New to the game - Need Advice!

[43builder]

Hello All -

My name is Patrick and i am about to buy a 1999 Carrera 4 in Yellow. (mainly to match my Audi s4)

I found this car and it is in perfect condition. it has 66,000 on the clock and is the manual trans.

My questions is.... before i shell out the money for it, what are common things with these cars to look out for?

Any High cost or special options to spot?

any advice would be great - i am a newb at the Porsche brand lol.

Thanks,

Patrick

[Dennis C]

Your best bet is to get a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified Porsche mechanic. This will cost you roughly $300, but it will be money that is well-spent. Remember that the mechanic who performs the PPI works for you, not for the current owner. Personally, I prefer an independent mechanic for a PPI, but some dealerships are fine too.

The list of potential things to repair on this car can be quite long (just like any 13 year-old car). Make sure your mechanic looks for leaks (for RMS leaks, in particular), checks the condition of brake pads and tires, looks for any strange rattles or noises from the exhaust system or engine, etc. Many PPIs include a compression leak down test on the engine. Check the computer for excessive over-revs of the engine, especially "Type 2" over-revs. An excessive number of Type 2 over-revs could indicate that the car has been tracked excessively or abused. It doesn't absolutely mean that, but again - it's one indicator of how the car has been treated by the previous owner(s). Make sure everything works properly, like the remotes on the keys and other features in the car. I would also insist on a Car Fax, and I would insisit on maintenance records. Personally, I prefer using the Porsche recommended "N-spec" tires on these cars. A set of cheap tires, even if they are new, could indicate that the prior owner was willing to skimp on maintenance. All these things should paint a pretty good picture of how the car has been maintained.

Edited September 30, 2012 by Dennis C

[43builder]

Thanks for your reply Dennis -

i know the biggest problem with these 3.4 is that it has the potential to crack or leak coolant into the cylinders. - will this inspection tell me if this car can withstand a few years as a sunday car with out breaking on me? the last thing i want to do is spend 21k and then 10k for an engine

Thanks

[Dennis C]

Unfortunately it's hard to tell which engines will fail and which will not. I've heard many theories about things that lead to head cracks, including overheating due to a failed water pump and others. My feeling is that a well maintained car is less likely to have issues, but it's no guarantee.

FWIW - a new engine will cost you more than $10k - it's closer to $17k.

Internet forums can really make you paranoid. The vast majority of 996 owners know nothing about the potential issues and they simply enjoy their cars. Sometimes ignorance is bliss...

[43builder]

hmm - thats interesting and does make me feel better. i guess you will only hear about the bad ones on the forums and not so much the good ones. i think as long as i can get a warranty on it, i should be okay.

what percentage of cars would you take a guess have the issue? less than one percent?

Thanks,

Patrick

[Dennis C]

It's a number that PCNA doesn't release to the public. I've heard a number of less than 5% for IMSB failure, but I don't know the actual number.

I have no idea on the cracked head/intermix issue. I know it's more common on the 3.4L 996 engines, but I have no idea on the number. I suspect it's a very small percentage.

[43builder]

Hey Dennis -

i thank you so much for your advice - its is making me feel much better about a decision.

i am looking for something like a 2002 one now because of the 3.6 but if i cannot find one in my price range, then i will take the leap on the 3.4 - im worrying to much about it and im sure either way i go the car will be great!