2004 C4 S Cab Need Sage Advice on Purchase

[rrcgrb]

This above referenced car is sitting at my local Porsche dealer. The car currently has 36500 miles. When I looked at the CARFAX the following service was completed at Beverly Hills Porsche (4-08 @ 22,800 miles)Transmission removed to complete repair Fuel filler cap secured, Front crankshaft oil seal replaced Engine cleaned Transmission checked. Had the dealer call BHP and they also replaced the clutch but no intermediate shaft bearing. Have requested the DME but have yet to get a reply. Will obviously get a PPI should I get a favorable response. Should I stay or should I go on to something else?

Ron

[phillipj]

There are a lot of cars out there. If you don't feel right about this one move along.. You didn't mention what they are asking for it.. You may be able to get a better deal from a private party. I would look around untill you have seen/driven enough cars to make an informed decision..

[rrcgrb]

Phillipj

The Car is at a fair price of 39,995 and it superclean w/ a clean Carfax ....have not found many in the Houston area that compare, especially a 4s. It test drove quite nicely, I might add.

Having the Dealership contact the Beverly Hills Porsche to see if they can locate and print me a hard copy of the service order.

Contacted a local independent garage and they will do a thorough all day PPI, but he did mention that Intermediate Shaft Bearing Fails, it is just a matter of when. Suggested that I negotiate the upgraded fix into my price. Will keep looking as you suggested . Much appreciate your response.

Ron

[Dennis C]

I think it's silly for the mechanic to say that the IMSB will fail. That's like saying all engines will eventually fail. The majority of 996s on the road are on their original IMSB and it will probably never fail if the car is properly maintained. There have been some publicized reports on the internet of failures and I'm not saying they never fail, but many people estimate that it's fewer than 5% of cars. I think an upgrade to one of the new ceramic bearings is a good idea (all bearings wear, so it's great to upgrade it if you can), but I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker for you if you like and want the car. You can always do the upgrade later. I wouldn't worry about the transmission being removed to replace the crankshaft oil seal. It sounds like a leaking RMS, which isn't uncommon. The latest design for the RMS is quite good. I had my RMS replaced at about 74K miles. I'm at 114K now and it's not leaking. FWIW - I'm on my original IMSB.

Edited August 4, 2012 by Dennis C

[rrcgrb]

Great Advice Dennis & Thank you....that is why I am throwing it out there to you experts. Having the PPI done on Monday, do not expect a lot to come back. Considering the Houston (Hot ) climate. Any advice on Oil Wt? Is 0-w40 too heavy or just right?

[Silver_TT]

I also own a 4S. Great car. For what it's worth, $39,995 asking price is pretty high IMHO -- even for low mileage. Not trying to rain on your parade, just my 2 cents. As Phillipj stated, you would be better off getting one from a private party. It would likely save you ~ $5K+. Again, just my opinion, take it at face value.... enjoy the 4S!

[Dennis C]

I live in a cooler mountain climate now, so I run 05W40. I ran 0W40 when I lived in Texas.

[wross996TT]

Great Advice Dennis & Thank you....that is why I am throwing it out there to you experts. Having the PPI done on Monday, do not expect a lot to come back. Considering the Houston (Hot ) climate. Any advice on Oil Wt? Is 0-w40 too heavy or just right?

you can run 0W40, 5W40 and 5W50. Check the latest Oil TSB.

[fpb111]

See if the dealer will/is including a CPO? (Warranty)

[rrcgrb]

Just a follow up to those who reponded.....this car was taken to the PPI on Monday morning with all intentions of buying. Looked showroom fresh inside & out The car drove over to shop like a dream. . until I made the left turn into the shop and the engine oil light briefly 'chimed on".

Mechanic road tested the car and said it drove fine ,then placed it on the lift, .

WOW....someone must of understeered over a curb because the right front bumper undertray was missing and the wheel well was cracked up about 8". Then as you followed back to the rear of the car, the shield over the coolant lines was gone. The best part was that over the oil pan was a huge scrape that went along the entire length and broke off part of the cast block.

For obvious reasons, I rejected the car back at the dealership. Fortunately the only thing that was lost a morning of my vacation and a couple hundred dollars. Have a deposit on a one owner car. Back to you with more details as they move along.

Thanks to All,

Ron