Black Beauty or Beastly?

[Jennifer LeAnn Hooten]

Hello -

My 996 C4 was totaled - I have a loan on it and I can buy back the totaled car but trust me, it would be for parts only - so I am thinking I will take the stuff off of it I know I can use - radio, climate module etc.

This is prospective new car:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390629769073#ht_6207wt_1167

My car had the 3.4 engine which got all kinds of bad press (and hence I was able to afford it) Is the 3.6 engine also an IMS failure possibility - I ask bc the salesman says the is a "seepage" at the IMS/or Main Seal. This car was a CPO and the IMS bearing and was replaced as a part of warranty work in 2008.

So, that being said, why would it be leaking again? I had no one single drop of oil come from my car - so I don't like the sound of it - but the salesman is sending over the service records and has all documentation. Thoughts?

Also def want to get a PPI - anyone know of someone who I can call in the the Chicago area that reputable?

[bBunny]

Sorry about your C4.

Presuming you have/had total coverage you may be better off taking the settlement and move forward with your next car.

That the 2002 3.6 you've linked here is spotting is of concern and a PPI should highlight that problem as well as what else the car needs. RMS - main seal oil leaks are pretty common in 911's from way back. IMS should be thought of as a necessary maintenance issue. The LN bearing is preferred over OEM. 2002 is a single row bearing and you may want to keep an eye on the Porsche class action lawsuit that finally gives owners of 996 3.6 cars replacement and warranty coverage if there is an IMS failure.

here's the link : http://www.imsporschesettlement.com/faqs/#qq13

AOS, water pump, coolant tank issues, coils, plugs and clutch & flywheel are the areas that usually effect 996.

Being "high season" prices on 911's right now are certainly higher than they'll be in December. Of the numerous Porsches I've owned throughout the years, I've always bought off season, and factored in a realistic dollar range of costs and a time frame to replace and refurbish the cars properly. 996 is now 14 years old , and any car that old ( Porsche included ) will need work no matter what the Odometer says

996's reputation has been ruined by the WEB and the whole IMS thing. the 3.4 is a great car. Probably less than 5% of total 996 production cars were effected, meaning there are 1000's of solid cars out there.

PCA.org is a great resource. That you already own a Porsche should allow you to search around the site, specifically the Chicago area club members. I'm sure you'll find reputable references for Indie shops, etc.