Newbie here, and thanks already

[YoungRIghty]

I just signed up for the forum yesterday, when I found the awesome "lost radio code" thread. It bailed me out and I now have a functional audio system - thanks!

I've just started an extended test drive of a 2002 Carrera Cabriolet (that's C2 Cab in the jargon right?) and I'm trying to educate myself. The car belongs to my father-in-law who has owned it for a couple of years, but it has mainly sat in his garage during that time - I'm betting he put less than 1K miles on the car - and he has decided to sell it. I expressed interest, but he's nervous about selling a potential money pit to a relative, so he insisted I drive it for about a month to see if I really want to commit to it.

We owned an 84 Carrera Targa back in the late 80's, so I have a little familiarity with the basic car, but things certainly changed a lot from 84 to 02!

This car has 99K miles and has a few issues that I'm trying to sort. It seems to run and handle great. There is a little bit of vibration that starts at about 75-80 mph, which feels to me like a wheel balance problem. I haven't yet had a chance to take the speed higher to see what happens with it then.

The top has a little problem...appears to be exactly this. And the driver's side window misbehaves...appears to be exactly this. And the speed control doesn't seem to always want to engage, although it works fine when it does.

So thanks to all who post here, as I have already found some great information.

Anyone have any words of wisdom for me? I am not much of a mechanic (that is being charitable!) so I am very interested in finding good resources for repairs in the Austin area, if anyone can help point me to someone.

Edited December 31, 2012 by YoungRIghty

[phillipj]

If you are going to buy the car have the LN Engineering IMS (Intermediate shaft bearing) upgrade done. Will cost you about $1500. Well worth the money to prevent a catastrophic failure.

The shaking at 70 to 80 mph is definitely a tire/alignment problem..These cars are very sensitive to alignment. Based on the history of the car sitting (for long periods of time) the tires may have "squared" as well. Probably a good idea to get new shoes for it.. I recommend the Michelin Pilot Super Sports if they have your size.

I would change the oil as well as the plugs. At 90k the tranny oil may be due. Actually all fluids including coolant and brake fluid (flush/replacement) would be a good idea as well.

Add up the numbers to get this car back in shape and see if it makes sense.. Porsches DO NOT LIKE to sit...

Good luck!

Edited December 31, 2012 by phillipj

[YoungRIghty]

If you are going to buy the car have the LN Engineering IMS (Intermediate shaft bearing) upgrade done. Will cost you about $1500. Well worth the money to prevent a catastrophic failure.The shaking at 70 to 80 mph is definitely a tire/alignment problem..These cars are very sensitive to alignment. Based on the history of the car sitting (for long periods of time) the tires may have "squared" as well. Probably a good idea to get new shoes for it.. I recommend the Michelin Pilot Super Sports if they have your size.I would change the oil as well as the plugs. At 90k the tranny oil may be due. Actually all fluids including coolant and brake fluid (flush/replacement) would be a good idea as well.Add up the numbers to get this car back in shape and see if it makes sense.. Porsches DO NOT LIKE to sit...Good luck!

Awesome...thanks for the input. I know it has a fresh oil change. He has a huge stack of service records; I guess that will be my New Year's Eve entertainment to sort through those. I'll also take a look at the LN Engineering thing...I found their website and watched their video already.

Another strange thing I have discovered...the car has the seats that have a manual fore-aft adjustment (seat back angle is powered). The passenger seat track is significantly forward compared to the driver's side track, so the passenger seat doesn't go nearly as far back as the driver seat. As such, I cannot sit in the passenger seat and put my feet flat on the floor because my knees are wedged against the dash. Surely this is not right? Any ideas why the passenger seat is so far forward?

Edited December 31, 2012 by YoungRIghty