Hey everyone, thanks for the replies, some more thoughts/info. First off I was worried about this "negative" reaction that Jim posted. I have read about the problems, and should have said that I have researched the IMS, and RMS problems. From speaking with Porsche mechanics I have found that mostly the cars that are never driven with extremely low miles are the ones affected by IMS failure do to moisture in the bearings. They have said with cars that are driven regularly and have over 40-50K miles it is HIGHLY unlikely they would have the issue. This is also partly why I am looking at a car like this one with a new engine already in place.
As far as RMS, that is just a leak correct? I have read articles that state you fix it when it bothers you. Coming from American muscle cars almost every car I have owned leaked from there. Besides the fix is like 1500 bucks right, at least that is what I have read, or maybe even less, so I don't see the big deal there unless I am missing something?
I know that these cars may not be the perfect choice for someone that never wants to have a maintenance issue, but these are the cars I'm in love with. I do not want a newer 2X as expensive car, not b/c I can't afford it, but b/c what I want is one of these. I bought a Lexus RX300 (daily driver) years ago and when I signed up at the forums I got an onslought of "wow you made a mistake", "these are maintenance nightmares", "you'll wish you never" and that really sucked. I'm not saying that is what is happening here with Jim's comment, it just is hard when you come for advice/interaction on something you love to hear that right out of the gate. The RX300 has been the best suv I have ever owned. I've never had a problem out of it, I know that doesn't mean that it won't happen tomorrow but I would do nothing but highly recommend it. I know that 99% of the people that are happy with their 911's may not be posting on the forums on the internet, so I feel that the "negative" views are always skewed b/c unhappy customers post their feelings much more then satisfied people.
Please don't get me wrong, I appreciate your viewpoint, I just don't want to feel the same way I did on the Lexus forums years ago. I absolutely love these cars, I have had older 911's, Corvettes, Chevelles, Grand Nationals, Cobras, Supercharged Mustangs, etc. etc. and I don't really get excited about cars anymore just b/c I have had a lot of them. But these 996's do something to me that I haven't felt in a long time, I grin ear to ear when I hear one drive past and I am going to buy one.
With all that said I want to give some answers to questions that were asked. First in regards to the engine. I have attached a picture below that the guy sent me showing part #'s etc. and what was done. He made sure I understood it was a new one from Porsche and that is extremely important when looking at one with a "new" engine. Maybe that will help you experts help me, b/c I am not sure what I am looking for.
Second BXTECH asked about the tranny. It is original with 119K miles with the rest of the car. I called my Porsche mechanic (shop I would use when I buy the car) and asked him about the tiptronic. He said he never sees problems with them and not to worry about that. I asked him worst case scenario and he said a couple grand to put in a used one if there was a complete failure. I have know idea if this is high/low what, just telling you what he told me. I also thought the same thing about the tiptronic not being as desireable and the higher mileage, that is why I orginally posted the question about wouldn't I be paying too much to do 19K for this?
And to answer the question about 1000 bucks seperating me from the car I really want, no, you are right, I probably shouldn't, but like everyone I would like the best/fairest deal I can get. Guess it is a mentality for me, people that seem to not care about spending money generally do not have that much (in my personal experience), and I do care, and don't want to just blow 1000 bucks b/c I can if that makes sense. I'm trying to do the prudent thing by asking for help and I really appreciate you guys responding. I know it is taking a chance with a high end car, but it ALWAYS is I think. Hell, maybe it is with any car, you can always find people that have just rotten luck and if they get a motor fixed their tranny goes bad, if they get that fix their wheel falls off, you know.
So would it be fair to assume the car is or isn't worth 19K b/c of the mileage (overall) and having the tiptronic, or does the new motor offset that and it is fair? Does the paperwork image help or do I need to ask for more from the seller? Thanks for all your help guys!
