced/replaced up front too. We drove for a good hour and talked quite a bit...I think he's a straight shooter and honest enough.

Now it boils down to price. Without insulting him....was thinking $23,500 max WITH the window fixed, and a PPI done for reassurance.

Now, I've also got another '99 I'm going to see Saturday that has only 107,000 kms with equivalent upgrades done. Its @ $20,000 price though...guy has no time for it and just wants to pass it along to someone else to enjoy. I believe he's a landscaping/pool contractor, so busy summers = no time to drive the toy. It has more goodies like a fabspeed exhaust, GT3 seats/body kit, late model 19 inch turbo wheels, a short shifter, upgraded xenon lights and LED tails...owner says clutch was done prior to buying. Seemed genuine, we shall see.

I am trying to stay calm and not just buy the first car I drive...although it felt like a go-cart on steroids compared to my 944S and my nipples were hard! Sorry, I sound like a giddy school girl. lol

Thoughts, any further advice?

inaminit · 07-29-2018, 03:58 PM

Rick- the 3.4 996 cars are the sweet spot in porsche value. Take the car you like to a shop and have them do a Durametric scan-look for the codes that are stored, overrevs, and camshaft deviation-have the mechanic explain the cause of the codes to you.

rickharrison · 07-30-2018, 04:08 AM

OK, thanks man.

I emailed the guy my offer, and told him it was subject to Mantis doing a full PPI with leak-down/scope of cylinders, etc. My offer included that I'd send him half of the cost of the inspection as a good faith gesture, and to show I am serious. Mantis is 2 hours away and I cannot co-ordinate from here. The seller is semi-retired, so this should not be a hassle for him.

If that is a go, I'll call the service guy I spoke to prior to my test drive to make sure they pull codes as part of the inspection. My thought it that should be included.

If the seller says he has no time, or doesn't want to be bothered with the PPI, I will walk.