too much information too late on 996

[sergeshishik]

I just made a deal to trade in my 1984 Targa for a 1999-996 with 59k miles. I thought I knew enough to make an informed decision. I was wrong, after discovering "996 engine failures" it seems to be an epidemic.

I am now sitting here with a rapid heartbeat wondering if I should beg for my $500 deposit back, or maybe even eat it, opposed to get into this apparently inevitable nightmare of 996 engine failure.

All thoughts appreciated.

[Staylo]

It is far from inevitable, and hardly an epidemic.

While the problems do exist, the percentages are quite low (they made A LOT of these cars), and there are preventative fixes for peace of mind. The 996 is a hell of a car for the price these days, and they often get a bad rap.

That said, a thorough PPI by a shop well acquainted with 996/997 cars is an absolute must. Relax, have the car checked out, and if all is well enjoy!

[k8atu]

+1 on the PPI, and if the RMS has been done that's a bonus... I've had several (5) and all of them have been bulletproof during my ownership, albeit religiously maintained...

Good luck!

[k8atu]

@Staylo.... When are we going out again for a scratch around Marin??!?

[McLovin]

How much cash did the dealer throw into the trade?

[Jeff Alton]

996 failure rate is far below the 3.2 premature valve guide failure rate and the 993 SAI problem rates, the 2.7 head stud rates and the......... well you get the idea.... Yep, some of them had issues, find me a Porsche model that didn't...

Cheers

[jwetering]

Count me in as a former air guy turned fervent 996 supporter.

The 996 is a great car, chill the f^$k out man.

I'm guessing you didn't spend every penny you'll ever earn on this car did you? In the unlikely event that it breaks...fix it.

Just like your old 911.

[group911@aol.co]

Originally Posted by jeff alton

996 failure rate is far below the 3.2 premature valve guide failure rate and the 993 sai problem rates, the 2.7 head stud rates and the......... Well you get the idea.... yep, some of them had issues, find me a porsche model that didn't...

Cheers

sc

[sergeshishik]

ok ok, its 5:45AM in NY and I wish I got up hours ago, twisted and turned all night long over this. The car is being purchased from a reputable dealer and the PPI has been done.

I do feel better form the comments posted. I threw in $15,500 on top of my trade, it seems high but my car was less than perfect, I had an oil leak, heater blower shot, deep hood scratch from my wife (I wont get into) and other miscellaneous items all totaling +/-$4k. The 996 has turbo split spoke wheels, heated seats, xenon, and some other options, nicest 996 I have seen.

Thanks all, I'm in, see you in 996 land

[Helios59]

Intermediate Shaft failure is the big kahuna in 996 land...there's a fix.

Flat 6 Innovations

[ivangene]

PPI will not prevent an IMS failure... there is NO WAY to check it...

the best thing you can do is change it out ASAP... If you can do the work it will run you $600. While you are in there do the AOS, check clutch and flywheel condition replace if nec.
your other option is to get a warranty and just drive it.....

then enjoy it...

pics or you are going to get flamed!

[rnln]

scale model :d

Originally Posted by Jeff Alton

996 failure rate is far below the 3.2 premature valve guide failure rate and the 993 SAI problem rates, the 2.7 head stud rates and the......... well you get the idea.... Yep, some of them had issues, find me a Porsche model that didn't...

Cheers

[stlrj]

To bad the 996 intermediate shaft failure causes such catastrophic engine failures that require a replacement crate engine to the tune of some $15K. 3.2 premature valve guide wear and 993 SAI problems, on the other hand, seem so benign in comparison.

[JeremyD]

There's always renegade LS6 kit.

[450knotOffice]

I have had a 996 for about five years now. It is my daily driver and has been the most reliable car I have ever owned, overall. It had 37,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 119,000. Along the way, it has been used on track about six times with no problems whatsoever. I finally had the (original) clutch replaced a few months back, and while that was being done I had the IMS bearing and flange replaced with the LN Engineering items, which essentially elliminates the IMS failure issue. The bearing and support cost about $600. I had the RMS replaced also.

If you want total peace of mind, buy the car and then have to IMS and flange replaced, as well as the very inexpensive RMS.

Enjoy the car.

[88911coupe]

Good friend of mine went from a 930 to a 993 to a 996. He spent more in an average month in repairs on the 930 than he spends on a YEAR on the 996. Best car he's ever owned from a reliability standpoint. He does miss the Turbo but his brother has it so it's not really gone. 993 got stolen from his driveway....

[rnln]

how many miles on the 930 and the 996?

[sergeshishik]

930=99k miles and 996=59k gotta say its been under me for the last 24 hours and its fun fun fun!

[Nine9six]

I think in time, you may have feelings depending upon what type of driving feedback you enjoy more. the 84 = raw and more connected. the 99 = refined and more detached.

[dad911]

Can you get an extended warranty for piece of mind?