Buying Help--996 2002

[jeffgale]

Hi. Hoping I can tap into the collective wisdom here. I am considering buying a 2002 996, 6 spd, 50K miles. Price seems fair.

These have that Rear Main Seal issue, I know. The car had it big time and the engine was replaced by the dealer at 36K in 8/06. Also had a new clutch at 40K in 1/07. (Doe these really wear that quick? Receipt says it went into the dealer with some sort of grinding sound.)

Car also has an extended warranty with Service Protection Direct which runs until around 149K.

Questions:
-Did Porsche figure out the RMS by 2006 so that the engine doesn't have the issue any more? I've never read anything about repeat failures on these.
-Do clutches really go that quickly on these.
-Anyone ever heard of that extended warranty outfit. It was sold through a dealer, I think.
-Is 2002 a real problem year with lots of stuff going wrong?

I have owned a '78 SC and an '88 Carrera. But I am a novice on the 996.

Thanks for whatever help you can give.

Jeff

[Aerkuld]

Jeff - I can't tell you anymore than I know about mine. I have a hair over 80k on mine and I believe it's on the original clutch. It still seems to be holding up OK. Of course, it really depends on the driver and the regular usage. I doubt there is a 'normal'.
The RMS issue was, if I recall correctly, helped considerably by a new design of seal fairly early on. I don't remember the exact date or details but I doubt you will have any issues. Again, I'm happy with mine.
Extended warranty - no information at all I'm afraid.
2002 on the whole does not appear to be a problem year. You stand a good chance of having to deal with the regular issues before too long. Window regulators need replacing due to cable stretch, brake light switches wear out, headlight and ignition switches too. These seem to be normal wear and tear items and are relatively inexpensive and easy enough to do yourself. I've also had issues with the voltage regulator in the alternator. Again, relatively cheap and easy enough to fix. There is a growing number of articles on here and other sites that give very good DIY information.
I honestly think you would be pleasantly surprised.