Menu toggle

purchase a 996

hi
other than the obvious general condition I would say get it up on a ramp & look at the underneath, this is what I would be focusing on to start with plus I would pay for an inspection if i wasn’t confident in what i was looking at, it also depends on your budget & which model your considering.

regards



 
There is a buyer guide on the Technical Articles which may help. Worth a wider search on the Internet as I downloaded one when my wife and I looked to buy the car we now have. Also worth paying for a pre purchase inspection.
 
Dickensn said:
hi can any one advise on what i should be looking for when buying a second hand 996


Unless you have a ramp and a very sound knowledge of the 996 (or any other Porsche for that matter) for me a PPI is essential. An alternative is ask a Porsche Centre or Porsche independent specialist to give the car a once over. It will cost you for an inspection but in the ling term could say you money.

Also, if the car is generally OK this will give you a great platform to negotiate a deal in order to get any parts or repairs carried out.

 
Hello. Along with the PPI, have a borescope inspection done to make sure no pre-existing bore scoring. Happy hunting!
 
Depending on how much you want to spend, don't discount a cheaper but higher mileage 996, perhaps one that has had an engine rebuild and IMS replacement with a well known expert such as Hartec. The car may then give you many years good service but if something does go wrong, the cost may still be less than you would have paid for a lower mileage car!
The other point I'd make is buy something that really gives you a buzz when you see it. Mine is not standard but I fell in love with it back in 2013. 7 years on it still gives me enormous pleasure every time I see and use it, and that's really what it is all about.
 
think about your budget - not just for buying the car but for insurance and maintenance

these cars are ludicrously cheap considering how well they were built but over a 5-10 year horizon your ongoing costs could well exceed the purchase price

i have a 2002 targa and intend to drive it into the ground - and then install an electric/hydrogen or flux capacitor depending on the available technology at the time

 
As everyone else has said, don’t take chances with the IMS and if it hasn’t been done there’s a good negotiating point on the price! Watch the tyres too, are they decent make and tread, and Porsche N rated (some insurers still insist on this). You need to Budget a good £1k a year running costs on one of these. I’ve spent more like £6-7k since getting mine in the summer, and it is a good one!
 
Do your homework, work out which model you want. Try and understand the 'options label' normally under the hood (Frunk at the front) you want one ideally with lots of numbers on it https://www.stuttcars.com/technical/option-codes/996-98-01/
If your going for a cab, check the carpets in the back - but are dry especially the N/S (Uk Car) (roof drains can back up)
Things like the roof drains need to be clear and working its a simple maintainance job in the rear arches.
Look for a windbreak and a hard top
Rear cab window in good condition

A/c Needs to work or it may need new condensors - not massivly expensive but could see a price reduction

Good tyres and service history
Any recent suspension overhauls or upgrades ( expect to do coffin / tie rods etc)
Any extras like coil overs or M030 already fitted

Has it had a recent GEo

What stereo has it got
Standard seats or sports seats
Interior colour

Lot to think about. Use auto trader to thin down the choices until you find what your looking for

Also as well as POC I would suggest the Facebook group 'The Porsche 996 Carrera owners page.' there is a wealth of good people and use the search option to answer a lot of questions

The 996 is getting old -
Engine mounts - have they been done?
Clutch should do 70000 miles +
If the clutch is being done - you may like to do the
IMS
RMS
AOS
You either do them or you dont - see wheeler dealers 996 episode (I have 120k on original double row, is it a time bomb - who knows)

Above all give it a test drive - ignore the power - listen to the car, any knocks, whines or groans.

Once you have one - they are great cars but budget for maintainance - tyres, service, mot.
Ask any questions

Ian



 
I found this youtube video to be very useful when looking over the car myself: watch
After that, then good service records, check the MoT history online and finally, PPI when you're sure its the car you want.

 

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Back
Top