points to be aware of when buying a 996

[porkynut]

i am considering buying a pre 2002 996 TIP early next year and would welcome guidance on the points to be aware of.
other than the leaky oil seal problem are there any other major issues.
also what sort of mileage could i expect from a model of this age.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

There is a buyer's checklist you can download from here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=269468 which you might find useful.

My advice would be to buy on condition and history. If you aren't an experienced Porsche buyer, make the initial selection, and then get an inspection done by a specialist. I doubt you will find many low mileage early 996s, and there is an argument that says you are safer with a mid-miler than a low-miler. By low, I mean under 25000, and mid I mean 50-60000. There are some great buys around at the moment, and quite a lot of choice. Good luck with your search.

 

[So Poo]

Tiptronics don't suffer from the RMS problems as much as the standard gearboxes - so that may help ease some problems. Seem to remember my 2001 Tip had some of the features you see on 2002 models - worthh looking out for.

 

[porkynut]

thanks for your advice Richard.
i have owned front engined Porches for about 12 years 924,944, 928 so rear enders is new teritory.
what sort of life expectancy do the engines have as i plan to use the car everyday and currently cover about 20k + miles per year.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

There was a chap on here who sold his 996 with 143000 miles on the clock and it was still going strong. I've heard of a couple on 911UK with 150000+, and saw one advertised in Germany with something like 200000+ miles. On the other hand, there have been cars with engine failures, and the majority of these have occurred at less than 25000, hence my previous comment. Another good thing about Tips is that they can't be over-revved, so are less likely to have been abused.

 

[grant_goulding]

I will be considering selling my 2002 model Cab if your'e interested. Not sure what its worth these days and will be sad to let it go. I'm the third owner and its now done 78k miles and still runs perfectly. I find they work better if used regulary so I suspect you will have less problems in that respect but of course they do need looking after.