996 Sales / C4 vs C2 Fuel Tank Size / Mpg

[stevett]

Hi.

Sorry two questions in one here...

I finally jumped in and bought myself a silver manual 99 C4 The mechanicals were especially good and it has just had a major service with new brakes all round (f/r discs and pads). Needed to move fairly quick especially having seen the recent BBC reports suggested significant prices rises on used cars. Dealer (who doesn't usually have porsche) said he had more interest in that car than all his other cars put together this week!!

1. My recent visit to Paragon in Five Ashes confirmed this - all 996/997 used C2 and C4s were gone. Just a few 997 turbos and GT3s on the forecourt....So 996s seems to be appreciating in price from my look at new cars coming along - does anyone else see this pattern happening?

2. Is the fuel tank significantly smaller in a C4 than a C2 and does the MPG figure really differ that much between the C2 and C4 or is it minor?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I think prices are firming slightly, but there is no doubt that there is a good demand for good quality 996s, which is probably the reason for the upturn.

As for fuel tanks, the C2 and C4 tanks are a different shape, but I believe they are the same 65 litres capacity. You will get slightly less mpg from a C4 due to the extra weight and drivetrain losses.

The thing to note about the C4 tank is that from about 19 litres the fuel gauge reading is calculated. The level sensor does not go to the bottom of the tank. Therefore, if the level is low and you only add a small amount of fuel, the gauge reading will not change. It has caught one or two people out here.

 

[stevett]

Thanks Richard.

I assume the C4 fuel tank issue relates to a known recall:

Porsche 911/996 Carrera 4: 1,179 RHD Carrera 4s built between October 1998 and April 2000 recalled to correct software fault which affects fuel gauge reading (Auto Express issue 598).

Would Porsche UK be able to confirm if this software fault had been corrected if not in documentation with the car if I provide registration? And if not, still fix it if beyond original warranty period?

Is it also true to that the 996 galvernised body has a lifetime warrantly or just standard 10 year anti-corrosion warranty?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

No, nothing to do with that recaall. It should be stamped in the maintenance book if it has been done.

10 years corrosion warranty - if the inspections have been done, and the book stamped.

 

[John Ware]

The C4 fuel gauge issue (the owners manual refers) is no issue provided you're aware of it (the Turbo is the same).

As I say to people, if you drive like Miss Daisy for the first three quarters of the tank and turn into Walter Rohrl for the last quarter, you'll run out. If you do the reverse, you won't. If in doubt, brim it every time the gauge reaches a quarter full. Simples.

On a long run in a C4 averaging around 80 leptons, you will get 30mpg. Stop-start driving will give you about 25mpg. A C2 will give you a little more and a Turbo will give you a little less. Significantly less is available.[]