996 to purchase or not to purchase?

[996dave]

Well, I am new to the Porsche community and am looking to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2000 996 carrera 4 with 25,000 miles. I had the car check out by a local shop and the only thing they saw was some oil seapage around the valve covers. However after reading all the problems with blown motors and such I am ready to cancel my purchase. I know every vehicle is prone to problems, but the IMS issue seems like a major one. Am i making a bad decision or is the problem small in comparison to the # of vehicles produced? Also I have been looking into an exteded warranty that will protect me; does anyone have suggestions as to a reputable warranty company. Thanks so much for any help

[waelwell]

Well, I am new to the Porsche community and am looking to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2000 996 carrera 4 with 25,000 miles. I had the car check out by a local shop and the only thing they saw was some oil seapage around the valve covers. However after reading all the problems with blown motors and such I am ready to cancel my purchase. I know every vehicle is prone to problems, but the IMS issue seems like a major one. Am i making a bad decision or is the problem small in comparison to the # of vehicles produced? Also I have been looking into an exteded warranty that will protect me; does anyone have suggestions as to a reputable warranty company. Thanks so much for any help

Oil seepage around the valve covers doesn't say much. That could be a lot of different things. It could be as easy as leaky spark plug tubes which is fairly common and not too difficult to fix. You'll have to get more detail.

[996dave]

Well, I am new to the Porsche community and am looking to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2000 996 carrera 4 with 25,000 miles. I had the car check out by a local shop and the only thing they saw was some oil seapage around the valve covers. However after reading all the problems with blown motors and such I am ready to cancel my purchase. I know every vehicle is prone to problems, but the IMS issue seems like a major one. Am i making a bad decision or is the problem small in comparison to the # of vehicles produced? Also I have been looking into an exteded warranty that will protect me; does anyone have suggestions as to a reputable warranty company. Thanks so much for any help

Oil seepage around the valve covers doesn't say much. That could be a lot of different things. It could be as easy as leaky spark plug tubes which is fairly common and not too difficult to fix. You'll have to get more detail.

what about, the more major issues like the ims failures and any advice on extended warranty companies?

[therock88]

Well, I am new to the Porsche community and am looking to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2000 996 carrera 4 with 25,000 miles. I had the car check out by a local shop and the only thing they saw was some oil seapage around the valve covers. However after reading all the problems with blown motors and such I am ready to cancel my purchase. I know every vehicle is prone to problems, but the IMS issue seems like a major one. Am i making a bad decision or is the problem small in comparison to the # of vehicles produced? Also I have been looking into an exteded warranty that will protect me; does anyone have suggestions as to a reputable warranty company. Thanks so much for any help

Oil seepage around the valve covers doesn't say much. That could be a lot of different things. It could be as easy as leaky spark plug tubes which is fairly common and not too difficult to fix. You'll have to get more detail.

what about, the more major issues like the ims failures and any advice on extended warranty companies?

On the warranty issue, do a search on this site as I recall it being discussed quite a bit. No need to repeat that discussion here.

On your concerns about the engine, I would suggest if the RMS is not weeping oil for 11 years, you are probably OK with that and the IMS. If it does, you simply need to get it replaced...Not the end of the world ...labor + parts usually less than $2500. Check the price for changing a head gasket on a GM...About the same. All engines are prone to having failures. IF this car has been solid for 11 years, not likely it will bow on the way home. These engines are built to be high performance and may have a few more issues that others that are not, but overall (unless you get a lemon) they are solid and trouble free.

Good luck,

DC

Edited March 8, 2011 by therock88

[ltumacder]

So I just made my first Porsche buy last Sept and landed a 996 cab with 38k miles that lived a pampered life in San Francisco ( weather is perfect for preserving cars). I too was concerned was the IMS issue and learned from the forums that if you're going to buy one of these cars, and you hate risk or have bad luck, than buy one with a weak clutch (needs to be replaced in 5-10k miles). Then upon changing the clutch you can change the IMS bearing and even RMS.

My car will need a clutch next summer and thats when i plan to take a look at the rms and ims and make decision to pull the trigger. i am not totally convinced that the preventive maintenance is of value but considering we're getting these cars for 20-25% of the value they cost brand new, then we should stop whining about Porsche quality and pay the extra if you plan to keep them.

Heck, I want to be the first to say that its because of the effing IMS issue I can afford to buy the car of my dreams! (Too bad turbos don't have a similar issue! :) )

Edited March 10, 2011 by ltumacder

[phillipj]

Congrats on the new car and I like your attitude!:clapping:

I would do the IMS retrofit if I were you. It's just good insurance..

[DaveFL1976]

Heck, I want to be the first to say that its because of the effing IMS issue I can afford to buy the car of my dreams! (Too bad turbos don't have a similar issue! :) )

I see it the same way. If you can live with the IMS issue then I can't think of a better-bang-for-your-buck $20k car than an early 996.

[roadsession]

+1 what a beauty