New 1999 996 owner

tjnotroh · 04-26-2008, 09:00 PM

I just purchased a 1999 996 with 90000 miles, extensive service history and all services to date. I just need a little reassurance; am I going to be ok to use this car as a daily driver or have I made a mistake. Local Porsche dealers say ok, but some reports on this site give me a sick feeling in my stomach. Please help!

BReyes · BReyes's Garage

Welcome.

Hey dude, I just finished reading what a couple of guys have written about their turbos blowing up and it concerned me whether I would be able to determine when a turbo is bad before it blows ( I have a turbo project in the works), and i came to the conclusion, it will depend on how much time/money can be put into maintenance, and my awareness of any small issues before they become large issues.

I must positive. Yes

You too dude.

I would venture to say, that so long as - you have a good PPI- take good care of it ( drive it like it should be driven

), you did not make a mistake.

Have you any prior experience with other Porsches?

earlyapex · 04-27-2008, 06:35 AM

You will be fine to use the car as it was intended to use. Drive it daily. The car sounds like it has been maintained well and that is the most important factor in buying a Porsche. Enjoy the car!

tjnotroh · 04-27-2008, 03:30 PM

Thanks to the both of you for the words of encouragement; I will be taking delivery of the car tomorrow...

I had a 90 944s2 cab and thoroughly enjoyed the car and had zero problems over 70,000 miles of ownership. I purchased a 2000 boxster that was obviously abused that put me in the poorhouse. I went back to the 944 as my daily driver and never looked back. I sold the 944 and bought a crown vic to drive for my commute, the vic sucked the life right out of me, after three months of torture she's leaving. It's amazing how when the Porsche gets its hooks in you, there is no other, so dont even try. I have been obsessively looking at 911's for two years and finally decided to purchase; I feel confident with the history of the car and I am looking forward to many happy miles.

Thanks,

Jay

Komenda Fan · Komenda Fan's Garage

It will be a great car for you. Even if it were to cost you money in repairs/maintenance, it will be worth it. I drove one at the local PCA autox, and was very impressed how the car stayed true to the 911 philosophy. Pictures of your new ride would be customary....

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

I have a 2000 996 Carrera 2 and use it as my daily driver. 27,000 miles in the last 21 months and it has been utterly reliable. In fact, I have even tracked it at least six times in the last 1 1/2 years, thrashing it mercilessly each time, and it still runs like it's a brand new car. There is some evidence that these cars actually do better when used as daily drivers rather than as garage queens.

Three things seem to help prevent the dreaded IMS failure (intermediate shaft):

1) Use 0W40 synthetic oil, as Porsche now recommends for all of their water cooled cars.

2) Keep the oil at the proper level. Do not let it get low under any circumstances, but don't overfill it either.

3) Drive it more than 5,000 miles per year.

tjnotroh · 04-27-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komenda Fan

It will be a great car for you. Even if it were to cost you money in repairs/maintenance, it will be worth it. I drove one at the local PCA autox, and was very impressed how the car stayed true to the 911 philosophy. Pictures of your new ride would be customary....

Thanks for the response, I will definitely post some pics when I get her home.

Doug&Julie · 05-14-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450knotOffice

There is some evidence that these cars actually do better when used as daily drivers rather than as garage queens.

I agree with this whole heartedly! And why not drive them everyday? No excuse if you ask me.

A 90k mile Porsche will certainly have some maintenance issues, but just normal wearables. So as long as you're prepared for that, you should be fine.

And if...oh I don't know...say, your engine does blow, don't do like I did and sell it off right after fixing it. (My second Boxster.) I was mad at it. Now when I look back at pictures it kills me that it's gone. Last I heard it's doing great somewhere in the Dakotas...racking up the miles for some happy new owner.

Look forward to the pics!

bosalls5 · 05-23-2008, 06:55 AM

I've had a 99 cab as semi daily driver with 75,000 for 6 months and I love it.

Elfer · 05-26-2008, 06:41 PM

Drive it daily and enjoy it. Just make sure you set aside some money for when the engine gives. It's not a question of IF, but rather WHEN. Mine went at 100k miles with coolant/oil mix and overheats. If you know how to remove/replace these engines, the cost will be $9k for a rebuilt engine from the factory. If you have them do it, its about $15k. They're a blast to drive so enjoy!