1999 996 quandry
 

Ok, so I know the reputation of the model, but I can pick up a nice one up for 16,000 and change! The sirens are trying to lure me onto the rocks. Advice?

RMS can be repaired / upgraded for $3000 + 16000 purchase = $19,000.
That is respectable Carrera / SC / 964 money.
Not for me but maybe for you.

I picked one up
Prices so good i couldnt pass up getting into the new Porsche technology
Great for a everyday driver,
very comfortable
very realible
Very fun
I like it


IMS ....yeah.... but rare
RMS..... yeah
Both are cheap fixes with clutch job,
and most likely already done

M96. Run aways ;) I know those siren songs as I keep thinking I will go back to the Boxster/996 pool.. and then I remember.. catastrophic engine failure ;) Save for a 996TT/GT3 or go old school, imho.

Guys, as I recently advised a friend looking at a cheap 996: get an extended warranty. They are available on most used cars with a "waiting period" to prevent you from buying an already-broken car and making a claim. This type of insurance is not terribly expensive, which means -- as dporsche74 says -- catastrophic engine failure is rare.

Just curious, who would you (or anyone else) recommend for an extended warranty? Approximate cost?

I haven't looked lately, but when I had my boxster, most were in the $3k-4K range. A hefty chunk of money imho. And remember these business exist to "make money" and not loose it. Playing the odds and what not. I chose to self insure, figuring with time, there would become a larger pool of used motors to install (or even upgrade to).