New to Porsche Question

Royce-Ohio · 07-21-2018, 04:24 AM

I am giving some thought to buying a used Porsche sometime in the not too distant future. At first I thought about a Boxster or a Cayman, but I have also stated looking into the original 996. Therefore, I came to this technical forum to ask just how difficult are these cars to work on? Does the engine in the rear make it any easier as far as access to the motor compared to a front motor car? Is the flat six any easier to work on than a V-6?

Royce-Ohio · 07-21-2018, 04:30 AM

To give you some more info, I'm not a mechanic by trade, but am a little mechanically inclined. I used to have a Corvette that I changed or repaired things like heater hoses, spark plugs, distributor cap, ignition rotor, points, valve covers, adjust valves, set timing. I've replaced radio and speaker systems. Recharged A/C systems, replaced battery, air filter. I'm getting ready to replace the interior door handle/lock handle mechanism on my current sedan. I have never rebuilt motors except for motorcycle twin cylinder engine when I was a teen-ager many moons ago. Therefore, before buying a Porsche I would like to know the advantages/disadvantages, difficulties, or ease in working on one. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Uwon · Uwon's Garage

Start here. Best 4.95 you will ever spend.
https://www.excellence-mag.com/resources/buyers-guide
Then search related forums in order of importance (my personal opinion)
renntech.org
This forum
Rennlist.com
Hope this helps.
Johan

rick13 · rick13's Garage

Well the front steering and suspension of the 996 isn't too bad. But that's all I've done so far.

Working on my 944 turbo is an absolute nightmare.

Rick

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

Coming in as a Ford/Chevy/Nissan/Toyota guy I find German cars to be *quirky* compared to Detroit or Tokyo. Not Alfa Romeo quirky but... quirky. I owned a 1st gen 986 for 10 years and came to understand her pretty well. I am now into a 987.2 and find this car pretty bulletproof at 62k miles. The driving experience combined with pretty robust engineering keeps a garage bay always filled with a Porsche.