Advice Re: 996 purchase

[SpudFamily]

Hello All

I'm new to the forum and am looking for some advice on purchasing my first 911.

I am interested in a 2003/2004 C4S. Is there anything that anyone is aware of for this model and year that I sould be aware of?

Also I am trying to determine a 'fair' price for this model and year with average miles (35-50k). Can anyone help with costing. Does anyone have access to the recent Manheim Auction numbers for the 03/04 996's? Anyone with knowledge or figures, please post results.

I look forard to hearing from experienced forum members.

Thanks.

[tonythetarga]

Hmmmm, where to start. Try doing a search on 996 engine failures or IMS (intermediate shaft) failures or 996 oil starvation or, or, or...

[SpudFamily]

Tony

Thanks for your response.

As a first timer to the forum I am trying not to be discouraged by your response to my post. I am seriously interested in a 911 and looking for some help from more experienced Porsche enthusiasts.

Is there anything helpful (and/or positive) that will enlighten me related to the topic year(s) and model?

Thanks

[tonythetarga]

Not trying to be discouraging but the answer is that you still need to SEARCH the forum and search those topics. There is no better way to get your answer than to do your research. If you're determined to get one, then get one. The C4S is an awesome looking car but it still has the flaws identified as do the Boxster, Boxster S, Cayman and S, 996 and 997 (except 996 turbo and GT3 which use a different case and oiling system). The 02 and later 996 uses an oiling system with a bit more capability than the 99-01's as well as an increase in engine displacement from 3.4 to 3.6.
If you want piece of mind, buy a CPO (certified pre-owned) car from a Porsche dealer and get an extended warranty or buy one with warranty intact and extend it.

[racer]

C4S is a beautiful, if a tad heavy car. I wish you luck on your search.

Mike Focke has a great website that, while geared to the Boxster, many of the issues and challenges also present themselves to 996 owners. IMS, RMS, D chunk (mostly the 3.4motors); Air-Oil Seperators (AOS); Coolant tank failures, Waterpumps; ignition switches;

x2 on finding a CPO or quality aftermarket warranty coverage. The big concern of all M96 motors is not IF but WHEN they fail. A crate motor, plus install is likely a $15K expense. Be aware of it. It may NEVER be an issue for you. Or it could hit you on day 2 despite a quality pre purchase inspection.

C4S prices seem higher than other regular 996 prices. While I bet you could do an autotrader search and find them for as low as $30k, I imagine a genuinely nice, well maintained and cared for example will have a $40K ish asking price

Which leads to.. well.. if a nice 996 C4S is 40s, and a 997 Base can be seen mid 40s, maybe the jump to the newer model should be considered.

[dtakenname]

Originally Posted by SpudFamily

Tony

Thanks for your response.

As a first timer to the forum I am trying not to be discouraged by your response to my post. I am seriously interested in a 911 and looking for some help from more experienced Porsche enthusiasts.

Is there anything helpful (and/or positive) that will enlighten me related to the topic year(s) and model?

Thanks

Tony is telling the truth.
Search the net for Porsche IMS Bearing Failure. YouTube - Porsche IMS Bearing Failure Explained Who would put such a junk part at the heart of the engine?
If it wasn't because the IMS, I would be driving one right now. You can also search and find the diferences bettween the M96 and Metzger engine.
Good luck because you need it.

[dtakenname]

also you dont have to go far with your search, this Thread is right under your thread at the main forum page.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-996-997-forum/560078-996-3-6-m96-engine-broke.html

[Wayne 962]

Here's my article on the Boxster and 996 engine problems: Pelican Technical Article: Common Engine Problems and Failures - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-08)

-Wayne

[x98boardwell]

I am an avid user of Pelican but there is not that many 996 users here. Try 6Speedonline.com. They have a 996 section that has more traffic so when you search you may find more answers.

Wayne's article is also very good. I have owned (until recently) a 930 and 914 and came here all the time for those cars... and spent a ton of money as well. Just another option when doing your research.

Kind Regards,
Bryan