1999 996 - Looking for problems?

[gfox]

I'm considering buying a 1999 996 with 80K miles, but am concerned about RMS leak/failure, engine failure, and transmission issues. Are these realistic concerns, or has the extent of the 1999 996 problems been blown out of proportion?

Thanks in advance,

Greg

[DL Lawrence]

I recently purchased a 1999 996. I looked around for a very long time, and did a lot of research, on this board and others. Be sure to check the Rennlist.com board, they have a very active 996 forum. Don't be too concerned about the RMS problems- they have shown up in all the model years on the M96 engine platform. Not all 996's have this issue, and you will see opinions on it all over the map as to the reality of it's severity. Mine is bone dry after 48K. I have a buddy who has 70K on his with no issues- just because it's a relatively common issue, does noto mean that there are not 996's out there without this problem. There was a recent thread on Rennlist's 996 forum about just this (one of many). Take your time, get a PPI, and look for COMPLETE service records on the car. The 1999 996's seem to be much maligned, I'm not sure why. I love mine, and there are many other very pleased owners of this MY out there. My personal experience is that if:

a) you know what to look for, and
b) you do your OWN research,

you can find a good one. My understanding is that the RMS problem will usually show up pretty early- if the car has 80K on it, with no RMS problems, they may not show up. You will have to replace the coolant expansion tank (if it hasn't already been done).

Best of luck! They are amazing cars- I love mine!

[jstgermaine]

I too have a 99 996 that took quite some time to find. As stated in the previous post, do your homework and you can find a solid car. Just be patient.

My 996 is a low option car, full leather, M030, and LSD. Full service records from day one. No RMS issue ever.

Currently has just a tick over 50K on the odo.

Here is a picture of it before the aero install.

[pikes]

Hi, I bought my '98 996 C2 3.4l, Tiptronic, because I love these cars. I had it for one week when I had to take it back to the car yard as it had a very bad oil smell. There was no oil leaks. It had 86,000km on the dial (53,000mls).

The car stayed in the workshop for more than a week. I was told to take out extended warranty to save myself expensive repair costs. The engine was replaced due to cracked 1st cylinder. This could happen to any car.

I have driven it for more than 20,000km since, with no problem. I do get a faint rattling sound when I start it up from cold. This could be normal bearing noise. However when it reaches normal operating temperature, the rattle disappears. I change the engine oil every 10km (Mobil 1 ONLY) and the gear oil every 20km (ESSO ATF LT 71141 ONLY). I now have 123,000km (76,000 mls). Also monitor the temperature when idling at traffic lights. If the temparature increases from 85-90+ have the coolant replaced and the radiator flushed. I am happy with the car. Do your research and have all the service records.

We are lucky in Australia to have warranty on all used cars for three months and an option to take out extended warranty for three years. The car was repaired at no cost to me, under the three month warranty.

Happy motoring.

[914helo]

Greg, there's definately a risk involved. My engine went out around 92,000 miles. After a new factory motor it's perfect again. Still worth it as these cars are the best value around. Definately do your homework and a thorough PPI to up your odds.

[peritus]

Everyone:

I'm going to test drive a 996 1999 911 convertible tomorrow. It has 90,000 kms on it. I am a wanna-be mechanic (I do all my own work), but I don't know much about the water-pumpers...

What questions should I ask? What do I need to know?

Thanks,

[bosalls5]

I bought a 1 owner with complete service records on it's 2nd engine due to an early failure under warranty. I thought I was out of the woods, not so! The car is now on engine #3 (factory replacement / warranty), runs and drives like new. Initially after the engine replacement ($12,500 - turns out this is a good price compared to other Porsche engines) I was going to put the car up for sale but as of this writing I can't part with the car. Every time I get in it to go anywhere the car loves you back!!!! You guessed it, the car stays! Good Luck

[Sodikart]

FYI, I've had my 99 996 for the past 5 years with no problems... Had the alternator replaced, the plastic water reservoir replaced and a new clutch cuzz I fried it. I just reached 87,000 miles have had the car serviced regularly... The car runs strong but the water temp light started to flash.. The gauge was fine not hot but the light started flashing.. I immediatly stopped the car called my mechanic... Openned the plastic water reservoir to find a chocolate sludge uzzing out. I checked the oil almost empty.... is the engine toast? My mechanic says so, others say it could be the oil seperator... any pros out there with the answer?

[450knotOffice]

I'd ask this same question on the very active Rennlist.com forum.