Considering buying a 996....

[Mike.Gamble]

as they seem really great value for money at the moment.

However, is there anything on these cars I really should look out for? I've heard a lot of contradicting opinions, some say go for low miles, some say mileage doesn't matter as it almost shows that it's a well used car and is trouble free where as a low mileage car could still have problems ahead of it!

One of the common things is the same as the Boxster, correctly spaced oil changes with the correct oil and also coolant changes with the correct coolant.

Is there anything else that is 'critical' and must be checked?

The other snag I have is I have a PX which at the moment seem worth nothing. I have either a 97 Boxster or a 88 928S4 (or both!) which would have to fund the sale in some shape or form. Ebay seems dead and full of idiots and was wondering if anybody had any 'good' experiences of selling elsewhere, Pistonheads, etc?

 

[Gordon Attar]

Early 3.4s had cylinder liner issues a low mileage one may have not been driven enough or hard enough for it to show up
Later 3.6's have IMS problems which are hard to pick up, listen for rattles and n/s sooty exhaust.

Beware of any car leaking oil and any car that is smoking post test drive.
Generally cars are not as robust as earlier cars, look at all the things you are aware of as faults on your Boxster i.e.radiators, a/c condensers etc.

Might be worth visiting a specialist or two for part exchange benefits.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Our Buyer's Checklist is a good starting point: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=269468

 

[Mike.Gamble]

I've tried a couple of dealers and been offered really low prices for my Boxster (£2400) and no one was really interested in the 928.
I may try the Boxster locally and give the 928 a go on Pistonheads to she how it fairs.

 

[Mike.Gamble]

Reading it now with great interest!

 

[Ripmax]

ORIGINAL: Mike.Gamble

as they seem really great value for money at the moment.

However, is there anything on these cars I really should look out for? I've heard a lot of contradicting opinions, some say go for low miles, some say mileage doesn't matter as it almost shows that it's a well used car and is trouble free where as a low mileage car could still have problems ahead of it!

One of the common things is the same as the Boxster, correctly spaced oil changes with the correct oil and also coolant changes with the correct coolant.

Is there anything else that is 'critical' and must be checked?

The other snag I have is I have a PX which at the moment seem worth nothing. I have either a 97 Boxster or a 88 928S4 (or both!) which would have to fund the sale in some shape or form. Ebay seems dead and full of idiots and was wondering if anybody had any 'good' experiences of selling elsewhere, Pistonheads, etc?

I had massive alarm issues with mine almost as soon as I got it home. The signs were there but I was too keen and didn't spot them: the door light bulbs were missing (because they wouldn't switch off and had been removed to save the battery) and there were marks on the door cards, which had obviously been on and off a few times. So check for screw driver marks on the oval plastic cover over on the door cards. It's very difficult to remove these without marking them and mechanics aren't gentle, on the whole and stab a screwdriver in there. If the door cards have been off it's not a bad thing but it should trigger a closer inspection of the central locking, alarm and window regulator functions.

The up side of the ebay market as a buyer is that there are some great cars to be had for stupid money.