996 Advice

[Magic919]

I can only really comment from experience of the cars and the Turbos I've driven and the C4S feel alike. My M030 kitted car feels completely different. I'd say it feels like stiffer ARBs as well as firmer springs and the 4S and Turbos seem to lack those. Long sweepers show almost a wallowy effect without the M030. But the other cars feel more refined for general stuff.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

My C2 had M030, and in terms of stiffness felt similar to the Turbo, but as you say felt completely different on the road. I put it down to the weight of the 4WD system, and the driven front wheels. Perhaps it is a compromise suspension which is 10mm lower, and although 'sports', not quite as 'sports' as M030 Sports Suspension.

 

[lewig]

Hi peeps,

Can anyone recommend any decent insurers to try?

 

[SteveFeakin]

Just updated my details on the above.......................

Mine is with Trinity Lane, through Adrian Flux, they have been brilliant at every point.

HTH

Steve

 

[DivineE]

While we're on suspension. Has anyone found any easy tips/quick fixes to sharpen up the initial turn in in the 4wd cars? I like my cars to really tip into corners but the TT feels a bit soft in this area.

p.s. I've been told by several people my car is the tightest turbo they've ever driven so I'm fairly certain it's not an age/wear issue.

 

[paulus]

Ref Insurance :
I'd also recommend Adrian Flux as a broker. My 996C2 is via him with Aviva (Norwhich Union of old)

Also suprisingly (in the past) Saga - but I think their premiums have gone through the roof since they were taken over (by the AA I think !)

Paul

2004 996 C2 40th Anniversary

 

[chriscoates81]

ORIGINAL: paulus

Ref Insurance :
I'd also recommend Adrian Flux as a broker. My 996C2 is via him with Aviva (Norwhich Union of old)

Also suprisingly (in the past) Saga - but I think their premiums have gone through the roof since they were taken over (by the AA I think !)

Paul

2004 996 C2 40th Anniversary

Don't you have to be over 50 to go with saga?

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

ORIGINAL: chriscoates81

Don't you have to be over 50 to go with saga?

Now, now. There's lots of us old f*rts round here! []

 

[chriscoates81]

ORIGINAL: Richard Hamilton

ORIGINAL: chriscoates81

Don't you have to be over 50 to go with saga?

Now, now. There's lots of us old f*rts round here! []

I was just clearing it up for us younger folk[]

 

[minny]

The £15k end will get you a fairly good 3.4 996 privately that has been well looked after. I sold my own 76k mile '99 Carrera Tip last year for £13k with a full service history including interim oil changes 6 monthly and all remedial work done including new brakes, various suspension arms and bushes, radiators and paint professionally detailed.
Re what to look out for, best to buy Peter Morgan's book on pmmbooks.co.uk as the 996s have some common problems and potentially some expensive ones. The forums may scare you a bit about engine problems but remember that usually only bad news gets reported. Most other minor traits and problems are fixable by a competent DIYer. Hartech's website is a good place to start re potential engine problems. This month's GT Purely Porsche magazine has an article about 996 engines.

 

[Aysgarth]

I am fairly new to the Porsche ownership business myself but that has not stopped me drawling for the past 28 years! Anyhow onto mor important things.... Philip Raby, the columnist for Total 911 has his own dealership and saying he is knowledgable about Porsches is like saying Hitler was slightly mad! You can contact him direct via his web site www.philipraby.co.uk

 

[chriscoates81]

Hi, i can help you out here. I bought my '99 996 for a fiver under 14K, from motordepot of all places. I had peter morgan/one of his assosiates check it over for me and he said it was a good little motor. No sign of the infamous RMS or IMS leak. It only had 45k on the clock as well. It just needs some minor stuff what you would expect a car of that age to need such as a rusty exhaust(not blowing but on its way), possibly new suspension as people seem to reccomend it changed at 50,000. I'm not trying to put you off btw my car is great just dont look at the fuel pump when you fill up[]. I don't know if you could get a good one for 10k tho that might be pushing it a bit. At least a 996 gives us people a slightly cheaper entry into the 911 market as most other models don't seem to be widely available for less than 20k. Hope this helps you.

 

[kasspa]

Check out Dove House Motors, they have a couple at moment.

Always quality cars there, based in Rushden, Northants.

Don't know where you are geographically from them!

hth

Paul

 

[Farcelona]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I certainly wouldn't be looking at the bottom end of that budget but didn't really know whether it was feasible to expect Porsche quality at the top end.

Other than styling and engine size, is there a considerable difference with the later 996s? Would it make sense to save those few extra pennies for a good 3.6, or are the early models still very highly regarded?

And this is before I get into such conundrums as coupe, cab, targa! The longer term plan is to eventually move up to a turbo but that's a few years away yet.

 

[t1x]

I was looking at a 996 pre facelift as I was surprised at the price of them.

My budget initially was upto £15k. There are some great examples out there. I then started reading about the facelift models and started seeing the difference - engine size, interior, looks from the outside. I decided to up the budget a bid and found a 2003 for under £20k.

I too had it inspected by Peter Morgan as I did not have a clue about what to look out for on Porsches and I must admit his report was great and will help me as a sales aid later on.

I always wanted a cabroilet (some like them, some hate them) but saw a couple of sexy Targas as well.

Good luck in the hunt

 

[Diesel130]

You should certainly get a good 3.4 996 for that price, as they have all fallen a lot in value over the last year or so.

Mine is a 2000 model C2 in very good condition, 73,000 miles and with full history... yet I have only been offered £10K trade in against a GT3 - so if I were to be selling privately (which, I hasten to add I'm not at the moment), I can't see it getting much more than £12K in the current economic climate.

As for the comment about petrol pumps, I usually get 29 to 31 mpg on longish runs, so not bad at all for a 170mph, 300bhp vehicle.

Good luck in your search.

 

[angusr]

i was incredibly lucky finding my 2000 996 c2 last november. Its a tip with 75,000 on the clock with good service history but a little bit neglected in areas. The guy selling neeed some dosh quick and i relieved him of the car for £10k. However, and i would advise doing what i did. I had an independant check done on the car which turned out good and also had a major service including tip oil, plugs, coil packs etc as well even though it had been serviced recently. I did it so that i knew it was in top service nick from my first day of driving it. I have spent about £2000 on service, brakes and some good secondhand rear boxes ( thx forum) but for £12000 i reckon i have got a wonderful car that i simply love getting into !
Hope this helps
AngusR

 

[devans]

I have to say it took me about 2 years looking for a 996 before I ended up parting with my cash. Ive started the search for a possible turbo and have seen one or two very close to seeing me part with increased cash. Whilst mine is a 99' car, used daily, with 90k on the clock, it is fully serviced with full receipts and is still in outstanding condition. Any niggles that have occured over my 4 years of owning the car have been dealt with.
Whilst some are being sold at ridiculously low prices I would take your time as I believe that some are buying these cars and keeping them up until they require a service or indeed something goes wrong. Purchasing is one thing, maintaining it is another. I think the only thing preventing me at the moment purchasing the turbo is the fact that the current market price to me is unacceptable. I know some would say that you would benefit as the turbo price will have also declined but unfortunately the turbo I have my eyes on is k10 more expensive than similar models elsewhere!
What to do!!!!

 

[chriscoates81]

ORIGINAL: devans

I have to say it took me about 2 years looking for a 996 before I ended up parting with my cash. Ive started the search for a possible turbo and have seen one or two very close to seeing me part with increased cash. Whilst mine is a 99' car, used daily, with 90k on the clock, it is fully serviced with full receipts and is still in outstanding condition. Any niggles that have occured over my 4 years of owning the car have been dealt with.
Whilst some are being sold at ridiculously low prices I would take your time as I believe that some are buying these cars and keeping them up until they require a service or indeed something goes wrong. Purchasing is one thing, maintaining it is another. I think the only thing preventing me at the moment purchasing the turbo is the fact that the current market price to me is unacceptable. I know some would say that you would benefit as the turbo price will have also declined but unfortunately the turbo I have my eyes on is k10 more expensive than similar models elsewhere!
What to do!!!!

I too would like a turbo (who wouldn't[]) but they seem to start at £30kish and as much as I want one I couldn't justify it right now. Maybe for my next car[]

 

[thirteeneast]

All I can say is take your time!.

When I was looking I saw a lot of summer racers.
People buy em, keep em for a bit just to say they have had one! and neglect the servicing etc.